Unifying the Democratic Party...

I have to agree with you! I think it would make a winning combination.

Maybe, maybe not. If there is a joint ticket between the two it would go a long way toward healing the rift in the party.

Yes, the DNC has handled this very badly. This time around we actually have candidates on the Democratic side that I think really could make a difference, but due to the way the party leaders have handled the primaries it is all in a mess and there are bad feelings all around. I only hope this does not give McCain an open door into the White House!

I hope you are right. And yes, I must say that the new registered voters and increased voter turn out during this primary season has been a big plus. Hopefully the renewed interest in politics will last.

How did the Democratic Party officials give it to Obama? The voters chose him, pure and simple, that's all there is to it. I sure wouldn't feel safe with McCain in charge of that red phone. He's so confused lately he'll probably nuke the wrong country and someone on Fox will laugh it off that he had a "senior moment". Annie

I do agree with you that the individual voters should not be punished. However the states knew the rules and that they were breaking them when they held their primaries so early. So there should be some sort of punishment. Personally I think they should have to have a new election - allowing both candidates the chance to campaign in the states, and giving time for a real and fair election between the two. The states should have to pay for the new elections out of their pocket in order to make up for breaking the rules. But really a new election would be the only right and fair answer for the voters in these states. I doubt that will happen though.

I do understand that the voters did not make the decision and did not have anything to do with it, however the members of the democratic party in both states (the ones who DO make the decisions) and the high up people in the state that set the primary date DID know they were breaking the rules when they set the primaries early. I am not holding the voters liable, rather the state. Also neither candidate was allowed to campaign in the state and Obama did not even have his name on the ballot in Michigan BECAUSE of the rule violation. Therefor the only truly fair thing to do would be to hold a re-vote, or split the delegates down the middle. I can not say that I would be happy about it if it had happened here in my state, but I do realize the importance of rules and that there should be consequences to breaking them. Both Hillary and Obama were aware of the results holding the primaries in these states early would be, they could have made it more clear to the voters. In reality the voters SHOULD HAVE been informed of what holding the primary early would mean and give them the opportunity to say do it anyway or no wait until we are supposed to have the primary. But since that was not done, we are left with a mess in which no one will be happy. I am really not trying to start a fight here, and I really don't think it is right that the votes not count. That is why I truly think the best solution would be to hold another primary election.

You still don't get it do you? Voters didn't break any rules. The decision to hold the primaries early was not made by voters in Florida or Michigan. Why should we, the innocent voters be punished? Why should we the innocent voters have to pay for another primary when the first one went just fine? Governor Crist in Florida said that reholding the primaries would cost Florida taxpayers at least $25 million. Why should my tax dollars be spent on a redundant election when the cut in property taxes has already led to many government employees in libraries, schools, 911, police, and fire departments being laid off? If the senate in your state held primaries early, would you be happy knowing your vote didn't count? Would you be so laid back and content if the DNC decided to disenfranchise you because of a decision you had nothing to do with?

I hate to say it, but you are right...there are far too many people who still believe that either race or gender is a reason to vote / not vote for someone. This decision should be based on who can best lead our country and begin to repair the damage that has already been done. I only hope that McCain does not win the general election - he is way too close to Bush in his plans and thinking to suit me! I also wonder if Hillary will endorse Obama if she does not win the nomination?? I am not too sure about that either. Unfortunately, if he gets in office and nothing seems to improve quickly, most people will be sorry they voted for him and may not re-elect. And I really don't think any of the candidates could fix the problems facing our country quickly..there just is no quick fix.

You may be right, but I really don't believe we need another 4 - 8 years of McCain (and more failed Bush Administration policies)!