Posts with the tag super delegates

MAY THE BITTER DISSENTERS COME TO TRUTH AT THE CONVENTION

Roselen Hope — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:33:14 EDT

I emailed super delegates via lobbydelegates.com yesterday in response to their reminder that participants have just a few days to make final mailings to supers before Denver Convention__Here's the text of my email to CA list of Hillary supporters, list of Barack supporters, and the list of uncomitted super delegates posted on website lobbydelegates.com:

MAY THE BITTER DISSENTERS COME TO TRUTH AT THE CONVENTION

Yes, HRC has staunch bitter fans going into Denver. Sad. She lost. She lost on her own steam. Barack Obama came up from underdog and defeated her WITHOUT the support of a former two-term president WJC.

What disturbs me most about the state of things going into Denver is that Hillary people blame unfair treatment for her loss, which was not and is not true. BUT, Barack continues to be the brunt of treatment as an ethnic candidate, a candidate not 100% Euro American.

Most disturbing to me is that in the latter contests the Hillary camp attempted to remake the DNC rules to HER advantage AND frankly, very frankly William Jefferson Clinton campaigned like a crazed surrogate and former president and spouse of Hillary. Bill I estimate won at least 40% of her "hard working white" vote for Hillary in the rurals.

Of course in the eleventh hour with WJC campaigning everywhere in S. Dakota and claiming Barack Obama got others to slime Hillary and that Barack Obama put a "hit job on me" -- said on Philadelphia radio the morning of the PA primary helped Hillary.

BUT __On a wing, a prayer, much grassroot support, Party, independent, republican, Senator Obama with a great vision for new governance in Washington; graced with tremendous talent, strategy, stamina, and a most perceptive 21st Century assessment and fashioning a paradigm of the new world order at home and abroad and a blueprint to turn a new page in democracy at home __ wrong democracy at home under republicans __ failed democracies abroad __ Barack Obama will prevail.

Hillary Clinton and camp could NOT swiftboat Barack Obama and NOR will John McClain offering tabloid attacks and his WAR stories of experience of the world 40 years ago as the blueprint for the 21st Century citizenry that has become so participatory under the grassroots campaigning of Senator Barack Obama and his Obama for American network.

I do hope that the bitter Hillary gang will NOT be allowed to disrupt the rules and policies of DNCC at Denver. I am a voter of years and I do believe, most unfortunately, that NOT sexism BUT racism mostly has been tainting the primary and the Denver convention going forward this most extraordiary 2008 Election.

Again, given all of her tremendous political support and the two Clintons, former president, against Barack Obama, the new political presence, Hillary lost the primary on her own steam.

May the dissenters come to truth. Hillary was allowed to modified the rules for Florida and Michigan__she should have received NO count by the rules NOR Barack Obama.

If Hillary had the "won" delegates to compete with Barack, the bitter people would seem less disagreeble. Had the supers gone with Hillary, indeed there would have been a selected primary winner__she DID NOT have the count, even with her BIG STATES that now go strongly for Obama such as CALIFORNIA, my state. It is time to commit to Senator Barack Obama, although Senator Hillary Clinton can have her showtime: She fought so fiercely, but has thrown support to Senator Obama now that we are in the General Election and he is the Party nominee.

It is time for Hillary fans to stop waging the Primary race against Barack.

Good luck.

My Congressman Finally Endorsed Obama.

Chris Comninel — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:10:28 EDT

Tonight, my Congressman, Rust Holt (NJ-12), endorsed Barack Obama following his primary win in New Jersey. Here's the link. It's just another one to add to the ever growing list, but for me its a very important and significant one.

Historic Proportions.

Chris Comninel — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:27:49 EDT

Hello all,

Tonight will be a night of historic proportions when Barack Obam hits the number (2118) to become the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. As of now (6:35 EST), he is only 10 delegates from clinching the nomination, and it is almost a lock that will gain the requisite number of delegates, super and pledged.

Hillary Clinton has fought a very hard and tough campaign, whether we like it or not, and she may still be claiming some type of "victory", probably symbolic, as Obama passes such a threshold. As she speaks, we must accept her attempt to be proud and prideful of her campaign. This is a time for UNITY, we can't be spewing blogs of hate and anger, because it will simply continue to splinter our party.

Let's all take time and reflect our own unique part in this campaign, as well as what this campaign has stood for since day one. Whether you were original Obama supporter (awesome foresight), or joined the campaign when your candidate dropped out (like me-Jan. 30, woo!), or took your initial role in this movement when you casted your ballot for Obama, all of you have contributed a great deal to this grassroots movement we're calling a campaign. Congratulations, I am very proud and all of you should be too. This is a moment to cherish and hold on to for the rest of your life. YES WE CAN!!

Thank you all for everything!!

FAT LADY SINGS

Not-a-Sheep : ENOUGH is ENOUGH! — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:36:23 EDT

Courtesy of Foster & Lloyd

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aG6w72Q-dUE

Super Delegates Must End the Debate with an Overwhelmimg Majority Vote for Senator Obama so we can prepare to take back the America that we Love.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:59:10 EDT

Americans are in fighting in three wars, Afghanistan and Iraq and a domestic war on our own soil and now a war between the democrats. I woke up this morning envisioning a nightmare. After June 3rd Senator Clinton vows to fight until the conference. Her platform will be the Michigan delegates that went to Senator Obama and the 4 votes that she lost. The only way to shut down her argument is an overwhelming vote by the super delegates that will negate the 56 votes making her argument moot. The popular vote issue is already moot. The presidential candidate is decided based on delegate count. Although we are to believe that laws change depending on whether the candidate is winning or losing a large majority of Americans believe in laws.

For two years my family has been driving my granddaughter to school across town to school. I have spoke with many parents that are also driving a great distance to insure a quality education for their children. With the price of gas parents have to consider not only the cost of education but can they afford the gas. Employees have to consider their place of employment based on the available transportation. It is difficult to work a minimum wage job and provide for one’s family if the job is off the bus line or if it takes more money to get to work than you make during the week. Food prices are soaring. Electric bills are rising with the intense heat of the summer. Health insurance for family policies is rising and there is no help available for struggling families. There once was a choice of health insurance and day care. Now the choice is health insurance or gas and food. We are the richest country in the world and we have a massive homeless population. Our enlisted men are coming home without the proper medical care. Shelters in North Carolina are turning away 100-150 people a day. We cannot afford to continue this internal battle between the candidates. The future of America is at stake and we pray that the Super delegates will make the best decision for our country and let us move on to victory in November.

Senator Lautenberg needs our support to be re-elected, ask him to endorse Sen. Obama

Shai — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:44:16 EDT

Okay everyone,

Senator Frank Lautenberg is up for re election. His is an undeclared Super delegate and he is the current Senator for NJ. Please call him, email him, or contact him through snail mail ( regular postal mail) and tell him that the people of New Jersey are supporting Barack Obama. If he is unwilling to endorse Senator Obama then we are also unwilling to vote for him. How can we elect someone or either cannot or will not support our best interest?

Since his opponent Rob Andrews, a current member of the House of Representatives supports Hillary Clinton, make sure to tell him and his staff that you will simply not vote. But please be respectful and kind and let them know that you support Obama because he represents change and diplomacy and because he unites the American people and doesn't serve as a force to divide us. The Senate Primary is this Tuesday, June 3rd and the Senate Elections are in November. Please contact him. You will find his contact information below.

Also contact his opponent, Representative Rob Andrews is a supporter of Hillary Clinton. Please Contact him as well and let him know that if he desires to be the Senator of New Jersey then he should represent the will of the constituents of NJ and endorse Senator Obama because if he doesn't then we will be unable to support him. You may be able to encourage him to support Sen. Obama because he was quoted saying "I think the time for party unity is here, and I would encourage Sen. Clinton to understand the need for that unity and respectfully ask her to take a look at the situation." Click here to the entire article :http://cache.search.yahoo-ht2.akadns.net/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=us+rep+robert+andrews+Hillary+clinton&fr=yfp-t-501&u=www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article%3FAID%3D/20080518/COMMUNITIES/805180367/1005/NEWS01&w=us+rep+robert+andrews+hillary+clinton&d=fATefJzfQ2CJ&icp=1&.intl=us

Please once again be respectful and kind. You will also find the contact information for Rep. Robert Andrews below.

Thank you.

Obama '08

Sen. Frank Lautenberg's contact info: http://lautenberg.senate.gov/contact/

Rep Rob Andrews contact info: http://www.robandrewsforchange.com/contact

source: http://cache.search.yahoo-ht2.akadns.net/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=rob+andrews+super+delegate&fr=yfp-t-501&u=politickernj.com/tags/superdelegate-0&w=rob

Hillary Clinton's a Republican!

Angelina24/7 — Sat, 24 May 2008 19:59:05 EDT

Anyone that follows this campaign would have to admit that Hillary Clinton has done some bizarre things during her Presidential bid. Her comments have become even more offensive and the May 24th comments about Robert F. Kennedy take the cake.

But after hearing a local commentator I think I now understand what's really going on. Hillary Clinton is a Republican!! We all know she was raised a Republican, but became a Democrat in her young adult life. Yet her willingness to go to the dark side(Fox News) shows us just how comfortable she is with the enemy. She's even quoting Carl Rove for heaven's sake !! I think the real Manchurian Candidate is Hillary. She was raised a Republican - told to go out and infiltrate the Democratic Party - and after successfully doing so - bring it to it's knees. What other explanation is there?? Who else would work so hard to bring the Party down? She says she is determined to take this all the way to the convention. If she does, we will most certainly lose this election. It will take us years to recouperate.

The Super Delegates must step in, take a stand and pledge for Obama. They must bring this thing to a halt! This woman must be shut down on June 1, 2008 That's the only way the Democratic party can be saved.

May 23'08 - Sad day in the history of the Democratic Party

Cactus Wren from Tucson — Sat, 24 May 2008 10:53:39 EDT

Yesterday was one of the saddest days in my long memory of elections and politics. The specter of assassination being brought up, as an excuse to continue a lagging campaign, was so ignorant and arrogant. a I was in with a group of mixed ages, political viewpoints and economic standings, diverse as any backgrounds, but shock was the universal reaction when Keith Olbermann came on, and that awful piece was played.

The MSM apologists are in full swing today - there is now excuse though! Not this time!

The best piece of writing I have seen on this was on the DailyKos

http://www.dailykos.com/user/teresahill

No holds barred on the emotional response, this has prevoked around the world, and on the absolute bravery of the Obamas to offer us this opportunity for hope and change.

I am reminded of the original tone of this campaign, that can only be restored with the nomination unquestionably determined by the Party - not next week, not in June, but today.

If the Dem leadership does not understand the Fierce Urgency of NOW this time, I will lose faith in their ability to remain relevant in the 21st Century. We are the ones - we must win this election, with or without the party bosses. I will continue to write the DNC, and they will not see this one blow over.

Please, lets remember why we are here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSJsEVf0pU

Please act - every voice needs to be heard today! Yes, We Can! Our United States, OUR PRESIDENT!

FIRED UP?

Vice President

Ray from Delray Beach, FL — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:14:40 EDT

BARACK, PLEASE BE STRONG WITH YOUR SELECTION OF A RUNNING MATE AS THIS IS YOUR FIRST TEST AS A POTENTIAL PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR OUR GREAT COUNTRY. DO YOU DEEP DOWN FEEL YOU COULD OR WOULD GET CHANGE WITH HILLARY ON YOUR TICKET? REMEMBER THEIR ARE MANY VERY WORTHY RUNNING MATES THAT WILL SHARE YOUR NEW YOUNG "YES WE CAN ATTITUDE" AND TOGETHER WITH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE YOU WILL GET MANY OF ALL OUR DREAMS FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY RESOLVED AND IMPLEMENTED. JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT, DO NOT BE PUSHED INTO A DECESION YOU MAY SOON REGRET, REMEMBER WHAT TED KENNEDY JUST SAID WHEN ASKED WHO YOU SHOULD SELECT FOR VP, LET THOSE WORDS OF HIS BE YOUR GUIDING LIGHT AND OF COURSE YOUR OWN GUT.

THE RB BLOG

Ray from Delray Beach, FL — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:21:03 EDT

READ THE RB BLOG ON THIS SITE FOR SOME BRIEF COMMENTS REGARDING UPCOMMING EVENTS AND DECISIONS.

SUPER DELEGATES

Ray from Delray Beach, FL — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:04:53 EDT

BARACK ITS TIME TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF 25 OF THOSE UNDECIDED SUPER DELEGATES GET ON BOARD AND WHEN COMBINED WITH YOUR VICTORIES IN MONTANA AND SOUTH DAKOTA WITH A MIN OF 9 PLEDGED DELEGATES FROM EACH AND A MINIMUM OF 18 FROM PUERTO RICO YOU WILL HAVE 2026 ON JUNE 3RD AND THE MAIN EVENT CAN BEGIN. ALSO PLEASE MAKE A DAY VISIT TO PUERTO RICO TO ASK FOR THEIR VOTE AND ASSURE THEM THAT WHOMEVER THEY VOTE FOR ON JUNE 1ST YOU WILL SUPPORT THEIR DREAMS FOR PUERTO RICO AND WILL WORK WITH THEM TO ACHIEVE THEIR FUTURE GOALS. YES YOU/WE CAN.

Take the Super-Delegates from under her thumb!

Duane Kuehn — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:29:09 EDT

Hi All,

     Super-delegate Donna Christensen gave her pledged vote to Hillary Clinton. The Virgin Islands, where Mrs. Christensen is the Congressional Representative, gave Barack Obama over 85% of its popular vote.
     Still, Mrs. Christensen will not change her pledge from Clinton to Obama.
     Why?
     Her office says that she must consider, on a “federal” level, not only her own constituency at the Virgin Islands but also a broader constituency. One might think she is referring to tourist or something, who knows but as the majority of delegates on the mainland goes for Obama; she would be talking about a broader constituency living on mars for all we know.

     I fear that Rep. Donna Christensen is the reason Mrs. Clinton has remained in this race. The only reasonable explanation for Donna Christensen’s demand to forego the wishes of her own community of supporters is some behind the scenes favors passing below the radar.

     Please, everyone, contact the super-delegates. Once a decision is made, and they will make it, there will be no taking it back.
     Contacting super-delegates with a request to pledge Obama will do him no harm and might benefit him greatly. Mind you, do not say anything negative about Hillary, though you may point out positives about Obama.

     Below, is a site that lists super-delegates, the first link, to a site “guide”, the second to a list of already pledged super-delegates. I write the already pledged group to ask them to change to Obama. The second link is to super-delegates already pledged (you can write them in the same manner, asking that they change to Obama).

     Many have sat back, deciding this race for the nomination is in the bag.
     Do not underestimate the Clinton Clan.
     Why has she remained in this campaign? For a long time now, she has known that there is only one way to win. Super-delegates.

     The Clinton’s wield some very influential political power.

Super-Delegates now pledged
http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html

A guide to the site
http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/03/guide-to-2008-democratic-convention.html

Loveya,
Duane Kuehn

Tell the Supers to Start Doing Their Job

Fran Rodgers — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:15:22 EDT

Everyone I know of is absolutely tired of this charade. I know I'm becoming exhausted trying to counter all the bizarre claims that Hillary continues to make - and it suddenly struck me that what we are doing is simply treading water, trying to keep our next President afloat so he will be ready to face the oncoming barrage from the McCain camp and trying to keep the Democratic Party from snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. This is not the best use of our time and it's not even Hillary's fault.

It is the fault of the Super Delegates. They need a spine. They need to stand up, give us a rest and let us gear up for the inevitable tidal wave of erroneous, egregious, excreble attacks that are already starting to come from the other side.

Please join me in yet another campaign to get the uncommitted super delegates off their fannies. Here is a list of who they are (only elected Representatives, Senators and Governors are included right now) - choose the ones from your State and contact them by email or phone. Ask them politely why it is we are doing the job they should be doing.

ASCENDING THE MOUNTAIN

Ruth J. from West Bloomfield, MI — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:48:54 EDT

The prayers of the many availth much. God bless America and God bless Obama and his family. America is truly one people and one heart. The world cannot say anything different. May 20, 2008 will forever grace the pages of American history as the day of tumultuous positive change. Prayers ascending for the warrior lion Sen. Ted Kennedy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPNs4JyD5DI Press release May 21, 2008 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/?gcid=sjwcti-goog-chi-barack_obama-barack_obama-obama_08&ef_id=1739:3:s_db52d1d1ab34a1171102fd201f54943d_1633020349:doTEW0GvMUIAAHGmVYMAAAAM:20080521165524 Light, Life, Love. Ruth J. Carson

POLICY -- Electoral Schmechtoral College and Delegate Embarassments

Andrew Tipton — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:35:28 EDT

In our pursuit of protection of the minority from the tyranny of the majority , we have wrestled with the inequities of the Electoral College ( negating a majority popular vote ) , the two seats / state in the Senate that can sometimes frustrate popular will, and the delegate fiasco we are currently experiencing ( which honestly should not be happening -- the Democratic Party should be mortified over this development ).

The simplest thing that occurs to me might actually circumvent a lot of these problems while preserving minority protections as they are expressed in the voting habits of the populace.

Why not institute a party statute , and eventually a constitutional amendment that awards delegate selections and electoral college votes not on the basis of total population, but rather on the basis of VOTING population in the previous major election years?

It would preserve the notion of popular VOTE being dominant, while also giving a measure of anti-bully protection to the smaller states ( and delegations ). In essence, you could bulk up as much as you wished.

Imagine the levels of voter participation we would finally begin to experience in this country. There would be incentive to vote for all factions. It would TRULY make their vote meaningful, even if their candidate lost. Are we ever embarrassed that the supposed bastion of democracy in this world exhibits the lowest voter turnout of all ?

It wouldn't hurt to make voting a 2-day, weekend holiday process as well ( as in many European countries ). God knows we could do without another questionable national holiday in favor of a voting one.

It is my hope that those responsible for this site and information dissemination in the campaign would respectfully forward these ideas directly to Barack Obama for immediate consideration.

Finis / Andrew Tipton

VP CANDIDATES

Ray from Delray Beach, FL — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:33:35 EDT

ITS ALMOST THAT TIME AND I HAVE A REAL SHORT LIST OF THREE CANDIDATES:

KATHLEEN SEBELIUS THE VIBRANT AND INTELLIGENT GOV FROM KANSAS WHO WILL BRING THE MUCH NEEDED WOMANS TOUCH TO THE TICKET

BILL RICHARDSON THE GOV FROM NEW MEXICO WHO WILL BRING A NEW DIEMENSION TO THE TICKET

JIM WEBB THE SENATOR AND WAR HERO FROM VA. HE WAS JUST ON MEET THE PRESS THIS WEEKEND AND HE WOULD BE GREAT BALANCE FOR THE TICKET.

I AM SURE THEIR ARE MANY OTHERS SO LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK?

Discouraging

smffy — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:47:00 EDT

I've read the blogs about the purging on the Clinton website. I've blogged about the attacks on me personally when I called for unity and a focus on McCain and the issues on the national Demoractic website, and I have to tell you I am afraid, very afraid of Hillary and her supporters. My fear is we could see more of the Bush administrations actions such as the CIA leaks on Plume designed to shut her husband up, a writer who has been critical of the Bush administration.

I am also leary of organizing events like the one I organized to watch the debates at my home. I had one acceptance reply, and when I visited his personal blog I discovered he was strange, really strange. I don't feel comfortable with inviting him into my home. I am single, living alone, and I don't want to take an ill-advised risk.

I attended an advertised event that was supposed to be an Obama organizing event. It turned out to be a Demoratic Party Organizing Event. Although I'd like to see a two party system in my state (a very red state) I'm too discouraged by the anger and name calling happening at this time to do anything for the party.

I am not a registered Democrat. I've always thought of myself as a person who decided on the candidates on their merit, not their party affiliation. But, when I have voted I vote Democrat. I haven't voted in years because I didn't think anybody running for office was a good choice. I have been wrong about that.

I've been actively and energetically working for Obama. However, I think I'm going to wait until he has the nomination to do anything locally. I won't do anything for the Party because of what's been happening with Hillary supporters and the retisence of super delagetes to commit.

I really want this nominating process to be over with and wish Hillary would withdraw. I admire the way Obama has conducted himself through all this and I have tried to be as diginified as he has been, not responding to the attacks except to defend his position.

If I sound discouraged about Democrats, it's because I am. I wish it wasn't so and hope ferverently all this will quiet down when the convention is finally over with. If the "dream ticket" came to pass, I wouldn't vote again. My attempt at being an activist now seems like a bit of a bad idea. I'm disillusioned.

Never say die

Amon from Warren, MI — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:13:26 EDT

Just when I start to like Hillary the human being, the politician comes back.

I just watched Brian Williams interview with Hillary Clinton after her huge win in West Virginia. It was a charming peice and for the most part showed Hillary in a favorable light. It showed her as the fighter we have or at least I have come to admire. For all the bad things you can say about Mrs. Clinton, you can’t say she is a quiter. In my opinion, that never surrender attitude is the most alluring quality that she possess’. But I think it may be that same quality that brings out the most unattractive side to Senator Clinton as well.

The win at any cost Clinton strategy. For the sake of not going through all the scenarios that have taken place within this campaign that I consider to be the scorched earth policy by Senator Clinton I will just use this past WV primary as an anaylsis.

The Pink Elephant in the room.

The now infamous AP article that Senator Clinton sighted while giving an interview to USA Today saying that hard working people, white people vote for her was probably the most divisive thing that I’ve heard through out the campaign. Now we’ve all known this since Ohio. There is a large segment of the population that is going to vote for Senator Clinton purely on the basis that she is a Clinton. Still, there are some that like the definition and experience that she gives in contrast to Senator Obama’s aloofness and message of change. And yet there is still a segment that is going to vote for her because she is white. (raises hand) And before you say it, I know that there are some blacks who are voting for Obama because he is black.

