Clinton: Superdelegates Trump Popular Vote

Boston Globe's Political Intelligence:

Hillary Clinton will take the Democratic nomination even if she does not win the popular vote, but persuades enough superdelegates to vote for her at the convention, her campaign advisers say.

The New York senator, who lost three primaries Tuesday night, now lags slightly behind her rival, Illinois Senator Barack Obama, in the delegate count. She is even further behind in "pledged'' delegates, those assigned by virtue of primaries and caucuses.

But Clinton will not concede the race to Obama if he wins a greater number of pledged delegates by the end of the primary season, and will count on the 796 elected officials and party bigwigs to put her over the top, if necessary, said Clinton's communications director, Howard Wolfson.

Read the whole story: Boston Globe's Political Intelligence

Comments

[OtayPanky]

MEET THE CLINTONS

Their tone-deafness here is simply astounding.

This is the party of Al Gore - who COULD have been the president these past seven years if only democracy would have worked.

Are they actually STUPID enough to think that their own party members will sit still while they try to do the same thing BushCo did?

It proves, once again, that there is no principle they will not abandon for the sake of gaining and keeping power.

Just as the mask is off with good ol' boy George W. Bush - so now the mask is off with her, too.

Do we want another EIGHT years of an AMORAL and IMMORAL administration? Are we really willing to deny the obvious as we look at the Clintons and their souless posse? Are we going to put up with MORE of this kind of narcissism from our leaders?

I don't think so.

[wanked]

...COULD have been AL GORE if old Billy Boy had kept his cigar in his PANTS...lets not forget THAT!

Hillary Clinton is morphing into Joe LIEberman at a rapid pace.

[messy]

Or if they had enough people to give jobs to and not have had to rely on Republican holdovers who hated Clinton like poison and killed Vince Foster.

[BardEric]

Sorry; no. First of all, alot of us think Al Gore DID win the election. Second, Bills sex life had nothing to do with the lack of personality that Al Gore seemed to suffer from at the time. If he had then displayed the charisma and character he has developed since leaving elected office, he would have won the G.E. in a landslide. Most people were very happy with the state of the nation at the end of Bill's term,and we were happily facing the possibilities of a new millenium. Had Al not been such a boring candidate he would have been viewed as a much more worthy heir to the Clinton legacy.Watch archive footage of his campaign..ZZZZZZZ. And while we are at it John Kerry suffered from the same problem.We should feel lucky in that at least nobody could call BHO or HRC boring. This is the most exciting election in a gereration.

[AnotherTry]

No, we want the preacher who tells us all what we want to hear!

[apcalc]

You have no evidence, not one shred, that Hillary is amoral.

Another eight years?

Your desparate attempt to tie Bill into this is a disgrace.

She's running, not him. She never did anything wrong.

Are you peoiple Democrats here?

[OtayPanky]

If you don't think she and her team have acted Rovian in this election, then we've got nothing to discuss.

It's not easy to piss of an ENTIRE ethnic group that was formerly in love with you...but the Clinton's have managed to do it.

This business of trying to steal an election, though - that rises to a whole 'nother level.

AMORAL is exactly the right word for both of them - and as they have reminded us over and over, they're a two for one deal, just like before.

This country needs better than that.

[GhostOfSchlesinger]

By the way, along with emailing your Congressional reps and senators, you can take a shortcut and go here:

http://www.democrats.org/page/s/contactissues

Also, you can email/post comments to folks at MSNBC and CNN to alert them to our outrage:

msnbc.comsnbc.com

http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

A nice way to turn our inner discussion outward and turn our disgust into action.

'Nuff of us talk and they will listen.

Also, I'm taking the time to email my list repeatedly on this. My Wisconsin, Hawaii, Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania friends are at the top of it as of today.

Let's not be taken off our focus.

THE CLINTON'S LET IT BE KNOWN ON THIS DAY THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO STEAL THE NOMINATION - THAT THEY WILL, FROM THIS DAY ON, BE ENCOURAGING SUPERDELEGATES TO OVERRIDE OUR WILL.

(It's important to note here that the superdelegates will be paying close attention to our reaction to what amounts to a "trial balloon" tactic. The Machine is trying to put this out early and see if we get used to it and accept it. If the response is one of unified protest, the superdelegates will go with us. Which is why the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours will be critical. THIS NEEDS TO MADE INTO A CONSTANTLY GROWING STORY THAT ENGULFS THE CLINTON'S CAMPAIGN IN CONTROVERSY AND NEGATIVE HEADLINES. AND WE CAN DO IT.)

