WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com
We have started a new post for today's superdelegate endorsements here
This post will no longer be updated.
| Countdown to the Nomination | |
| Obama | 28.5 |
| Clinton | 200 |
Obama leads today's superdelegate count with 13 endorsements (10.5 superdelegate votes)
Clinton has one endorsement from a Florida superdelegate for .5
Maria Chappelle-Nadal (MO) has announced her support for Obama, and will be officially endorsing later today:
Michigan superdelegate Joyce Lalonde endorses Barack Obama:
She said she privately had shifted between Clinton and Obama for months. But in the end, the deciding factor was the enthusiasm that Obama has generated among young people and unaligned independents, said Chappelle-Nadal.
...
"This is a year that the mere existence of a single candidate, Barack Obama, has inspired people in my district to believe in the greater good," Chappelle-Nadal said. - STLToday
Lalonde said, "I find the Senator to be a strong supporter of public education. His education platform gives great hope to the children of the United States that every child is entitled to a quality public education. I applaud Senator Obama's endorsement of creating an educational system that puts our children first. With his leadership, we will move away from a nation of test bubblers to a nation of highly educated individuals that will return us to global leadership in all areas. I am excited to begin the campaign that brings America to the best that it can be."Massachusetts Representative John Olver has endorsed Obama
Michigan Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick has endorsed Obama"I think he gave more of a vision where he wanted to go," Olver said, in explaining his ultimate decision to back Obama over U.S. Sen. Hillary R. Clinton, D-N.Y. "Hillary was all about competence and experience," Olver said, but added that he was critical of her vote to allow the U.S. invasion into Iraq and that her experience was largely due to her role as First Lady and not through executive experience.
"I though Barack made a good case for himself in his presentation," Olver said. "He does a wonderful speech and really inspires people. The last several years have been really a bummer."
“We are at a very important time for our nation today and we must unite together to win in November. I am proud to announce my support for Barack Obama. From his years fighting for the poor on the South Side of Chicago to his proven commitment to working families in the United States Senate, Barack has proven he can lift up our nation and put the needs of our families and children first. We need change in our country today, and we need a leader who will end the war in Iraq and end the eight years of the failed policies of George W. Bush. Our families and our children deserve more – they deserve a President who has fought for change his entire life, and brought real results. Today we are uniting behind Barack Obama, and together we can win in November.”DNC Debbie Dingell (MI)* has endorsed Obama
Now, as the nominating process comes to an end, it is time to unite behind Barack Obama, who will be our Democratic nominee for the White House. Senator Obama has shown me and he has shown the American people that he represents change – a change that this country desperately needs after seven and a half long years of the Bush White House. He will lead our party to victory in November, carrying Michigan for the Democrats by running a campaign focused on bringing change to working families.DNC Richard Wiener (MI)* has endorsed Obama
"We have had many outstanding candidates. It is clear that Senator Obama will prevail as our nominee. It is time to unite as a party behind our candidate and close a historic primary season."Maine DNC member Jennifer DeChant has endorsed Obama
Jennifer DeChant, Democratic National Committeewoman for Maine, says it's the end of the primary season and it's clear after the party's state convention that the Illinois senator is the choice of a majority of the delegates.Ohio DNC member Joyce Beatty has endorsed Obama
"I have spoken to Sen. Obama several times about his ideas for moving our nation past the failed policies of the Bush administration," Beatty said in a statement. "I like Sen. Obama's stances on issues important to all Americans, and I am proud that an African-American has the trust and the support of people across all cross-sections of our society in this historic campaign. He has brought energy and an excitement to this race that inspires people, and he is the right person for the job."Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has endorsed Obama
“I enthusiastically pledge my support to Senator Barack Obama, who will bring much needed hope, change and leadership to take our country in a new direction,” the mayor said in a prepared statement. “I will work hard to ensure he will be victorious in November.”South Carolina Representative John Spratt has endorsed Obama
I've been leaning that way for a long while, but keeping my powder dry," he said. "Look, I could support several of any contenders in this primary. If Hillary had a majority of the votes at this point, or the prospect of it, I would consider supporting her. She's run an impressive race. But according to Democratic Party rules, I think Obama has earned the Democratic nomination. It's time to rally behind him, unite the party and go for the real prize."Massachusetts DNC member Deb Kozikowsi has endorsed Obama
"I made a commitment to wait until the end of the primary process and now it is time to make my choice. Barack Obama has won my support for President. Hillary Clinton ran a great race, I respect her hard work and commitment to the issues I care about, but Senator Obama's message of bringing our country together is in sync with the agenda of building rural-urban partnerships for the good of all of America.Florida DNC member Jon Ausman has endorsed Clinton
“This is not about personal animosty, its about bringing the country together,” said Ausman, who wants to see an Obama-Clinton ticket in the fall.California DNC member John Perez has endorsed Obama
Ausman said he was leaning toward Obama until a call from Clinton this morning. “She has hundreds of thousands of supperters he needs and we need to work together,” Ausman said.
Los Angeles labor organizer and superdelegate John A. Perez said that he would back Obama because he "is in the best position to lead this party forward to November."Mississippi Democratic Party Vice-Chair Carnelia Fondren (MS) has endorsed Obama
Perez expressed confidence that the current Democratic schisms will heal, but he does not necessarily advocate speeding that process with an Obama-Clinton ticket. "I don't know that it is desirable for Sen. Clinton to be vice president," he said. "She is an amazing legislator. I think she's got a long and very positive future in the Senate."
