Posted: January 29, 2008 9:38 PM
Clinton Wins Florida 'Vote of Confidence' but Gains No Delegates
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Although the Republicans endured a tough battle for what may prove to be a make-or-break contest in Florida, Sen. Hillary Clinton won the Democratic Party vote — but will not be awarded any delegates to the party’s national convention in August.
Clinton thanked her supporters for their “vote of confidence” at a post-election rally Tuesday night in Davie, Fla.
“I promise you I will do everything I can to make sure that not only are Florida’s Democratic delegates are seated but that Florida is in the democratic column in 2008,” Clinton said.
According to her campaign, Clinton waited until all the polls were closed “in accordance with her pledge not to campaign in the state before its primary.” Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama, and former Sens. John Edwards and Mike Gravel all appeared on the ballot but Gravel was the only candidate to campaign actively in the state. With more than 20 states voting on Super Tuesday, Clinton’s win — even if largely ceremonial — could give her some momentum and positive media attention as she navigates a close race against Obama after he soundly won in South Carolina’s Saturday primary with 55 percent of the vote.
Last year, the Democratic candidates pledged not to campaign in the Sunshine State after it moved its primary before Feb. 5 in violation of Democratic National Party rules that dictate only four chosen states — New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina and Nevada — can hold nominating contests earlier. Florida and Michigan made the move anyways, leaving both states with no national convention delegates.
The Republican National Committee also punished Michigan and Florida but only by stripping them of half their delegates.
-- By , NewsHour with Jim Lehrer | Comments | Link
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Thank you for a fairly worded article! They are so rare these days.
Florida may likely be an important state in the general election - good for Clinton for recognizing this - this again shows her ability to make smart decisions - let's hope another smart decision she makes is remaining the primary focus and spokesperson for her campaign. I think it could be a disappointing outcome for democrats if the voters of Florida recall in November that a potential nominee for the democratic party likened their primary election to a "beauty pageant."
Agreed, this shouldn't be likened to a "beauty pageant" and that's why people should be looking closer at Obama as the next candidate.
Obama has more experience than Hillary by any true measure. He has spent more time in an elected position, more time studying the constitution and how it should and shouldn't be applied to law making, and more time listening, compromising, and working with both the GOP and Dems alike. If people really want a change in the way politics are done, they need to consider Obama. A vote for Hillary is not a vote for Bill. A vote for Hillary will not turn the clock back to the 90's. Don't let the mass media make up your mind who is best for office, get the facts for non-bias web sites and sources. Lastly, no matter who you vote for, vote!
Hi,
I have been NPR listener for long time. I think the NPR tone is becoming too much Obama biased (and anti-Clinton). Sometimes less information is given on NPR which can become misinformation. Please control it and be fair.
Thanks,
Irony of this media propaganda (CNN, FOX, AP, ABC, etc)!!!
When the rules were same for both the candidates "Hillary" and "Obama"... why does it (Florida) not count? I don't care about delegates (which I understand, technically matters)... More than a million Democrats voted and Hillary got more than 800K votes out of them in Florida!!! So why is media downplaying the voice of those about million people who voted for Hillary!!! I mean I understand you guys are biased against Hillary, but it's just to the extreme end of critic-spectrum!!! It does not show professionalism on part of journalists! Please be open and accept the verdict of people.. Please do not try to sway them for your own bias. I don't mind Obama's victory in the end, but please be fair in NOT influencing the people by your bias ill-intentional, failed , so called "political analysis"!!!
Irony of this media propaganda (CNN, FOX, AP, ABC, etc)!!!
When the rules were same for both the candidates "Hillary" and "Obama"... why does it (Florida) not count? I don't care about delegates (which I understand, technically matters)... More than a million Democrats voted and Hillary got more than 800K votes out of them in Florida!!! So why is media downplaying the voice of those about million people who voted for Hillary!!! I mean I understand you guys are biased against Hillary, but it's just to the extreme end of critic-spectrum!!! It does not show professionalism on part of journalists! Please be open and accept the verdict of people.. Please do not try to sway them for your own bias. I don't mind Obama's victory in the end, but please be fair in NOT influencing the people by your bias ill-intentional, failed , so called "political analysis"!!!
what is wrong in a "black"man becoming America's president if he has what it takes?
Obama represents youth, dynamism, forward thinking,the much needed leap forward, anti-stagnation, hope for the future.
America, this is your chance to retake your preminent position in world affairs!