This is one of those times where, if we choose to stand up together, no amount of spin and smear and distortion will stop us.

There are more good, hard working, right over might, passionate and patriotic people in the Democratic Party than anywhere else.

The response I've gotten out of only a 1000+ name has CONVINCED ME that we can create a political firestorm out of this.

BUT WE MUST ACT right now. This is one of those times we will remember - and fondly - if we choose to stand up en masse and say, "Not this time. This year, WE THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE!"

[ThomasDoubting]

I, like most Democrats am concerned with several issues, in this election year, that affect America and the world. The major problems that I see, now, in no particular order, are the war in Iraq, the economy, the continuing lack of a universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health care system, the loss of our civil rights, habeas corpus etc., the criminalizing of poverty, thru the war on drugs, the continual threat of a new war, growing unemployment, at all levels, the staged war on terror, growing numbers of homeless families, some of whom are working, the crumbling infrastructure, union busting, two million Americans in prison, denial of global warming, the college loan scam known as the generation tax, that follows college graduates for decades, stolen elections etc. Did I mention that all across America, peoples homes are being seized by bankers, who created contracts, that make millions of families, very vulnerable. It is estimated that about 40 percent of Americans polled, do not believe the official government line on 9/11. We may not know, who did it, but we do know who is doing the cover-up. Many are concerned, that our National Guard is not here in the U.S., to protect us, if there were, a real terrorist attack. These problems did not appear suddenly in the last seven years and they are not the result of having a stupid president. Unfortunately these problems go deeper than that, and the solutions will not come easy. There are many people, and groups of people, who are benefiting from the status quos and often times they share their wealth, with the candidates that they support. There is a movement that many of us feel. People want change, and the people will prevail. America is waking up and it is becoming obvious that the people want Obama. If the Clintons manage to steal this nomination from Obama, the Democratic donkey can be buried alongside the Republican elephant. . The people will prevail . . Yes We Can

[AnotherTry]

If Obama loses due to superdelegates, then he obviously wasn't ready to lead or he would have planned for that.

Obama, not ready for prime time.

[apcalc]

Yeah - and the people will pick Hillary - you'll see - after Texas, Ohio and Pa. are in.

[patriotscholar]

It is nice that Hillary is confident that all the establishment super delegates will vote for her at the convention. That would speak reams about the party, the state of politics in this country and probably lose votes in the election.
If Obama were to win the popular vote, and the establishment put her in, I would vote for the other party.

[AnotherTry]

Who needs you?

[TurnThePageGA]

Sounds like You, Hillary, and Bill have resigned yourself to the fact that the only way to win the nomination is to steal the nomination. And what do you think that is gonna get you? Hillary has a 50+1 strategy for winning the General Election. She won't win the General Election when African Americans stay home. She won't win the General Election when Independents vote overwhelmingly for McCain. Go ahead and play your ace in the hole "superdelegates" if you think that will get you what want.

[coolstar]

To jayhome: of COURSE my popular vote count doesn't include FL or MI why would anyone think it would? Clinton was the only one ON THE BALLOT in MI and no one was supposed to campaign in FL (though Hillary did). Isn't changing the rules during the game the playbook of the REPUBLICAN party? (oh, for the bean counters, Obama is still ahead if you include them).
The most likely result is that those delegates will be seated AND divided according to the national popular vote. Anything else, and there will be blood.....
h.

[Lolalabloggera]

Dennis Kuchinich was also on the ballot in Michigan.

[useyourbrain]

HRC did not campaign in FL but Obama did have ads running on TV there (which he wasn't supposed to do, but did any way). As for MI, Kucinich and HRC stayed on the ballot and Edwards and BO chose to remove their names and have people vote but for delegates who were not committed to one candidate or another. Get your facts straight -- oh, I forgot, you're an Obamaton and like BO, facts, specifics, etc. don't matter -- only the shining light of reason that will strike people as they vote and they will march with their preacher-man to the promised land....oh, I get so emotional when preacher-man talks and talks and talks.

[GhostOfSchlesinger]

You're parsing and you're mixing up two issues. Fact is, there is zero possibility that Michigan will stand (and you know that).

Florida will be a compromise solution - so the pledged delegates will not be distributed in current form.

THE ISSUE, THOUGH, that you are assiduously avoiding is NOT Florida.

THE ISSUE IS THE FACT THAT YOU'RE CANDIDATE SAID that she DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE PLEDGED DELEGATE OR POPULAR VOTE.