Fondren said Obama's rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, "has run an honorable, impressive campaign."Fondren said Obama is "an equally impressive presidential candidate" and "a dynamic leader who offers a compelling vision for the future of our nation and the state of Mississippi."
Reported upcoming endorsements: Former President Jimmy Carter, Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA), DNC Ralph Dawson (NY), Gov. Bill Ritter (CO), Sen Ken Salazar (CO), Gov. Brian Schweitzer (MT), Sen. Max Baucas (MT), Sen. Jon Tester (MT) and Margaret Campbell who endorsed Obama but had to back down due to her vice-chair position in the Montana Democratic Party.
Update: We have confirmation from the Obama campaign that Edwards pledged delegate Fred McDowell from Florida has switched to Obama. We have added .5 for Obama and taken away .5 from Edwards.
del.icio.us
186 comments:
Matt, although I would love to se over 20,000 delegates for Obama, I suspect that your count is a typo. You guys do a great job.
I have to say I have been very disappointed by the attitude of some of the cowards who call themselves senators. To suggest that they needed to hear from all the voters before forming their judgments is an insult to the public's intelligence. The pledged delegate race was over in early March and the only reason the race has gone on is because so many SDs have not had the courage to endorse sooner.
Even now the Senators and Reps are desperate for lowly DNC members to decide this so that they can come on board only after Hillary has conceded some time tomorrow.
I hope Obama has kept a list of these people. He should have more respect for those who have endorsed Clinton than the yellow brigade who don't want to get their hands dirty.
Shouldn't Obama's "needed to win" total be down to 38 now? Was 39.5 less 1.5
p smith:
You make a good point. I'm from Washington, and notice we have "wafflers" in this state. Foley who was listed in Clinton's camp, is now listed by the Seattle PI and Seattle Times as UNDECLARED. Maria Cantwell stated she "might" flip when it is apparent to her that Obama has won the majority of the delegates (which she could have done last week and still hasn't). Some of these superdelegates cite taking the "higher ground", that the nomination process should be dictated by the voters and delegates (which obviously it should), but the reality is most these SD's are just play both sides of the fence.
Movement today by of Obama’s Senate colleagues and a few of those still pledged to Edwards should be enough to clinch on the election results. If I were scripting the end that’s how I would do it.
38 - minimum of 15 or 16 in Montana and South Dakota = 23 left to declare today to get to 2118.
Begin the countdown ...
Missing the Clyburn (the House Majority Whip)?
We added Clyburn yesterday.
I is not the public's intelligence that is being questioned. It is respect. If they all came out ahead of today (up to 30 superDs for Obama) and tomorrow, they would make people of states which have not decided not vote and make Clinton feel really bad. If she is not respected she can do a lot of mean things. So just respect is the single reason to hold out. But now it is time for Clinton to respect the party's decision.
p smith, agree.
Need more lions like Teddy Kennedy, Bill Richardson, Robert Byrd, et al.
Reid and others of his ilk are wimps...Hillary has more testicular fortitude than many of these congress persons.
I wanted to see at least 22 more delegates, of any sort, before I go to sleep and prior to the primary tallies. The gutless wonders are trying my patience. I need my sleep.
Get well Teddy.
Luck!
Hi guys! You're all still great and just getting greater :)
Wanted to note that LaLonde over on "Latest Endorsements" needs an asterisk for a 1/2 point in MI.
Thanks as always!
the idea that SD's need to hold out to respect the voters is inane. in nearly every other past presidential primary the people from a vast majority of states vote long after the matter has been decided. to somehow act as if this year each state needs to vote without knowing for sure who the presumptive nominee is...it's a cop-out excuse for the chicken SD's.
also, as for holding out due to respect for Clinton, this is also beyond lame at this point. in fact, it has been their holding out that has prompted the increase in bitterness in so many of her supporters, as they continue to be led to believe a win is possible by the very fact that these SD's are holding out. this is not respect...it is chinese water torture if, in the end, the expected "Obama floodgates" open. if i were Hillary, i would say, "Well why the hell did you wait so long then if you were just going to go ahead and go for the guy who had the delegate vote in the bag almost a month ago??"
it's a valid question. and the only valid answer is...because they suck.
so "BOO!!" to all super delegates who come out today and beyond. you are either very mean, very stupid or simply very much...politicians -- people we elect to make tough choices who are, in fact, people who are terrified of ever making a tough choice.
reddwarf - I agree that Clinton should respect the party, but will she? I still have a hunch (and whispers I've read elsewhere seem to be speculating the same) that she may consider the Independent route when the inevitable delegate count is tallied. As for "sore loser" laws, currently only four states - S Dakota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas - have them apply to the presidency with Texas being a little vague. In the end I think it will be money (lack of it) more than will or respect that will make her stand down.
All,
We will be updating the sidebar tables first today as the numbers are arguably more important than the names today.
We will do everything we can to get everything updated as quickly as possible.
Just want to start the day by saying thank you to all of our visitors and we hope you stay with us after we get a nominee.
Have fun today!
Great job! Unfortunately I will be out of the office today at a lengthy hearing. I will miss the fun, but look forward to seeing the results at the end of the day.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer as well as Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester have agreed to all endorse the winner of Montana's primary -- almost certain to be Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) -- immediately upon the contest being called. The trio will be joined in the endorsement by state party chairman Dennis McDonald and vice chairman Margaret Campbell. - WaPo
Oreo, Matt, & everybody with DCW:
I have never followed an election, or primary like this year. A lot of my interest has been because of the DCW site. You people are doing a terrific job, and it is truly a fun site. I, for one, will look forward to viewing and participating in this site after the nomination process. Can't wait to go after the "war hero". Once again, thanks for providing such a great site.
