Obama Once Opposed, Now Supports

Obama, who adamantly opposed the full seating of Florida and Michigan delegates when the vote counted, during the primary against Hillary, now wants them fully seated.

Absolutely shocked over Obama changing a position would be one way to describe it (insert sarcasm). Obama brushed off the notion of counting the delegates when Hillary proposed it, which she then said his stance was an insult to millions of Democrats.

As Obama told the St Petersburg Times

"In all these races if I didn't campaign at all and this had just been a referendum on name recognition, Sen. Clinton would be the nominee. It's pretty hard to make an argument that somehow you winning what is essentially a name recognition contest in Florida was a good measure of electoral strength there."

Maybe Obama should have won California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Massachusetts or Ohio before he used that line. 

Here is the letter from Obama.

August 3, 2008

Hon. Alexis Herman, Co-Chair

James Roosevelt, Jr., Co-Chair

Eliseo Roques-Arroyo, Co-Chair

Dear Credentials Committee Chairs:

In just a few weeks, our Party will convene in Denver for our National Convention. This will be an historic event that will showcase our vision for changing the direction of our country.

The delegates and alternates who gather on Monday, August 25 will reflect the talent, energy and rich diversity of our Democratic Party. The delegates will come from all 56 states and territories. As these delegates go about the important business of the Convention, I believe Party unity calls for the delegates from Florida and Michigan to be able to participate fully alongside the delegates from the other states and territories. Accordingly, I ask that the Credentials Committee, when it meets on August 24 to approve the delegates for the National Convention, pass a resolution that would entitle each delegate from Florida and Michigan to cast a full vote.

As a candidate for the nomination, I supported the DNC’s efforts to establish and enforce a schedule for primaries and caucuses that would broaden the opportunity for Democrats from all regions of the country and all backgrounds and walks of life to have a meaningful voice. An unprecedented number of voters participated in our Democratic nominating process. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Governor Dean for his principled leadership during this long and challenging process.

As we prepare to come together in Denver, however, we must be – and will be – united in our determination to change the course of our nation. To that end, Democrats in Florida and Michigan must know that they are full partners and colleagues in our historic mission to reshape Washington and lead our country in a new direction.

With warmest personal regards,

Barack Obama