Find me the writer, commentator, political scientist, historian or talking head that's willing to say that such a solution will not lead to a HUGE CHASM in OUR PARTY.

YOUR CANDIDATE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE DAMAGE SHE IS ALREADY CAUSING BY ENCOURAGING THE SUPERDELEGATES TO OVERRIDE THE WILL OF DEMOCRATIC VOTERS.

Of course the rest of your post was hazy - absent the sort of specific content worthy of a response.

[PrdAmerican]

Lie...he was running them in Georgia and consequently, Florida being right next door was picking them up in the north end of the state where the tv stations share signals. I experience the same thing when i am in Eastern Washington...I get Boise Idaho stations.

[BardEric]

It is simply not true that only HRC remained on the MI primary ballot. Only Obama, Edwards, And Gov Richardson removed their names from contention, despite it not being required of them to do so. And put down the Kool-aid, NEITHER candidate campaigned in either state despite accusations to the contrary from both camps. If BHO had creamed Hillary in the vote in FL, his supporters would be demanding the party award him his delegates. Plain and simple.

[TurnThePageGA]

Typically Clintonian. I voted for the war, but he changed his position too (a lie). I am bad, but my opponent is bad too. No Obama would not be trying to count these delegates and neither would we Obama supporters. For me Hillary just needs to get to within 10 to 15 deficit in "Pledged" Delegates to be given the nomination. She is somewhat of an incumbent candidate and close goes to the incumbent. I know some of my fellow Obama supporters might not agree. But I think that is pretty realistic. The way the DNC has set up the way they do delegates it is pretty hard to build a lead of 100 plus pledged delegates when you have two competitive candidates. It will be equally hard to close the gap of 100 plus pledged delegates. The Hillary campaign blew it by not competing across the entire map of primaries and caucuses. They have made the adjustment to compete everywhere now. It just might be to late.

[apcalc]

Hillary did not campaign in Florida.

[Petey]

John Lewis is switching to Barak, as is Roz Samuels...

[coolstar]

To answer Casey123's question: the popular vote favors Obama now by at least 700,000 (getting the actual popular vote from some caucus states is virtually impossible). The "pledged" or "won" delegate difference is anywhere from 100 to 136 in favor of Obama (depending on the source, and VERY different from a previous poster's numbers). That may not seem like a lot but it is actually 5% to 6% of the total number available. NONE of the last 4 presidential elections were won by margins LARGER than that.
The fat lady isn't singing yet, but she's warming up in the wings.
Roll, 'Bama Roll
h.

[useyourbrain]

You cannot get popular votes from caucuses since generally only 1% or less vote in caucuses. If you think BO is going to carry the South or Texas or Washington -- forget it. He is black and the US is still racist no matter what people tell the pollsters who we have seen have been very wrong many times. Obama was going to win California by 4% the day before the election but HRC won by 9%. That's a 13% difference. The super delegates will look to vote on who can actually win in November and they realize that BO is a novice, charismatic sure, but don't underestimate the RNC and Rove (I am sure they told all their followers to tell pollsters they are voting for Obama) and their dirty tricks. They have given us Obama and it looks like a lot of people are falling for it hook, line and sinker.

[XYZ]

Looks like you want another Dynasty?

[mrqcguy]

Heil Hillary!

[illinoisan]

Majority rules? That's so pre-9/11.

[KidMeNot]

Elections are so messy. Oligarchy is much more civilized.... Jeb Bush in 2016....Chelsea Clinton in 2024

[mrqcguy]

Is it any wonder that everyone in the country who follows politics thinks that she is a cold hearted shrew...no...it is as it has always been, all about her. Hillary is a seflish, narcissitic beyotch. When she gets done destroying this party every one can thank her for Mccain as president. I will never vote for her.

[useyourbrain]

It's the Obamatons who are destroying the party -- if they were ever in the party. Let BO run as an independent and free yourselves from the establishment. Since BO rails against the ESTABLISHMENT, why did he join a party with the super delegates and why did he love the support of Ted Kennedy who is the Establishment -- what hypocrites. If you say you won't vote for HRC in the general then you are not a member of the Dem party, never were. You Obamatons will put McCain in office. Yeah, that'll show her. What will it do to the rest of us?

[RealOpinion08]

Except for the fact that he polls better nationally versus McCain. Im telling you dolts that nothing will unite the R's like a Clinton. Enough said...

[Notapathetic]

DITTO!