James Clyburn endorses Obama on Today Show
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/03/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4148140.shtml
Bernard,
We added Clyburn yesterday
SDs since May 5th:
Obama: +89.5
Clinton: +16
Interesting, Oreo. So if Obama gets around 16 more superdelegates to come out for him during the day today (maybe some of the Pelosi Club can finally announce) and then gets around 17 delegates out of the SD and MT primaries, that and the 5 MT superdelegates will put him over the top.
Since the goal is for the national media to have a rationale for declaring Obama has clinched tonight, let's see if we can project what we know will happen when numbers are in tonight:
-5 Montana supers endorsing Obama when upon his win in Montana
-16 pledged delegates likely in Montana and South Dakota
-"Most" of the 17 undeclared senators endorsing Obama after the MT and SD primaries per CNN. (sounds like 15 will endorse and Reid and Pelosi will wait until HRC drops out) (see: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/02/superdelegates/?iref=hpmostpop)
5 + 16 + 15 = 36
My "soft" magic number is down to 2!!
The caveats, of course, is that the CNN article only says the senators will endorse "after the SD and MT primaries" and "this week". Also, not all the networks have the same number, although NBC has 37 to cinch.
"the idea that SD's need to hold out to respect the voters is inane. in nearly every other past presidential primary the people from a vast majority of states vote long after the matter has been decided. "
Not true, most states have a very small turn-out because "it does not matter." This year a first for a long time Texas got to play a role in this primary. What did we get? Record turn-out! By keeping Clinton running we have a true 50 state program, like what Dean was pushing as he entered the DNC Chair.
"to somehow act as if this year each state needs to vote without knowing for sure who the presumptive nominee is...it's a cop-out excuse for the chicken SD's."
There are over 790 superDs, together they have more power to decide who is elected this year than any state, including CA. The whole reason they allow states to decide is to figure out how strong a person is heading into the general. If they decide to soon you have what happen in 2004 where states like TX did not matter and the voters and the caucusers did not show up. Note I treat superDs and Ds from other prior states as the same as to show weight not the choice.
"also, as for holding out due to respect for Clinton, this is also beyond lame at this point. in fact, it has been their holding out that has prompted the increase in bitterness in so many of her supporters, as they continue to be led to believe a win is possible by the very fact that these SD's are holding out. this is not respect...it is chinese water torture if, in the end, the expected "Obama floodgates" open."
It may be lame, but should you stop a basketball game if the losing team is 30 points down and one minute to go? Should you put up the clubs, because Tiger Woods is on the field with a 10 stoke lead and you are on the 17th? Think about it.
As for blind supporters, do you want that kind of support? They are not for the candidate or the party. Just me, me, me.
"if i were Hillary, i would say, "Well why the hell did you wait so long then if you were just going to go ahead and go for the guy who had the delegate vote in the bag almost a month ago??"
"
That is you, and that is fair and OK. But you don't build much for the winner who is building towards the general. Maybe, you and I both don't know this, they, Obama, Clinton, and Dean, have talked and agreed to a strong 50 state race to build the party.
"it's a valid question. and the only valid answer is...because they suck."
If party unity did not matter, the party would not exist.
"so "BOO!!" to all super delegates who come out today and beyond. you are either very mean, very stupid or simply very much...politicians -- people we elect to make tough choices who are, in fact, people who are terrified of ever making a tough choice."
You have to be in an early voting state. I feel sorry for you getting so bored.
Hi Sholanda,
If you look up you'll see we already added her.
Thanks
It just posted. Not sure what happened. I deleted them though. Thanks for the great site!!
I just saw on Drudge that the Hillary campaign is expecting a 25 point win in South Dakota!! WTF with that???? I was so excited when I woke up this morning, had my "Obama" music on full blast, dancin', saw that and just feel like someone just let the air out of my balloon. Someone tell me they're dreamin'!!
reddwarf-
thank you for mentioning my state, as i forgot to mention it on my own, and it buttresses my position...
i am in Pennsylvania...which, perhaps more than any state, single-handedly proves how all of this "let the states vote and the people matter" stuff by the SD's is a crock.
PA sure turned the tide for Hillary, huh?
This race was decided the moment the last U.S. Census was taken.
SD's...if you are out there...what took you so long? changing your diapers perhaps? ;)
On MSNBC - AP reports that HRC will announce in her speech tonight that OBama has the nomination.
As for the teaser on Drudge that Clinton sources are expecting a 25 point win in South Dakota, I suspect it is BS. It would have helped if a reputable polling company had surveyed there but coupled with the ARG poll, there is a small chance that the media have just got this plain wrong.
I just don't see it though. The Obama camp report that the race is close and the Clinton camp had said the same. You also have to ask why so many voters would go out and cast their votes for Hillary on a day like today. If this were an open primary it would be possible but I can't imagine Demoncrats being that dumb.
Actually, scratch that, I can
Today is the final day of a historical primary race, and one that this loyal democrat has followed closely. In the beginning I followed because I was torn between our two candidates; however, now I follow to see how the political aspect of this is really going to play out and how the details of our politicians are going to affect the outcome of our primaries - then eventually the November race. I am left with one major question (and a lot of minor) ... why are the delegates and super delegates able to change their vote as often as they please? Many aspects of this race have unfolded over the past couple of months, and I wonder how many Americans would love the opportunity to change their vote like the delegates. Oh, that's right the popular vote does not really count. This is very difficult for this democratic to digest.