That isn’t the problem. The problem is when you come out and say it like it is something to be toted around like a badge of honor. It gives permission to those that feel that way to feel that way…or maybe better yet, she is saying it is okay to feel that way. Either way it is divisive and intentionally so.

RUN IT BACK!!!

(playing under house rules)

There is also this magical goal post that for some reason everyone keeps allowing her to move. Now she keeps saying that she is staying in the race until we have a nominee. This is fair, right and just and it is the backbone of a democratic society. Voters must vote! It is the people who should decide the fate of our future. I believe this with all my heart. I believe that Hillary Clinton deserves the right to stay in this race until a nominee has been decided. But that doesn’t mean that she should stay until she finds a way that she can become the nominee.

She keeps changing the rules, at first we weren’t going to count the Michigan and Florida delegates because they held rogue elections. Everyone, including Senator Clinton agreed that this was fair. They even agreed to take their names of the ballots in Michigan, this also includes Senator Clinton. This was established by the party leaders and the candidates before the election process started. Now Senator Clinton is reneging on this agreement. Just like she reneged on taking her name off the ballot in Michigan. Now you might ask why am I bringing up something that has been known since before March. But now Florida and Michigan provides new talking points. Yup, she’s found another way to change the dynamic of the race…and the latest rule change is(drum roll please)…2210.

Since it is almost certain that Barack is going to get to 2026 delegates before Hillary does she has taken it upon herself to move the goal post. The magic number is not 2026 anymore it is now 2210 because that is how much it would have been if Florida and Michigan were included in the process.

It reminds me of when I used to play basketball when I was a teenager. There was this guy named Jerry Jones. He lived around the block from where I grew up. He had a basketball hoop up in his backyard that was quite simply the perfect place to play backyard ball.

It was all concrete with a ten foot privacy fence wrapped around it and no powerlines to abstruct the angles to the basket. So needless to say, everyone in the neighborhood would post up over there during the summer, to either wait on the next game or to watch us play ball. The only problem with playing over Jerry’s house was that when ever he lost a game he would either immediately yell “RUN IT BACK!” which means he gets a rematch or he would just up the score. If we were going to ten then it went to twelve, if we were going to twelve then it went to fifteen and he would do this until he won the game. That’s what you call house rules.

A HOSTILE TAKEOVER

(democracy be damned)

Brian Williams:

For you to be the nominee it would have to be a wholesale shift in superdelegates, in effect overturning the pledge delegates and the individual state elections. Would you be comfortable with that?

Hillary Clinton:

Well I think that super delegates are there for a purpose that is to determine who they think will be the stronger candidate for president. Super delegates are not bound to vote any way. They can change their minds. They can go to the convention and change their minds.

She went on to say that pledged delegates didn’t have to follow the will of the people either. The reason I bring this up is it flies in the face of the logic of her main argument to seat Florida and Michigan delegates as they voted so that they reflect the will of the people when she is willing to disenfranche the thirty plus states, the seventeen million plus people that didn’t vote for her by having the superdelegates over throw the populus vote just so Hillary can be crowned queen for not quiting.

Here is the interview for those that want to view it. It was interesting to watch.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#24624767

Spanish American/ Hispanic Supreme Court Justice

Ray from Delray Beach, FL — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:20:16 EDT

BARACK ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME WE HAD A SPANISH AMERICAN ON THE SUPREME COURT OF THESE UNITED STATES? PLEASE LET US HEAR YOUR POSITION ON THIS IMPORTANT MATTER AND IF YOU WILL COMMIT TO ACCOMPLISHING THIS WHEN THE NEXT SUPREME COURT JUSTICE APPOINTMENT IS BEFORE YOU AS PRESIDENT? THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE IN THE SPANISH AMERICAN COMMUNITY. A FIRST GENERATION SPANISH AMERICAN ON THE BENCH OF THE HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND MUST BE PART OF YOUR PLATFORM.

FLORIDA/MICHIGAN

Ray from Delray Beach, FL — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:26:19 EDT

GET THIS OVER ALREADY, ITS EASY MICHIGAN 50/50 AND FLORIDA 92 HILLARY, 66 OBAMA, AND 27 FOR EDWARDS. hILLARY ONLY RECEIVED 49.8% OF THE FLORIDA VOTE WITH OBAMA GETTING 32.9, EDWARDS 14.4 AND FIVE OTHERS WHO ARE NOW ALL SUPPORTING OBAMA 3%. ENOUGH ALREADY. RAY FROM FL

Rock Star Welcome in DC...McCain, You're Next!

ObamaMama Kris — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:04:53 EDT

It sure seemed like Senator Obama got a very positive "Welcome Back!" while he was in Washington DC today. The footage of him leaving a meeting with undeclared super-delegates was, IMHO, very revealing. Those gentlemen couldn't get close enough to him -- the news pundits picked up on it -- saying they were all jockeying to be in the video frame with him. The situation was so paradoxical -- they appeared to be courting him instead of the other way around! The reception he got in the halls of Congress in his first visit back since Tuesday's primary results in Indiana and North Carolina, were no less enthusiastic.

Let's hope this fight with Hillary is almost over. It is a bit painful, in some respects, to see her efforts in these final, futile days (or perhaps weeks). But then the cynic in me rears up. I was incensed by her "...hard-working whites..." comment earlier today. Will she ever stop? Do Bill and Hill have a few more cards up their sleeves?

And if Obama friend, Jenny J, happens to read this -- what do you think is going to happen with the Florida vote? Do you feel disenfranchised? :-) The proposed MI plan that was announced today seems reasonable. Hopefully, the DNC rules/regs folks can get something that can be mutually agreed upon for FL. Again, though, I wouldn't be surprised to see Hillary appeal all proposals to the credentials committee at the convention.

While I have no idea what the RNC has been able to buy (TV) in states nationwide, the ad playing in Indiana for about a month on McCain -- in his own words from the California debate, reflecting support of Bush doctrine and assessments on the economy, Iraq, etc. ("better off") issues -- have been very effective. If there was ever an opportunity to have a Democratic slam dunk, this is it. I don't intend to suggest "slam dunk" means "easy." But I do predict Senator Obama's general election campaign will be one that thrills us, gives us cause to marvel, and brings us all to our feet to cheer.

McCain doesn't have a prayer of being elected.

S. Fla. Uncommitted Superdelegates Talk About Democratic Candidates

Inspired in Florida - a Recovering Republican — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:53:56 EDT

Uncommitted superdelegates from South Florida, Sen. Steve Geller and Mitch Ceasar, talk about the Democratic primary results.

Waiting to see polls on who can beat McCain. Predict 'by latest, the end of June.'

Video here

FL SD Rep Dan Gelber Explains Why He Chooses Obama

Inspired in Florida - a Recovering Republican — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:39:46 EDT

From His Blog May 7

I Choose Obama.

By Dan

Since the beginning of this primary slog I have been conflicted. I like both Obama and Clinton and believe either would be markedly better than the alternative. But only one can be the Democratic nominee and we have to end this sooner than later. As a superdelegate from the rogue state of Florida (currently under penalty from the DNC) my vote doesn't count. But if it did, I would say it's time to move on and choose Senator Barack Obama. Here is why.

Sen. Obama has made his case with the pledged delegates and that will not change in the upcoming weeks. As much as I think our primary system is absurd, it is the system under which we operate and to ask superdelegates to overturn the pledged delegate results is both elitist and decidedly un-Democratic. Furthermore, too much is at stake in November to continue debating amongst ourselves. We must draw the stark contrasts between the Democratic plan for America's future and the Republican agenda.

But what about Florida? To my chagrin, the Democratic candidates agreed to not compete in states that interfered with the four pre-selected early states, regardless of how or why a state's primary conflicted. (Did I mention how absurd the primary system is?) Nevertheless, if you include the votes of Florida's Jan. 29 primary – or even Florida and Michigan both – Obama still prevails. That said, I firmly believe that Senator Obama should support including Florida's primary, and I hope he will.

But what about Reverend Wright? I’m sure everyone has a few associates – even close ones – that are, or become, embarrassing. I judge Senator Obama on his own merits and he has demonstrated himself, unlike his former minister, to be a thoughtful and uniting force.

Doesn’t he have a Jewish problem? Yes, but only because the Internet doesn’t have a truth key. Don’t believe everything you read in a viral chain email. As an American Jew, a strong and secure Israel is a paramount concern of mine. Not a single fiber in my body worries that Sen. Obama will not cherish Israel with the same fervor I would expect of any American President. Anyone who says otherwise is simply trying to exploit passions for Israel for partisan gain – and that is truly endangering to Israel.

The list could go on, but here is the rub. I believe the ingredients most lacking in government these days are political courage and honesty, which I define as telling the public what they need to hear rather than merely what they want to hear. Too few public officials demonstrate these qualities. Most run away from political honesty because they believe the public will punish leaders that feed them anything other than a diet of vacuous platitudes and rank populism. The closer I watch Obama, the more I listen to him, the more I become utterly convinced that he is one of those rare people in politics that is not afraid to speak honestly and, if necessary, act courageously. And that is the tonic our nation sorely needs.

So, for me, it is Obama.

Video -- Gelber explains Florida doesn't really know Obama yet.

Who Are The Superdelegates?

Godslovelyrose — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:03:45 EDT

I did some research and found this info for those of you who have been wondering who the Super Delegates are. I hope this is helpful

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Democratic_Party_(United_States)_superdelegates,_2008

