As a Floridian, maybe I should just get used to the idea that my presidential vote isn't going to count. It's never really counted in a primary, after all, since our primary has traditionally been in March, well after the wiser voters of Iowa and New Hampshire have already chosen our candidate. And since 2000, I'm pretty sure Democratic votes don't get counted in the general election.
But these days, it's not just an unspoken understanding that my vote won't count, it's the stated policy of the Democratic National Committee. My primary vote is officially a waste of my time. Of course, there will be other important issues on the January 29th ballot, but those attract less flash, which means Democrats will stay home in droves that day. The RNC, it should be noted, has yet to exclude Florida Republicans.
So how did all this happen? Well, the Republican party made it so.
Way back in May, the Florida Legislature (a wholly owned subsidiary of the RNC) changed the date of the Florida primary. Florida Democrats had little or nothing to do with the change, yet we will pay the price.
How are the candidates reacting? Have they all boldly taken positions in favor of the sanctity of the votes of 18 million Floridians? No. They've all decided it is VASTLY more important to please activists in Iowa and New Hampshire. Now, they're all more than happy to ask for money from Floridians, but they won't spend a dime here and they won't count my vote.
Yes, I realize all four of the "pledge" states are dirt cheap to campaign in. Between them they probably have fewer media markets than Florida alone. But the way money's been flowing in this campaign that really doesn't need to be an issue.
So here's my question: Since I officially will have no say in selecting my party's nominee, and since none of the candidates appear to care, why should I remain a party loyalist? The party has clearly turned its back on me. Why should I send one thin dime to any candidate since they have each made it clear how important my vote is to them?
And here's something to think about: As I mentioned earlier, the Republicans have yet to invalidate the Florida primary. Florida has been voting red by the slimmest of margins, and should be a battleground in 08. If the RNC counts the Florida votes and the DNC excludes them won't this send a clear message to the bases of both parties as well as to the undecided voters? Aren't we starting off on the wrong foot for 08?
Perhaps I'm the only one that feels this way, but I'm clearly PISSED OFF that my vote - through no fault of my own - has been completely disenfranchised by my own party. Put yourself in my shoes and then tell me why I'm wrong.