Hillary Clinton will conced tonight.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080603/D912LPOG0.html
Might we now open the floodgates.
Let's go SDs.
lou, it's an ARG poll. For fantastic commentary on it, an alternative projection (Obama by 5%), and an explanation of the difficulty in polling accurately in S. Dakota, go to:
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/
and scroll down to "South Dakota Projection" and click on "There's More".
Hillary Clinton will concede tonight.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080603/D912LPOG0.html
Might we now open the floodgates.
Let's go SDs.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, an undeclared superdelegate, told the Republican today that he is pledging his vote at the Democratic National Convention to U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who is expected to capture the party's nomination for the presidency after today's primaries in Montana and South Dakota.
"I think he gave more of a vision where he wanted to go," Olver said, in explaining his ultimate decision to back Obama over U.S. Sen. Hillary R. Clinton, D-N.Y. "Hillary was all about competence and experience," Olver said, but added that he was critical of her vote to allow the U.S. invasion into Iraq and that her experience was largely due to her role as First Lady and not through executive experience.
"I though Barack made a good case for himself in his presentation," Olver said. "He does a wonderful speech and really inspires people. The last several years have been really a bummer."
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18747118&postID=3775366810826889578
Thanks p smith for that! I can breathe now and go off to work - it'll be hard to work today!
Now that it appears that things are finally concluded, will it be possible to rally the Democrats together under one banner? I'm curious how many Hillary supporters will have the attitude shown after the Florida/Michigan decision and vote "vote McCain".
The link for the Olver story is
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/06/congressman_olver_endorses_oba.html
Whoops, it's at the top of this thread anyway.
Chelsea,
Superdelegates can't change their votes. They just don't vote until the convention. The same is really true for all the "pledged" delegates. They can vote however they want at the convention. At this point the SDs are just announcing their intention. A small percentage of superdelegates have changed their stated preference, but for the most part those who have come out in support of a candidate have stayed loyal.
And no, just like in the general election the popular vote doesn't count and in many cases isn't even counted.
Hillary Concession Speech Tonight being reported by AP just a falsehood ......
According to Terence Richard "Terry" McAuliffe, Hillary is still running for President Until Obama actually Clinches 2118...
What are They Waiting For ???????
Clinton campaign jusst issued the following press release:
The AP story is incorrect. Senator Clinton will not concede the nomination this evening.
what an exciting day! although, i've said that over and over thinking, 'this is it! today's the day the nominee will be named!' so P Smith, I'm with you. The SDs need to MOVE!!!
Actually, the AP article IS correct. It very clearly states that Clinton will stop short of formally ending the race.
Whoever wrote the article just decided to suffer from a brief lapse of retardation when they named the release.
She's like that character in Monty Python's "The Holy Grail" who just won't go away....
Merely a flesh wound
MSNBC: They mentioned a SD from California just came out for Obama. This was dueing acall with Ickes. Didn't catch the name. Does anybody know?
It's almost as if she's saying to the SD's that you can come out now.....but as long as they don't, she's not going to go away.
augie -
Not just a California Super, but a switch from Clinton. Didn't catch the name either.
Let's see: he has enough delegates, but I'm not conceding.
This could be just conflicting reports in the press, but if not how does one reconcile those 2 statements?
Thanks Bull. I'm not the only one that heard it. They said the SD had been for Clinton and then has been uncommitted for the last few weeks.aa
Sounds like Lynn Woolsey.
The Hill, April 7
Not a switcher. John Perez, CA DNC. That was the name I heard, no link yet.
- Added Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI)* for Obama
Ah.. someone over at kos may have hit on what is really happening...
"that per FEC she cannot fundraise to pay off more than 250K of her personal debts if she formally ends her campaign. If she doesn't formally end it then she has until the convention ends in August."
And we have our answer! Thanks, edgeways!
Right, John Perez (John Pérez) looks likely. This site & wikipedia have him uncommitted, but a February news story has him for Clinton:
The Advocate, Feb. 12
Well, she WAS a Clinton-backer, Amot (grin)
Well, in that case is she a switch?
And is Kwame the next one?
I can't find anything saying that Perez has endorsed Obama, but I am seeing that he was a Clinton backer who is now uncommitted. I'm keeping an eye on all the news that I can handle
two more from Michigan reported by Ambinder
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/
DNC Members Debbie Dingell and Rick Wiener
MSNBC reports Debbie Dingell (MI) switches from HRC to BHO.
what is taking the damn house reps so long to endorse, I AM SICK OF WAITING, ENDORSE ALREADY
edgeways,
That really doesn't explain what she's going to do. If she were going to announce the "suspension" of her campaign I don't think anyone would deny she was dropping out (unless of course they're being deceptive or are just out of the loop). That's about as close as it gets to dropping out these days. I think Edwards' campaign is still suspended.
I suspect she just wants to take a day or two and choreograph her exit on her terms.
- Added DNC Debbie Dingell (MI)* for Obama
- Added DNC Richard Wiener (MI)* for Obama
Michiganders left her for good. Californians to follow?
National Journal's Daily Briefing on Politics (6/3/2008):
Dingell's statement, as provided to On Call:
"Senator Levin, Governor Granholm and other Michigan leaders have fought hard to change the Presidential nominating process to be fairer and more representative of the American electorate. While this election season may have been challenging at times, Michigan has been a significant participant in the fight for real and fundamental change. And because Michigan Democrats have led the fight for significant change, I believe that we should also be leaders in the unity process. That is why today I am joining with Rick Wiener to endorse Barack Obama for President.
"Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have run vigorous campaigns, demonstrating to the American people that Democrats are ready to lead on reform for our broken health care system, to protect and create American jobs and to responsibly end the War in Iraq. Now, as the nominating process comes to an end, it is time to unite behind Barack Obama, who will be our Democratic nominee for the White House. Senator Obama has shown me and he has shown the American people that he represents change – a change that this country desperately needs after seven and a half long years of the Bush White House. He will lead our party to victory in November, carrying Michigan for the Democrats by running a campaign focused on bringing change to working families.
"I commend Senator Clinton on a well run campaign and while she would have made a terrific President, I know that she will continue to be a tremendous leader in the United States Senate fighting with the same dynamism that we all admire her for.
"This campaign has often been marginalized in the media, with the focus frequently on race or sex or age. That is not what the campaign is about. This campaign is about the future of the United States."
Choreograph her exit on her terms or retain as much leverage as possible (either today or later this week or month) to strike a deal with Obama re platform/speaking in Denver/Cabinet post or VP offers/Bill's seat on the Supreme Court... (just kidding!!)
per Ben at Politico
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0608/Clyburn_names_three_more_Obama_superdelegates.html
On a conference call announcing his own endrosement, Rep. James Clyburn names three more undecided officials who, he says, will endorse Obama today:
They're Rep. John Spratt of South Carolina; New York superdelegate Ralph Dawson, and Tim Moore, a South Carolina Edwards delegate.
He said he'd spoken to Nancy Pelosi.
"She will be making her own announcement on that subject tomorrow...or the next day," he said.
Shouldn't it now be 6 endorsements for a total of 4 (not 4.5 votes)?
2 Full Voters = 2
4 Half-voters = 2
No?
she is NOT conceding her nomination bid tonight. even if Obama hits the 2118. everyone else says she is dropping out, but she has always, and still is saying she will NOT drop out. not today, not tomorrow.
it was her plan all along since Feb, she will stay in and try to poach SDs till Aug.
WHY do we have SDs who refuse to pledge during the primaries???!!? the fact that some of them said they wont commit till someone drops out is C R A Z Y. especially the way the numbers are set up. IF they have SDs next time, they should require them to pledge at the same time as their states primary!!
all the politicians want US to vote, well @$()@*$it, YOU VOTE!!
Thanks Robert...
4 is correct. Fixed
FLOOD!!!!
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0608/Floridas_McDowell_for_Obama.html
Another Florida super for Obama
Fred K. McDowell
If she drops out, she'll lose major media coverage.
Her Fighter(tm) brand would suffer if she drops out of the media coverage.
So, please, tell me why would she drop out?
What piece of evidence exists that she cares more about the Democratic Party than increasing or standing as a politition? I'm saying this as a former Hillary supporter
Clyburn is naming three other SD endorsements for Obama, but you might want to try and find their endorsements in their own words before you post it here. They're Rep. John Spratt of South Carolina; New York superdelegate Ralph Dawson, and Tim Moore, a South Carolina Edwards delegate
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0608/Clyburn_names_three_more_Obama_superdelegates.html
The "Clyburn 3":
Fowler: Said he respects Clyburn but does 'not plan to change my candidate affiliation tomorrow.' He said he would back Obama only if Clinton doesn’t get the nomination.
Spratt: Spokesman Chuck Fant said his boss wasn’t talking about an endorsement for now and wouldn’t confirm Clyburn’s calls to back Obama or word that Spratt and Clyburn would make a joint announcement Tuesday. Spratt previously has said he’d do as his House district did in the primary, which handily backed Obama.
Moore: Reached later in the day, said he’d support whomever Clyburn and Spratt pick.
Source: http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2008/06/03/news/doc48447eb03ea11810432481.txt
I still think Clinton will not recognize Obama's 59 from MI. That will be her reason for not conceding, saying Obama still hasn't reached 2118. I'm almost willing to bet the farm on it.
FWIW, Ben Smith says Fred McDowell (FL) goes for Obama.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0608/Floridas_McDowell_for_Obama.html
McDowell's not a super. He's a pledged Edwards delegate. We need better confirmation before moving him.
Vixx,
She'll exit within the next few days. She might try to chip a way at a tiny superdelegate lead, but by tomorrow it should be pretty clear that she can't catch him. The campaigns will work it out and she'll exit gracefully.
Jennifer DeChant for Obama
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080603/NEWS/80603017
I've read conflicting reports about whether the Clinton campaign was complaining about/threatening to challange/refused to accept the delegate split in Michigan (69-59 vs. 73-55) or Obama getting any pledged delegates in Michigan at all. I have not gone back to try to reconcile the reports with what Ickes/Wolfson/McAuliffe have said, though, mostly because I can no longer stomach any of them.
There are 13 CA supers, I guess when they see what happens at east they will took a part in the fest :)
Matt,
if Debbie Dingel is a switch, it should be Clinton -0.5
Debbie Dingel is not a switch.
- Added DNC Jennifer DeChant (ME) for Obama
Sorry, my fault, I was misled by the MSNBC phrase she is switching.
Just for argument, let's say Clinton is pondering holding off in case MI changes to 73/2 Clinton, 55/2 Uncommited. Well Obama already had commitments from 22 of the uncommitted. So by my count he loses 37/2 or 18.5. So he may not get to 2218 tonight based on that, but he'll probably be there tomorrow. At that point she won't have much of a case.
George, I think the difference is that once it's clear that her opponent has cross the finish line her reputation as a Fighter(TM) and multi-million dollar man-of-the-people will become a really hard sell.
