Thurman argued that the DNC Rule 20.c.7, 21.a and 21.b provided Florida Dems with a safe harbor for its plan. Thurman argued that success in reversing the GOP primary plan was not required by the rules. And indeed they do not. Thurman then recounted the story of the Florida primary legislation. Thurman presents a compelling case of the Florida Democratic Party's efforts, including the introduction of amendments to the Republican legislation. Frankly, it is ludicrous to argue the Florida Democratic Party did not try to change the date of the Democratic primary in Florida.
Just with those facts, the 100% stripping of the Florida delegates was indefensible and frankly, obscene. (Quick aside - Jon Aussman's unity schtick for mercy was quite ironic in light of Obama's adamant stance against the Dem voters of Florida.) So how did it happen?
Ralph Dawson moved for moving beyond the express punishment of 50% loss of delegates to a 100% stripping of delegates. the reasons for this proposal were unstated by Mr. Dawson. The next comment, from an unidentified DNC member was ridiculous and proof positive that this was a kangaroo court intent on stripping Florida of its delegates. the comment called for proof that ALL Democratic elected officials in Florida had fought against the GOP legislation. Aussman pointed out that this apparatchik was simply wrong in what he said. This apparatchik talked about "the people in the country were looking to them." These people are nuts. The Democratic Party deserves to lose with idiots like these in charge. This apparatchik in particular is one of the most outrageous persons I have ever seen. He is disgusting. I want to find out his name so I can start a campaign to get him removed from the DNC.
One can only hope that they assumed the Florida and Michigan delegations would be immaterial to the selection of the nominee. This performance is a walking advertisement for what is wrong with the DNC.
Hilarious moment - one DNC member speaking very favorably of the mail in primary. Why can't we do that now? What does THAT DNC member think of Obama blocking the FL mail in vote?
The DNC plan for Florida was hilarious - 150,000 ballots were to be printed. Let me repeat, the DNC plan was expecting the voice of Florida Dems to be encompassed in the votes of 150,000 voters. There are 4 million Democrats in Florida. The DNC is a clown show.
Now, the issue of the punishment is easily the most amazing part of this. The DNC DEPARTED from the written punishment provided by the DNC rules based on NOTHING. Literally, there was a motion but no argument whatsoever for why the 100% stripping was appropriate.
Gary Shay, a California DNC member, argued that since California, which is controlled by Democrats, did not move up its primary, then Florida must be fully stripped of its delegates. Remember his name, Gary Shay.
This DNC Committee Hearing should be remembered and live in infamy. This is a tape we should all remember. Every idiot who created this mess should be remembered.
If we lose the Presidency because of the stupidity exhibited in that room on that day - I want every one to remember who these idiots were. Who the idiots were that cost us the White House.
The biggest idiot was, of course, Donna Brazile, the most destructive force in the Democratic Party that one can imagine. Please leave the Democratic National Committee Ms. Brazile.
On January 29, 2008, 1.7 million Florida Democrats went to the polls and voted for the candidate of their choice. The Democratic National Committee, if things do not change, will ignore those voters and their votes (I am for a revote) and hand the 27 electoral votes of Florida to the Republicans. They will make down ticket races in Florida extremely difficult to win. They will have set back Democrats in Florida for the foreseeable future. The DNC's actions are indefensible, from Howard Dean to Donna Brazile to Harold Ickes. This is a disgrace.