Delegate State Position Detail/Notes Endorsement Source(s) Endorse DateЖ Neil AbercrombieHIRepresentative Obamapolitico.com[9]10 Feb 2007Aníbal Acevedo ViláPRGovernor ObamaCNN[10]13 Feb 2008Steven AchelpohlNEDNCState ChairObamaLincoln Journal-Star [11]19 Apr 2008Gary AckermanNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[12] Daniel AkakaHISenator Uncommitted Steven AlariCADNC ObamaNew York Times[13]11 Jan 2008Yvette AlexanderDCAdd-onDistrict CouncilmemberObamaThe Washington Post[14]03 Apr 2008Tom AllenMERepresentative Uncommitted Jason AltmirePARepresentative Uncommitted Joe AndrewINDPLFormer DNC ChairmanObamaAP[15]01 May 2008Rob AndrewsNJRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[16]02 Apr 2007Patsy ArceneauxLADNC ClintonThe Washington Post[17] Mike ArcuriNYRepresentative ClintonUtica Observer-Dispatch[18]03 Jan 2008Carmen E. ArroyoNYAdd-onState AssemblymemberClintonMSNBC[19]01 May 2008Dr. Celita Arroyo de RoquesPRDNC Obamael Nuevo Dia[20] Kitti AsberryOKDNCState Vice ChairObamaTulsa World[21] Anthony AvalloneCTDNC ObamaHartford Courant[22] Joe BacaCARepresentativeofficially DNC MemberClintonNew York Times[23] Brian BairdWARepresentative ObamaThe Associated Press[24]15 Feb 2008John BaldacciMEGovernor ClintonHillaryClinton.com[25]15 Dec 2007Tammy BaldwinWIRepresentative ClintonMilwaukee Journal Sentinel[26]02 Aug 2007John BarrowGARepresentative ObamaMacon Telegraph[27]28 Feb 2008Willie BarrowILDNC ObamaChicago Tribune[28], BarackObama.com[29] Max BaucusMTSenator Uncommitted Rena BaumgartnerPADNC ClintonThe Morning Call[30] Evan BayhINSenator ClintonHillaryClinton.com[31]24 Sep 2007Melissa BeanILRepresentative ObamaPolitico.com[32] Joyce BeattyOHDNCDem. Legislative Campaign Comm.Uncommitted Don BeaversARDNC ClintonClinton.com[33] Xavier BecerraCARepresentative ObamaAmerican Chronicle[34]27 Jan 2008Mike BeebeARGovernor ClintonHillaryClinton.com[35]20 Aug 2007Robert BellDA*DNC ClintonToronto Star[36]16 Feb 2008Teresa Benitez-ThompsonNVDNCState Vice ChairObamaTime[37]06 Mar 2008Cecil BenjaminVIDNCTerritory ChairObamaVirgin Islands Daily News[38] Shelley BerkleyNVRepresentative Clintonhillaryclinton.com[39]09 Jan 2008Howard BermanCARepresentative Uncommitted Jeremy BernardCADNC ObamaSan Jose Mercury News[40] Marion BerryARRepresentative Clintonhillaryclinton.com[41]22 Jun 2007Steve BeshearKYGovernor Uncommitted Judy BevansVTDNCState Vice ChairObamaBrattleboro Reformer[42] Gus BickfordMADNC ClintonBoston.com[43] Joe BidenDESenator Uncommitted Jack BillionSDDNCState ChairObamaRapid City Journal[44] Rachel BinahCADNC ClintonAP[45] Jeff BingamanNMSenator ObamaAlbuquerque Journal[46]28 Apr 2008Belinda BiaforeWVDNCState Vice ChairClintonCharleston Gazette[47]23 Feb 2008Sanford BishopGARepresentative ObamaThe Associated Press[48]10 Sep 2007Tim BishopNYRepresentative ClintonThe Hill[49] Don BivensAZDNCState ChairUncommitted Margaret BlackshereILDNC ObamaBarackObama.com[50] Rod BlagojevichILGovernor Obamanbc5.com[51]10 Feb 2007Earl BlumenauerORRepresentative ObamaOregon Live[52]01 Feb 2008Anita BondsDCDNCDistrict ChairUncommitted Madeleine BordalloGURepresentativeCongressional DelegateUncommitted Connie BordeDA*DNC ObamaCybercast News Service[53] Dan BorenOKRepresentative Uncommitted Moretta BosleyKYDNC ClintonMessenger-Inquirer[54] Leonard BoswellIARepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[55]18 Dec 2007Rick BoucherVARepresentative ObamaTri-Cities Personal News and Media Center[56]21 Jan 2008Barbara Boxer?CASenator ClintonSilicon Valley Mercury News[57]06 Mar 2008Nancy BoydaKSRepresentative Uncommitted Bill BradburyORDNCDem. Assoc. of Secretary of StatesUncommitted Karla BradleyARDNCState Vice ChairClintonHillaryClinton.com[58] Bob BradyPARepresentative Uncommitted Bruce BraleyIARepresentative ObamaAssociated Press[59]30 Apr 2008Gail BrayIDDNC ObamaIdaho Statesman[60]04 Feb 2008Joyce BrayboyNCDNC ObamaThe News & Observer[61].10 Mar 2008Donna BrazileDCDNC Uncommitted Phil BredesenTNGovernor Uncommitted Scott BrennanIADNCState ChairUncommitted Doug BrooksMODNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[62] Roy LaVerne BrooksTXDNCState Vice ChairObamaThe Dallas Morning News [63] Marilyn Tyler BrownDCDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Michael D. BrownDCSenatorShadow SenatorObamaWashington City Paper[65]26 Feb 2008Sherrod BrownOHSenator Uncommitted Janice C. BrunsonAZDNC ClintonAZ Central[66] Mark BryantMODNC ObamaThe Associated Press[67] Ray BuckleyNHDNCState ChairUncommitted Jeanne BuellIDDNCState Vice ChairObamaUSA Today[68]11 Feb 2008William BurgaOHDNC ClintonMSNBC[69]10 Apr 2008Anna BurgerDCDNC ObamaSEIU[70]15 Feb 2008Susan BurgessNCDNCNat'l Dem. Municipal Officials Conf.ClintonWRAL-TV[71]07 Feb 2008Tonio BurgosNJDNC ClintonAP NJ[72]02 Apr 2007Grant BurgoyneIDDNC ObamaIdaho Statesman[60]04 Feb 2008Carol BurkeVIDNC Uncommitted Elsie BurkhalterLADNCState Second Vice ChairUncommitted Stewart BurkhalterALAdd-onState AFL-CIO PresidentObamaThe Associated Press[73]01 Mar 2008Cordelia Lewis BurksINDNCState Vice ChairObamaWLFI-TV[74] G.K. ButterfieldNCRepresentative ObamaThe News & Observer[75]14 Jan 2008Robert ByrdWVSenatorFormer Senate Majority Leader - officially DPL?Uncommitted Brendan ByrneNJAdd-onFormer GovernorClintonBlueJersey.com[76]17 Apr 2008Luisette CabanasPRDNCTerritory Vice ChairClintonThe Atlantic[77]30 Apr 2008Ellen CamhiCTDNC ClintonHartford Courant[22] Carol Ann CampbellPADNC ObamaTime[78]19 Feb 2008Margarett CampbellMTDNCState Vice Chair - Endorsed Obama, forced to retract same day due to party rulesUncommittedAP[79]07 Apr 2008Mary Eva CandonDCDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Maria CantwellWASenator ClintonHillaryClinton.com[80]31 Dec 2007Lois CappsCARepresentative ObamaPolitico[81]30 Apr 2008Mike CapuanoMARepresentative ObamaThe Boston Globe[82]28 Jan 2008Yolanda CarawayDCDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Ben CardinMDSenator Uncommitted Dennis CardozaCARepresentative Clintonhillaryclinton.com[83]08 Dec 2007Ian CarletonVTDNCState ChairObamaBurlington Free Press[84]06 Mar 2008Robin CarnahanMODNCDem. Assoc. of Secretary of StatesUncommitted Russ CarnahanMORepresentative ObamaSt. Louis Post-Dispatch10 May 2007Chris CarneyPARepresentative Uncommitted Thomas R. CarperDESenator Uncommitted André CarsonINRepresentative ObamaAssociated Press [85]16 Apr 2008Jimmy CarterGADPLFormer PresidentUncommitted Rob CarverDEAdd-on ObamaThe News Journal[86][87]05 Apr 2008Bob Casey, Jr.PASenator ObamaPhiladelphia Inquirer[88]28 Mar 2008Nick Casey Jr.WVDNCState ChairUncommitted Donna CassuttMNDNCState Vice ChairObamaMN Publius [89]29 Feb 2008Don CazayouxLARepresentative Uncommitted Ben ChandlerKYRepresentative ObamaAssoicated Press[90]29 Apr 2008Cheryl ChapmanSDDNCState Vice ChairUncommitted Maria Chappelle-NadalMODNC Uncommitted Martin ChavezNMDNC ClintonNew York Times[23] Linda Chavez-ThompsonTXDNCDNC Vice ChairUncommitted Will CheekTNDNC ObamaNashville Post[91] David CicillineRIDNCNat'l Conf. Dem. MayorsClintonNew York Times[23]14 Jun 2007Donna Christian-ChristensenVIRepresentativeCongressional DelegateClintonHillaryClinton.com[92]16 Sep 2007Alvaro CifuentesMDDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Martha Fuller ClarkNHDNCState Vice ChairObamaBarackObama.com[93] Yvette D. ClarkeNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[94]10 Jul 2007William Lacy Clay, Jr.MORepresentative ObamaSt. Louis Post-Dispatch10 May 2007Emanuel CleaverMORepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[95]21 Aug 2007Bill ClintonNYDPLFormer PresidentClintonDes Moines Register[96]20 Jan 2007Hillary Rodham ClintonNYSenator ClintonCandidate[97]20 Jan 2007Jim ClyburnSCRepresentative Uncommitted Jon CorzineNJGovernor ClintonThe Associated Press[98][99]02 Apr 2007Gilda Cobb-HunterSCDNC Uncommitted Larry CohenDCDNC Uncommitted Steve CohenTNRepresentative ObamaMemphis Flyer[100]04 Feb 2008Brian ColonNMDNCState ChairObamaBarackObama.com[101]03 May 2008Toby CondliffeDA*DNCDems Abroad Vice ChairObamaToronto Star[36] Kent ConradNDSenator ObamaBarackObama.com[102]29 Dec 2007Vivian CookNYDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[103] Jim CooperTNRepresentative ObamaTheHill.com[104] Maria CordoneMDDNCNat'l Dem. Seniors Coor.ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Jim CostaCARepresentative Uncommitted Jerry CostelloILRepresentative ObamaTheHill.com[104] Ed CoteWADNC Uncommitted Jeanette CouncilNCDNC ObamaThe Fayetteville Observer[105]06 May 2008Joe CourtneyCTRepresentative Uncommitted Bud CramerALRepresentative Uncommitted Phoebe CraneINDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[106]29 Oct 2007C. Richard CranwellVADNCState ChairUncommitted Joseph CrowleyNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[12] Dr. Inez CrutchfieldTNDNC Uncommitted Joseph CryanNJDNCState ChairClintonHillaryClinton.com[107]02 Apr 2007Michael CryorMDDNCState ChairObamaPolitico[108]05 May 2008Henry CuellarTXRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[109]15 Jun 2007Chet CulverIAGovernor ObamaDes Moines Register[110]08 Feb 2008Elijah CummingsMDRepresentative Obamapolitico.com[9]21 Jan 2008Andrew CuomoNYAdd-onState Attorney GeneralClintonMSNBC[19]01 May 2008Carole DabbsGADNC ClintonThe Associated Press[48] Jean Lemire DahlmanMTDNC"However, Dahlman says she may reconsider if Montana voters pick Clinton in the state's June 3rd primary."ObamaAP[79]07 Apr 2008Richard M. DaleyILAdd-onMayor of ChicagoObamaAssociated Press[111]05 May 2008John DanielloDEDNCState ChairUncommitted Tom DaschleSDDPLFormer Senate Majority LeaderObamaMSNBC[112]21 Feb 2007John DaviesAKDNC ObamaAnchorage Daily News[113] Artur DavisALRepresentative ObamaNew America Media[114] Danny DavisILRepresentative ObamaNew America Media[114] Lincoln DavisTNRepresentative Uncommitted Susan DavisCARepresentative Uncommitted Yvonne DavisTXDNC ObamaTime[115]29 Feb 2008Ralph DawsonNYDNC Uncommitted Howard DeanVTDNCDNC ChairmanUncommitted Lois M. DeBerryTNDNC ObamaNew York Times[13] Jennifer DeChantMEDNC Uncommitted Joseph DeCotiisNJDNC ClintonThe Associated Press[72] Peter DeFazioORRepresentative Uncommitted Diana DeGetteCORepresentative ClintonThe Denver Post[116] William DelahuntMARepresentative ObamaThe Boston Globe[117]27 Dec 2007Rosa DeLauroCTRepresentative ObamaHartford Courant[22]02 Feb 2008Debra DeLeeMADPLFormer DNC ChairmanClintonBoston.com[118]13 Feb 2008Diane DenishNMDNCNat'l Assoc. of Dem. Lieutenant GovernorsClintonNew York Times[23] Grace DiazRIDNC ClintonProvidence Journal[119]19 Feb 2008Norm DicksWARepresentative ClintonKitsap Sun[120]07 Feb 2008Gaeten DiGangiNHDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[121] Thomas DiNapoliNYAdd-onState ComptrollerClintonMSNBC[19]01 May 2008Nancy DiNardoCTDNCState ChairUncommitted Arrington DixonDCDNC ObamaThe Washington Post[122][123] Frank DixonORDNCState Vice ChairUncommitted Martha DixonARDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[124] Chris DoddCTSenatorFormer DNC Chairman - officially DPL?ObamaNew York Times[125]26 Feb 2008Lloyd DoggettTXRepresentative ObamaMSNBC[126]20 Feb 2008Francisco DomenechPRDNCYoung Dems of AmericaClintonHillaryClinton.com[127]05 Jan 2008Ronald DonatucciPADNC ClintonNew York Times[23] Joe DonnellyINRepresentative Uncommitted Byron DorganNDSenator ObamaAssociated Press[128]27 Feb 2008Wayne DowdyMSDNCState ChairUncommitted Jim DoyleWIGovernor ObamaMilwaukee Journal Sentinel[26]05 Jan 2008Mike DoylePARepresentative Uncommitted Nancy DrummondWYDNCState Vice ChairUncommitted Martin DunleavyCTDNCNat'l Dem. Ethnic Coord. Comm.ObamaHartford Courant[22] Dick DurbinILSenator ObamaPolitico.com[129]30 Aug 2007Mary Ellen EarlyCADNC ObamaLos Angeles Daily News[130] Mike EasleyNCGovernor ClintonAssociated Press[131]28 Apr 2008Barbara EasterlingVADNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Maria EchavesteCADNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[132]27 Apr 2007Al EdwardsTXDNC ObamaHouston Chronicle[133]06 Mar 2008Chet EdwardsTXRepresentative ObamaKilleen Daily Herald[134]19 Feb 2008Keith EllisonMNRepresentative ObamaUSAToday[135] Brad EllsworthINRepresentative ClintonNBC News[136]07 May 2008Rahm EmanuelILRepresentative Uncommitted Eliot EngelNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[12] Anna EshooCARepresentative ObamaPalo Alto Online[137]30 Jan 2008Edward EspinozaCADNC Uncommitted Bob EtheridgeNCRepresentative Uncommitted Kathleen FaheyNEDNC ObamaLincoln Journal Star[138] Eni FaleomavaegaASRepresentativeCongressional DelegateObamaTheHill.com[104] Sam FarrCARepresentative Uncommitted Herman Farrell Jr.NYDNC ClintonThe New York Times[139]14 Feb 2008Jimmie FarrisTNDNC ClintonKnoxnews.com[140] Chaka FattahPARepresentative ObamaNew America Media[114] Russ FeingoldWISenator ObamaThe Capital Times[141]22 Feb 2008Dianne FeinsteinCASenator ClintonHillaryClinton.com[142]27 Dec 2007Adrian FentyDCGovernorMayor[143]ObamaThe Washington Post[122]17 Jul 2007Charlene FernandezAZDNCState Vice ChairObamaPoltickerAZ.com [144]26 Apr 2008C. Virginia FieldsNYAdd-onFormer Borough President of ManhattanClintonMSNBC[19]01 May 2008Bob FilnerCARepresentative Uncommitted June FischerNJDNC ClintonThe Associated Press[72]02 Apr 2007Michael FitzgeraldIADNCNat'l Assoc. of Dem. State TreasurersObamaDes Moines Register[145] Norma Fisher FloresTXDNC ClintonThe Dallas Morning News [63] James FlorioNJAdd-onFormer GovernorClintonBlueJersey.com[146]17 Apr 2008Hartina FlournoyDCDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Barbara Flynn CurrieILAdd-onState RepresentativeObamaAssociated Press[111]05 May 2008Tom FoleyWADPLFormer Speaker of the HouseClintonHillaryClinton.com[12]29 Jun 2007Carnelia Pettis FondrenMSDNCState Vice ChairUncommitted Stephen FontanaCTDNCState Vice ChairObamaHartford Courant[22] Bill FosterILRepresentative ObamaChicago Sun-Times[147]08 Mar 2008Carol FowlerSCDNCState ChairObamaThe Associated Press[148]04 Mar 2008Donald FowlerSCDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[149]19 Dec 2007Ken FoxworthMNDNC ObamaStar Tribune[150] Barney FrankMARepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[151]13 Nov 2007Jim FrasierOKDNC Uncommitted Kalyn FreeOKDNC ObamaBarackObama.com[152]05 May 2008Anita FreedmanNHDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[121] Dave FreudenthalWYGovernor ObamaThe Associated Press[153]02 Apr 2008Deanna FuimaonoASDNC ClintonThe Honolulu Advertiser[154]11 Jan 2008John GageMDDNC Uncommitted Alexandra Gallardo-RookerCADNCState Vice ChairObamaNew York Times[13] Eric GarcettiCADNCNat'l Dem. Municipal Officials Conf.ObamaWilshire & Washington[155] Larry GatesKSDNCState ChairUncommitted Yvonne GatesNVDNC Uncommitted William GeorgePADNC ClintonPatriot-News[156]30 Apr 2008Dick GephardtMODPLFormer House Minority LeaderClintonHillaryClinton.com[157]05 Jul 2007Alice GermondWVDNCSecretaryUncommitted Liv GibbonsDA*DNC Obamaindependent.ie[158] Gabrielle GiffordsAZRepresentative Uncommitted Kirsten GillibrandNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[12] Emily GiskeNYDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[159]27 Jun 2007Parris GlendeningMDAdd-onFormer GovernorObamaThe Baltimore Sun[160]03 May 2008Lauren GloverMDDNCState Vice ChairObamaPolitico[108]05 May 2008Terry GoddardAZAdd-onState Attorney GeneralUncommitted Charlie GonzalezTXRepresentative ObamaSan Antonio Express-News[161].11 Feb 2008Jaime Gonzalez Jr.TXDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[162]02 May 2008Bart GordonTNRepresentative Uncommitted Al GoreTNDPLFormer Vice PresidentUncommitted Billi GoshVTDNC ClintonBrattleboro Reformer[42] Enid GoubeauxOHDNC ObamaCampaign release[163]21 Apr 2008Al GreenTXRepresentative ObamaBarackObama.com[164] Gene GreenTXRepresentative ClintonDallas News[165]01 Feb 2008Jenny GreenleafORDNC Uncommitted Christine GregoireWAGovernor ObamaThe Washington Post Blog[166]08 Feb 2008Janice GriffinMDDNC ObamaNew York Times[23] Raul GrijalvaAZRepresentative ObamaArizona Daily Star[167]29 Jan 2008Marcel GroenPADNC ClintonPhilluBurbs.com[168] Mike GronstalIADNCDem. Legislative Campaign Comm.ClintonRadioIowa[169] Steven GrossmanMADPLFormer DNC ChairmanClintonThe Boston Globe[170]11 Jun 2007Stan GruszynskiWIDNC ObamaMilwaukee Journal Sentinel[26] Luis GutierrezILRepresentative ObamaPolitico.com[171] Mary Gail GwaltneyNMDNC ClintonAlbuquerque Tribune[172] Bill GwatneyARDNCState ChairClintonArkansas Leader[173] Karen HaleUTDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[174] John HallNYRepresentative ClintonThe Hill[49] Maria HandleyCODNC ClintonThe Denver Post[175] Dan HannaherNDAdd-on ObamaThe Forum[176], The Associated Press[177]06 Apr 2008David HardtTXDNCYoung Dems of AmericaUncommittedThe Dallas Morning News [63] Phil HareILRepresentative ObamaPolitico.com[32] Tom HarkinIASenator Uncommitted Jane HarmanCARepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[178]18 Jul 2007Fred R. HarrisNMDPLFormer DNC ChairmanObamaKVIA ABC 7[179]23 Jan 2008Kamil HasanCADNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[180] Vicki HarwellTNAdd-onState Federation for Democratic Women PresidentUncommittedKnoxville News Sentinel[181] Brad HenryOKGovernor ObamaAssociated Press[182]23 Apr 2008Inola HenryCADNC ObamaAssociated Press[183]07 May 2008Alexis HermanVADNC Uncommitted Brian HigginsNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[12] Patti HigginsAKDNCState ChairClintonAnchorage Press[184] Baron HillINRepresentative ObamaBloomington Herald-Times[185]30 Apr 2008Maurice HincheyNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[186]25 May 2007Ruben HinojosaTXRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[109]15 Jun 2007Mazie HironoHIRepresentative Uncommitted Paul HodesNHRepresentative ObamaBarackObama.com[187] Tim HoldenPARepresentative Uncommitted Wayne Holland Jr.UTDNCState ChairObamaMSNBC[188]10 Apr 2008David HolmesTXDNC ClintonAustin American-Statesman[189] Ivan HolmesOKDNCState ChairUncommitted Rush D. Holt, Jr.NJRepresentative Uncommitted Mike HondaCARepresentativeDNC Vice Chair - officially DNC MemberUncommitted Darlene HooleyORRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[190]06 Aug 2007Judith HopeNYDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[103] Steven HorsfordNVDNC ObamaLas Vegas Review-Journal[191] Constance HowardILDNCState Vice ChairObamabarackobama.com[123] Waring Howe, Jr.SCDNC ObamaThe Post and Courier[192] Steny HoyerMDRepresentative Uncommitted Alice HuffmanCADNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[193]27 Apr 2007Aleita HugueninCADNC ClintonPolitico[194] Theresa HunkinASDNCTerritory Vice ChairObamaThe Honolulu Advertiser[195] Tom HynesILDNC ObamaPolitico.com[32] Harold IckesDCDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[196] Daniel InouyeHISenator ClintonHillaryClinton.com[197]25 May 2007Jay InsleeWARepresentative Clintondemconwatch[198]21 Jun 2007Steve IsraelNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[12] Jesse Jackson Jr.ILRepresentative ObamaThe Washington Post[199] Wilbur Lee JeffcoatSCDNCState Vice ChairUncommitted Ben JeffersLADNC Obama2theadvocate[200]18 Feb 2008William JeffersonLARepresentative Uncommitted Ben JohnsonDCDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Blake JohnsonAKDNCState Vice ChairUncommitted Denise JohnsonTXDNC UncommittedStar Telegram[201] Eddie Bernice JohnsonTXRepresentativeofficially DNC MemberObamaDallas South[202]06 Feb 2008Hank JohnsonGARepresentative ObamaThe Associated Press[48]30 Jul 2007Joe JohnsonVADNC Uncommitted Tim JohnsonSDSenator ObamaKHMB[203]10 Jan 2008Emil Jones, Jr.ILDNC ObamaBarackObama.com[204]17 Dec 2007Stephanie Tubbs JonesOHRepresentativeofficially DNC MemberClintonHillaryClinton.com[205]26 Apr 2007John P. de Jongh, Jr.VIGovernor Obamagovernordejongh.com[206]02 Jan 2008Raymond JordanMADNC ObamaThe Boston Globe[207] Peter JorgensenWYDNC ObamaMontana's News Station[208] Steve KagenWIRepresentative ObamaGreen Bay Press Gazette[209]21 Feb 2008Tim KaineVAGovernorDem. Gov. Assoc. - officially DNCObamaThe Washington Post[210]10 Feb 2007Elaine KamarckMADNC ClintonBoston.com[211] Paul KanjorskiPARepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[212]03 Feb 2008Marcia KapturOHRepresentative Uncommitted Randy KelleyALDNC ClintonMontgomery Advertiser[213] Kathleen Kennedy TownsendMDAdd-onFormer Lt. GovernorClintonThe Baltimore Sun[160]03 May 2008Patrick KennedyRIRepresentative ObamaThe Associated Press[214]28 Jan 2008Ted KennedyMASenator ObamaHouston Chronicle[215]28 Jan 2008Yvonne KennedyALDNC ClintonMontgomery Advertiser[213] John KerryMASenator ObamaNY Times[216]10 Jan 2008Awais KhaleelWIDNCCollege Dems of America National VPUncommitted Jane KiddGADNCState ChairObamaAtlanta Journal-Constitution [217]05 Mar 2008E. Lee KinchKSDNC ObamaThe Associated Press[218] Ron KindWIRepresentative ObamaMSNBC[126]20 Feb 2008Wayne KinneyORDNC Uncommitted Paul G. Kirk, Jr.MADPLFormer DNC ChairmanObamaTime[219]02 May 2008Eric KleinfeldDCDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Amy KlobucharMNSenator ObamaThe Associated Press[220]31 Mar 2008Helen KnetzerKSDNCNat'l Fed. of Dem. WomenUncommitted John KnutsonMEDNCState ChairObamaWMTV ABC 8[221] Herb KohlWISenator Uncommitted Nancy KoppMDDNCNat'l Assoc. of Dem. State TreasurersClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Debra KozikowskiMADNC Uncommitted Teresa KrusorKSDNCState Vice ChairClintonArkCity.net[222]02 Feb 2008Dennis KucinichOHRepresentative Uncommitted Ted KulongoskiORGovernor ClintonHillaryClinton.com[223]13 Dec 2007Reginald LaFayetteNYDNC ClintonNew York Daily News[224]07 Apr 2008Frank LaMereNEDNC ObamaLincoln Journal Star[138]08 Feb 2008Nick LampsonTXRepresentative Uncommitted Mary LandrieuLASenator Uncommitted Helen LanganUTDNCPreviously supported ClintonUncommittedNPR[225]05 Apr 2008Jim LangevinRIRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[226]01 Jun 2007Fagafaga LangkildeASDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[227]11 Jan 2008Rick LarsenWARepresentative Uncommitted John LarsonCTRepresentative ObamaHartford Courant[22] Nancy LarsonMNDNC ObamaThe Associated Press[228]13 Apr 2008Frank LautenbergNJSenator Uncommitted Claude "Buddy" LeachLADNC Uncommitted Patrick LeahyVTSenator ObamaBrattleboro Reformer[42]17 Jan 2008Jim LeamanVADNC Uncommitted Barbara LeeCARepresentative ObamaSan Francisco Chronicle[229]10 Dec 2007Sheila Jackson LeeTXRepresentative ClintonNew America Media[114]14 May 2007Jerry LeeTNAdd-onState AFL-CIO PresidentUncommittedKnoxville News Sentinel [181] Belkis Leong-HongMDDNC Uncommitted John LewisGARepresentativeOriginally supported ClintonObamaThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution[230]27 Feb 2008Sam LiebermanNVDNCState ChairUncommitted Blanche LincolnARSenator ClintonArkansasMatters.com[231]07 Feb 2008Dan LipinskiILRepresentative ObamaThe Associated Press[232]26 Mar 2008Dave LoebsackIARepresentative ObamaThe Quad-City Times[233]17 Dec 2007Zoe LofgrenCARepresentative ObamaBarackObama.com[234]19 Jan 2008Mary LongGADNC ObamaAtlanta Journal-Constitution [235]04 Mar 2008Sue LovellTXDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[159] Myron LoweryTNDNCNat'l Dem. Municipal Officials Conf.ClintonMemphis Flyer[236] Nita LoweyNYRepresentative ClintonThe New York Times[237] Pilar LujanGUDNCTerritory ChairUncommitted Maria LunaNYDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[103] John LynchNHGovernor Uncommitted Leon LynchPADNC ObamaYork Daily Record[238]22 Feb 2008Patrick LynchRIDNCDem. Attorneys Gen. Assoc.ObamaBarackObama.com[239]09 Feb 2008Stephen LynchMARepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[240]26 Oct 2007William J. LynchRIDNCState ChairClintonNew York Times[23] Richard MachacekIADNC ObamaDes Moines Register[241]29 Apr 2008Eileen MacollWADNCState Vice ChairUncommitted Michael MadiganILDNCState ChairObamaSt. Louis Post-Dispatch[242] Mark MalloryOHDNC ObamaCincinnati Enquirer[243] Ronald MaloneOHDNC ClintonRecord-Courier[244] Carolyn MaloneyNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[12] Charles Taylor ManattCADPLFormer DNC ChairmanClintonHillaryClinton.com[245]07 Dec 2007Joe ManchinWVGovernorDem. Gov. Assoc. - officially DNCUncommitted Edward MarkeyMARepresentative Uncommitted Pat MaroneyWVDNC ClintonCharleston Gazette[246]18 Mar 2008Christine MarquesDA*DNCDems Abroad ChairUncommitted Debbie MarquezCODNC ObamaThe Denver Post[116] Jim MarshallGARepresentative Uncommitted Iris MartinezILDNC ObamaBarackObama.com[247] Ramona MartinezCODNC ClintonNew York Times[23]17 Jan 2008Robert MartinezTXDNC ClintonDallas Morning News[248] Sophie MasloffPADNC ClintonPittsburgh Post-Gazette[249]10 Apr 2008Sharon MastWADNC Uncommitted Catherine Cortez MastoNVDNCDem. Attorneys Gen. Assoc.Uncommitted Jim MathesonUTRepresentative Uncommitted Edna O'Neill MattsonRIDNCState Vice ChairClintonNew York Times[23] Doris MatsuiCARepresentative ClintonThe Sacramento Bee[250]16 May 2007Jim MaxsonNDDNC ObamaThe Bismarck Tribune[251] Terry McAuliffeVADPLFormer DNC ChairmanClintonHillaryClinton.com[64]20 Jan 2007Terry McBrayerKYDNC ClintonLexington Herald-Leader[252] Carolyn McCarthyNYRepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[253]19 Oct 2007Claire McCaskillMOSenator ObamaNY Times[254]13 Jan 2008Jennifer McClellanVADNCState Vice ChairObamaAssociated Press[183]07 May 2008Kenneth McClintockPRDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[127]05 Jan 2008Betty McCollumMNRepresentative ObamaBarackObama.com[255]12 Dec 2007Jim McDermottWARepresentative Uncommitted David McDonaldWADNC Uncommitted Dennis McDonaldMTDNCState ChairUncommitted Betty McElderryOKDNC ClintonNew York Times[23] Gerald McEnteePADNC ClintonNew York Times[23] Jim McGovernMARepresentative ClintonHillaryClinton.com[256]29 Mar 2007Mike McIntyreNCRepresentative Uncommitted Rhine McLinOHDNCState Vice ChairObamaWHIO [257]05 Mar 2008Jerry McNerneyCARepresentative Uncommitted Michael McNultyNYRepresentative ClintonNew York Sun[258] Leila MedleyMODNC Uncommitted Jerry MeekNCDNCState ChairObamaAssociated Press[183]07 May 2008Gregory MeeksNYRepresentativeofficially DNC MemberClintonHillaryClinton.com[12] Dennis MehielNYDNC ClintonBuffalo News[259]18 Feb 2008Charlie MelanconLARepresentative Uncommitted John MelcherMTDNCNat'l Dem. Seniors Coor.ObamaThe Associated Press[260]02 Apr 2008Brian MelendezMNDNCState ChairObamaMN Publius [89]29 Feb 2008Robert MenendezNJSenator ClintonThe Associated Press[98][99]12 Jun 2007Moses MercadoTXDNC ObamaAustin American-Statesman[261] Richard MichalskiMDDNC ClintonHillaryClinton.com[64] Michael MichaudMERepresentative Uncomm

Gas Tax Costs Hillary General Election

Disabled Vet 2000 — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:50:47 EDT

What happens to Hillary's populist argument when she can't pass the Gas Tax Holiday in a Democratic Congress? How will she convince people that she can reach across the aisle and end gridlock when she can't even get her own party to rally behind her.

This will be the headline in November if people don't get behind Barack Obama. The Gas Tax promises Hillary made, but can't keep by any stretch of the imagination will end our hopes for an end to the Bush era. Hillary won Indiana by claiming she could give people a break on the gas tax - polls show that Rev Wright did not impact Obama much, if at all with white voters - his numbers remained steady, which says to me that once we have a nominee he won't have much trouble swaying white voters in the General once Hillary is no longer an option.

We need a Democrat in office and if a backroom deal takes the nomination away, one of the biggest wild cards no one is talking about for the general election is what will happen when Hillary's Gas Tax Stunt fails. McCain will say that even in a Democratic Congress and Senate Hillary did not keep her promise. He will say that it is even more proof that she is a politician that will say anything to get elected, but fail to deliver to the people that got her elected. McCain can simply blame the Democrats for a failure to pass the Gas Tax, saying it's further proof that Democrats don't care about the working class voter.

If Obama is the nominee he can simply show what happened in the past with Gas Tax Holidays. In the end they benefit Big Oil and Obama will use this as proof to the American people that McCain was pandering for votes. He can also say that with all of his experience McCain knew from the start who this "Holiday" would benefit and it will be more evidence that he is loyal to Big Business and Special Interests over all else. Over the past 8 years we have learned just how dangerous it is when Big Business essentially runs the government.

Even if you support Hillary or are undecided, tonights primaries have proven that she simply can't get the delegates to win. It's time to back the only viable candidate for the nomination before the Democratic Party self-destructs. If the Super Delegates have to decide this at the convention, we will have no time to come together to defeat McCain.

