Another Look Back: Hillary on Michigan's Vote (Oct 2007)
She was quoted in the Washington Post in October 2007:
"It's clear, this election they're having is not going to count for anything," Clinton said Thursday during an interview on New Hampshire Public Radio's call-in program, "The Exchange." "But I just personally did not want to set up a situation where the Republicans are going to be campaigning between now and whenever, and then after the nomination, we have to go in and repair the damage to be ready to win Michigan in 2008."
Speaking in the first primary state, Clinton said she understands concerns about her refusal. Rivals Barack Obama, John Edwards, Bill Richardson and Joe Biden took their names off Michigan's Jan. 15 primary ballot this week, and Michigan's hope for nominating clout all but evaporated.
Clinton's comment reflects an optimism she will win her party's nomination to face the Republican nominee in November 2008. She said any snub to Michigan could hurt her _ and all Democrats' _ chances to defeat the Republicans there.
Clinton was prompted by a caller who said, "It strikes me that this is politics as usual, where politicians say one thing and do something else."
Clinton brushed aside the comment.
but but there was record turnout in Florida and Michigan and she's only interested in listening to the will of the people. At least, the will of those who have voted for her because they're the only real Americans.
May 8, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Overly generous" There were more than just two candidates running in the Michigan Democratic primary. Hillary has offered to give Obama ALL the "uncommitted" vote, and retain all of those votes that she won. That's rather generous on her part. Instead, Obama wants to claim ALL of the uncommitted votes, including those intended for John Edwards, PLUS Obama wants some of Hillary's votes. And you call his offer "overly generous". I'm going to be overly generous and say that you're mistaken.
May 8, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
With respect, as she said, "this election isn't going to count for anything." Who knows how many more people would have come out to vote for Obama if his name was on the ballot. That's kind of the point with Michigan. It is not representative of anything. For her to claim any percentage of the delegates is based on a completely invalid election -- in her own words.
May 8, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are two candidates left, for God's sake. It is NOT "generous" of Hillary to claim all votes when no one else was on the ballot. A race that took place January 15, when her name recognition was an astounding advantage to her.
Actually, I'm not sure she wanted to give Obama any delegates. She wanted all of them, as I recall.
All that being said, a fair offer was made by her own supporters in MI to put this thing away and start healing the party.
TO which Hillary said, "No." That's the kind of civil servant and leader she is.
May 8, 2008 4:47 PM | Reply | Permalink