They changed the rules in the middle of the game as they had to do.

[madfloridian]

For months now Howard Dean and other leaders have been saying that it was not the fault of the voters in FL and MI. It was the fault of their political leaders.

Dean has said to use three criteria:

1. Be fair to the voters of Florida and Michigan.

2. Be fair to the candidates.

3. Be fair to the other 48 states that followed the rules as they should.

I think the committee did that to the best of its ability.

It is not going to change much as long as the Clinton campaign continues, especially not here in my state. There are too many "raw nerves", to use the favorite expression of Debbie Wasserman Schultz and other leaders here. It won't change until she issues a plea to come together.

The committee did what they had to do, and they did it wisely and cautiously and in the proper time. But it will not be enough. After all they were not the source of the problem to begin with.

They did after all "change the rules in the middle of the game." They did it because they had to do it.

I would say that now the states are left to heal, but I don't think we have reached that point yet. It takes both sides to heal.

I notice that many of her most vocal surrogates are on the Sunday shows this week. That does not bode well for a message of unity.

[K Gardner]

1. Hillary, Ickes and their "supporters" nixed the "unity" message today in favor of scorched earth.

[Tellurian]

2. Except Hillary wasn't allowed to be there when they were making up those Rules.

Per order of Donna Brazille. Nice Try!

[ossman]

3. link?

[madfloridian]

4. Proof?

[casus belli]

6. Disgusting sig.

Real proud of that disgusting hate site are you? Too bad.

[madfloridian]

7. Your posts are a perfect example of why Hillary needs to send out a call...

to come together.

[LiberalFighter]

9. Brazille had a say? I doubt she could order that on her own.

[madfloridian]

12. None of the candidates were there. Here is the list of the committee members

They were as fair as they could be.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/30/DNC.rules.committee/index.html

Please note that Hillary was very well represented.

I think you should explain what you posted.

[LiberalFighter]

5. That is the first step that needs to happen. Hillary calls for everyone to come together.

I'm not sure about changing the rules in the middle of the game. If you are referring to the outcome for FL and MI I believe that was entirely within the current rules. It was mandatory for FL and MI to have their votes cut in half. As to how they did it was apparently open for the rules committee to decide.

I am a Hillary supporter but I believe the best thing for Obama to do is keep himself out of the media limelight and his minions regarding this issue. That will make it easier for Hillary to accept defeat more graciously. And Obama does need Hillary regardless of what others might say. Preferably not in his cabinet. And not in the SC.

[madfloridian]

8. What I saw today at that protest she could have stopped.

She needs to issue a call. It is not Obama's responsibility to play nice anymore.

[LiberalFighter]

10. To a point it would serve Obama to be magnanimous towards Clinton

It isn't just Clinton but many of her supporters that play key roles.

[madfloridian]

11. I have nothing against being nice. I have to live here....the division needs to stop.

And she is the only one who can stop it.

Think about it.

[psychmommy]

14. mad i think you guys will be able to heal.

mi is going to be another story. keep us posted with the updates-i enjoy your journal.

[madfloridian]

20. I wish they would let MI settle down. I hope they will let it settle here.

The decision is made, but will the right people go along.

Sorry about MI.

We have a lot of healing to do here. I don't even answer my political mails here anymore.

[LiberalFighter]

21. I agree! But if others get nasty it would be human nature to be stubborn in compromising...

or stepping aside. Those involved need to make it easier for Hillary to concede the nomination.

[mzmolly]

13. Mad, I agree. They reached a good compromise.

I can't imagine some HRC supporters feeling slighted? As IF they deserved to come away with all the votes in Michigan when Obama wasn't on the fargen ballot?

I wonder if Ickes is posturing to get Hill the VP nomination at this point? I think they want a deal.

[madfloridian]

15. I think they had to do it.

When I contrast Dean's graciousness, and the politeness of the committee today with the screaming and ranting protestors...I feel like screaming.

She could have discouraged this.

[mzmolly]

18. I feel

your pain MF. ;)

[janx]

16. I didn't read it that way...

What I saw was a compromise that was within the DNC rules. Am I mistaken?

[madfloridian]

17. It was a compromise, but they had the right to strip all of the delegates.

They did not have to compromise. Plus there have been 3 court cases dismissed, saying the DNC had the power to do this.

I am trying to find Dean's quote, I know I posted it.

He said if we change the rules, and then he reiterated...and "we are changing the rules in the middle"...it would be to be fair to the voters who were not to blame.

[janx]

19. I understand that. Thanks, MF, as always. n/t