Hillary has to discount states or change rules to even make the argument that she can win the nomination. Obama has the math (any way you slice it), the money, the delegates, and the popular vote. Now Hillary is trying to change the number of delegates needed to win because she knows she can't reach the target currently set. It seems that if she can't win within the rules - change them again and again until she figures out a way to win.

So please, vote for the good of the American people and the Democratic Party. We can't win if the black community and voters under 40 stay home in November. We also need the Independents and Republicans that will vote for Obama but not Clinton. Many conservative voters will stay home rather than vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee, but the antipathy they have for the Clintons will cause them to come out en mass to defeat her if she somehow got the nomination.

Many Independents are upset with McCain for going so far to the right appease the extremist Jerry Fallwell/Pat Robertson contingent in the GOP. There are many that are sick of Bush and have left the GOP or gone a bit to the left because of a disasterous 8 years and the hold the extreme Christian Right now exerts on the party. Many have gone independent because of the war in Iraq and Obama has a much better shot of getting their votes than Hillary does. I have spoken to many of them when making phone calls for Senator Obama's campaign and I have changed quite a few minds and have swayed even more that were leaning towards Obama but still undecided to get behind him.

My final argument is that Hillary has not been "battle tested" as she claims. Obama has not stooped to Rovian tactics to get elected and McCain thus far has focused on Obama. In this election no one has not gone after her on any of her financial scandals. They have barely touched on her exaggeration of her foreign policy experience, neither has the main stream media. That will change drastically once this is a Democrat vs. Republican race instead of and intraparty struggle. If McCain and the GOP "Swiftboat" 527 organizations get to run against her in the General Election. They will also go after all of Bill Clintons pardons, Lincoln Bedroom "rentals," and Bill's Chinese business deals. This is going to get nasty, but Hillary has already dragged out anything she could get on Obama, and frankly all she can find is a couple of people he knows - nothing on the man himself.

Stephanie Marushia, Virginia Beach, VA

Petition the super delegates.. It's easy!

Sue — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:30:11 EDT

Go to

www.eyesonobama.com

and make your opinions known!

It's the fierce urgency of now!

PolitickerMD: Two More MD Super Delegates for Barack

Chuck — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:45:12 EDT

PolitickerMD.com is reporting that State Democratic Party Chairman Michael Cryor and Vice Chairwoman Lauren Dugas Glover, both superdelegates, will be announcing their endorsement of Senator Obama this afternoon.

I'd expect by COB Wednesday, Obama will be even with Hillary in announced SuperDelegate endorsements.

Repost: Obama Campaign Family

Mickiboop (P.O.B.) Be the Change — Sun, 04 May 2008 12:43:53 EDT

I think it is time for us, the Obama Family, to begin acting like the winners that we are and get back in the saddle and ride this win to the finish line! We have not lost any real ground and the Super delegates are beginning to move in Barack's favor. Let's help them make their decision to endorse Barack quicker by showing the world that we mean what we say, that we are serious about bringing change to our politics, that we are owning up to our responsibility to make change happen, and that we believe this message of change because "We are the ONES we've been waiting for.

"Our campaign has already created this list of positive changes:

Grass roots participation bringing in over 1 million new voters;

People of all ages, races, genders, and political affiliations are freely volunteering to efficiently and effectively work together to bring about positive change to ourselves and our government;
We have forever changed the face of politics and the way that campaigns are run and financed;
We have been inspired and challenged to step outside of our singularly focused worlds and to act in a positive manner by helping each other and our communities, to perform acts of kindness to get to know our neighbors, to create conversations with strangers;
We the people have collectively chosen to create a better future for ourselves and our children by refusing to follow the path of the past. We are running towards the future with grace, humility, class, and a winning spirit that will not be denied.

Barack has shown us how to win by being our guide and road map. Now is the time for us to pay it forward and give him the position he deserves.

Let's get busy family - now is our time, this is our race, and We have choosen to WIN!

Obama Fever - Catch It!

Obama Wins Guam!

Chuck — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:51:02 EDT

He only won by SEVEN votes (remember this when making GOTV calls, every vote really does matter) and the four pledged delegates will almost certainly be split evenly, but one of the island's Super Delegates has said they will support the winner of the Caucus, and the voters simultaneaous voted in the chair of their delegation who also gets a Super Delegate vote, and he is an Obama supporter.

So seven votes from the caucus goers nets two additional votes for Obama in Denver, and Hillary falls even further behind.

Major IN SuperDelegate switches from Hillary to Obama

Chuck — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:01:03 EDT

Nedra Pickler (!) of the AP reports that Former Clinton appointed DNC Chair Joe Andrew, without prompting, has switched to Obama based on the state of the campaign, and Obama's handling of the Wright eruption, and Hillary's irresponsible call for a summer gast tax holiday which Obama dismissed rightly as a pandering gimick.

I wanted to second his observation, and add an emphasis to the gas tax holiday issue, which is that because it have the net effect on increasing consumption of gas, it is a stance that no-one who is serious about the environment in general, and Global Warming in particular shou ever support.

It's Time To End This!

Fran Rodgers — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:23:08 EDT

Yesterday, Senator Obama picked up the endorsement of three Super Delegates. Today, in the news, comes word that a former Clinton supporter and Super Delegate is switching his support and throwing it to Obama. As Hillary herself said, "The tide is turning" but it's turning our way! Let's help that tide!

Below is a partial list (more will be posted later) of Super Delegates who are uncommitted at this point but whose State or District has already voted to support Senator Obama. They've been hearing a lot from the Clinton folks - now it's time for them to hear from us. This weekend, or today for that matter, pick up the telephone and make a quick call or, if the address is there, send them a quick email. Let them know why they should support Obama and why they should declare their support now.

Thanks for all you do!

PARTIAL LIST OF UNCOMMITTED SUPER DELEGATES: (please come back to this post and leave a comment to let others know what your experience was!)

ARIZONA
Congressman Harry Mitchell
website: http://mitchell.house.gov/
Contact page for Rep. Mitchell: http://mitchell.house.gov/contact/

Washington DC office
2434 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
phone: 202-225-2190
fax: 202-225-3263

COLORADO
Governor Bill Ritter
Website: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/GovRitter/GOVR/1177024890452

136 State Capitol
Denver, CO 80203-1792
(303) 866-2471
(303) 866-2003 Fax

IOWA
Senator Tom Harkin:
website: http://harkin.senate.gov/
Contact page for Senator Harkin: https://harkin.senate.gov/c/index.cfm

Washington Office
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3254 Phone
(202) 224-9369 Fax
(202) 224-4633 TDD

Scott Brennan, IA, DNC
iadem@iowademocrats.org

MISSOURI
Maria Chappelle-Nadal, DNC
Missouri State (not US) Representative for District 72
website: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/member/mem072.htm
email: maria.chappellenadal@house.mo.gov
state office:
201 W Capitol Ave Rm 105H
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-4265 -- phone
(573) 751-5123 -- fax

Response strategy: MSNBC reports (4/17/08) that she was hand-picked by Howard Dean; says that she plans to make her superdelegate decision by early July. Says that she is frustrated by BO's criticism of Carter's meeting with Hamas; sees this as hypocritical. Also feels that BO's speeches lack specifics. Says that she is really tired of the "bickering" in the debates.

Leila Medley, DNC
Political Director of the Missouri National Education Association
email at Missouri NEA (add your email, subject, content): http://www.mnea.org/info/directory/mail_forms/email%20-%20medley.htm

Missouri NEA Office:
1810 E Elm St
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-3202 -- phone (but not just her office)
(573) 634-5646

Response strategy: Superdelegates.org claims that she plans to stay neutral until John Edwards endorses someone. Feels that no one has really addressed his speech on economy/poverty.
http://superdelegates.org/Leila_Medley
MSNBC reports (4/17/08) that she feels the Democratic presidential campaign has become "too contentious." Says that she has recently received many letters from HRC supporters.
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/04/17/913991.aspx

John Temporiti, DNC
Missouri Democratic Party Chair (as of 2/13/07)
MDP website: http://www.missouridems.org/
MDP email: http://www.missouridems.org/form.asp
just complete name, email, subject, content
Missouri Democratic Party Office
208 Madison St
PO Box 719
Jefferson CIty, MO 65102
(573) 636-5241 -- phone
(573) 634- 8176

Yolanda Wheat, DNC
Missouri Democratic Party Vice Chair (as of 2/13/07)
MDP website: http://www.missouridems.org/
MDP email: http://www.missouridems.org/form.asp
just complete name, email, subject, content
Missouri Democratic Party Office
208 Madison St
PO Box 719
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 636-5241 -- phone
(573) 634- 8176

Response strategy: She was appointed by President Clinton to the National Credit Union Administration Board.

SOUTH CAROLINA
Representative James Clyburn
website: http://clyburn.house.gov/index2.cfm
Note: Must live in District to email, enter zip code here:
http://clyburn.house.gov/zip_code_verify.cfm?page=contact.cfm&CFID=2275713&CFTOKEN=44713397

Washington DC office
2135 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, 20515
Phone: (202)225-3315
Fax: (202)225-2313
Toll free # 1-888-JIM-0006

Representative John Spratt
website http://www.house.gov/spratt/
Note: Must live in district to email, enter zip code here:
http://www.house.gov/spratt/email_john.shtml

Washington DC office
1401 Longworth Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
Tel. 202-225-5501
Fax 202-225-0464

The "Invisible" Primary

Cindy in Salt Lake — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:37:09 EDT

An article in the Wall Street Journal today makes the case that Obama will win the "invisible" primary - the votes of elected officials.

OBAMA HEADS FOR SUPERDELEGATE EDGE
Candidate Benefits From Calculations Of Elected Officials

By JACKIE CALMES
April 29, 2008; Page A4

Despite his loss in Pennsylvania and other campaign bumps, Barack Obama is heavily favored to win what will be the final and decisive contest for the Democratic presidential nomination -- the "invisible primary" for the convention votes of party leaders.

The reasons say a lot about these superdelegates' calculations for the November elections -- the presidential one, or their own.

The 795 superdelegates, who can vote for any nominee, fall into one of two groups -- the elected and the unelected.

Sen. Obama has taken the lead among elected officials, and Monday got the endorsement of New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman, though Sen. Hillary Clinton will counter Tuesday with a commitment from Gov. Mike Easley, whose North Carolina holds the next primary. Sen. Clinton still leads by double digits among nonelected national and state party officials, but her edge has been narrowing.

The elected are the party's 28 governors, 234 House members, 49 senators and assorted big-city mayors and state officeholders. Democrats in both camps say that for many, these superdelegates' decisions to endorse someone -- or stay uncommitted -- reflect their answer to the question: What is best for my political future?

Contact the DNC and super delegates - here's how

Sue — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:41:55 EDT

Go to this web site and voice your opinion. http://www.eyesonobama.com/ You will also be able to track the super delegates when they make a candidate selection or change their selection.

I'm not voting for any Clinton, ever! My conscience says that it would be detrimental to our world, and most especially to my own grandchildren, to vote for someone who lies, deceives and tears others down to be 'leading' our nation. I don't befriend liars, so why would I vote for one. What kind of message will that send to the children? It's okay to lie; it's okay to know what's right, but do the wrong thing anyways? I'm fed up and I'm not going take it.

Contact the DNC and super delegates - here's how

Sue — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:37:19 EDT

Go to this web site and voice your opinion. You will also be able to track the super delegates when they make a candidate selection or change their selection.

Bloggers

BRGHTSD1 HOPE & COURAGE — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:44:22 EDT

There are so many people here with strong opinions, armed with information that is begging to be seen...

I'm asking each of you to take the time today and write a simple letter to an as yet uncommitted Super delegate...state your case; be the eloquent being that you are....tell them why you, the party, the country and the world need for them to declare themselves.

Super delegates

Sue — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:39:20 EDT

So why are there so many undecided super delegates "sitting on the fence?"

They know Hillary Clinton is a liar.

They know Hillary Clinton is dividing the party.

They know Hillary Clinton is in a lawsuit right now for campaign fundraising fraud.

They know Hillary Clinton is the status quo.

They know Hillary Clinton has TONS of baggage that the republicans will use against her.

They know there are many republicans who voted for her because they want the infighting and division to go on, and don't want to face Obama in the general election.

Here's my opinion as to reasons why many of them may not stating a choice:

They 'owe' the Clintons and fear their retribution.

The Clintons have dirt on them that would damage their own public office.

They are part of the Clinton Machine.

They fear what real change in Washington will do to their own public office.

They have scandals of their own that may be washed out if Obama takes office, or that the Clintons will reveal if they don't win.

They too are in bed with the lobbyists and corporations that are running Washington.

They are racist.

They don't have a clue? This may be the big one. hah.

Thoughts, more ideas, anyone?

Why Barack is a Sure Bet for the Democratic Nomination

COL Mo — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:28:55 EDT

In the last couple of months I have noticed a change in the tone of CNN's self-proclaimed "best political team on television." CNN covereage has taken what may be called a pro Hillary bent, reporting, not news, but the spin of her political campaign. The effect of this, copied elsewhere in the media, is to give the impression Barack and Mrs. Clinton are in a close competition for the Democratic nomination. Nothing could be more untrue. Barack has the nomination virtually "in the bag."

Given such sensationalism in the media today, I cannot often point to insightful analytical pieces written by reporters. A pleasant exception is this article in politico.com. The writer gives us the benefit of her insights, research, and conversations with superdelegates and democratic insiders. These are not people who buy political spin and have their eyes fixed on winning the general election. Her message confirms the ideas expressed in this blog. It is well worth your time.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9862.html

Barack's Magic Number Drops to 298

COL Mo — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:08:38 EDT

Since yesterday, Sen Obama has gained 4 additional "earned" delegates (from PA) while HRC was awarded 2. PA still has two delegates to award. Hillary's delegate lead in PA is 10 (83-73). As of Today Barack's earned delegate lead is 156 (1489-1333). He also gained another super delegate cutting HRC's lead to 22 (259-237). This gives Barack a total delegate count of 1726 just 298 short of what he needs to lock in the nomination. Hillary has 1592 total delegates.

Since Tuesday's primary Barack has gained 7 earned and 3 superdelegates to Hillary's 3 earned and 1 super delegate, a 10-4 advantage for Sen Obama.

Yes, We can and he Will !!!

Hillary is into bribery of Super Delegates or teaching us all New Math

LuAnn in Indiana — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:20:47 EDT

Okay, everyone, I just heard on TV today that Hillary did not end up with a clear 10 point "double digit" win in PA. I was under the impression, both from the MSM, other political pundits and even her that she needed at least a "double digit" win to pass go and go around the board again.

So, I guess she finally ended with 9. something, which at least where I learned math, is not a "double digit". So then she preceeds to bribery of the Super Delegates or at least making up her own rules as to whether the popular vote counts, the most delegates counts or if the Super Delegats can be persuaded that she is the only viable candidate.

Fact is , right now Obama is winning with the popular vote and delegate vote. He is also gaining in the Super Delegates, as they are turning to him several at a time. I think Hillary picked one up today.

Obviously, Hillary is not watching Chuck Todd on MSNBC when he has his chalk in hand and is using a pointer to go over all the numbers, proving she can not possibly catch up to him in delegates. Of course, Hillary wants to count Florida where no one campaigned and Michigan where Obama took his name off the ballot (as he was told to do).

Gee, it appears one of he two candidates knows how to count and can follow the Democrat rules. I think you know which one it is and if you said Hillary you are the winner of todays blog. Oh, but thqat would mean there are a huge amount of winners.

Well, right now I need to go watch the Chris Mattews Show. I see they are talking about the new "Race Commercial" the Republicans want to run in North Carolina.

Supposedly, McCain says he is against it, but do any of us believe he isn't secretly hoping they do his dirty work and he appears to be the good guy? They were even talking on one of the shows today how McCain an Hillary are both teaming up to defeat Barack. Now, that is what I call rue democracy.

I'll be back soon, that is after I watch all of the political shows tonight. Yes, I am addicted, even if I can't stand some of the things they are saying. I think I watch mostly because I can't believe there are so many people who don't understand or can't understand reality. And then there are the MSM saying things just to stir up trouble or create doubt. All of a sudden, since Hillary suppossedly won in PA, they are turning to some degree against Barack.

I can tell this is going to get very dirty. I guess Rev. Wright is popping up again and going to speak somwhere this Friday. That is all we need, right? Let's just stir that topic up again and bring that back to center stage. I wouldn't be surprised if Hillary invited him to speak.

Oh well, just keep remembering, "Yes, We Can!"

Popular Vote: Listen Up, Obama Surrogates (from DailyKos.com)

Bolaji — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:07:35 EDT

Popular Vote: Listen Up, Obama Surrogates (Updated) by PocketNines Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 10:00:27 PM PDT

Dear Obama Surrogate,

You are going to be on cable news shows in the next two weeks, and you are going to be confronted with the notion of the popular vote being a legitimate measuring stick.

I must say that thus far I have been generally very unimpressed with you as a group. You flub around, you let yourself get bullied by giant assholes like Joe Scarborough and you never make super-easy points.

So listen up, I am going to make this easy for you. Do not screw this up. Use the three obvious points, and use concrete examples, which I have helpfully provided for you. If you do not say these three things, you are a total failure as a surrogate.

PocketNines's diary :: ::

Point Number 1: If the popular vote determined the nominee, no candidate would ever go to Iowa or New Hampshire. They'd spend all their time in big urban areas all over the country from the outset of the campaign, racking up raw numbers. What would be the point of even visiting New Hampshire if you could camp out in Brooklyn? Concrete Example: Barack Obama would not have spent only a day and a half in California before the Feb 5 primary. He would have never gone to Idaho. Duh.

Point Number 2: If the popular vote determined the nominee, no state in its right mind would ever hold a caucus, instantly disenfranchising itself. Concrete example: Minnesota-Missouri. Minnesota gets credit for 214K votes, and Missouri gets 822K votes, but they each get 72 delegates. Is Missouri's voice 4 times more important than Minnesota's?

Point Number 3: The arbitrary distinction between who gets to vote in these primaries is nothing like the general election, where everyone registered gets to vote. In the primaries, sometimes it's just Dems, sometimes Dems and Indies, sometimes anyone. Concrete example: Texas gets a million more votes than similar overall population New York (2.8M to 1.8M), even though New York is far more Democratic, simply due to this arbitrary restriction on who can vote (NY = closed, Texas = open).

Overall point: regardless of the fact that Obama will win the popular vote, it is completely illegitimate in this race. THIS IS NOT LIKE POPULAR VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Think you can remember this, Obama surrogates? I mean, re-read it if you have to. Rehearse in front of a mirror. Get a buddy to critique you.

I heard Chuck Todd say that superdelegates think popular vote is the real measuring stick. That is so unbelievably asinine that if it's true, it only demonstrates how badly you, the Obama Surrogates, have failed.

Get your shit together and start making these points.

You're welcome.

I FORGOT:
I am waiting for the first Obama surrogate to say, with mockery dripping, that (even in its dishonest spasms of stupidity for including Florida and Michigan where the candidates for office did not even campaign but had a name recognition buzzpoll) the Clinton argument requires that Obama gets zero votes in Michigan. Then demand that an opposing Clinton surrogate own that intellectual point implicit in their argument.

Update (rewritten for clarity):
In the spirit of stating your opponents' best argument for them up front, then dismantling it, lay it out this way:

When the Clintons and their surrogates deceptively argue for the popular vote, they appear at first glance to be making a simple, moral, populist argument, that all votes are equal. Right? That's the implication, and why it rolls off their tongues so easily.

But where is the inherent morality in open versus closed primaries that arbitrarily limit turnout and whether Republicans and independents get to pick the Democratic nominee in some states but not others?

Are caucuses inherently immoral? Many states chose them as their form of selecting a nominee.

Is it moral to alter the game strategy only after the fact?

Make the opposing Clinton surrogate make a moral case that Minnesota = 1/4 of Missouri, because their argument insists that it should. Make them argue from a principle standpoint that Minnesota = 1/4 of Missouri. Make them argue that. Put them in that position. It'll expose this whole can of worms.

A good day to write a super delegate

BRGHTSD1 HOPE & COURAGE — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:48:43 EDT

Today might be a good day to write a super delegate and tell them why it is that you support Barack Obama and what your hopes for this country consist of. Maybe it's we who need to inspire them to let go of the fear of the status quo. Maybe it's our job to remind them of why it is they became involved. Maybe now is a perfect time to invite them to the party.

What do you think?

Is Clinton's Toughness beating Obama?

Stephen — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:28:13 EDT

Senator Obama did increasingly well in the primaries and polls until the Clintons hit him with their "spin shots" on elitism, and he chose not to STEP UP and go after Hilary Clinton in the ABC news debate last week. He essentially allowed her to punch into him, and passed when given the opportunity to fight back. Now he is being viewed as "soft," and soft played well into not being "tough" in blue collar states like Pennsylvania.

Voters often think and vote thru simple reasoning, and tough plays well into many voters. If Hilary can continue to claim she is "tough," and voters know we need a tough president, and Obama does not exert "toughness" when given the opportunity, i.e. last ABC debate, and Obama continues to say he'll run his presidency like his campaign - then, he's telling voters he can't be tough as president. Can he STEP UP and get TOUGH?

By contrast, Hilary is really more of a bitch than tough. There is a distinct difference. But Obama has let her get away with this, from the 3am ad to the Bosnia sniper fire claim - w/o directly calling her out. It's as though he's "kissing somebody's ass!"

What is up with him? He must respond when needed with toughness or the super-delegates and other states will swing to Hilary.

