Clinton Press Release: Hillary Clinton Statement on Seating Delegates from Florida and Michigan
March 12, 2008 | Permalink
[Clinton Campaign Press Release from March 12, 2008]
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Hillary Clinton Statement on Seating Delegates from Florida and Michigan
Hillary Clinton made the following statement at the Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce earlier this morning:
“If you are a voter from Florida or Michigan, you know that we should count your vote. The nearly two and a half million Americans in those two states who participated in the primary elections are in danger of being excluded from our democratic process and I think that’s wrong. The results of those primaries were fair and they should be honored. Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of discussion about what we should do to ensure that the voters in Florida and Michigan are counted.
“In my view there are two options: Honor the results or hold new primary elections. I don’t see any other solutions that are fair and honor the commitment that two and a half million voters made in the Democratic primaries in those two states. Whether voters are clamoring for solutions to the challenges that we face or not, or whether people are coming out in droves to be heard, we have a basic obligation to make sure that every vote in America counts.
I hope that Senator Obama’s campaign will join me in working to make that happen. I think that that is a non-partisan solution to make sure that we do count these votes.”
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Politics Add comments I have carefully listened to all the candidates
- Republican and Democrat - for president. Having carefully listened
to each of them, watched C-Span for their full speeches and extensive
remarks, read many of the transcripts of their statements in The New
York Times and Washington Post - and done my best to examine their
records - I am squarely in Hillary Clinton’s corner. My scrutiny
includes not just the intellectual process of examination, but an
intuitive take on who Senator Clinton is as a person and a candidate.
I genuinely believe that when she is in touch with her authentic self,
and not too much in the throes of her advisors, or even her husband,
Hillary comes up as the best choice for President.
First, she has set an outstanding record of accomplishment as United
States Senator, serving the people of New York with distinction, and
she has shown a first-rate ability to work with both Democrats and
Republicans on key issues. Senator Clinton doesn’t just talk about
working together, and bringing opposite sides together - she’s DONE
it!
Second, as First Lady, she was an active Ambassador of Goodwill on
behalf of the President to all parts of the world, and she was a
staunch advocate of women’s rights - as well as Civil and Human
Rights. She was, as we all know, a passionate pioneer in advancing
the cause of Universal Health coverage. She did not succeed the first
time around, but she learned many lessons and she is poised to succeed
as President. She is passionate about the causes she believes in, she
is a fighter, and she does not give up. She deserves points for her
record of accomplishment, and her passion and steadfastness shows
character and strength. We need a President who evidences these
qualities.
In international affairs, I believe Senator Clinton will chart the
best course for the United States. She is much more aware of the
dangers inherent in Islamic extremism and fascism, and she will act
with care and circumspection before sitting down with America’s
enemies. I believe she will attempt to open doors, but she will not
act brashly, and she will not underestimate the intentions of people
who are unimpressed with softness, and who are more likely to
manipulate us and undermine us based on naivete. She would certainly
NOT be another Chamberlain making peace with Hitler!
Mrs. Clinton is very intelligent. She is tough. She is for the
people, and for advancing the Global community and the less developed
nations - but she is a “street smart” person who will not compromise
America in any way with crafty people who don’t respect our system or
our rights.
I believe she would be a more capable President than Senator Obama. I
am moved by his inspirational pronouncements, his desire to bring us
together - but I do NOT believe he has a handle or the experience on
how to work with adversaries - both domestic and international. I do
NOT believe that in this very treacherous time, Senator Obama would
have the strength to maneuver through the tough times that are
undoubtedly ahead.
On Iraq, I believe that Senator Clinton’s intentions were
understandable in taking the vote she did at the time, based on
intelligence of WMD that was only later proved faulty, and in the
context of the aftermath of 9-11 which had occurred only recently
before. Her INTENTION was to protect America, and while I do not
believe that she would have invaded Iraq if she had been President, I
believe that as Senator she signed on in order to reserve the right to
protect our country. As a precautionary measure, I believe Senator
Clinton acted honorably.
I was against the invasion of Iraq. Sadam was an enemy of Iran and
while he was a rascal and potentially dangerous, he was the “check”
against Iranian Middle Eastern intervention. Having said that, I can
look at Senator Clinton’s vote with respect, especially in
consideration of her intentions. But now, we must look at the
situation as it presently exists; and I do think that a precipitous
and immediate withdrawal would be ill-advised. Our focus must be on
strengthening the Iraqi Army but withdrawing ever-so carefully until
we can turn over full reigns to them. I also think Senator Clinton,
while she has declared the need to withdraw, will do so but do so
carefully and gradually.
I firmly believe that Senator Hillary Clinton can make a great
President. My vote is for her. One last consideration - a
consideration that is not primary - is that it’s time to elect a
strong leader who is also a woman. Women, and America’s girls -
deserve that kind of role modeling and encouragement.
Lastly, the Democrat voters of Michigan and Florida must not be
disenfranchised. Michigan, which did not have Obama on the ballot,
must arrange for a new Primary; and Florida’s delegates should either
be seated, or a new Primary should move forward there as well.
FRIENDS OF HILLARY R.CLINTON
M WAHEED JADOON
WORLD DEMOCRACY MEDIA GROUP
NEW YORK
wajad…@yahoo.com
Dear FRIENDS
I’m going to give you the same advice I give to Hillary: block out the distractions — the skeptics, the media coverage, the beltway chatter — and keep your eyes on the prize.
With the news media constantly poring over the minutiae of the campaign, I make sure Hillary never forgets to stay focused on what matters: telling every last American about her vision, her experience, and her commitment to bringing real change to people’s lives.
Let the press worry about the shifting polls and the daily back-and-forth. As long as Hillary stands up for the values we share — and as long as you stand up for her — she’s going to win this race.
It’s a tight race, whether you’re counting delegates or total votes, the kind where one big victory can shift the momentum. We’ve got a race like that coming up in Pennsylvania in just six days, and your immediate action will make a difference.
Contribute now to help Hillary win big in Pennsylvania on Tuesday.
We know Senator Obama’s strategy: spend, spend, and spend some more.
His campaign is hoping their spending is enough to win the primary and bring this race to a close. But they weren’t counting on the incredible connection Hillary has made with Pennsylvanians or the remarkable support you have shown her.
Tonight, Hillary will share the stage with Senator Obama in a debate, and Pennsylvania voters will consider their final decisions over the next six critical days.
If you contribute to Hillary’s campaign today, you can be assured of two things: it will go right back out the door to help her win, and it will make a difference in this close race.
Contribute today for our Pennsylvania victory.
Don’t forget: stay focused on what’s important, and we’ll celebrate victory together.
Thank you,
Bill Clinton
WORLD DEMOCRACY MEDIA GROUP
NEW YORK
M WAHEED JADOON
If I were a voter in Florida or Michigan I would be pretty “ticked off” if I were told my vote didn’t count! This is supposedly a “government of the people.” In order to ensure EVERYONE is included in the process and to guarantee an honest candidacy, we need to have a complete accounting of each vote. It was the leaders who made the move to have the vote play out earlier. The voters were innocent victims. This is one of the most critical times in history. The new president needs the backing of the majority of voters. It can be made more viable by allowing the primaries to play out so everyone’s voice is heard and acted upon.
thnks