I know she could still try to re-imagine the rules and push the finish line out, but I think the writing is on the wall and enough SDs will pile on to make it a mute point.
She's stubborn, but she's not an idiot. She knows she still has a future in the party if she doesn't push it too far (and so far she has correctly calculated that too far is a lot further than many suspected). I'm sure she'll be re-branding herself as his long-time best friend before long.
Fred McDowell for Obama
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hqblog
Here they come!!!! too exciting.... any predictions????
Spratt and Moore of SC for Obama
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGByc5
Wait a sec... My bad. Moore was a pledged delegate that was originally an Edwards delegate
Why did Richard Weiner's parents saddle him with that name? Wow, the abuse he must have taken as a kid....
MSNBC: Andrea Mitchell just said 3 more have just announce for Obama bringing his needed total to 30.5. She's in the middle of an interview and didn't say anymore.
This was well hidden, but Obama campaign announced Ralph Dawson for Obama earlier today.
It's going pretty quickly, isn't it?
Just walked back from the Xcel Energy Center after moving my car down there - there are already people in line at 11:45am!
I'm racing out of here when I get off of work to see if I can make it in, but who knows how long the line will be by 5pm.
I'm very excited at the chance to be there tonight!
Wait a minute guys. I know you are all enthusiastic but you can't confirm endorsements just because something appears on the blog page of the official Obama site. If it appears within an announcement on the front page then it is official.
Otherwise, we need actual endorsements from the person himself or herself.
Neither Dawson, Moore or Spratt has yet endorsed Obama by any proper reckoning. We all know they will do so shortly but they have not endorsed. Clyburn has outed them (so to speak) but we can't count them yet.
I'm not sure McDowell is official either. Politico are simply referring to the Obama blog page.
Hell, I can go on the Obama blog page and confirm that someone in the grocery store told me that Hillary has endorsed Obama.
Let's be patient. It's much more enjoyable that way and I would urge you all not to engage in gloating. Like it or not, Hillary and her supporters need to be on your side if you're going to win the general election.
so Matt/Oreo,
are there more than 7 SDs for Obama today, or is this just hearsay at this point? Many thanks.
I agree too, as I am just dying to see the negativity within our party END.
It is the official page of Obama campaign, those are campaign bloggers not regular supporters.
Sorry, p_smith! Those endorsements are legal and DCW has always accepted the official site as valid source.
p_smith is correct. I posted a link and quotes earlier from Spratt and Moore that pretty clearly indicated that Spratt and Moore are going together, but Spratt's spokesman would not confirm an Obama endorsement.
http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2008/06/03/news/doc48447eb03ea11810432481.txt
More on Fred McDowell:
Fred McDowell of Leesburg is an elected delegate who was previously pledged to Sen. John Edwards.
He wrote a letter to the Florida Democratic Party this morning that Congressman David Bonior called him on May 2 and asked on behalf of Sen. Edwards to instead support Sen. Barack Obama.
"I am pleased to inform you that I will follow Sen. Edwards’ desires and pledge my support and delegate vote to Senator Obama," wrote McDowell, who is chief of the state party's Veteran Caucus.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2008/06/edwards-delegat.html
They all make mistakes but that Obama site has been pretty darn reliable. i've found it more reliable than the MSM.
Hey AP is saying Obama Got this Wrapped ..... True ??
So we are now assuming that Obama campaign doesn't know who is supporting them?
Anyway they counted the three, it is on Matt and Oreo to decide!
I am back. One more full superdelegate from OHio.
http://blog.dispatch.com/dailybriefing/2008/06/superdelegate_beatty_back_obam_1.shtml
AP
"Barack Obama has effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, based on an Associated Press tally of convention delegates.
ADVERTISEMENT
The tally put Obama over the top Tuesday, ahead of the results from the day's final primaries in Montana and South Dakota. The Illinois senator becomes the first black candidate ever to lead his party into a fall campaign for the White House. Obama outlasted former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in a historic contest and now faces Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona for the presidency."
but they don't give any details. And they didn't have Hillary's Concession right.
- Added DNC Joyce Beatty (OH) for Obama
Joyce Beatty for Obama!
Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus), an Ohio political powerhouse and a Superdelegate who serves on the Democratic National Committee, announced today she is supporting Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nominee as President of the United States.
From Leader Beatty's statement...
I have spoken to Sen. Obama several times about his ideas for moving our nation past the failed policies of the Bush administration. I like Sen. Obama's stances on issues important to all Americans, and I am proud that an African-American has the trust and the support of people across all cross-sections of our society in this historic campaign. He has brought energy and an excitement to this race that inspires people, and he is the right person for the job.
Dewey Wins!
Seems like the AP is a bit early. Almost like that's intended for papers with really early deadlines.
California John Pérez' endorsement?
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/03/1100876.aspx
MSNBC's First Read has John Perez of Cal. endorsing Obama.
Kwame Kilpatrick added for Obama
Don't expect to see this one from the Obama campaign
the AP calling it is huge. my guess is they decided that since Hillary double-talked about what her speech would be tonight, they decided to say, "screw it, let's go with the SD's who have confirmed to us."
reporting is reporting, especially with the AP, which means confirmed soruces, which means enough SD's will be coming out today/tonight to assure Obama of the nomination irrespective of the last two primaries.
good. this is not Hillary's night, it is Barack's. she needs to shut up for a change. let Obama be nice to her for the sake of the party. but i am glad the AP kicked back at her, right in the teeth with a hard dose of mid-day reality.
What about John A. Perez from CA?????