What we're up against

Sue — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:15:16 EDT

It is good to see the DNC putting out ads against McCain, however, their hands are tied when it comes to putting out accurate information to combat the negatives towards Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton is in essence, pitting democrats, republicans and independents against Barack. She is adding fuel to the republicans' fire. It is time for the DNC to put a stop to this. It is time for them to be able to defend Barack in every way. Hillary is helping the conservative base, and promoting racism and pulling the non-Barack democrats away from the party once Barack becomes the nominee. It's time for the DNC and super-delegates to wake up and take a stand. We need to be able to move forward! There is going to be a huge increase of negative ads towards Barack, and if Hillary continues to feed on them and use them to her gain, she will destroy the party. I almost wish Barack was running as an independent in light of the poor state of our democratic party.

I wish the campaign would run another 'letters to the super-delegates' campaign such as they had earlier this year. Anyone have clout to get them to do this?

Pennsylvania news coverage/Hillary's argument

Phillip Schloss — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:22:59 EDT

I fail to see the logic in comparing a Clinton victory over Obama to a Kerry victory over Bush, or a Bush victory over Clinton. Do they seriously think that all of the so-called blue collar workers who voted for Hillary will desert the Dems for the Republicans if Obama wins the nomination? A Clinton victory in Pennsylvania is indicative of the state having the second oldest population in the country more than any other factor. A more interesting question is why do aging Democrats vote for Hillary in such large numbers? And are they likely to abandon the Democratic party for McCain in the fall if Obama becomes the nominee? There are those who would, but one imagines that there would be a much greater percentage that will support the Democratic nominee among that aging population. There is much greater danger facing the Democrats. If Hillary becomes successful with her argument and she becomes the nominee via the super-delegate path, despite Obama going into the convention with more delegates and more of the popular vote, African-Americans and the youth of America will be disenfranchised. The situation reeks of Bush manipulating the Electoral College vote by disenfranchising minority voters in Florida. And there is no doubt that if the young vote and the African American vote becomes disenfranchised, their will thwarted by back-room politics, that they will stay home in November, and the next president will be John McCain.

No more of the same please

dharmas — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:48:27 EDT

To the voters of the next primaries and the undecided/ superdelegates

Do you see what state our country is in. The conomy on anose dive. Education sub standard.

World status faltering, Lobby driven pharmaceuticals, lobby driven agriculture , lobby driven energy policy , where is this country headed.

How come it is hard to see how Obama stands above the politics as usual despite the people that are causing controversy about him.

He will change things , look how he is running the campaign, hillary's campaign is headed to deficit already (her coffers are full though) what will she do to our economy. Stay strong and unflinched and watch our nation drown with a strength of will.

Isn't it better to have a president who gets restless when he sees waste of time and effort? A president who feels the urge to fix things?A president who has good judgement and not good hindsight.

Choose wisely , be informed , listen to your heart not the echoes of the washington press

Vote for a better America

Outstanding,

Brainy,

Audacious,

Meticulous,

American

Re: McCain Attacks Obama + Super delegates

ODEH ODEH — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:35:35 EDT

While it may be true that I am not in the position to compel any of the undecided super delegate to endorse Obama and therefore, propagate the movement for hope and change in the country, nevertheless, I also did not feel that the tentative argument by about 100 of the remaining 800 super delegates that the nomination race between Obama and Clinton is still too cloudy to make the move to endorse Sen. Obama.

I however, have good news for them; if McCain and the Republican Party feel that Sen. Clinton will be the most formidable candidate to defeat them in the general election, come November, how come all the attacks are being directed at Obama? Pragmatically speaking, the candidacy of Sen. Obama transcend just mere political process of voting and being voted for. This is a campaign that is essentially and purely based on the necessity for change and reclaiming the American dream.

The Clinton's are attacking Obama, McCain and the Republican Party are attacking Obama and finally, as we vividly saw in the last debate, their was this indisputable facts that ABC News network, have joined the lists of syndicated media organizations that are indirectly or in some cases directly being used as an avenue to deny the American people their quest and aspiration for a government that will be purely people oriented and in which leadership roles is from bottom to top, not the reverse, as we have often bein seeing in Washington.

I honestly believe the people of America are wiser than this kind of archaism, dogmatism, sentimentalism and nepotism directed against Obama. How come all these corporations and entities are fighting so hard to deprive the American people their right to good governance, socio-economic uplifting and a truly united country?

Obama holds the key to the type of transformational democracy and leadership that will eventually lead to the rejuvenation, renovation and reclaiming of the image of the country and therefore win the support of allies and foes alike.

Democracy + Diplomacy + Dedication + Devotion = Obama for president

Autocracy + Militarism + Nonchalancy + Distortions= Clinton and McCain.

God bless USA

God bless Obama

April 20, 2008, 2:06 pm McCain Attacks Obama, Addresses Temperament

By Elisabeth Bumiller

WASHINGTON—Senator John McCain on Sunday sharply criticized one of Senator Barack Obama’s supporters, a former member of the Weather Underground, as an “unrepentant terrorist’’ and called on Mr. Obama to condemn remarks by the supporter expressing regret that his group did not conduct more bombings in the United States in the 1970s.

Mr. McCain, who made his comments on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopolous,’’ brought up the name of Mr. Obama’s supporter, Bill Ayers, without prompting. Mr. Ayers, now a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, lives in Mr. Obama’s neighborhood and held an early organizing meeting when Mr. Obama was running for the Illinois state Senate.

Obama is no Elitist.

Liz — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:26:33 EDT

Every day it is looking more and more like the most decent and best qualified candidate will win the nomination. I'll admit there have been times when I had serious doubts, but my doubts are fading fast every day. I just read where a former Clinton supporter is endorsing Obama today and super delegate from Oklahoma endorsed him today as well. I think that makes a grand total of at least five super delegates who have endorsed the Senator in the past 48 hours.

Call me a fool, but I can see the possibiilty that Senator Obama might actually win Pennsylvania! That would be grand! He will win if people, especially workers, stop for even five minutes to listen to what the candidates are saying. At least 60% of what comes out of Senator Clinton's mouth these days is a derogatory remark about Senator Obama. That may be her strategy though. As long as she is bashing Obama, she doesn't have to answer questions regarding trade agreements. (This might be too much for her since she would have to defend not only her position on trade agreements, but those of her husband as well.)

Unlike John McCain and Hillary Clinton, Senator Obama offers an approach to trade that breaks with both the Bush and Clinton Administrations.

I hope the workers at the Alliance for American Manufacturing in Pittsburgh were listening to what Senator Obama said the other day:

"Senator Clinton and Senator McCain are singing from the same hymn book, saying that I'm 'out of touch' – an 'elitist' – because I said a lot of folks are bitter about their economic circumstances," Obama explained. "Now it may be that I chose my words badly. It wasn't the first time and it won't be the last. But when I hear my opponents, both of whom have spent decades in Washington, saying I'm out of touch, it's time to cut through their rhetoric and look at the reality."

Well, speak of the Devil . . .and other good things

Liz — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:45:11 EDT

Well, speak of the Devil . . . I have been wondering out loud where Hillary’s brother Hugh is and I got my answer this morning when I came across an article published in today’s Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Hugh has joined the campaign trail to stump for his baby sister.

The Pittsburgh Tribune didn’t neglect to mention brother Rodham’s past activities so I don’t know how much of a help that Hugh Rodham will be to his sister: “. . . Rodham, a 57-year-old Florida attorney, is probably best known as brother-in-law Bill's golfing partner during the 1990s. He also is known for accepting $400,000 in legal fees from clients to lobby Bill Clinton for presidential pardons before he left office. Rodham eventually returned the money. . .”

However unlike Bill, Hillary’s staff is making sure that Hugh, loose cannon that he is, doesn’t inadvertently dis sis.“ . . . A handler for Rodham brushed away a reporter after the speech, saying he would not be taking questions from reporters. . . “

Now maybe that’s why no one saw Bill Clinton at the ABC debate last night. Perhaps the new people in charge of Hillary’s campaign have him all duck-taped up in a closet somewhere until after April 22.

ADD-ONS for Obama

Oliver from Jamaica Plain, MA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:30:01 EDT

[cross-posted at dailykos]

When it comes to super-delegates, we have all heard the names of the 'known unknowns'. The most understated advantage Obama has going forward is that 76 unpledged delegates are chosen by their constituents after the primary or caucus is over. Twelve of them have already been named and another two will be named on Thursday for New Jersey. So far, Obama has picked up six add-ons, Clinton one and the other five, including three from Tennessee and Oklahoma, remain uncommitted.

There isn't much more to say or do about the votes that have already taken place, but it is not too late to influence the choice of add-ons in New Jersey and 39 other constituencies.

So far the news has been good for Obama. The only add-on to endorse Clinton, Mark Wilcox of Arkansas, is leaving the option to switch wide open.

“I voted for her in the (primary) election and support her and that’s how at this time I feel I’m going to vote. ... At this time, I’m supporting her,” Wilcox told The Associated Press.
“Who knows what the convention is going to be? We all could support somebody else if it changes, like if she pulls out, we’ll have to support somebody else,” Wilcox said, who added that he could not think of a scenario where he’d change his mind short of Clinton exiting the race.
---Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Oklahoma and Tennessee voted heavily in favor of Clinton, yet their add-on delegates are on the fence. Oklahoma Democratic Chairman Ivan Holmes was an Edwards supporter. He chose the state party's chief fundraiser, Reggie Whitten, who publicly refused to voice his preference, as his state's add-on delegate. His decision suggests that Oklahoma is not as solidly in Clinton's camp as the primary suggested.

"I had all kinds of people wanting to do this, and Reggie never asked me," Holmes said.
Holmes said he originally backed former Sen. John Edwards, believing he would do well in Oklahoma, perhaps providing coattails for local candidates. He said he has yet to see that trait in Obama or Clinton.
"Obama brings young people into the party that we haven't had before, and Hillary brings in a lot of independent women," Holmes said. "Unfortunately, the polls show that neither of them are going to win Oklahoma."
---AP

Perhaps the situation in Tennessee is similar. The State Executive Committee selected Jerry Lee and Vicki Harwell. Neither has made clear their intentions, though Harwell did present Obama an opportunity to pull her back from leaning to Clinton:

Harwell said after being elected that "at this point, I'm leaning toward Sen. Clinton." Harwell said she had met Clinton personally and found her to be a "dynamic, dedicated Democratic woman."
"I certainly think she has earned to right to run and certainly to be our nominee," she said, adding that she had not met Obama.
Harwell said she was unhappy with both candidates in one respect. Both have been invited to Knoxville on April 18-19 for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 3,000-member Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women and "much to my dismay, I have not even had the courtesy of a reply from either one."
---Knoxville News-Sentinel

The other two uncommited delegates are interesting cases.

Missouri's DSC chose a long-time Obama supporter, Susan Montee, and Attorney General Jay Nixon, whose neutrality probably stems from his campaign for Governor. I wouldn't expect a public endorsement from Nixon, but it goes without saying, Nixon is going to be instrumental in bringing the tribes back together before November.

The District of Columbia was so heavily in favor of Obama, it seems the campaign took it's eye off the ball. Rumors about him switching his support to Obama and a speech about poverty and change (and likely his own credentials), helped Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas jr win a trip to Denver. Apparently, Yvette Alexander was one of seven candidates committed to Obama, while only one candidate was vocal about her support for Clinton. After the story broke, Thomas prudently left open the possibility that he will support Obama. He clearly is not what Mark Penn might call an "automatic delegate".

To take hold of the nomination, Obama and his supporters will need to be careful not to take anything for granted. The number of states he's won and the likelihood that larger states will split their add-on votes indicates he will continue to dominate the add-on selection process. To that end, I will track this finicky detail, lest it get overlooked because somewhere in Pennsylvania, a latte-sipping Prius-driver feels threatened by increasing demands for orange juice.

Thanks to the folks who've been tracking this at DCW. I'm using their information to track down news and links about the add-ons ahead and creating a spreadsheet that I hope will be ready by the time I return from Pennsylvania.

Some quick observations about the calendar:
In the next five weeks, there are a number of larger states choosing add-ons. There may be enough support for Clinton in those states to keep pace with Obama. A lot depends on how those who have a say choose to divide their delegation. Art Torres, chairman of the California Democratic Party, decided that the state's 5 add-ons should be split 3-2 in Clinton's favor. That means that California will be balanced out by Obama's add-on from Wyoming. My best guess is that in that time span, Obama will pick up between 14 and 17 delegates, while Clinton gains between 12 and 15. Since this chunk of states will be the subject of my next diary, let me be tease you with some reason for optimism about the add-ons beyond May 23rd.

After California, the calendar swings heavily in Obama's favor. Among the states that have already voted and have multiple add-ons, none were won outright by Clinton. She split in Texas and may win in Pennsylvania, and both of those states have three add-ons. That could mean a net gain of just two delegates. Georgia, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Virginia, Washington and North Carolina all have two add-ons. Should they decide to reflect their state's preference, those add-ons may split 2-0 for Obama. Even if they don't, Obama has a huge edge among states that only send one add-on to the convention. Hillary won Rhode Island and is optimistic about West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico; Obama has already won Wyoming, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Vermont, Idaho, Iowa and Nebraska, and he should prevail in Montana, Oregon and South Dakota. My best guess for this group is that Obama comes out between 11 and 19 super-delegates ahead of Clinton.

Thursday is just around the bend so let's not neglect New Jersey. Here's a little something to consider in light of the confusion that helped Thomas win the election in DC. DCW posted a poorly sourced announcement about the likely add-ons in the Garden State, claiming that both would swing to Clinton despite the narrow margin of victory. I was surprised to discover that one of the add-ons, former Governor Brendan Burke, is listed as a member of 'Obama for America'. One way or the other, Obama supporters that show up to vote at the NJ democratic State Committee, should research their choices and not be misled by mixed signals.

I'll do my best to keep this diary updated, but I'm packing for Dubois, PA. Forgive me if I leave it up to you all to make sure this gets on the rec list.

Be Heard … Through LobbyDelegates.com

Optomistic Again Ken — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:23:33 EDT

If you think party big-shots called Super Delegates should listen to rank-and-file Democrats, go to www.LobbyDelegates.com -- just launched by the nonprofit StateDemocracy Foundation. This impartial site is the only one where you can lobby ALL your state’s Super Delegates -- whether to support Obama or Clinton, or even to remain undecided.

Below are the undecided super delegates.

! ! ! ! ! Matthew McGovern !!!!! — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 01:23:04 EDT

Saturday April 12, 2008

Comments or suggestions for inclusion can be sent to The.McGovern.Minute@gmail.com

Here we go wonderful Obama supporters!

Below are the undecided super delegates.

We need to send them a quick email, or letter, expressing our desire for them to support Sen. Obama.

It is imperative that we show as much support for Obama to these super delegates. Just 15 minutes is all it will take, but the effects of everybody writing to show our support will be great.

It really can take only 15 minutes too - probably even less assuming
you use email... simply a brief courteous note is all it takes. There
are a number of online sources for super delegate contact info. I
think the best single source is:

www.democratsfordemocracy.org

It has an easy to use search tool and it has more actual contact info
than any of the other sites I've checked out. Plus it looks like they
are actually working on improving it as they go. It also has links to
background info and news for many of the superdelegates. (and unlike
some sites out there it is totally free and doesn't require any user
account info - no strings attached)

Check it out and, more importantly, take action and use it. Let the
superdelegates know we appreciate their commitment to the party, but
that in the end it is the voice of the collective people who need to
decide this nomination process.

Pass this along to any of your contacts in other states.

Right on! Write On! GO OBAMA!!!

Steve Beshear

State: Kentucky
Affiliation: Democratic Governor
Pledged: Undeclared
Back to Top

Jennifer Moore

State: Kentucky
Affiliation: DNC Member
Pledged: Undeclared
Back to Top

Moretta Bosley

State: Kentucky
Affiliation: DNC Member
Pledged: Undeclared
Back to Top

Nathan Smith

State: Kentucky
Affiliation: DNC Member
Pledged: Undeclared
Back to Top

Ben Chandler

State: Kentucky
Affiliation: U.S. Representative
Pledged: Undeclared
Back to Top

Why Hillary Can't Win the Democratic Nomination

COL Mo — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:40:05 EDT

According to CNN, Barack currently leads Hillary by 136 net (Earned and super) delegates. As of today's pollsit looks like the worst case for Barack is a big win in NC and a close contest in IN and PA. The bottomline - no significant change in the delegate ration from these remaining "big" states. By CNN's count only 319 super delegates remain uncomitted. For Hillary to make up 136 delegates, she would have to convince 71.2% of the uncomitted super delegates to over turn the primary results. This will NOT happen!!

Some superdelegates more super than the rest

Candace N. - V.O.B — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:55:25 EDT

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SUPER_SIZED_DELEGATES?SITE=AZTUC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Hillary Supporting Super Delegate Predicts Obama Wins

Marenda — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:30:44 EDT

"If I had to make a prediction right now, I'd say Barack Obama is going to be the next president...," he said. "I will be stunned if he is not the next president of the United States. Now, when he is sworn in, 99.9 percent of Americans won't know who he is or what he stands for. But it doesn't matter at this point."(read the rest)

I'm Not Playing

Ms_CongenialityHI — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:37:42 EDT

A quote from The Patriot-News (emphasis added in bold), regarding Sen. Bob Casey, Jr.'s endorsement of Barack Obama:

"That's an important get for the Obama campaign," said T.J. Rooney, the chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and a Clinton supporter. "Bob Casey's a man of good conscience and integrity, and he's chosen a side, and that's to be respected," Rooney said. But he added, "It hasn't shaken any of us or changed our game."

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1206755699227800.xml&coll=1

This is exactly one of the reasons I am supporting Barack Obama. This is Real Life, it is Our Children, this is All of Us, you and me. I encourage you to make a call, send an email or write your Super Delegates and tell them what you need, including their vote cast for Barack Obama.

And here's what some of our children are saying now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9IldaegAB0

Mahalo (thank you)!

Hillary's Abuse of Power

Barbara from Lancaster, CA — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:05:43 EDT

On July 4, 1776 American patriots informed King George III they would no longer endure his "long train of abuses" and were separating from his empire. They pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to institute a government that derived its power from the consent of the governed, in short, a government where power flowed upward, not downward. The result of this defiance against unbridled power is the greatest democracy the world has ever known. Today Queen Hillary I is assaulting democracy's premise that power flows upward from the people by conniving to have her party's "super delegates" (who are selected, not elected) and "committed delegates" (who are morally but not legally bound to mirror primary and caucus results) disregard the will of voters in her party and elect her as the Democratic candidate in this year's general election. Should she prevail with this breach of democracy I will declare my independence from the Queen on November 4, 2008, not by writing beautiful and flowery words on a scroll but by writing two words, Barack Obama, on a ballot. I hope other Obama supporters will do likewise.

Strategy

Disabled Vet 2000 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:53:12 EDT

I think the Obama campaign should do a few things this week:

1. Release some family home videos, show the voters who they would be as a first family.

2. Focus on Obama's understanding of economic vs. McCains total lack of knowledge

3. More shots of the Senator playing basketball, highlighting his youth and health.

4. Go to Catholic churches in PA and discussing common ground.

5. Focus on getting more Super Delegates to endorse now.

6. Stop conceding before the race and ask voters to fight for every vote, district, and delegate.

7. Ask where the tax returns are (supporters not the campaign).

8. A 527 needs to figure out what really happened before OH with the Nafta issue and put together a 30 minute spot on speeches Clinton gave in support of NAFTA.

An Approach to Clinton Superdelegates

Andrew Viertel — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:39:46 EDT

With all the talk about superdelegates, I wanted to share my thoughts on how to approach them. Currently, my three representatives to Congress, Rep. Jay Inslee, Sen. Patty Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell have all endorsed Senator Clinton. I wrote to all three of them this evening. What I said was that I respected their endorsement of Clinton, and I had no problem with them voting for her at the convention unless that vote would overturn the will of the voters as expressed in the primary/caucus process.

Basically, I separated their endorsements from their superdelegate responsibility. There's no more need for Inslee, Murray and Cantwell to change their endorsements of Clinton because their constituents voted for Obama than there is a need for the reverse from John Kerry, Ted Kennedy and Deval Patrick.

Above all, I approached them respectfully. They're probably cursing the supder delegate system at this point, but they need to deal with it. These are ultimately our allies, our representatives, our friends. Let's be respectful and even help them find a happy medium between being advocates for their candidates and harming their party.

North Carolina's Super Delegates

Sharon — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:46:25 EDT

North Carolina in the 110th Congress
(1st Session)Residents of North Carolina are represented in Congress by 2 Senators and 13 Representatives.

Senator Elizabeth Dole (R- NC)202-224-6342/202-224-1100http://dole.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactForm

Senator Richard Burr (R- NC)202-224-3154/202-228-2981http://burr.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home

Representative G. K. Butterfield, Jr. (D - 01)202-225-3101/202-225-3354http://butterfield.house.gov/contactinfo.asp

Representative Bobby Etheridge (D - 02)202-225-4531/202-225-5662http://www.house.gov/etheridge/contactbob.htm

Representative Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R - 03)202-225-3415/202-225-3286http://jones.house.gov/contact_form_email.cfm

Representative David E. Price (D - 04)202-225-1784/202-225-2014http://price.house.gov/contact/contact_form.shtml

Representative Virginia Foxx (R-05)202-225-2071/202-225-2995 http://www.house.gov/formfoxx/IMA/issue_subscribe.htm

Representative Howard Coble (R - 06)202-225-3065/202-225-8611howard.coble@mail.house.gov

Representative Mike McIntyre (D - 07) 202-225-2731/202-225-5773http://www.house.gov/mcintyre/IMA/issue.htm

Representative Robin Hayes (R - 08) 202-225-3715/202-225-4036http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Representative Sue Myrick (R - 09) 202-225-1976/202-225-3389http://myrick.house.gov/zipauth.shtml

Representative Patrick McHenry (R - 10) 202-225-2576/202-225-0316http://mchenry.house.gov/zipauth.htm

Representative Heath Shuler (D - 11) 202-225-6401/202-226-6422http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Representative Melvin L. Watt (D - 12) 202-225-1510/202-225-1512http://watt.house.gov/IQform.asp

Representative Brad Miller (D - 13) 202-225-3032/202-225-0181http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Pelosi is right.

