DNC Smackdown Continues

Obama Barack and John Edwards have pledged to the Democratic National Committee not to campaign in Florida before the January 29th primary.

Edwards: "Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina need to be first because in these states ideas count, not just money. These are places where voters get to look the candidate in the eye and measure their policies, ideas, and integrity."

Obama campaign: “Because states that violate DNC rules will not be allowed to contribute to the delegate tally, we urge all states to ensure their compliance with DNC rules so they can participate in our Democratic nominating process. Our campaign will work within the rules established by the DNC to earn the support of Democrats across Americaand run a grassroots campaign to unite Americans around Senator Obama’s commitment to challenging the conventional thinking in Washington.”

As usual, Hillary Clinton is officially on the fence.

Clinton campaign: "We've received the letter and we are reviewing it. Sen. Clinton is 100% committed to campaigning in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina. She believes that these four states have a unique and special role in the process. There are other states that are going through a process now and we are going to let that process play out. But no matter what happens with those states, that will not affect our committment to these four states and we will compete in those states no matter what day those primaries or caucuses are held."

The only other candidates whom haven't signed the pledge is Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel. Those two guys couldn't be picked out of a lineup by registered Democrats.

Florida progressive bloggers have been lambasting Howard Dean for punishing Floridians. The Jon Ausman email clearly details how the Florida Democratic Party ignored the DNC's warnings and pushing to move the primary up. Florida Democrats underestimated how much sway Dean has in the party and that the DNC isn't counting on Florida turning blue in 2008.

Florida Democrats don't understand how much the party hates them for the 2000 election. Nationally, Florida is considered Texas-Lite. They aren't in a position to tell the DNC to fuck off and then make demands. The thing about poker is a better player can call the other's bluff. Bill Nelson or Karen Thurman are getting smoked by a cardshark. It never occurred to them that Dean would get the candidates on his side. Pathetic.