Cheating by the Rules

Is Hillary locked in to win Florida and Michigan? It looks that way to Bob Novak:

Defying DNC rules, Florida moved its primary to Jan. 29 and Michigan then went to Jan. 15, not specifying whether it would be a caucus or a primary. The early states responded that they would adjust their own dates to make certain that they voted first. The DNC imposed sanctions on the rebellious states: loss of their national convention delegates and prohibition of candidates from campaigning there. The word in Democratic political circles was that Florida and Michigan would get back their delegates before the convention and that nothing could stop presidential candidates from campaigning there.

But all Democratic candidates a week ago agreed to follow the DNC rules. Contending that early primary states “play a unique and special role in the nominating process,” the Clinton campaign statement said “the DNC’s rules and its calendar provide the necessary structure to respect and honor that role.” What the statement did not say is how much she actually welcomed Michigan and Florida breaking the rules.

If Obama & Edwards & Co. can’t campaign in Michigan and Florida, then Clinton will win them almost by default. Two big wins in two big states could carry her all the way to the Denver Democratic Convention in August.