Why did Bill Clinton take his name off the Delaware ballot in 1996?

[democrattotheend]

The Clintons have been very persistent in recent weeks about seating the delegates from Florida and Michigan. They have criticized the DNC for stripping these two states of their delegates, claiming that it would be an injustice to the state's voters if they are not represented. Given how strongly they seem to feel about seating delegates from states that break the rules, one would expect that they would have taken the same stance in 1996, when Delaware was stripped of its delegates for moving its primary too close to New Hampshire, right?

Wrong. In 1996, Delaware moved its primary to four days after New Hampshire, instead of a week later as required by party rules and New Hampshire state law. As a result, Delaware was sanctioned by the DNC (and I believe the RNC as well). Most of the Republican candidates that year also took their names off the ballot in deference to Iowa and New Hampshire. Here's the kicker: so did Bill Clinton. Even though he was not seriously challenged for renomination, he chose not to be on the ballot in Delaware, in deferrence to Iowa and New Hampshire and their right to go first. He also did nothing to complain about the DNC sanctioning Delaware. Interesting decision, given how strongly he feels about counting delegates from every state, even those that break the rules.

[LisaM]

1. So you admit that candidates took their name off in Michigan in deference to NH and Iowa voters?

Thank you.

[democrattotheend]

2. Yeah, and in accordance with party rules

"I will not campaign or participate..."

[AZ Criminal JD]

21. How come they didn't take them of in Florida?

[democrattotheend]

22. I don't think state law allowed them to.

[Debi]

3. Actually to Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina

the four states that were selected by the DNC Calendar Commission to go before the February 5th window.

The only states - according to the DNC rules - that could hold their nominating contests before February 5th.

[DefenseLawyer]

4. In the words of Dick Cheney: So?

How is this a "gotcha"? The whole reason they were sanctioned in the first place is out of deference to the traditional early voting states. You lost me.

[NewHampshireDem]

5. Don't expect a reply from the hit-and-runners among us

:puke:

[iamthebandfanman]

11. lol i know n/t

[HCE SuiGeneris]

6. What's your point?

[LisaM]

7. I was being sarcastic. n/t

[MonkeyFunk]

8. The obvious answer

is because they matter this time.

In 1996, Clinton ran unopposed. Seating Delaware or not would make absolutely no difference in the outcome.

In fact, this year, nobody was terribly concerned about MI and FL because they didn't think they would come into play. We've never had a primary race this close, and nobody expected one this year.

Now that they matter, the issue has become a big deal.

[anigbrowl]

14. Seems you agree that it is a matter of expediency rather than principle

It's not about respecting the rights of the ordinary voters, despite what the state party does.
It's not about about making sure every single state gets to vote.
It's not about whether FL and MI are blue in the GE.

According to your post, it's about winning the primary. Good - something we finally agree on...though I must point out that even with the delegates from those states seated as is, Clinton will be closer but still many delegates behind Obama.

Perhaps next she'll argue that the 'uncommitted' MI delegates should be given to her.

[BOSSHOG]

9. To get to the other side????

An Obama supporter walks into a bar. Its empty. He has no one to whine to. So tragic ..... And all in the name of UNITY.

[Lucky 13]

10. Well well well.

[pnorman]

12. I NEVER KNEW THAT!! (But it helps highlight the HYPOCRICY of the Hillary camp.

Thanks!

pnorman
PS:

[democrattotheend]

13. I don't know what made me think about it, but I remember reading that in 2004

Ironically, I read about it in an article in 2004 about how Michigan was considering moving its primary up.

[Tatiana]

15. Yep.

In 1996, when Delaware moved its primary too close to New Hampshire's, Republican front-runner Bob Dole and incumbent President Bill Clinton both agreed to skip Delaware.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0807/5468.html

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

16. kickocrisy

[democrattotheend]

18. Cool word!

[Coexist]

17. ,

[NC_Nurse]

19. Because he doesn't CARE about Delaware voters?

:D

[democrattotheend]

20. Could be

Guess Delaware voters are less important than voters in Michigan and Florida. So much for one person, one vote, huh?