Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean May Intervene In Dem Primary

Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid took his comments about the state of the Democratic primary one step further today, suggesting that he and other prominent Democrats would intervene in the race if primary season concludes without a clear winner:

Reid said he would consider writing a joint letter with Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) demanding that superdelegates make their endorsements public.

"The three of us, we may write a joint letter [to superdelegates]," said Reid. "We might do individual letters, we are in contact with each other."...

However, when asked by a reporter if he would be forced to intervene if the undecided superdelegates did not make up their minds, Reid replied "I might have to."

This might explain Harry Reid's primary remarks last month that "things are being done" to end the nomination:

Q: Do you still think the Democratic race can be resolved before the convention?

Reid: Easy.

Q: How is that?

Reid: It will be done.

Q: It just will?

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Reid: Yep.

Q: Magically?

Reid: No, it will be done. I had a conversation with Governor Dean (Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean) today. Things are being done.

Nancy Pelosi has abstained from such comments, though she has repeatedly suggested that superdelegates should not overturn the will of primary voters, a position that sits well with the Obama camp:

"If the votes of the superdelegates overturn what's happened in the elections, it would be harmful to the Democratic party," Pelosi said in an interview taped Friday for broadcast Sunday on ABC's "This Week."...

"It's a delegate race," she said. "The way the system works is that the delegates choose the nominee."

Meanwhile, Howard Dean has decided that superdelegates should not wait for the primaries to conclude; they need to state their endorsements now:

An increasingly firm Howard Dean told CNN again Thursday that he needs superdelegates to say who they're for - and "I need them to say who they're for starting now."

"We cannot give up two or three months of active campaigning and healing time," the Democratic National Committee Chairman told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "We've got to know who our nominee is."

Comments

[gevan]

Go back under your rock, Harry. We don't need you kibitzing from the sidelines.

[DotsieD]

This equates, in my view, to the Supreme Court deciding the winner of the 2000 Presidential race. People are just so damned impatient! I am not a fan of either candidate (I liked Edwards and BOTH Clinto and Obama shamelessly ran him off), but I AM a fan of this country's electoral process and the Dems are trying to turn that into a joke. Whatever happened to "We, the people...?­" Let it go to the convention. Let the delegates decide! I thought that was one of the functions of the Convention. Let the party rules stand. Democracy cannot die one the vine. Set the example, not another precedent.

[Aleka4]

Which would be just fine if Clinton wasn't working -with- the republicans to swiftboat Obama so she can -steal- the nomination.

If she were an honorable opponent who was campaigning -against- the republicans, that would be a different story.

[shengirl]

As was said on Countdown the other night, she is triangulating with the Republicans to go after Obama. Just what we need, a switch from a power-mad Repub administration to a power-mad Dem one.

[abby4ever]

Hillary cannot steal it unless the leaders of the party let her. So if it happens we can blame them.

[Wild West]

DLC, democratic leadership council and their leader Harold Ford are pushing hard for Hillary they are her main backer and leader in rounding up additional dough.

Her picture is on their web page and nowhere is any reference to Mr. Obama. Maybe it is time to split to modern democrats away into a progressive party, Mr. Obama has the popular vote and has more voters in every state at either a primary or caucuses then McCain.

Republican are scared of the the number of democratic voters that have registered and especially participated it has dwarfed anything they had at any republican event.

Lets go........

[fignozzle]

i think that the word "MAY" is the operative word in that headline.

[Dragon5616]

I thought Reid said "JUNE."

[Aleka4]

They really can't wait that long.

Now that it is clear that clinton is willing to personally swiftboat him to steal the nom, and now that it is clear she is working -with- the republicans to do just that, Obama needs the party behind him.

[Dunnage]

First these three leaders spank Michigan and Florida voters, like who cares about the election, remember rule of law or law of rule? They need aides to find a bathroom.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil2]

Ah, it was DNC state leaders who let the Republicans move the primaries up. They knew the consequences, yet they went along with the Republican agenda.

[shockmagog]

The voters were indirectly spanked by a series of unfortunate events. I suppose the delegates will be evenly split as a result. The upshot will be a Democrat in the White House next year.

[Dragon5616]

Actually, neither Pelosi nor Reid sat on the DNC rules committee. Interestingly, Clinton adviser Harold Ickes did.

