No mulligans

There's talk of having new Democratic primaries or caucuses in Michigan and Florida, to replace the ones that violated party rules. According to a report I heard on NPR, Howard Dean has said he wouldn't oppose the idea. Given that it was floated by Charlie Crist, Republican governor or Florida, Dean should see a GOP effort to further divide Democrats. Aided and abetted by the Clinton campaign, no doubt. (I realize that Dean, being beholden to all wings of the party, is in a difficult position. But he's the only one who could stand up here--Obama would hardly want to harm his position in November by opposing new votes now.)

There's a reason we have rules: without rules, there is no game. Violating rules should come at a cost. That means not changing the rules in the middle of the game. Hillary Clinton can argue that the people of Michigan and Florida should not be disenfranchised. True. But for that they have their leaders to thank. Next time, they should elect different leaders.

No mulligans. No do-overs.