Chris Comninel — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:03:00 EDT

Last night, I saw an aricle on msnbc.com discussing how a group of high level Clinton supporters sent a letter to Nancy Pelosi, regarding her comments on superdelegates, and her belief that they should not overturn the will of the pledged delegates. I believe Nancy Pelosi is correct and that these supporters show the lengths that Clinton supporters will go to in order to win, regardless of the cost. Nancy Pelosi is the Speaker of the people's House, a body which is meant to represent the will of the people. This is the same principle which she has brought to her decision to not want to overturn the will of the people with superdelegates.

Many Clinton supporterst will try to take down anyone in order to win. Whether its Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson, Bill Richardson, or now Nancy Pelosi, they don't care as long as they come out the winner. Hopefully, we will finally be able to show them that these tactics will not work this time.

Clinton Backers Warn Pelosi On Super Delegate Rift

Christopher Wilcox — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:12:43 EDT

If you are looking for something to differentiate Obama and Clinton, other than his prolific gift for oration and her prolific gift for hyperbole you need look no further than who is supporting each candidate and how they are expressing that support. You all have heard about Obama’s million plus contributors, the tens of thousands of who show up for Obama rallies or the millions of new participants into the political process and how that contrasts with Hillary’s PAC and lobbyist funded campaign. You have heard how Obama’s received substantially more money than Hillary and how his contributions are coming from people of modest means in the form of $25 and $50 gifts. And we are all aware that Hillary’s campaign is concerned because her short list of wealthy contributors have maxed out on legal contributions and she even had to infuse $5 million of her own money into her campaign. But perhaps the nature of the motivation behind these two candidates’ contributors can best be summed up by a letter that Nancy Pelosi recently received from 20 of the most prominent insider party activists. Nancy Pelosi had recently stated that super delegates should support whoever emerges from the primaries with the most delegates. Such a statement shows an unflinching understanding of how Democracy is supposed to work but Clinton supporters will have none of that. "This is an untenable position that runs counter to the party's intent in establishing super delegates in 1984," the letter from the wealthy Clinton backers said. “Super delegates, like all delegates, have an obligation to make an informed, individual decision about whom to support and who would be the party's strongest nominee," said the letter signed by some of Clinton's biggest fund raisers. And there lies the rub. Super delegates by their nature in this particular contest wield an excessive amount of power to undermine the will of the electorate in this campaign. And the wealthy Clinton donors feel entitled to all of the power that their prominent status of super delegate appears to bestow. And then there are millions of us regular shmo’s out here who have been working hard to get out the vote, chipping in when we can and feeling like we really do have a voice this time around. We felt like we could make a difference and we were showing up in numbers like never before because we believed the America we love was within our grasp. So Nancy Pelosi if you never do another thing right in your life do not retract your statement. Do not bow to status quo of politics as usual and abandon those of us out here in the real world who want so desperately to believe that this is our country and this is our time. To be sure your stand with the people will take all of the courage and conviction that a position such of yours commands. Among the signees of the letter were prominent Democrats and Clinton supporters like Robert Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television; Bernard Schwartz, former chairman of Loral Space and Communications; and venture capitalist Steven Rattner. In what qualifies as extortion by any definition the signees of the letter went on to remind Pelosi of their support for the party's House campaign committee and said "therefore" she should "reflect in your comments a more open view" about super delegates. I might remind Nancy that the support offered by those 20 millionaire insiders who will demand recompense for their loyalty would offer scant detriment to her future endeavors such as the wrath of millions of disenfranchised citizens who actually bring the votes to the ballot box.

Clinton Donors Pressure Pelosi

Michele — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:42:19 EDT

Just new on the Drudge Report: Twenty, yes 20 Big Clinton Donors are applying heavy-hitting pressure on Nancy Pelosi, criticizing her for her truthful reminder of how the Democratic primaries work.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080326/D8VLCGIG0.html

Twenty. No doubt they have donated big chunks to Sen. Clinton. A force to be reckoned with for certain.

Uh...let me see...Sen.Obama passed the million donor mark a few weeks ago. There are a million plus of us.Now, we don't all have famous names, I for one, can't claim I am a Democratic party big wig, because I am a registered Republican. And implicit in the Drudge headline is that this is something Nancy Pelosi has to be afraid of. You had better heed the warnings of Clinton's big donors.

Nancy, I would't bend to that kind of pressure. There are a million of us measley donors watching. We have the votes to match our small, but hard-earned donations. Good things come in small packages.

That headline was scary. Think about it - a big money block force of 20 individuals seeks to have influence through intimidation. Scare a party leader who dared to speak the truth - that dared to dream of party unity. Twenty people calling the shots.

Ah, don't forget us Ms. Pelosi they seem to be saying. Your political future is on the line. May we remind you we are important power brokers with long memories?

Very telling if you ask me. I wish I could afford to donate more. I wish I could be a political mover and shaker - but Sen. Obama, without having ever met me, makes me feel important and valued. If you are on this site,reading this, it is because you feel the same way. His campaign is different because we have never been taken for granted.

Our collective power, influence and donation dollars measure up rather well against the Clinton VIPs. We are more diverse, and I like to think, more interesting. Grass roots movements, down to earth folk, ordinary people with extraordinary hopes and real American dreams.

Ms. Pelosi - when those twenty come banging on your door in righteous indignation, bear that in mind and remember it is we the people, that the Founding Fathers intended the real power to rest.

Super Delegates & Bill Richardson example

lauretta — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:02:41 EDT

The Clinton camp furor over Bill Richardson's endorsement of Obama, which quickly devolved into denouncing him as trivial and unimportant, is instructive to the whole Super Delegate question. Clinton is holding on to those Super Delegates because she and those left in her column seem to think they "owe" the Clintons something. But look at it another way: The Clintons 'owe' Bill Richardson as much or more than he 'owes' them, after all he SERVED in their administration. They didn't DO SOMETHING FOR HIM. He did something for them, and more precisely he worked for the American people, not the Clintons. The Clinton's whole view is upside down, backwards, and inside out. Public service is PUBLIC SERVICE -- not personal favors. Now I know, I'm going to hear a whole lot of . . . 'that's not how the world works,' and 'you're being naive,' and 'you're such an idealist.' Yes, I am. and I think Obama is too. That's why he made the choices he has made in how to make his living and what he chooses to do with his life. and when he chose public SERVICE. That's what I think he means to do . . . . serve the public, not his own personal interests or those of 'special' interests. With regard to the Super Delegates, they need to review their obligations, which are first to the Constitution (which as elected officials they swear to uphold), to themselves, & their God. And then what do I hear: Hillary Clinton . . . . ! No! I think not. They don't OWE the Clintons anything. Those Super Delegates owe the people of the United States of America. What they owe is SERVICE. They need to live up to the ideals the Country is on- paper as standing for, live up to the US Constitution (which denies a 3rd term), and live up to SPIRIT of the law & rules under which we are supposed to be operating here.

MD Super Delegate contact List

Penny — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:58:30 EDT

Contact the Maryland Supers With the primaries dragging on and more discourse developing within the party, please take amoment to write a short, polite note to the super delegates on the fence asking them to cast their support for Obama. I have found that fax or email works great. I have even received responses to my correspondence. Below is a list of delegates who are undecided that Hillary has listed on her website as supporting her along with their contact info. As soon as I get the complete contact info for the undecided delegates I will post that info.

Alvaro Cifuentes - has dicontinued his email address...he can be contacted at:
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003

Maria Cordone
mcordone@iamaw.org
W: 301-967-4500
H: 301-474-4874
F: 301-967-4588

Nancy Kopp
treasurer@treasurer.state.md.us
W: 410-260-7160
H: 301-229-0385
F: 410-974-3530

Richard Michalski
rmichaelski@iamaw.org
W: 301-967-4575
F: 301-373-2850

Glennard Middleton
gmiddleton@afscme67.org
W: 410-837-7278
C: 410-371-2636
F: 410-752-1848
H: 410-466-0818

Barbara Mikulski SENATOR
W: 202-224-4654
F: 202-224-8858

Martin O'Malley GOVERNOR
martin@martinomalley.com
W: 410-974-3901
F: 410-974-3275

Carol Pensky
H: 202-625-0125

Dutch Ruppersberger CONGRESSMAN
W: 202-225-3061
F: 202-225-3094

Michael R. Steed
msteed@PaladinCapGroup.Com
W: 202-595-2690
H: 301-652-3981
F: 202-293-5597

Please write Hawaii superdelegate Beverly Withington

Richard Careaga — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:33:00 EDT

1050 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite D-26Honolulu, HI 96814

Can SuperDelegates Stop the Scorched Earth Campaigning?

Paul from Seattle, WA — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:36:48 EDT

No matter how well Clinton does in the remaining primaries, her future is going to be in the hands of the superdelegates. It's time for them to exercise their power to rein in scorched-earth campaigning.

The NHL Playoff Race goes Presidential

Christian — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:58:13 EDT

As the Democratic Primaries wind down to the handful of remaining contests it has become apparent that it is virtually impossible for Hillary Clinton to catch up with Barack Obama's lead among elected delegates. Her only hope is having Democratic party insiders, aka superdelegates, overturn the will of the voters in this several month long primary season.

To accomplish this goal Hillary and her campaign have repeatedely used what I like to call the "momentum argument." It goes as such: come June they will argue that While Barack Obama beat them 35(this is the likely projection) out of 54 contests, but we won seven of the last eleven. We have in the waning days of this campaign shown that we have the more electorally viable candidate. Give the Election to us.

To a clearly biased observer like myself I find this argument patently absurd. Part of the problem in the Democratic primary system is that is graded as a boxing match; In a round where you beat your opponent senseless and get a knockdown the judges still only grade the round 10-8 , in a round that you win impressively but do not get a knockdown the judge scores it only 10-9. Hence, a boxing match with a final score of 114-100 seems much closer than the horrible ass kicking that it actually was. In this way the belittling of Barack Obama's 170 elected delegate lead flies in the face of the actual reality of the Democratic primary system.

Having explained that, I decided to put the "momentum argument" to the test last night at work. But rather than use the Clinton case, I decided to make it for our beloved Buffalo Sabres. Currently in ninth place as of now they would not make the playoffs. However they have won three straight, and scored an impressive amount of goals in those games. I argued passionately that if the Sabres continued winning to close out the season that the NHL would be hard pressed to deny the Sabres a playoff spot even if the numbers do not favor them. I mean don't we want the best teams playing the best teams in the playoffs. Just because Ottawa was great in November does not make them a great team now. Professional sports is about entertainment isn't it? And while the swiss-cheese goal tending of Ray Emery might be entertaining to his opponents, it does little to provide exciting competition to Hockey fans at large. Hypothetically If a team wins its first thirty games but loses its last twenty would you really want to watch that train wreck in the playoffs. Coversely if a team figure skates around and has a historically horrible thirty game skid in the beginning of the season, but closes it with twenty wins wouldn't you want that blazing hot team in the playoffs? I found out last night making this case that the "momentum argument" can be somewhat persuasive, but ultimately people see through it as being a load of crap.

Delegate Count

MGonzales — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:11:50 EDT

Where do we stand now?

Obama site shows 1,418 pledged delegates.

Real Clear Politics show Obama with 213 super delegates.

The remaining caucus and primaries have a total of 566 pledged delegates.

If Obama were to only get half of them, he would gain another 283 pledged delegates.

To win the nomination Obama would then needs 110 of the remaining 337unannounced super delegates or 1/3.

For a review of the popular vote using different scenarios including caucus states and Michigan and Florida follow link below:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_vote_count.html

Dick Morris Sees Clinton No-Win Scenarios

Bill Marjenhoff — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:40:57 EDT

From Fox News, of all places: By Dick Morris & Eileen McGann

A funny thing is happening. While Hillary and Bill appeal to super delegates to override the will of the voters and back Hillary, the super delegates are doing just the opposite.

The latest delegate count posted on realclearpolitics.com shows that Hillary’s lead among super delegates, once a comfortable 60 votes, has now been cut almost in half to 36 delegates. The latest tally has Hillary leading among super delegates by 247 to 211. So, with 57 percent of the super delegates decided, Hillary’s lead is shrinking.

In fact, Obama’s total delegate lead has swelled to 163 votes among elected delegates and 127 among all delegates. With 1,614 votes, he isn’t far from the 2,025 he would need, without Florida or Michigan, to win the nomination.

Of the remaining 566 delegates to be selected, Hillary should enjoy a slight edge. She’ll probably win Pennsylvania (158 delegates), Indiana (72), Kentucky (51), West Virginia (28), and Puerto Rico (55). Obama will likely win North Carolina (115), Oregon (52), Montana (16), South Dakota (15) and Guam (4). If this turns out to be so, Clinton would lead in states with 364 delegates while Obama would prevail in states with 202. But even if we assume 10 point wins for each candidate in each state (and the margin will likely be much tighter), all Hillary would get from her states is 36 more delegates while Obama would get 20 from his — still leaving Obama with a lead of 147 in elected delegates.

At that point, Obama would have about 1,900 votes, within spitting distance of the 2025 he’d need to win. Hillary would have to win the remaining super delegates by a top-heavy margin of 2:1 in order to win (steal) the nomination from Obama, who will have won the most elected delegates.

Even if we factor in possible do-over primaries in Florida and Michigan, the nature of the proportional representation process is not likely to change this outcome significantly. Hillary might get an extra 20 delegates if she wins both states, but she’s not likely to get more.

Can Hillary carry the remaining super delegates by 2:1 when she is carrying the ones who have committed by only 247 to 211? Not very likely. The pressure on these delegates to vote as their states voted will be very intense and few are likely to stand up to it.

Remember that these super delegates are either elected officials in their own right, which means that they need to get reelected or party officials in the various states whose ears are very close to the ground. Particularly in caucus states that Obama carried heavily, they are not about to antagonize the party activists who backed Obama by undercutting their will and switching to Hillary.

In fact, the track record of the super delegates so far indicates that they are abandoning Hillary and signing up with Obama as his delegate lead mounts.

So even if the Clintons try as hard as they can (and they will) to steal his election, their chances of doing so are getting increasingly remote.

Dick Morris served as Bill Clinton's political consultant for twenty years, guiding him to a successful reelection in 1996. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers Because He Could, Rewriting History (both with Eileen McGann), Off with Their Heads, and Behind the Oval Office, and the Washington Post bestseller Power Plays.

Copyright Eileen McGann and Dick Morris 2008.

Super Delegate News on MSNBC

Bill Marjenhoff — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:30:05 EDT

MSNBC is reporting that since Super Tuesday Obama is +47 and Clinton is -7. Since March 4th, Obama is +6 and Clinton is -1. Overall Obama leads 1,617 delegates to Clinton's 1,505. Check the MSNBC website for more.

Let's Make it Happen

Luke Reynolds — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:40:51 EDT

It is my hope that more Super Delegates will continue to join Senator Obama, so that in this time preceeding the April 22 contests in PA, Senator Obama will have grown an even more substantial lead.

Now is the time to rally around a person who is capable of doing what this country needs most: unifyng us around what CAN happen instead fo making us afraid of what might.

Super Delegates Lining Up for Obama

Manya4Obama — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 03:34:02 EDT

From Faux News:

A funny thing is happening. While Hillary and Bill appeal to super delegates to override the will of the voters and back Hillary, the super delegates are doing just the opposite.
The latest delegate count posted on realclearpolitics.com shows that Hillary’s lead among super delegates, once a comfortable 60 votes, has now been cut almost in half to 36 delegates. The latest tally has Hillary leading among super delegates by 247 to 211. So, with 57 percent of the super delegates decided, Hillary’s lead is shrinking.
In fact, Obama’s total delegate lead has swelled to 163 votes among elected delegates and 127 among all delegates. With 1,614 votes, he isn’t far from the 2,025 he would need, without Florida or Michigan, to win the nomination.
Of the remaining 566 delegates to be selected, Hillary should enjoy a slight edge. She’ll probably win Pennsylvania (158 delegates), Indiana (72), Kentucky (51), West Virginia (28), and Puerto Rico (55). Obama will likely win North Carolina (115), Oregon (52), Montana (16), South Dakota (15) and Guam (4). If this turns out to be so, Clinton would lead in states with 364 delegates while Obama would prevail in states with 202. But even if we assume 10 point wins for each candidate in each state (and the margin will likely be much tighter), all Hillary would get from her states is 36 more delegates while Obama would get 20 from his — still leaving Obama with a lead of 147 in elected delegates.
At that point, Obama would have about 1,900 votes, within spitting distance of the 2025 he’d need to win. Hillary would have to win the remaining super delegates by a top-heavy margin of 2:1 in order to win (steal) the nomination from Obama, who will have won the most elected delegates.

Even if we factor in possible do-over primaries in Florida and Michigan, the nature of the proportional representation process is not likely to change this outcome significantly. Hillary might get an extra 20 delegates if she wins both states, but she’s not likely to get more.

Can Hillary carry the remaining super delegates by 2:1 when she is carrying the ones who have committed by only 247 to 211? Not very likely. The pressure on these delegates to vote as their states voted will be very intense and few are likely to stand up to it.

Remember that these super delegates are either elected officials in their own right, which means that they need to get reelected or party officials in the various states whose ears are very close to the ground. Particularly in caucus states that Obama carried heavily, they are not about to antagonize the party activists who backed Obama by undercutting their will and switching to Hillary.

In fact, the track record of the super delegates so far indicates that they are abandoning Hillary and signing up with Obama as his delegate lead mounts.

So even if the Clintons try as hard as they can (and they will) to steal his election, their chances of doing so are getting increasingly remote.

Yes we have ! (Notable achievements of Afro -Americans)

Malcolm from Clearwater, FL — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:51:25 EDT

A Black Man

Why is it that a Black Man can create a tiny piece called a filament (electric light - Lewis Latimer)
That allows people to see in the dark? But can't be seen fit to lead a country to the true light.

Why is it that a Black Man can create an instrument (clock - Benjamin Banneker) that all People use to tell time?
But people don't think it is time for him to run a country.

Why is it that a Black Man can design a place for the high authorities to meet in & a place for the President to live in (The Capital & the
White House Phillip Reid (a slave) & Pierre L'Enfant)? But not good enough to lead these meetings or live in himself.

Why is it that a Black Man was brilliant enough to do the first open heart surgery (Dr. Daniel Hale Williams)
And show the world how to get and preserve plasma (Dr. Charles Drew)?
But not good enough to put a program in place where everyone can afford this surgery.

Why is it that a Black Man was creative enough to design an instrument (traffic light - Garrett Morgan)
To bring multiple people (traffic) to a halt?
But not seen creative enough to design a plan to bring all this unnecessary and worthless Fighting between countries to an end.

Why is it that a Black Man could create the soles (shoes - Jan Matzeliger)that people Walk on everyday?
But not seen good enough to fill the shoes of a bad president.

Why is it that a Black Man was smart enough & brave enough to teach himself ( Fredrick Douglas & Thomas Fuller - both slaves) and others how to read, write and/or calculate math?
But not seen (as) smart enough and bold enough to calculate a platform to be President to a countryThat sure needs another first by us.

So you see my Brothers and Sisters what I am saying is let us not forget our past,

Which led us to our present and can definitely be the backbone to our future.

We were good enough, smart enough, creative enough, and bold enough then, so Lets all give Obama the chance to show w that we are still these things and
more.

We all are as strong as our weakest link, so don't be that weak link that denies

Our people that chance to show we still can OVERCOME & BE THE FIRST

Yes we have! And "Yes we can" do so again!

Impact of Big State vs Small State wins

Chris S — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:34:51 EDT

This argument is now so haggard its making me tired. This idea that because Clinton won more "Big States" - ie NY, CA, they still claim TX as a win, etc, that this makes her more electable (is that a word?) in the eyes of the Super Delegates. I really don't buy this. A Democrat is gonna win those states over a Republican no matter who is on the ballot. I maintain that it is the traditionally "red" states that Barack has been winning that will make the tipping point in November. There was actually a comment by some Clinton apologist on CNN today that there is not a lot that will happen for Barack after today as there are no more Super Delegates to court or to get any more. What????? Let's create some of our own talking points around this bit of twisted bull... I mean logic. LOL

A Horrible Week?

Bill Marjenhoff — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:25:31 EDT

In his supposedly "horrible week," Sen. Obama actually gained more delegates than Clinton. She won Ohio and Rhode Island by impressive margins, but he won Vermont, Texas (by four total delegates), picked up four superdelegates, including Carol Fowler, head of the SC Democratic Party, and four California delegates in the absentee count. Also either two or three in Wyoming, and a new Congressional superdelegate when the Dems captured Hastert's seat. So the math shows Obama picking up about four delegates in his worst week.

West Virginia Super Delegate List

Evanmack — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:17:53 EDT

Here is a list of addresses and some emails of the WV Super Delegates. Start writing letters and sending emails. Tell them your story. List is in Extended Post Text:

Thanks,

Obama must be on the presidential race ticket in November

Marion Young — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:24:00 EDT

Is it possible the super delegates holding off with their vote are really republicans? I have held off using the race card, but something is just not right in this election.

I find it odd that so many super delegates are holding off backing either Obama or Clinton. The reasoning, we are told, is they are waiting to see who the electorate chooses. If that's the case, the electorate has selected Obama.

For years, I have questioned whether some of our democratic politicians are, in fact, really democrats. Take Joe Liebermann. He is really a republican in democrat clothing. There are others. It's no secret that politicians jump ship to the other winning side when their numbers are down. This makes it difficult for the electorate to really know who they can believe. Which is why it is so important to really look into what these candidates stand for.

