From Tampa Tribune
Obama also appeared to violate a pledge he and the other leading candidates took by holding a brief news conference outside the fundraiser.
Saturday September 29th at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (thanks to seanflynn for pointing out my error) the official shunning of Florida by the Democratic presidential candidates began. In other words, the four state pledge that the Democratic candidates, including Obama, signed to not campaign in Florida, because our primary date is too early, took effect. This is in addition to the pledge by the DNC to not have our votes count.
Since then, less than 2 days ago, Richardson, Edwards and Obama have all been here to get money and talk with those who pay for the opportunity (fundraisers). Less than 2 days and 3 candidates here for our money while shunning us. How proud I am to be a Democrat at times. /sarcasm
Due to the pledge, they voluntarily signed, the candidates are forbidden to campaign in Florida. But upon leaving an allowed fundraiser in Tampa, Obama held an impromptu press conference. Eeek.
And according to the article in the Tampa Tribune and common sense
The pledge covers anything referred to in Democratic National Committee rules as "campaigning," and those include "holding news conferences."
So less than 2 days after the pledge goes into effect, Obama has broken it. Which leads me to the question - How will his violation of the pledge be handled? Is he now to be shunned by the four states?
I personally have broken no rules (except perhaps the rule against reason by living in Florida) and my vote has been taken and I'm being shunned. Fortunately my money is still good. Unfortunately I have no money. But Obama has actually broken a rule. Personally. This affront to "a presidential nomination process that’s in the best interests of our party and our nation" will have to be dealt with, right?