[Dialogue] Obama in Florida

[McCabe, Diann A]

Axelrod says Obama is "willing to go halfway in allowing the discounted delegates apply toward Clinton's total" from Michigan & Florida. (All Things Considered, NPR, 5-21-08)

I hardly think his campaign looks like the Republican Party in 2004.  Besides, Florida and Michigan broke with the party rules and Obama didn't campaign there nor was his name on the ballot in Florida (or was it Michigan?).

I certainly agree with you when you write: It's about persuading voters to identify with his candidacy and make him the genuine embodiment of a Democratic vision for this country. And that can't leave out what Hillary has come to stand for, including championing the cause of women.

And I think his speech in Iowa last night was a move in that direction.  The young people I talk to--and many of the old and in-between--do see a vision of something new and desparately needed in how Obama has run his campaign.  Florida, indeed, is a problem though.

Diann McCabe
San Marcos, TX

________________________________
From: dialogue-bounces at wedgeblade.net [dialogue-bounces at wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of W. J. [synergi at yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:34 PM
To: oe at wedgeblade.net; dialogue at wedgeblade.net
Subject: [Dialogue] Obama in Florida

It strikes me that Barack has a real problem in Flordia: he doesn't want to count the primary votes of Florida or Michigan Democrats (or even talk about it). 'Cause that would tip the balance of the popular vote to Hillary.

Yet he needs Florida and Michigan to win the general election, and he can't afford to lose Florida again to the GOP like the last two elections.

So he's between a rock and a hard place, looking like the Republican Party that didn't want a recount in 2000, or a re-vote now. 'Cause he'd lose the re-vote.

So his best chance to get nominated is to deny Florida their due representation at the convention, present the spectre of inevitablity, and hope that the black vote in south Florida in November will get the Democrats beyond their affection for Hillary and their disaffection with his candidacy and push him over the finish line.

If Barack's going to steal the nomination from Hillary inch by inch and win the election, he's got to overcome a lot of resistance. It's far beyond just piling up delegate votes. It's not just about the numbers.

It's about persuading voters to identify with his candidacy and make him the genuine embodiment of a Democratic vision for this country. And that can't leave out what Hillary has come to stand for, including championing the cause of women.

When it comes right down to the wire, I'll vote for any Democrat on the ballot, but for me, Barack hasn't cut the mustard--yet. So what will it take for him to slide into the White House?

Marshall Jones




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