Until Obama arrived, I've had little faith in the honesty and motives in the majority of politicians. Our country has been raped by greedy politicians, big business and a complicit media. As this presidential race continues, I am ready to throw in the towel and declare the super delegates running foul along with the Clinton campaign to move the target to suit them.

Also, it is highly questionable the DNC Chairman, Howard Dean, has not put a stop to the sleazy campaign tactics of Clinton. When we FINALLY get a candidate who runs a clean campaign, is clearly the front runner, yet everything seems to be done to prevent Obama from getting the nomination.

With the games being played against our fair-playing, highly qualified candidate - Barack Obama - I refuse to vote should Clinton be the nominee...and I will go back to my apathethic shell and watch the country go down in flames...because I don't believe the country can wield control from the fingers of the corrupt elite and do what's best for Americans and the country.

Question regarding Super Delegates...

Marion Young — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:12:14 EDT

Is it possible the super delegates holding off with their vote are really republicans? I have held off using the race card, but something is just not right in this election.

remember gandhi, forget hillary, and add 100 super delegates

greg — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:46:35 EDT

an open letter to Barack Obama

i believe the way to win is to continue to appeal to the best of america in the remaining states to vote for Obama, completely ignore the Clinton's, and set sights on the future. As each state's election comes up and he adds to the number of voters and delegates it is inevitable that enough super delegates to win will come aboard a little at a time. the message is the method, and the method is the message. no matter how much she or pundits may scream and want blood, or think that this movement can be stopped, remaining true to the message is the way forward. We must have the courage to endure doubt, questions, fears, errors, anger, apathy, attacks, deceptive tactics, distractions, and most importantly conventional wisdom.

if we are the change we are waiting for, then we must Be The Change.

OPEN LETTER TO THE SUPER- DELEGATES: THE STATE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PROCESS

ODEH ODEH — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:48:00 EDT

Dear Honorable Super Delegates,

I am humbled to be writing you this letter in regard to the party presidential nomination process. It has been weeks of back and forth, ups and downs, highs and lows in the various campaign trail indeed and without doubt, this development has its own positive and negative attribute. However, the reason why I am specifically writing this open letter is to point out some very crucial issues and situations that might likely help in your choice of one of the two candidates we have on the ground; one the established and the other the contender- new kid in the block.

The Necessity of Exploring New Ideas

Without doubt, a party who lacks dynamism in its ideology and operation is subject to become stagnated, necrotic, static and retrogressive, with the ultimate implication of loosing its fundamental appeal to the people that are usually faithful and unfortunately unattractive to outsiders. The Democratic Party must therefore accept the challenge of looking beyond its confines, especially in terms of supporting an unfamiliar face irrespective of the party machination and taste.

Ohio Primary Fall Outs

I am resident in Baltimore, Maryland, but happened to be engaged in a conversation with a Democrat who just participated in the Ohio Primary on March the 4th. Based on what I heard, my heart is sadden and bitter for the way and manner some of our anticipated leaders have exploited our people’s ignorance, race and other forms of discrimination to try and canvass for votes.

It is not in my place to lecture any of you on democracy and politics; nevertheless, I am honored to completely and totally accept the concept of democracy that Obama is offering us, as a nation and people, who want to pursue a common goal of making life better for in the country. According to Obama’s philosophy, democracy is the building of an institution and not the participation of people in just the process of voting. By simple deduction, the current political dispensation was supposed to be an avenue to rally people, no matter your racial background, religious, social educational and affluent status behind a common goal hope and change.

Well back to the Ohio Primary, my associate happens to encounter some very ugly trend and development that is completely inimical to the Obama proposed building of a humane institution of a united people focus on a united goal. Majority of the uneducated whites that were interviewed and questioned on their perception of Obama generally come out swinging with a very familiar answer: THE NAME OBAMA SOUNDS LIKE OSAMA AND HE MAY BE FROM THE MIDDLE EAST OR HIS A MUSLIM AND EVEN A TERRORIST! Asked further why this kind of answer; and the reply goes like this: DID YOU NOT SEE THE PICTURE OF HIM DRESSED IN A MUSLIM GARB WHICH WAS DISTRIBUTED BY CLINTON, SO THAT AMERICA CAN KNOW THE TRUE OBAMA?

Wait a minute! In case, you find my narration strange call Ohio and find out the truth. The point I am however trying to justify here is this; Democratic aspirants cannot use exploitation, malicious and unsubstantiated, groundless and the deliberate nefarious tactics of discrimination and fallacies to confused voters on the necessity to vote for them at the expense of accountability, responsibility, honesty and the truth.

Sir and Madam, you are all aware that, the most dogmatic, adamant, redundant, narrow-minded stratum of the populace is the most uneducated people. However we know and appreciate the fact that, this country is in a better position to engineer and lead the world by virtue of how educated and well informed her citizens are about local, national and international issues.

We all owe the people of this great country the sacred responsibility of disseminating the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if that means we are going to loose to a better candidate.

Anatomy of Demographic Voting Pattern

I am very much aware of the fact that you all know exactly the demographic voting pattern in the both candidates campaign. Nevertheless, it is important to further stress the obvious facts, since my letter is to really express my outmost concern about some ugly trend that is fast developing and might leave us wondering what has happened.

The Clintons Campaign appealed to the elderly especially women aged 60years and above, the uneducated white and Latinos. On the other hand, Obama’s appeal is outstandingly unique among the entire population that is 45years and below, especially among the educated, White male and the African- Americans.

What this pattern portends to us, from my perspective is the stack reality of a campaign focused on the past versus those of a movement of today and focused on the future. We have to therefore be very vigilant and objective when the decision to make the choice may come down to all of you.

Idiosyncratic Campaign Tactics

Finally, we have seen the idiosyncratic campaign tactics by these two peculiar candidates.

As have been visualizing by many of us, the Clinton campaign have been very notorious in their inclination to negativism and the tactics that exploit the diversity that should have been the core of the American strength. Furthermore, the personality attack on Obama; distorting and maliciously engaging in the campaign of calumny, discrimination, contempt, disdain and lack of respect for a fellow democrat, aspiring for the same nomination sincerely bring out a very monstrous perspective to Senator Hilary’s quest.

Obama though hurting, have continued to pursue and aggressively for that matter, the re-engineering and rejuvenation of the political landscape style of campaigning. Typically it is fashion after his most cherish ideology of transparency, humanity, respect, open-mindedness, diplomacy, stability, calmness, gentleness, hope and change. I mean he could have opted out and begin to emulate Hilary’s style, but on the contrary and true to his conviction that politics can be a clean game, he is abiding by his promise to take the “high way.”

Conclusion

The entire world is watching the United States of America and very critically too. It is our responsibility to prove and continue to lead the way in telling the world that we know how best to respond to the people’s aspiration and desire, even in the face of tough choices and intricate situations. Just likes great leaders who have persevere and endure insults and discrimination, such as John F. Kennedy, Martin L. King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and host of others too numerous to count, including our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, community leaders, Obama have uniquely distinguish himself as belonging to this divine group and the world is still watching. I also want you all, the honorable super delegates to watch and decipher for yourselves, what is best for the American people and which of these two candidates possesses the qualities that can be translated into affirmative actions, that will subsequently lead to inspiration of the people of this country, so that they can hope again and join hand in changing the world.

God Bless USA

God bless Obama.

Thank you for your time.

Respectively yours,

Odeh Odeh

sabotaging america's most electable candidate: how you can help fight back

jonathan | cvg — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:13:01 EDT

TEXAS DELEGATE COUNT*
With the caucus count not yet complete, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are roughly even in delegates:

• Based on popular vote: Clinton, 65; Obama, 61

• Projected from caucuses: Clinton 30; Obama 37

• Superdelegates: Clinton 12; Obama 10; uncommitted 13

• Unofficial total: Clinton 107; Obama 108

*Projections were printed in the Houston Chronicle, a leading Texan paper

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

in an earlier blog, "the most delegates wins," i noted that this has been a delegate race since super tuesday. as it stands, obama has won the popular vote and delegate race nationally. even by winning a state, the delegate distribution is only helpful to clinton when the victories are marked by large margins as we have seen with OBAMA time and time again. tuesday was a wash for senator clinton thanks to vermont and texas who wisely gave obama the delegate lead, solidifying his advantage over clinton.

it is now mathematically improbable for clinton to beat obama on popular vote and pledged delegates. remember poor huckabee? she would have to average more than a 20 point lead in every state henceforth.

"let's get real." as she says. even in new york she only beat obama by 17 points... and she obviously had the advantage in new york.

the substantial margin of victory for OBAMA in wyoming has already shown clinton has little chances of catching up. however, it doesn't mean she won't throw punches with her eyes wide shut.

moreover, i believe that with the last two weeks of tactics on the part of clinton, she is in the pocket of big business and the establishment for a reason. undoubtedly, hillary clinton is more like joe lieberman than barack obama is like kenneth star. hillary has essentially, endorsed john mccain this past week speaking highly of his experience (which, by the way, trumps her own). senator clinton raped senator obama's record of leadership and left nothing but one great anti-war speech.

in fact, she has reached an all-new low. she is going down with a fight and she's willing to implode the party to ensure she has the opportunity to rerun in 2012. in 2004, the media began reporting that some within the party believed that the kerry/edwards campaign was being sabotaged in order to pave the way to the 08 clinton campaign. at that time, i believed it. and i am confident of it now.

i choose to believe that the democratic party is incapable of the utter incompetence inherent in pushing forth the poorly devised, inconsistent messaging and lack of structure that crippled kerry/edwards. let's "get real" as hillary clinton would advise. kerry was defeated by an otherwise easy candidate to beat at that time. many of you might not understand my marketing perspective. the best and most entertaining way for me to explain is to highly recommend that you watch the 2006 documentary, "so goes the nation." this documentary brought to life many of my complaints about the kerry compaign and points i made late last year when i forecasted OBAMA FOR AMERICA making a strong showing. http://imdb.com/title/tt0432337/

clinton is counting on americans being niave, uneducated, or simply complacent. unfortunately, some of us have looked past the fact that most of the clinton/obama policy proposals are 95% highly similar. unfortunately, some of us have delve into the details of both resumes and see a record of admirable, effective, consistent leadership from obama. unfortunately, some of us consider character.

if there was any doubt, as i have always tried to leave her the benefit of my doubt... she demolished all doubt. in one of my blogs, i wrote if she failed to gain significant pledged delegates and even the playing field on march 4, then clinton should step aside to express her love for america is greater than her own self-ambition... she should recognize that a transformative voice we have been waiting for has surfaced and finally millions of americans finally agree that our nation must move forward into the 21st century and the time for change is now.

the only thing clinton accomplished on march 4 and by her continued attacks has been splitting the democratic party and allowing mccain to get a head start with the resources that have become available to him as the official party nominee. clinton must pull something pretty underhanded to make america's most electable candidate begin loosing by more than 20 points. but, if anyone can manage debauchery, i trust that candidate would be senator clinton.

therefore, while superdelegates will likely vote with the popular vote and the candidate with the most pledged delagates won... let's not assume that clinton is incapable of something so shocking as allowing the florida supreme court to decide the president of the united states in spite of who really won the most votes that year.

unless revotes are allowed in florida and michigan, superdelegates will be needed to nominate obama. as i said, it is mathematically improbable for clinton to win fairly from pledged delegates because she couldn't win by 20+ points even in new york and she lost in wyoming already. this is one reason clinton is gearing up to seat michigan and florida without revotes.

clinton understands revote results would inevitably diminish margins within both states in OBAMA's favor and weaken her ability to prolong the contest. after all, obama was not even listed on the michigan ballot. by not agreeing to revotes, she prevents OBAMA from meeting the minimum requirement (assuming she wins or splits pennsylvania) to win the nomination before the convention... when the superdelegates could then award him the nomination. why does it matter to her? mccain has gained a head start with the resources that have become available to him as the official party nominee. OBAMA can not gain the resources of the democratic party until he meets that minimum delegate requirement, and therefore, is named the offical party nominee.

based on her current plan of attack and positions on the issues at hand, what truly frightens me has been that clinton would rather sabotage america's most electable candidate and retain the open door to rerun in 2012 than to see her life's ambition slip by... to be the first female president.

she took her gloves off last friday. she is now throwing punches with her eyes wide shut.

god save the democratic party.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

let's take no chances; let's not underestimate our opponent.

contact your state's superdelegates immediately. i found the resource for identifying the known superdelegates from the democratic party's web site (http://dnc.org/a/convention_2008/delegate/).

CLICK HERE:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/apache.3cdn.net/03932e1b8eb6b12c62_cdm6bnnf7.pdf

godspeed.

~ j

Incredibly helpful tool from WSJ

Plum Elements — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:24:19 EST

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/retro-delegateList0802.html

The whole Super Delegate thing is a real...challenge.

The link above creates at least a little...clarity.

Might find it a useful tool.

I especially like the pie chart that shows more of the undecideds coming from places OBAMA won, compared to places Hillary won or places yet to vote. That bodes well.

Be Positive.

Be Like Obama.

Make Good Things Happen

JWZ

If the Math says you can't win, then you lose!

Vaibanez02 — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:59:15 EST

Hillary really didnt win much on Tuesday; I mean sure she did manage to keep herself from being knocked out of the race for now but she didnt gain really anything that would give her a viable chance to win. CNN's John King used his touch screen map to show that Hillary cannot pass Barack Obama in pledged delegates even if she wins EVERY remaining state 65-35; so why stay in the race? What is she hoping will happen? Does she really believe that she can win the Super Delegates over by losing by over triple digits in pledged delegates when it's all said and done? If that happens I will walk away from the Democrat Party forever.

This is very confusing, but important . . .

Erick — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:27:54 EST

I am sorry, but I must bring up some more MATH :o(

We are not going to win using the math argument alone, but it is very important to understand the math involved in Obama's almost insurmountable advantage.

Read this confusing article : http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/03/convention-math-remember-the-u.php

Michigan, Florida & Super Delegates

Lawrence — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:14:29 EST

1st let me begin by saying that I do not agree with changing the rules of any contest in the middle of the contest.... I believe that is called cheating.

But if there is going to be a change than here is my Plan B. Here's the thought....

How about the DNC Super Delegates decide to yield to the popular vote and make the winner of it the automatic nominee. If they are going to change the rules in the middle of the process than how about doing it the most fairest of ways.

Naturally adjustsments would have to be considered for the Michigan voters, something that is more resonable because Senator Obama had followed the rules and removed his name from the ballots. This gave Billary an unfair bias and she was only able to get 55% of the vote. I would elect that a fair assesment would be to at the very least give Senator Obama a 1 pledged delegate victory over Hillary because the indications are clear that he would have won if he was on the ballot anyway.

I will concede and give Florida their current votes even though I don't agree the race was fair.

I think if any changes are to be made in the middle of the contest than it must be done without a tilt in the already know positions, this is why I would speculate that the super delegates remove themselves from the picture and let the people speak!!!!

I would also like to have you view this online petition regarding Democrats for Democracy, see below...

http://www.petitiononline.com/Superdel/petition.html

And you might also be interested in a post of mine at the Daily Kos...

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/3/6/112454/9868

Illinois super delegate Info!

maegan "hussein" chlo� marie — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:26:37 EST

Please please please write to the following UNDECIDED superdelegates and ask them to support barack!!

(see bottom of post for information on what to put in your letters)

--------

Undecided: Dan Lipinski – Representative, Illinois 3rd Congressional District

Washington, DC Office :

1717 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5701
Fax: (202) 225-1012
Toll free from IL (866) 822-5701

Chicago District Office :

6245 South Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: (312) 886-0481
Fax: (773) 767-9395

LaGrange Office:

19 West Hillgrove
LaGrange, IL 60525
Phone: (708) 352-0524
Fax: (708) 352-0927

Oak Lawn Office:

5309 West 95th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone: (708) 424-0853
Fax: (708) 424-1855

EMAIL: “I am very interested in hearing your views on issues of importance to you. Due to the large volume of US Mail, email and faxes I receive, I am only able to accept messages from residents of the 3rd Congressional District of Illinois. Congressional courtesy dictates that Representatives be given the opportunity to assist their own constituents. If you are a resident of another district, I encourage you to contact your Representative in Congress by clicking the following link to the Write Your Representative Service.” (http://www.house.gov/formlipinski/zipauth.html)

----------

Undecided: Rahm Emanuel - Representative, Illinois 5th Congressional District

Washington DC office address:

1319 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

phone: 202-225-4061

fax: 202-225-5603

Chicago Office address:

3742 West Irving Park Road

Chicago, IL 60618

phone: 773-267-5926

fax: 773-267-6583

EMAIL: "Regrettably, I am unable to reply to email from constituents outside of the 5th Congressional District of Illinois. Please enter your zip code to verify you are a constituent and proceed to send me an email." (https://forms.house.gov/emanuel/IMA/email_zipcheck.shtml)

----------

Undecided: Carol Ronen, former member of the Illinois Senate representing the 7th district (2000-2008) She stepped down ONLY ONE MONTH before the primary! (So she was serving the same people who voted for Obama)

Springfield Office
Senator 7th District
218 B Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706

Phone: (217) 782-8492

Fax: (217) 782-0715

Main District Office
5533 North Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640

Phone: (773) 769-1717

Fax: (773) 769-6901

Email: carol@carolronen.org

Campaign Office
5539 North Broadway Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640

Email: carol@carolronen.org

----------

Undecided: Edward Smith, Regional Manager of the Midwest Regional Laborers’ Union

Retiring this May from his position. Lives in Olive Branch, IL.

“In line with its endorsement process, Change to Win unions representing two-thirds of the federation's members voted today to back Senator Barack Obama for President. LIUNA abstained from the vote in order to allow its internal endorsement process to continue.”

Source: http://liunaactionnetwork.org/laborers/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=15825293

Edward M. Smith, LIUNA Vice President and Midwest Regional Manager
1 North Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 525
Springfield, Illinois 62701

Phone: (217) 522-3381
Fax: (217) 522-6588

----------

Undecided: Margie Woods, Nat'l Dem. County Officials , Will County (Joliet)

http://www.willcountyboard.com/woods2.htm

561 Dover Street
Joliet, Illinois 60432

Phone 815-722-6924

-------------------

==========

------------------------

Undecided or pro-Clinton: Illinois Super Delegates

Why anyone in Illinois should vote for Barack (with data from http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/states/IL.html):

He won 64% of the vote on the Feb. 5th Primary
The state of Illinois moved its primary up in order to help Obama! (That’s how much Illinois loves him!)
Hillary is from Illinois (near Chicago), but the only counties that she won were in EXTREME SOUTHERN Illinois.
Absolutely no counties at the same latitude or north of Springfield (Sangamon County) went to Hillary – all of these went to Barack, including the key counties around Chicago, Champaign, Peoria, and Rockford.

Report: Campaign to Announce Endorsement of 50 Super Delegates

political chase — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:15:35 EST

Rep. Lacy Clay (D-MO) has told the Columbia Missourian that the Obama campaign will be announcing the endorsement of 50 uncommitted super-delegates this week.

U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, Obama’s Missouri co-chairman and pledged Obama superdelegate, said that regardless of the superdelegate mathematics, the campaign is Obama’s. Clay said that later this week, Obama will gain the support of 50 undecided Democratic superdelegates.

Update: TPM received an email from Obama spokesperson Bill Burton that says, "This is just a rumor. There is no secret stash of superdelegates that we are sitting on waiting to roll out."

delegates delegates delegates

Zo� — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 04:53:49 EST

All I keep hearing is that there is no mathematical way for Obama to lose the popular vote at this point... so we are all waiting to hear from these super delegates... AND it seems to be the general belief that the super delegates going against the popular vote would throw the democratic party into chaos and McCain would be a shoe in. So why are we all so nail bitingly nervous? It must be those pesky loose cannon super delegates Clinton seems to be so sure of. And it does make me nervous!

A plea to the Super Delegates

Charlotte from Fredericksburg, VA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:19:56 EST

Last night I was thoroughly disheartened to hear Senator Hillary Clinton signal clearly her intention to take the nomination through back-room politics as usual.

She said that--despite the popular vote--she should be the nominee because she has proven she can win the big states . . . and she named them beginning with Florida. The only reason Sen. Clinton can claim that she "won" Florida is because she cheated and campaigned there. I cannot see how this is any different from what George Bush did to Al Gore in 2000.

I want you to know that if Sen. Clinton becomes the party's nominee through this kind of political shenanigans, I will write-in Barack Obama in November.

How Change is Really Made - "Listen and Then Do Whats Needed.."

RE Ausetkmt — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:26:46 EST

This week we found some great new Texas Videos to Share -

we tried to post them by embed code with no luck; so click the links and enjoy.

Hope you'll leave a comment and pass them on - Go Barack !

This is a Formula for Change, That Works for US;

"Tone down the rhetoric, We Need Comprehensive Reform" - Yes Barack Tell Her...

Lets kick the economy into gear with "Pay-Go"; let the repiglicans give up that pork because my babies don't eat Chinese Pork. Auditing Spending and increasing Transparency and Efficiency, will fix this Defense Heavy Budget - and make it more Taxpayer friendly.

We're Backing Change - and we hope you will too, VOTE OBAMA !

Clinton

Michael from Painesville, OH — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:22:07 EST

Hillary's goose is cooked. Why anyone would want them back in the White House is beyond comprehension. Does anyone remember the underhanded shite they pulled to manipulate the system? FBI filegate, the Travel Office firings, etc. They will try to grab the super delegates and screw Obama out of the nomination, even if he arrives at the convention with more delegates than Hillary.

RESPONDING TO BILL O’REILLY’S (OF O’REILLY FACTOR TV SHOW) ATTACK OF MRS. MICHELLE OBAMA’S SPEECH

IKEY G-KHAN GALACTICCA — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:59:08 EST

Hey, Bill:

I have watched your show a few times and know you are charming and engaging.

However, I was appalled how you cut off your guests in the middle of discussions. That is rude for a guy like you who is also hateful and who has no problem pointing fingers and castigating other haters.

