Don’t know what to make of the Michigan primaries? You’re not the only one…

Commentary from our Observer George Shantzek on the Michigan primaries. On the Democrat side Hilary Clinton enjoyed an easy win, but it counted for nothing. While Mitt Romney surged forward on the Republican front, the victory won't weigh half as much as it seems.

The next stop in the primaries was in Michigan on Tuesday, but even before voters had even cast their first ballots, the race had already become complicated.

Defying their respective national parties' wishes, both Republican and Democrat officials held their primaries early. But they didn't get away with it. Both parties were punished. The Republican party cut the number of state delegates in half, while the Democrats won't even acknowledge the results or award any delegate. Very confusing- even for the Americans.

Detroit-born Mitt Romney won the primary, giving his campaign a well-needed boost. This was after coming only second in Iowa and New Hampshire, despite investing much more campaign money than winners Huckabee and McCain. Michigan being the state where Romney's father was governor, it was a tiebreaker for him.

But who do the Republicans want as their nominee? Three states ... three winners. This leaves a huge question mark hanging over who will lead the Republicans.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton was the only major Democratic candidate on the ballot. Supporters of Edwards and Obama threatened to vote "uncommitted" to embarrass the New York Senator. And so they did. Hillary came in at 55%, while 40% voted "uncommitted," a substantially high amount.

So that's all from Michigan. If you're not sure what to make of it all, you're not alone!"

Comments

What was the point in this

Submitted by Janet (not verified) on Wed, 16/01/2008 - 16:11.

What was the point in this primary? What a waste of time and money. It makes the whole thing seem like a farce.

Insanity and meaningless

Submitted by Todd Epp (not verified) on Wed, 16/01/2008 - 16:34.

I think that the Michigan primaries (or in the Democrats' case, non-primary) points out the insanity of the American primary system. It is chaotic, uncoordinated, and at times, meaningless. Particularly what happened on the Democratic side of things points to the need to regional primaries.

But for reasons that confound even me, we Americans have talked about making changes for years yet nothing happens.