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/03/1100876.aspx
We'll see if Kwame even makes it to the convention as a superdelegate.
looks like the AP artical was based on what people are saying in private, as well as public pledges. guess they just wanted to be the first to say "Obamas won" :)
cleduc, i agree, that Obama site has been pretty darn accurate ;)
whoda thunkit
victory speech for Obama tonight!
but... concession speech from Hillary?
or a pledge to "fight on" for the rights of the people and the "most voters who have ever voted for a canidate" (if you count 2 busted primaries and disregard the hundreds of thousands of uncommited in WI and ignore votes for 1/2 dozen caucas states because those votes dont really matter)
Daily Kos have a list ot probably 20 supers ready to endorse...
"The AP tally was based on public commitments from delegates as well as more than a dozen private commitments. It also included a minimum number of delegates Obama was guaranteed even if he lost the final two primaries in South Dakota and Montana later in the day."
so they did include a "minimum" for what is expected tonight in the primaries. now i KNOW they were pissed at Hillary, haha, because that makes very little sense to call it with such estimates so early.
you don't tell the AP one thing, then call them wrong because of your damn ego. BOO! Clinton, yet again.
Jon Ausman, a florida Superdelegate is suppose to hold a press conference today at 2:30est. and announce his choice for president. hmmm....
From AP article posted 6 mins ago
"The tally was based on public declarations from delegates as well as from another 15 who have confirmed their intentions to the AP. It also included 11 delegates Obama was guaranteed as long as he gained 30 percent of the vote in South Dakota and Montana later in the day. It takes 2,118 delegates to clinch the nomination."
Hey, is there an up to date list of remaining superdelegates that we could be googling? I'd like to print it off and start lining them out...
Thomas...
We happen to have one here
Finally got one for spratt:
http://www.heraldonline.com/152/story/600843.html
Amot do you have link of the estimated 20 on daily kos
Awesome! Thanks!
Also, NPR has Obama with 2093, meaning only 25 remaining according to them...
Sidebar to the right:
http://www.npr.org/templates/topics/topic.php?topicId=1102
This looks like an official John Spratt endorsement, no?
http://www.heraldonline.com/152/story/600843.html
From same AP article
"Clinton stood ready to concede that her rival had amassed the delegates needed to triumph, according to officials in her campaign. They stressed that the New York senator did not intend to suspend or end her candidacy in a speech Tuesday night in New York. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they had not been authorized to divulge her plans."
so obviously the AP is not backing off their original report.
Debra Kozikowski, MA
http://wbztv.com/massachusettswire/22.0.html?type=local&state=MA&category=n&filename=MA--Mass.Superdelegat.xml
(if you don't already have her)
Here is the Daily Kos list!
Are we adding Moore or we are waiting for official endorsement? He is not a super so maybe he will not make it more official than it is now...
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/06/congressman_olver_chicopees_ko.html
better link for debra kozikowski
- Added Rep. John Spratt (SC) for Obama
- Added DNC Debra Kozikowski (MA) for Obama
CA guy Jeery McNerney to endorse....follow up
http://www.politickerca.com/alexisenstadt/1088/source-superdelegate-mcnerney-endorse-tuesday
There's a new one every time I refresh - this is my kind of day.
Tonight is going to be so exciting, even if I can't get in...
Obama site lists Moore, along with Spratt http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGByc5
Senator Harkin made a comment that "appeared" he was backing Obama. Saw it on the noon news (I'm from Iowa).
JIMMY CARTER HAS JUST ENDORSED OBAMA!!!!
MSNBC reporting that Jimmy Carter has endorsed Obama.
msnbc just reported frmr Prez Carter formally endorsed BHO.
There are only 3 representatives listed today. 18 were to come out today. If that is true, he should have enough without any Senators or any more DNC members.
First Read now includes Moore, SC delegate for Edwards, in Obama's numbers.
http://www.wbt.com/news/details.cfm?ap_id=D912P78O1
Carter to endorse as soon as polls close. Does that count yet?
Latest from the AP
" Hillary Rodham Clinton will concede Tuesday night that Barack Obama has the delegates to secure the Democratic nomination, campaign officials said, effectively ending her bid to be the nation's first female president.
The former first lady was not ready to formally suspend or end her race in a speech Tuesday night in New York City. But if Obama gets to the magic number of delegates, 2,118, she was prepared to acknowledge that milestone, according to aides who declined to be identified."
Is this a concession that's not a concession? or is this like Bill Clinton's "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is"?
Ok people. Perhaps MSN has said that Carter is officially endorsing Obama, which I would have to agree, but the only link up so far that I can find, says that he will not make the official announcement until polls close tonight. Here's the link
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/19495034.html?location_refer=Lynx
ATLANTA (AP) - Former President Carter says he'll endorse Democrat Barack Obama after the polls close on the final primaries.
Carter told The Associated Press on Tuesday: "The fact is the Obama people already know they have my vote when the polls close tonight." Carter spoke to the AP after addressing the Georgia World Congress Center.
Carter, a superdelegate, has remained officially neutral in the race but has offered high praise to Obama. Carter has noted that his children, grandchildren and their spouses back the Illinois senator.
South Dakota and Montana hold primaries Tuesday.
Ausman added fro Clinton
And to think I liked Ausman after his presentation on Saturday to the RBC. What is he doing at this stage? I mean, what's the point?
Feinstein calls on Clinton to drop out and Obama to pick her as VP.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/03/clinton-backer-feinstein-says-its-time-to-end/
Ausman is crazy if he want's to see an Obama-Clinton ticket. Say hello to another 4 years of a GOP White House if she is VP. McCain has trouble with his base and a Clinton on a ticket would mobilize Republicans in a way McCain can't.
