Reply #144: Not sure what you're saying.

[krkaufman]

However, given that no ads or campaigning was done in Michigan, the resulting vote will be tilted toward the previously most well-known candidate. (as also noted by Juan Cole in the link, below)

As for whether withdrawing from the ballot was a mistake, I'm not sure. Given the ban on campaigning, if Obama and Edwards had left their names on the ballot, they'd have received some finite number of votes that could be later pointed at as showing voters had been given a choice; however, with their names removed from the ballot, seating the Michigan delegates will necessarily disenfrancise Obama and Edwards supporters.

Re: "I called those in the know, and they said, ALL delegates WILL be seated, during the Convention."

Yes, I've heard the same; but it is more of a pledge/prediction (from the likes of Carl Levin) and not a definite fact. (though, let's be honest, Carl Levin isn't just some schmuck off the street)

I think the DNC bungled the whole thing, though I'm not sure how it could have been handled. Florida and Michigan both appear to have jumped the previously agreed-upon primary schedule, so some action was necessary. The problem now is, the Michigan and Florida delegates will be tainted by the rules in place, and so I just pray that the difference between candidates is much greater than the sum of the FL & MI delegates.

The bigger problem may be the effect the lack of campaigning and delegate handling will have on the general election.