From The Road
January 29, 2008 9:12 PM

Clinton's Florida "Win"

By
Fernando Suarez
Topics
Hillary Clinton
(CBS)
From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

DAVIE, FLA. -- Florida Democrats delivered a win to Hillary Clinton tonight, though it was a hollow victory since no delegates were at stake.

"I did not come here in person to ask for your votes, but I am here to thank you for your votes," Clinton said referring to a pledge she signed last year with all the other Democratic presidential candidates. The pledge stated they wouldn't campaign in Florida. After the Florida Democratic Party moved its primary from February 5th January 29th last summer, the Democratic National Committee stripped the state of all its delegates and prompted the candidates' pledge.

Even though this win doesn't help her in the delegate race, Clinton and her campaign set up a victory rally and did all they could to give off the impression that Florida was a big win.

Clinton said, "Floridians wanted their voices heard...I am thrilled to have had this vote of confidence you have given me here today. I will do everything I can to make sure that not only are Florida's Democratic delegates seated, but Florida is in the winning column for the Democrats in 2008."

In fact, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman told CBS News' Peter King tonight that she expects the Florida delegates to eventually be seated.

"In talking with [House] Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi and then confirmed by [DNC Chairman Howard] Dean, they both said that they believe that it would happen," Thurman said.

The Barack Obama campaign knew that a loss in Florida was all but certain and spent most of the day downplaying the win. As the results were announced, Obama spokesman Bill Burton sent reporters an e-mail that read: "Obama and Clinton tie for delegates in Florida. 0 for Obama, 0 for Clinton."

Add a Comment
by ceiteachdunn January 30, 2008 1:36 PM EST
Here we go. Arguing about how rude or how petty someone seems instead of looking at the big picture.
Politics are ALWAYS played this way: hardball. We''re choosing the candidate for our party''s US Presidential nomination. Not Prom King and Queen! It''s time candidates told it like it is which in this case IS naught/naught. Not naughty/nice!
Reply to this comment
by shutupnvote January 30, 2008 12:51 PM EST
The Obama campaign''''s comment on the Florida results is short sighted and tactless. In attempting to diminish Senator Clinton''''s double digit win, they managed only to diminish themselves. Why not show a bit of grace--acknowledge those who cast their votes in Florida and congratulate Senator Clinton. Instead, the Obama campaign is petulant and petty. Seems to be a pattern....So much for the transformative politics of hope....


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Posted by njh1964 at 12:00 AM : Jan 30, 2008

Yes seems to be the campaign theme, ungracious and rude peevish.



Citing the record turnout of 1.5 million Democrats, .......the results "significant" and "far more than symbolic." Whatever the case, Clinton won 50 percent of the vote, Obama 33 percent. John Edwards got 14 percent.


Michigan is a must-win state for Democrats, while Florida is a crucial swing state.

And the DNC is handing them to the Republicans Gov Crist looked very V Presidential and is no Bush fan if you recall. If the DNC continues to disenfranchise the voices of Dem voters, in these two States that are more representative of the country and the Party Demographics they truly error. These States should actually have preceded a SC, that Dems have no chance of winning in 08, NV was understandable so that Hispanic voices could be heard for a change, it is a SHAME.
Reply to this comment
by shajidas January 30, 2008 5:15 AM EST
believe the result speaks for the entire nation.

Please look at the demographics

Blacks voted for Obama -73% Obama 25% Clinton 1% edwards 1% Kucinich

Hillary Won Hispanics in Landside - 59% Hillary 30% Obama 8% Edwards 1% Kucinich

Hillary Also won Landside among women- 54% Hillary 31% Obama 13% Edwards 1% Kucinich

Among Whites Hillary had more than 2:1 advantage against Obama

Also in most Super Tuesday primary states where there is a sizeable Asians Hillary gets 4:1 advantage

In essence the most imprtant democratic primary on Feb 05 is not South Carolina with African American votes

Post New Hampshire debate where Obama was disrespectful to women

Post South Carolia Debate where Obama was just the average politician

Post State of the Union image where he cant be civil and respectful women,

The analysis is Obama will get a thumbing on Feb 05 by whites, Hispanics and Asians and above all Women of this country who wants to elect the first women president.

MIND you more than 50% of the US population is women and they never had a president. Women got voting rights later than African American men.

In this Historic election apart from Muslims all the rest of the world is looking for a Women president.

Hillary will win the nomination on Feb 05. 2008
Reply to this comment
by njh1964 January 30, 2008 3:00 AM EST
The Obama campaign''s comment on the Florida results is short sighted and tactless. In attempting to diminish Senator Clinton''s double digit win, they managed only to diminish themselves. Why not show a bit of grace--acknowledge those who cast their votes in Florida and congratulate Senator Clinton. Instead, the Obama campaign is petulant and petty. Seems to be a pattern....So much for the transformative politics of hope....
Reply to this comment
by fjstratford January 30, 2008 2:03 AM EST
Go Hillary! You can bring about the necessary improvements that this country sorely needs!

You won Florida EVEN WHEN OBAMA BROKE HIS PROMISE BY AND ADVERTISING IN FLORIDA!

Hillary Hillary Hillary!
Reply to this comment
by tbweb January 30, 2008 1:03 AM EST
Sen. Hillary Clinton won the Florida Vote but no Delegates because the Democratic National Committee punished Florida for moving up its Primary date. In my view the nomination for the Democratic Party starts in earnest from this point forward. I hope that the "race issue" did not decide the Florida Vote. I also hope that the race issue did not divide the Democratic Party to the point where many Voters will be Voting race from this point forward, because if thats the case Sen. Clinton will end up with a hollow victory and nomination in her ultimate victory and a very divided and polarized Democratic Party and Convention. If you ever heard the statement that sometimes when you win you lose, this would be one of those moments if this campaign has in fact digressed into race.
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