I've been wondering what it would take for Obama to make a direct appeal to supporters to help pick up the tab for a vote-by-mail primary do-over in Michigan and Florida. Hard to imagine the Clinton camp doing something like this since they remain well behind in the fundraising department anyway.
Think about it: this is not only a textbook magnanimous PR gesture, but it would also increase democratic participation in the primary process, win delegates, and resolve Howard Dean's problems - thus scoring points with the DNC. How could Obama ask for more?
Furthermore, a direct and minimal appeal to supporters with offers for matching funds from the campaign and big donors ("Give us $1 to have another primary in Michigan and Florida, we'll match it 5-to-1") would further galvanize the participation of the democratic electorate in this campaign...
I am not sure if this idea has come up elsewhere. If it's not original I apologize and would love pointers to the places where it's already been suggested.
Also, has anyone seen/heard of precedents for this kind of thing? Are there legal obstacles to the Obama folks pulling off a stunt like this?
Obviously, the notion was the result of some serious arm-chair theorizing on my part, but it is still a worthwhile hypothetical to consider...