I think before you complain about other haters, you should start practicing not to hate and begin house cleaning at Fox TV because it is the media who brainwash American people and make them to become hateful through the TV shows and movies that you show that overflow with stereotyping, name calling, gore, murders, crimes, debauchery, immorality, racism, propaganda, hate, lies and deception.

I have been forced to stop watching the network TV shows and programs because of this and I am not happy about it. How long can a guy stomach your filth before he goes insane?

The online haters you complain about are learning from you and your media colleagues!

I am also disgusted by all the hate online. You cannot post anything online at a forum or blog without some twit spewing hateful words and obscenities at you just because your opinion differs from his.

It appears that the internet is now a hideout for all assorted loonies, crazies, psychopaths, idiots, nincompoops, and bastards who have nothing better to do but attack other people because they have bird brains and have nothing meaningful to contribute in a discussion.

I noticed that in the same article where you whine about haters, you are also being hateful by attacking Michelle Obama.

This is not the first time you attacked them or African Americans. I remember the news about how you went to Obama’s campaign rally and tried to make an ass of yourself. I remember the incident at the restaurant in Harlem. You have a reputation for being hater of African Americans, minorities and Barack Obama in particular.

I read some of comments to your article and most of your commentators are saying the same thing.

Here are some:

----------------------

CALIGULA writes: Saturday, February, 23, 2008 5:27 AM Rufus "O'Lielly's crusade against Kos, HugffPo and Media Matters stemns from a simple reason: those websites have exposed him to be a liar and blowhard without any essence or even basic manners."
His performance on his TV show has exposed that.

-------------------

Bill-Oh is an OLD man On the Spin Zone, Bill is always saying:

"What is this WEB THING.....this "Internets?"

Bill has a big grudge against the Daily Kos, NBC & Huffington post. He has never read any blog, by his own omission. He gets his staff, geared to give him the biased data he wants to hear, to dig dirt on his perceived enemies.

Rude post? Yep it happens. Right wing blogs are just as vitriolic. Bill claims, "The far left is far worse than the right!". Bill blows his fair & balanced cover. Yes, I renounce disrespectful comments about health of Nancy R. & Tony S.

-------------

Ph.D., J.D. writes: Saturday, February, 23, 2008 8:30 AM One man's hate speech is another man's - Bill, get a grip. Some find YOUR TV show and Talk Show hateful. So LET US REGULATE IT!

--------------

TeeHall writes: Saturday, February, 23, 2008 7:53 AM I agree Mr. O'Reilly, But O'Reilly, for someone like you to be writing about other people's talk, check out the Bill O'Reilly show on TV sometimes and see how abusive the host is when others are responding to the host's question. I think it also very rude to refer to Fox staff using only their last name. You a superior being?

----------------

What was it that was so bad about Michelle’s speech that should warrant you to begin a witch hunt and smear campaign against her?

Michelle Obama said that she was proud of America for the first time in her adult life because her husband's campaign has been so well-received.

She said for the first time she is proud of America for being nice to her husband. This is an honest comment from her heart about how she feels.

Anyone else in her shoes will say the same thing. She is just excited by all the unprecedented support America has given her husband which has never happened before even during JFK campaign and which I am sure this makes a closet racist, bigoted, hypocritical and self-righteous hater steam and boil with anger.

Therefore, you attack Michelle for being excited.

Well, why don't you conduct a poll to see how many Americans are happy about America even for the first time? I am not even happy for the world for the first time not to mention America.

And you media guys are the culprit for all the evil in America and the world because you are the ones that pollute America, divide the people, twist issues and create animosity and hate among different groups, races and ethnicities to generate controversy in order to get high ratings, which make you billions of dollars.

I have written an article advising Mrs. Michelle Obama to consider to stop making any further public statements and speeches because she is the weak link and you media guys will not hesitate to use her to destroy her husband's winning streak through your cunning, destructive, deceptive knack to manipulate and twist truth to suit your agendas.

You media guys know what you are doing. You build people up to get high ratings to make billions of dollars from ad revenues, and when the person gets to the top, you destroy him in order to get high ratings to make more billions of dollars.

You attack Hughington Post but you are silent about the HITLERIAN AND KKK-LIKE QUEENS OF HARDCORE HATE SPEECHES AND WRITINGS-Ann Coulter and Michelle Malkin!!!

Shame on all of you for being evil and destroying millions of lives.

If you keep abusing press freedom, someday soon it will be taken away from you!

American media has become so corrupt and destructive for the sake of getting ratings and making billions of dollars that it does not deserve to be free anymore.

Therefore, If a dictator takes over America in the future, I will support him to arrest all journalists, beginning with you and throw you into Alcatraz for all your evil, then lobotomize and castrate all of you to nullify you forever and ever.

Moreover, I hope this not hate speech, okay?

Now, I warn you: do not attack Michelle again, leave her alone, do you get it? secret33.com

ARE THE SUPER DELEGATES THE NEW KING MAKERS?

IKEY G-KHAN GALACTICCA — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:57:40 EST

The way the Dem. campaign is going, with Senator Obama sweeping all the states, while Billary is backed up the wall, dreaming about another comeback and the power of the Super delegates to rescue her, it is evident that besides the women, Latinos, Hispanics, feminists and LGBT that the Super delegates would make a huge impact in the nomination process.

Obama should therefore fight like a hungry and wounded lion to win over most of the Super delegates. Like I said, nobody should underestimate Billary's audacity to win this election by every means necessary.

It is her life's ambition, and until Senator Obama stepped in, almost all the democrats had taken it for granted that the next Presidency is all hers for the asking.

However, out of nowhere, Obama stepped into the race and became her worst nightmare.

As if that is not bad enough, the media and almost everyone in America have fallen madly in love with Obama!

Wherever you go, and whatever TV station or radio station that you tune to, all you hear is Obama, Obama, Obama and the impact he is making. The Obama phenom clearly transcends the present electioneering.

There is something definitely big about this guy that is larger than life and very transcendental. I think that is what America is feeling and why almost everyone is embracing him and acknowledging his audacity for hope and to engineer change to re-empower America.

It is not just his rhetoric and campaign.

Something extremely mysterious and powerful is going on here.

In my 30 yrs of watching and studying politics and politicians, I have never seen anything close to this. I am stunned beyond words.

Even JFK would be jealous of this man’s charisma.

You talk about charisma? Well, well my dear, here is a fellow who is an embodiment of electrifying charisma, magic, genius and pragmatic electioneering all rolled into one neat, cool package. forexmillionaire.com

OBAMA WAS RIGHT TO SKIP THE "SOTBU" SYMPOSIUM

IKEY G-KHAN GALACTICCA — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:52:06 EST

I can understand Mr. Tavis Smiley’s anger and criticism of Obama’s inability to attend his “State of The Black" Union symposium.

However, he should understand that Obama do not mean to slight him or any disrespect.

He just happens to be waging a fight for his life against a formidable, slick and devious opponent who is backed by one of the most powerful and vicious political machines in the world.

Going to Ohio to campaign is more important to him than attending a symposium to discuss African American issues.

He offered his wife, Michelle, but you declined. What is the matter?

SHE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU?

You have no respect for women?

Well someday soon, this same Michelle may become the First Lady!

As the man said, African Americans are not the only ones who have issues. Caucasians, Latinos, Chinese, Indians, Native Americans, Japanese, Africans and a long list of others have issues too.

BY THE WAY, AFRICAN AMERICANS DO NOT HAVE MUCH POLITICAL ISSUES ANYMORE, AS MANY HAVE BECOME GOVERNORS, SENATORS AND COMMISSIONERS.

The issues they have now are ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, (DRUG AND CRIME PROBLEMS.)

Obama is not a black candidate but an American candidate and he must address the issues of everyone if he is to win. This was what he already explained to you Mr. Smiley, The Smelly.

By the way, how much did you contribute to his campaign? How many thousands of voters have you managed to get for him? How many super delegates are you lobbying to support him? Hey buddy, it is you who has made “a critical miscalculation and a missed opportunity.”

What you should be doing is to assist him to win (instead of whining) and when he does, he will be able to help you solve African American issues that you are concerned about.

Obama does not owe you or anyone anything.

He is a self-made and bright man. His victories so far prove he knows what he is doing and his judgment is right.

Are you working for the Billary gang??? Have they paid you to sabotage him?

Hey buddy, it will not work because the gods have already chosen and anointed this man and he is making history and there is no power on earth that can stop him.

So, back off, shut up and leave him alone.

If African American issues are so important to you, why did you not enter the race or at least join his campaign staff to work hard and help him win? Empty barrel makes the most noise.

You seem to be an opportunist who attempted to capitalize on Obama’s victories for your own personal benefit, using a concern for African American issues as your front!

We ask you to cease and desist from distracting him and playing the spoiler. forexmillionaire.com

Deliver petitions to the Florida super-delegates: Let the Voters Decide

Alex Johnson — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:14:19 EST

In just one week, over 60,000 DFA members have signed our call to action demanding that super-delegates let voters decide the Democratic nominee. You saw most of the Broward Super Delegates on TV at Hillary's Florida "Victory Party" on January 29. Let them know we dont want party brass voting against the will of the electorate.

We took this campaign to the media with our friends at MoveOn in a full-page ad in USA Today. Now it's time to deliver our signatures to super-delegates across the country.

On, Tuesday, February 26, will you deliver our message to a super-delegate near you?

http://www.DemocracyForAmerica.com/SuperDelivery

On this issue, there is no middle ground. Our nominee must be based on the will of millions of Democratic voters, not a group of less than 800 party insiders.

Thanks for all you do.

Wooed Wisconsin super delegate makes his decision

Lizbeth Ager — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:51:44 EST

Remember Jason Rae? He's the youngest DNC member, or one of them, I believe. His home base is my county party. I had just joined my local party during the '04 general election when he ran a successful campaign to be one of Wisconsin's four DNC members. The remarkable thing was that he was only 17 years old.

Since then, he's certainly gone places. Recent news has been that that surrogates for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama--including Bill Clinton and John Kerry--have been courting him, trying to sway his vote as a superdelegate. He's certainly been more self-contained and diplomatic than I could have been, had Madeline Albright called me up to chat.

Now he's announced his decision.

(Crossposted at Daily Kos)

Hillary's crumbling firewall

Chuck — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:40:08 EST

Since Obama started this streak of now TEN straight state wins, there has been talk (and clearly actions by the Clinton campaign itself) that Hillary was depending on a 'firewall' of BIG wins in TX and OH to contain the Obama conflaguration.

It seems her faith in this strategy was a little over enthusiastic. Some examples:

her campaign keeps making derogatory comments about states that Obama has won, saying that red states, small states, states with significant black populations, states with more educated populations, and states with fewer working class people aren't 'significant"

We ARE The Super Delegates !! Spread The Word

RE Ausetkmt — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:19:28 EST

Obama leading Clinton as contests get underway WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- As Democrats hold contests Tuesday in Wisconsin, Hawaii and Washington state, Hillary Clinton could use a dose of Barack Obama's favorite thing: hope. According to a nationwide poll of likely Democratic primary voters, the New York senator is lagging Obama by 4 percentage points. Despite that margin, cited by the Rasmussen Reports poll, Clinton still could pull off an upset in Wisconsin, some political pundits said. See full story. Meanwhile, Republican frontrunner John McCain may mock Obama's oft-repeated use of the word "hope" in his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, but the Rasmussen daily presidential tracking poll suggests McCain will need to draw on his own optimism. Monday's daily poll shows Obama leading the Arizona senator 46% to 43% in a hypothetical showdown of the two. And in a face-off with McCain, Clinton lags by 7 percentage points. Wisconsin is the last primary leading up to the March 4 contests in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island and Vermont. Democrats will hold caucuses in Hawaii on Tuesday, where Obama was raised as a child and is expected to win handily. Washington also plans to finish off its selection process by holding primaries as a follow-up to the Feb. 9 caucuses. Obama and Clinton are duking it out a day after Clinton rolled out an economic blueprint that contained ideas including a 90-day moratorium on subprime-mortgage foreclosures, ending tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and providing universal health care. Clinton has talked about many of the proposals in detail since launching her campaign for the nomination. Read Clinton's plan.

Robert Schroeder is a reporter for MarketWatch in Washington.

Family, Friends and Loved Ones Please Don't Ignore the Super Delegate Issue.
It's not our silence that will empower us now.

Please Please Please - Pass This On.

Repost to News and Discussion Groups to Enable
the Facts To Be Known. Tell Your Church; Your Co-Workers.

The Super Delegates are US. Folks in Michigan and Florida.
Please Each One, Take the responsibility and Teach One.

A Luta Continua, it's time for a Change.
Vote Obama in 08'

~RE

~RE Ausetkmt
Realities Groups // BadGalsRadio.com // Trenchtones Records

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

-------- Original Message --------

Subject: Our votes aren't divided. Will Black reps ignore them? Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:56:28 PST From: James & Van, ColorOfChange.org PAC <no-reply@colorofchange.org> To: RE Ausetkmt
Voters should decide elections, not politicians.

Tell the CBC to support our vote, not undermine it.

Dear Re,

Voters in places like Atlanta,1 Brooklyn,2 St. Louis,3 and Inglewood4 have made it clear who their choice is for president: Barack Obama. So why are some members of the Congressional Black Caucus threatening to use their power as "superdelegates" to undermine their vote and nominate Hillary Clinton?5

Voters should decide elections--not politicians. And members of the Congressional Black Caucus should amplify the political voice of their constituents, not silence it. Join us in demanding that the CBC to listen to the voters. Tell them to vote with the people, not against them:

http://colorofchange.org/superd/?id=2365-436031

Voters in almost all the districts represented by the CBC have chosen Obama, helping him win more delegates than Clinton. But only some delegates vote based on the results of primaries. A fifth of the delegates that will vote at the convention -- and decide the nomination -- are "superdelegates" that can technically vote however they like, regardless of what the voters say.6 These superdelegates are members of Congress, senators, governors and Democratic party insiders. In a contest this close, they have the power to overturn the will of voters, and decide the outcome.

Representatives Jesse Jackson Jr.,7 John Conyers,8 Eleanor Holmes-Norton,9 and others have called for superdelegates to listen to the voices of those they claim to represent, but we need to convince their colleagues to do the same. At least 11 Black members of Congress might cast their superdelegate vote for Clinton, even though their districts voted for Obama. Many endorsed Clinton, typically before any voting had taken place. But even after their constituents showed an overwhelming preference for Obama, most are refusing to say what they'll do as superdelegates.10

In 2000 and 2004, CBC members stood up to defend the rights of Black voters that had been disenfranchised. It would be a disgrace for its members to now undermine the votes of the Black people they represent. Rarely have Black voters across the country been so unified behind a particular candidate. If CBC members vote against their constituents, it will diminish the power of Black voters in a historic election that could result in our country's first Black president.

It will take courage and conviction for CBC members to break with back-room politics and stand up for democracy. But we must demand it. Please join us:

http://colorofchange.org/superd/?id=2365-436031

Thank You and Peace,

-- James, Van, Gabriel, Clarissa, Mervyn, Andre, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
February 19th, 2008

P.S. Here's what Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D.C.'s Congressional Delegate) had to say about her role as a superdelegate:

As a super delegate, I decided I had to speak up now to separate myself from the idea that is afoot for the first time that super delegates, especially those who have not announced their choice, could or should decide our nominee under some circumstances. The notion that a candidate who has not earned delegates could become the Democratic nominee for president is at odds with the democratic principles of our party reforms. Super delegates were never intended to allow the return of smoked-filled room, behind the scenes selection of our candidate. I have carried a banner for a democracy of the District of Columbia too long to depart from principles of democracy within my own party.11

Here's Donna Brazile (a strategist who ran Al Gore's campaign and has a position with the DNC):

If 795 of my colleagues [the other superdelegates] decide this election, I will quit the Democratic Party. I feel very strongly about this.12

References:

1. Huckabee, Obama Celebrate Wins In Georgia, WSB-TV, 2-7-2008
http://www.wsbtv.com/politics/15212406/detail.html

2. New York Primary Results, USAToday.com
http://content.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/results.aspx?sp=NY

3. Election Summary Report, City of Saint Louis
http://www.stlelections.com/results/results-1.htm

4. California Primary Results, USAToday.com
http://content.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/results.aspx?sp=CA

5. Black lawmakers backing Obama press colleagues to heed voters, The Hill, 2-16-08
http://tinyurl.com/383bu4

6. "Superdelegate," Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superdelegate

7. "The delicate superdelegate predicament," Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Op-ed in the New York Times, 2-12-08
http://tinyurl.com/3c666q

8. See reference 5.

9. "Deciding Between Two Good Friends, Norton Chooses Obama," Hotline On Call, 2-12-08
http://tinyurl.com/2hcnbq

10. See reference 5.

11. See reference 9.

12. "Democrats dreading a drawn-out, costly battle for nomination," CNN.com, 2-8-08
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/07/dem.delegates/

Clinton hopes to end Obama surge in Wisconsin 02-18-2008, 18h21 MADISON, Wisconsin (AFP)

White House hopeful Hillary Clinton clashed with rival Barack Obama in Wisconsin Monday as she sought to regain momentum in the Democratic nomination race after a string of defeats.

On the Republican side, runaway front-runner John McCain won the endorsement of former president George Bush, a new backer who could help the maverick senator woo conservatives suspicious where his loyalties lie.

A win in Tuesday's Wisconsin primary could give Clinton's faltering campaign a much-needed shot in the arm before a major showdown on March 4 in Ohio and Texas, where a combined 334 delegates are at stake.

The Democratic rivals fired off television advertisements and campaigned across the Midwestern state in a tough fight for Wisconsin's 74 delegates with the latest poll showing Obama with a narrow five-point lead over Clinton.

Obama has taken a 1,302 to 1,235 delegate lead over Clinton after winning eight straight primaries and caucuses since February 9, according to independent poll-tracker RealClearPolitics.com. At least 2,025 delegates are needed to win the Democratic nomination.

The Illinois senator could make it 10 in a row Tuesday by capturing Wisconsin and the caucuses in Hawaii, the Pacific island state where he was born and which is holding caucuses on the same day.

But both camps acknowledged Monday that the Wisconsin primary would be close a race.

"We expect tomorrow will be competitive," Obama campaign manager David Plouffe told reporters.

The Clinton campaign was similarly cautious. "Obviously we're doing the best we can to do the best we can," her communications director, Howard Wolfson, told reporters.

But asked about the importance of Tuesday's primary, Wolfson said: "I do not subscribe to the momentum theory of American politics. ... Voters assess candidates based on who they think will be the best candidate."

With blue-collar workers considered a key voting bloc in Wisconsin, Clinton unveiled a 13-page "economic blueprint" to create new jobs, end the housing crisis and revive the manufacturing sector.

"We have a lot of work to do to take back our country because our economy is not working the way it needs to," Clinton told supporters at a town-hall-type meeting in Du Pere, Wisconsin.

"It's working for some. It's working for the wealthy and the well connected. It's worked quite well for them for the last seven years," she said in St. Norbert College, taking a swipe at President George W. Bush's policies.

While McCain secured the elder Bush's endorsement, Obama briefly strayed from the campaign trail Sunday to visit former Democratic rival John Edwards, who has yet to endorse anyone, in North Carolina.

The Democratic rivals would welcome an endorsement from Edwards, the party's 2004 vice presidential nominee who ran a populist campaign promising to help the poor and America's middle class.

The rival campaigns also exchanged fire on Monday, accusing each other of borrowing lines from others.

The Clinton camp, which has charged that Obama's eloquent speeches mask a lack of substance, accused the Illinois senator of lifting words from Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

"If you're going to talk about the value of words the words should be your own," Wolfson said.

The Obama campaign hit back by releasing several Clinton phrases that it said he had used first.

While the Democrats slugged it out, McCain picked up the elder Bush's endorsement, which could be crucial in his bid to woo conservatives.

"I believe now is the right time for me to help John in his effort to start building the broad-based coalition it'll take for our values to carry the White House this fall," Bush told a news conference alongside McCain in Texas.

The current President Bush has yet to endorse anyone, but has said he would help McCain if he won the nomination.

McCain is almost assured to win the Republican nod, but former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee has refused to step aside despite trailing by hundreds of delegates.

Note to Superdelegates & Hillary Supporters

Jeremy from Danville, VT — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:30:07 EST

I am supporting Barack Obama because he is breathing life back into lifeless bodies. He has, with the use of language and feeling reinvigorated the people be it Republican, Democrat, Independent and Progressive. The most important of these groups that are coming out to the polls in huge numbers are the YOUTH. We have a candidate that is inspiring the youth more then I have seen in my 33 years of politics and it seems to me that the old school institutional Democrats like Hillary should step aside. The future is for the YOUTH and we need to respect that. We have failed them miserably and it is now time to hand over the reins of government to people who still have HOPE and still believe in their IDEALS of a better world.

Thanks for your time and thought and I hope that you too will do what is right and respect the YOUTH and their future.

PS - I have never seen a candidate that gets so much support from so many different groups including previously non voters. He seems to bring all of these people together. On the other hand I have never seen a democratic candidate that is more divisive then Hillary. I have 3 life long Democratic friends that VOW that they would not vote for Hillary as President. That is just 3 people that I know. To me that speaks volumes.

Clinton targets pledged delegates whom Barack already won

! ! Leonel Picun — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:27:52 EST

See full article at http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8583.html

Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder predicted riots in the streets if the Clinton campaign were to overturn an Obama lead through the use of superdelegates.Photo: AP

Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign intends to go after delegates whom Barack Obama has already won in the caucuses and primaries if she needs them to win the nomination.

This strategy was confirmed to me by a high-ranking Clinton official on Monday. And I am not talking about superdelegates, those 795 party big shots who are not pledged to anybody. I am talking about getting pledged delegates to switch sides.