Riegle: Clinton's actions manipulated the ballot

[kpete]

Riegle: Clinton's actions manipulated the ballot
January 14, 2008

By TINA LAM

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Michigan Democratic ballot is a sham that was rigged by Hillary Rodham Clinton, her husband and her supporters to give the nation the impression that she’s the leading candidate in Michigan, an angry former Sen. Don Riegle said Monday.

Riegle appeared at a rally in Detroit today to encourage would-be supporters of Barack Obama and John Edwards to vote uncommitted in Tuesday’s primary. Riegle said he supports one of the two, but wouldn’t say which.

“What happened in Michigan is not very different from what used to happen in the old Soviet Union,” Riegle said. “The Clinton machine manipulated the ballot. They don’t care how they win, only that they do. It’s wrong and people need to know that.”

Riegle said the Democratic candidates had an understanding, after Michigan defied the party and tried to become the first state to hold a primary, that none of them would compete in Michigan. Obama and Edwards honored the agreement, but Clinton did not and put her name on the ballot, he said.

“People should not permit the Clintons—both Bill and Hillary—to have an unfair advantage in Michigan,” said Riegle.

more at:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080114/NEWS15/80114043

[sunonmars]

1. Rubbish

they could have left their names on the ballot like they did in Florida.

They were way behind in Michigan and wanted it to remain insignificant if she beat them.

[krkaufman]

3. Your comment sounds like speculation.

I am interested in whether Riegle's comments can be substantiated. *Was* there some agreement between Clinton/Edwards/Obama to stay off the MI ballot?

[mod mom]

2. I think it becoming apparent that the clintons have adopted the GOP win at any cost

mantra.

I am glad that Howard Dean & the DNC filed court papers (motion to intervene) over the Nevada Culinary Workers Union ordeal.

[pacalo]

6. My hubby & I saw a "bulletin" flash across the tv screen last night saying that Clinton had "won"...

I told my hubby that Clinton was the only Democrat on the ballot & he rolled his eyes. Very misleading "feat" for those who aren't paying attention.

[JMDEM]

4. I predict that comments in this thread...

will be highly polarized. As usual.

[EFerrari]

7. The thing is, you don't have to hold a position at one end or another

to see rank opportunism.

It's an anti community building strategy and if you are invested in building community, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Politicians have to be opportunists. The Clintons are just very good at what they do.

[kenfrequed]

5. Well

I don't know if it was planned that way, but she certainly is an opportunist when it comes to campaigns. Pity that she has NEVER used such tactics to...I dunno...end the war, impeach bush, or get any decent progressive legislation passed.

[Kurovski]

8. I've been having that same thought.

I remember about six years ago when President Bill Clinton stated that you have to basically "pound" the Republicans, and here he is being chummy with President G H W Bush (poppy) and Senator Clinton is pounding her own Party.

It's been a disappointing seven years, all around.