The Michigan and Florida Blues

While the Florida Congressional delegation argued against a revote last night, Hillary Clinton certainly seems open to a revote.

The letter then offers a small olive branch: "We think there are two options: Either honor the results or hold new primary elections ... We hope that your campaign will join us in our efforts to ensure that these votes are counted."

I think the case for Obama to seat Florida and, as a bargain, get a revote in Michigan, would be incredibly smart for him. Having a vote in Florida and the attendant momentum that would come with a win in a state where Clinton would be heavily favored is not worth the 30 or so delegate advantage he would give up. By contrast, a new vote in Michigan would be far more favorable to him, especially as he wasn't on the ballot previously. Polling shows that he would be competitive in Michigan, too, which has a good-sized African-American community and a demographic more like Wisconsin than Ohio. Clinton's team can SAY she won Florida as a result, but an actual contested vote validating that would be more damaging. Plus this is a compromise where each side gives up something. If Obama gets a new vote in Michigan, he can't lose the pledged delegate count, and he has another option (with Pennsylvania) to knock Clinton out. AND, we need an organizing opportunity in an important general election state like Michigan.

Sadly, his Michigan campaign co-chair says Obama opposes a re-vote, which is baffling.

UPDATE: Looks like Florida's going ahead with the mail-in vote, making this post irrelevant. Thanks a lot Florida!