Clinton Letter to Obama

Guide Note

On May 8, 2008, Senator Hillary Clinton sent a letter to presidential rival Barack Obama, asking him to work with her to have Democratic primary votes counted in both Florida and Michigan.

In the open letter, Clinton tells Obama that "one of the foremost principles of our party is that citizens be allowed to vote and that those votes be counted." There was no immediate response from the Obama camp to the letter.

Fast Facts

1. Letter dated May 8, 2008
2. Clinton urges Obama to compromise on seating Michigan and Florida delegates
3. No response to letter from Obama camp

"I am asking you to join me in working with representatives from Florida and Michigan and the Democratic National Committee to arrive at a solution that honors the votes of the millions of people who went to the polls in Florida and Michigan. It is not enough to simply seat their representatives at the convention in Denver. The people of these great states, like the people who have voted and are to vote in other states, must have a voice in selecting our party's nominee."— Hillary Clinton, in letter to Barack Obama

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) stripped Florida and Michigan of their delegates when the two states held their primaries earlier than party rules allowed. On May 31, 2008, the DNC was set to meet and reexamine its decision to issue sanctions.