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What exactly did the Democratic candidates pledge with respect to Michigan and Florida?

By Ann Althouse

Jeralyn Merritt has the text of "4 State Pledge":

... I _______________, Democratic Candidate for President, pledge I shall not campaign or participate in any state which schedules a presidential election primary or caucus before Feb. 5, 2008, except for the states of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina, as ?campaigning? is defined by rules and regulations of the DNC.

Merritt thinks that the exclusion of the delegates is not commensurate with the scope of the pledge:

Now, can people stop saying that Hillary Clinton agreed the votes in Florida or Michigan wouldn't count or to the non-seating of the delegates? It prohibited only campaigning. Even fundraising was allowed.

The exclusion of Michigan and Florida was a penalty imposed by the DNC. In my view, it was an unfair one and should be lifted. The votes should count as is, the delegates should be awarded and seated.

Full post as published by Althouse on March 10, 2008 (boomark / email).