There is a big problem. We've disenfranchised the voters from Florida and Michigan. We desperately need them for the fight in November. The states are being told by the DNC that they need to pay for this do-over themselves. I'm not sure that goes too far in repairing the relationships with these voters. So what to do?
Our buddy Dean is only laying out two options. But there has to be more than two ways to solve this problem. Right?
"They can come back to the DNC with a set of delegate selection procedures that do comply with the rules of the 48 other states, or they can appeal to the credentials committee at the Democratic National Convention," he said.
Well these options either unfairly tax the states or lead us into a chaotic convention.
A complete primary do-over is another option, but no one wants to foot the bill. Another contest in Florida could cost as much as $25 million, and the taxpayers have already paid for one primary.
So here is my idiotic idea:
I believe Barack should extended a challenge to Hillary. A challenge for each of their campaigns to subsidize the election costs. This would go a long way to mend relations with the voters in these states.
Now I'm not saying that the campaigns should completely fund the primary do-overs. But extending an olive branch to these voters and being willing to burden some of the costs may heal some of the ill will these voters might have for whomever is our nominee in November.
So what are we talking about here? At the very most $50 million to redo both primaries? This is nothing. Barack's base raised $55 million in February alone. And Hillary is boasting her $4 million gain since last Tuesday. Great so let's make this a competition! Which campaign can raise more funds to support a fair primary selection in both Michigan and Florida? (I'm betting Obama's)
Now we wouldn't want to be accused of buying the elections. So the amount donated would wave to be capped by the campaign who raises the least amount of funds. So say if Obama raises $10 million and Clinton raises $4 million. Obama would have to either return the excess $6 million or it would go into his general campaign fund.
I know...I know, Hillary's campaign will never go for this. They'll claim why should we have to pay for primaries in states where our candidate was already declared the victor. This shouldn't stop Obama from raising these funds. Possibly this could go to show Barack's willingness to fight and to give these voters a fair and democratic voice. And even if Hillary's campaign doesn't accept the challenge, Barack's campaign will still look all the better for extending this proposal.
And I'm sure Barack's supporters are not too excited to fund a possible loss in Florida. But I don't think that is a concern. Obama hasn't sustained a substantial loss in the delegate race yet. And I don't think Florida would deal him a devastating blow, especially after Barack showed his willingness to fight to have their voices heard.
Well there it is. My hair-brain scheme that will never see the light of day outside of the Dkos world. Thanks for reading...and I'm sure, for telling me what an idiot I am.