I hope these nightmare ticket rumors can be laid to rest soon.
I would have been thrilled with an Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama ticket back in February.
Now I don't want her name anywhere on it, she really blew it.
Has anyone news on the Edwards delegates? Obama's results page says 12.5 switched from Edwards? Would that be about right?
Claudia in Canada
Mc Nerney (CA) for Obama
http://www.politickerca.com/alexisenstadt/1088/source-superdelegate-mcnerney-endorse-tuesday
Jimmy Carter told AP he'll endorse Obama tonight as the polls close. Politico has it.
Clinton can't be trusted as VP. That liar would do ANYTHING to be prez.
Obama needs to pick someone he can trust.
didnt see this on here yet but according to the AP and MSNBC news hilary clinton just said that she would like to be Obamas VP to a group of NY law makers......
how I read it is that Clinton would be "opening to being" Obama's VP. I guess that's sorta-kinda like "wants to be" but not really
Please no, keep her off the ticket.
ya MSNBC just said that now in updating the story....it was also in response to a question from a NY law makers asking about her future plans or something along those lines.....
Interesting to me since she has stated that he is "not electable" and the fact that she would dodge or bat the question away.....
gonna ge interesting night on these speeches....
"The fact is the Obama people already know they have my vote when the polls close tonight."
I think that's as clear a statement as anyone needs from Carter.
Vote John Ausman out of office!
And wtf? Clinton is trying to pressure superdelegates to support her in order to leverage for a joint ticket? No. Please anything but that.
The thought if Hillary being VP is not a pleasant one for me.
MA DNC Member Deb Kozikowski has endorsed Obama.
Kozikowski's statement...
I made a commitment to wait until the end of the primary process and now it is time to make my choice. Barack Obama has won my support for President. Hillary Clinton ran a great race, I respect her hard work and commitment to the issues I care about, but Senator Obama's message of bringing our country together is in sync with the agenda of building rural-urban partnerships for the good of all of America.
I care about issues facing rural families and businesses, everything from our food supply to the challenges of economic development, and Barack Obama is committed to ensuring that rural residents aren't left behind. All you have to do is compare the websites of John McCain and Barack Obama to see who is the candidate with real ideas to help rural communities. I am committed to delivering Barack Obama’s message of hope and change to voters all across the country and working to convince my fellow superdelegates who have yet to support a candidate to join me in supporting him.
AP tally: Obama effectively clinches nomination
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080603/ap_on_el_pr/primary_rdp
"The tally was based on public declarations from delegates as well as from another 16 who have confirmed their intentions to the AP..."
Does anybody have an idea who these 16 superdelegates might be?
Also, it's no big suprise since he's a member of the Pelosi Club but:
Former President Carter says he will endorse Obama - AP
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080603/ap_on_el_pr/carter_obama;_ylt=AuM22Kj96s0fFm50FL_3FfpsnwcF
In "upcoming", that should be
"Jerry McNerney", NOT "Paul McNerny" (who?).
YOUTUBE VIDEO:
WHY CLINTON SHOULD NOT BE VP!!!!:
http://tinyurl.com/3z98ty
.
McNerney fixed
As the nomination process wears down, I just want to thank the creators of the site. It has been an excellent resource over the past few months.
This should be sufficient to add Perez!
Perez added fro Obama
Great idea!!
Obama can pick Hillary as VP, and McCain can pick Jeb Bush! That way, we will be sure to have at least 32 years of a Clinton or Bush as President or Vice President.
Then we could say America has the first democratically elected monarchy in history!
http://www.sunherald.com/306/story/602665.html
Mississippi chair for Obama
just in sort of updating the MSNBC story on clinton being open to be VP....
MSNBC is saying that clinton and lawmakers were discussing the fact of the Hispanic vote and clinton felt that Obama would not be able garner the Hispanic/Latino support she could in the GE....
She then stated the only way she could see Obama getting the same type of Hispanic vote she has was to have her on the ticket....
Thats when one of the NY lawmakers (a Hispanic) asked if she would like to be VP....and thats when she stated she would be open to the idea of VP.....
Which I find kind of odd since I am Hispanic and would support the dem nominee either way (as would most of my family from what I understand)....but eh.....
I am also impatient with the Supers. However after a bit of thought, I think it may well just be one more placation of Clinton. With the number that have said they'll endorse AFTER the polls close and the number coming out today on the last day of primaries I think that they have simply been paying lip service to Clinton's "let all the people vote" argument, despite already knowing who they would endorse.
There have been many, many things done to keep HRC 'placated' in this race. It shows what kind of power the Clintons have/had in politics. I am hoping that this election cycle breaks some of that power. As for HRC as VP, even with her directly saying it, I don't see it happening (and pray that I am right). After many of the comments she has made I think that BO putting HRC in the veep slot is right out, although perhaps somewhere less close to him in his administration (and less close to the line of succession to the presidency) would be a very good plan. The only problem is that I don't see a slot that she would want since the presidency isn't available.
Thralen
I often wonder if Clinton and her surrogates say things because they actually believe them, or come to believe things because they say them over and over.
Minor correction - Carnelia Fondren is Vice Chair, not Chair of MS Dems.
Is Jimmy Carter being counted yet? I guess he's making it official tonight....
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D912P9Q00&show_article=1
We have started a new summary post here
Comments have been locked on this one
Gov. Joe Manchin (WY) endorsing on Wednesday.
Post a Comment