[lezlib]

A f-in men!

[coolstar]

This alone is enough for any THINKING person to abandon the Clintons. If Obama will call her out on this at the next debate (ask her to pledge to follow the "won" delegate vote AND the popular vote (they're unlikely to be different)) he'll drive her out of the race almost instantaneously.
Words you thought you'd never hear from a Tennessee grad: Roll, 'Bama Roll.
h.

[useyourbrain]

She has worked very hard for the nomination and if she wants to go to the convention and try for the supers, more power to her. I don't see BO declining any super votes. The supers are part of the rules and they can be changed at the convention for the next election, not this one.

As for Florida's delegates, the Repukian Legislature set the primary date and the State DNC could do nothing to change it. 1.5 million Dem voters -- HRC won and it will piss off a of voters in November if they didn't get a chance to have their votes count. Florida is a must win. If it's lost to McCain, the election is lost.

Do some research and see all the States Obama has "won" in the primary and check and see how they voted over the last 6 presidential elections and then see how Obama is going to win in November.

[indie17]

There are a couple of little problems with your argument:

1) Some Florida voters did not vote, as they knew their vote did not count. Your suggestion to seat the current delegates thereby disenfranchises Floridian voters. Florida should hold another primary, and their votes should then be counted.

2) Hillary is now counting on Texas for a surge in the delegate race. Texas is one of those 'red states' that you deny as an important win for Obama.

3) Typical blue states will still vote blue, be it Hillary or Barack. States that went RED in 2004, where there is a possibility of a win by the Democrats, include several where Obama won: Virginia, Missouri, Georgia, Colorado, and Iowa, to name a few.

[ursus84]

They're clearly willing to tear apart the party and risk handing the election to McWar just so they can say that they at least won the primaries! If they do this, I ( a lifelong democrat) and many other democrats and Obama supporters will simply stay home in November.

[AnotherTry]

Piss on you, then.

[Ides]

They better relocate the Democratic National Convention so that you don't get an army of protestors with signboards on your doorsteps.

[BardEric]

What a biased pile of bunk!! Is anyone really naive enough to think that Barack would turn down the nomination if the super-delegates put HIM over the top delegate-wise? The issue of super-delegates is getting beaten to death and I just dont understand all the fuss. The super-delegates within the party have the right to support the candidate of their choosing. Just like EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US! Because you happen to be a governor, or senator, and have been given super-delegate status does not mean you have lost your right to freely endorse whomever you chose. Sen Obama is as equally entiltled to vie for the Super-delegate vote as is Sen Clinton. This is a competition folks, and may the best candidate win them.

[illinoisan]

Hillary is debased and dishonorable enough to try to end-run the will of the majority but she won't be successful. These super delegates ARE free to make their best judgement and that is why, for the good of the party and the good of the country, they will swing to Obama.

[Lolalabloggera]

Why is it dishonorable? She didn't make the superdelegate rules. They've been in effect for over 25 years. Superdelegates are supposed to do exaqctly that--break a tie.
Do you mean to say that you would not want superdelegates to decide the election for Obama in such a case?

[BardEric]

We shall see...

[rinpochet]

He has stated publicly that the super delegates should reflect the will of the people. Unlike Hillary who doesn't give a damn about the will of the people .. or her party. As usual, it's all about her.

[AnotherTry]

No, it's all about Obama. Because if he doesn't win this time, he will never run again. What a little baby.

[Notapathetic]

And MILLIONS of us have the right to not vote for Hillary if she sneaks through the back door to the nomination.

[BardEric]

You sure do have the right not to vote; but remember if you choose to exercise this option, then you are not allowed to bitch about what a mess John McCain makes in Washington.

[detriangulation]

This is frightening. If Clinton loses EITHER Texas or Ohio outright she should immediately step down, concede and endorse the presumptive nominee.

[lezlib]

I think she will win Texass but barely. She will lose Ohio and PA. She WILL step down if this happens. The writing is on the wall.

[bobdob]

This perfectly illustrates the Washington insider arrogance of the Clintons. They believe the voters don't matter. Anointing a nominee, in their view, is a job for the party bosses. This is why Hillary deserves to lose. Obama is right: Washington desperately needs to change, and the Clintons are part of the problem. They will never be part of the solution.

Have you noticed how easily Hillary dismisses the voters in the states where she has lost? Only the states that support her count. The rest are "unimportant". She really doesn't get the Democracy thing.

[ilcapo]

she is so bush-like that way,dismiss those that don t vote for you