[GrouchoMarxist]

That was when Hillary thought she would have the nomination sewn up by South Carolina, if not before.

[MichiganJFrog]

Good info. I bet it will be ignored though.

[several]

DNC rules aren't laws, they're just rules.

Personally I'm Ok with the idea of the democratic leadership talking about actually showing some... leadership.

[JuneCleaversBeaver]

It was the State Legislatures in FL and MI that "spanked" the voters.

[Sparklez]

White working class, seniors, catholics

Taking us AA's for granted

Keep on doing that and PLEASE for the love of god steal this election from Obama Hillary

And you will not get our vote. We will not be disenfranchised or taken for granted

I didnt agree with this logic at first, but i will follow my mother to the booth and vote Independent

Try us if u want to

[AjicNYC]

Obama wont make it !!! sorry, he is not the ONE, He can still be an active community leader if he is still creditable to the black community after wrights interview airs!!

just speaking for my self here

[shockmagog]

Not the Kwisach Haderach?

[Sparklez]

It already has aired

And u think the AA community doesnt feel what Wright was saying?

Heck, some white people understood what the man was saying

[Dragon5616]

Probably won't be creditable, but will still be credible.

[realpolitic]

Obama may not be the ONE. I mean he is not Jesus. He is a presidential candidate who will win the next election.

[shockmagog]

Easy does it. I think AA members will vote their conscience and do it clean and sober.

[Sparklez]

You dont think the AA's who came out to support Obama who never gave a rat's A** will come out and vote for Hillary who would have stolen it?

Think not. They will go right back in their holes and not give a care

[PhoenixWmn]

I'm sorry, have I missed something ? Is the Alcoholic Vote at stake here ????

[gotsomerice]

I think the reason that Hillary won PA is:

Hillary = Devil you know
Obama = Devil you don't know

People don't like the unknown. It's just human nature. Most people still don't know who he is. If Obama going to win in November. He has to fix this asap. Otherwise history is going to repeat itself this November.

[Dragon5616]

Or it could be old women and rednecks. Just sayin'.

[gotsomerice]

Yes and their vote count as much as our. Obama has to clear the unknown himself before the GOP clear it for him. I am sorry but I am not at all "HOPE" ful at all this November. I don't want to go through the "John Kerry" experience again. I meant he was running against Bush! How could he lose?

[WHusseinLA]

I keep saying that he should go on Dancing With the Stars, but the campaign keeps hanging up on me.

[KarenJW]

Keep it real gotsomerice.

Hillary won PA because the Republicans voting against Obama carried her! DUH!!!!!!!!!!! Who will they vote for in November? DUH???????­??????????­???

[AdLib]

You left out:

McCain= Devil, who he knows from when they played together as kids.

Bush = Devil everyone knows

[BigBen]

It seems to me the more they know about Obama the more they like Hillary.

[Aleka4]

Yea. That is why she went from a 25% lead in PA to a 9.6% win. Because people liked -her- better. LMAO.

[shockmagog]

McCain/Dead Reagan '08

[WHusseinLA]

lol

[GrouchoMarxist]

Six of one, half-dozen of the other.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil2]

so true...

[HopeGirl]

Huff Po censors have a limited sense of humor these days.

[AdLib]

I think it's on AutoPilot right now, check your post for words that may be on the moderating software's black list, monkey with them and try again. Works for me.

[Dragon5616]

It's OK to prick your finger, just don't finger your prick.

[Sunburst]

All we hear is BS out of the Clintons.
One dam dog fight after another against their opponent.
What the hell kind of an election is this suppose to be? I have never heard or seen such.
You need to end this now.
Obama will end up dead.
They say the Clinton's had a hand in some of the deaths in the white house, and several believe it.

Obama is our man, he can do it.

[several]

"and several believe it."

no actually, i don't.

[WHusseinLA]

LOL. Thank you for clearing that up.

[MichiganJFrog]

LMAO

[WHusseinLA]

Who died in the White House?

[puffhost]

That lady in the movie "Murder at 1600" died in the White House. I think some people on "24" did also. I think we have a fantasy / reality thing going on here.

[BlueStateMan]

Who are "they" & what evidence do "they" have about these deaths?

[HopeGirl]

Bad news for Obama on the IQ front.

Looks like Indiana, on average, is dumber that Pennsylvania. Iknow, it doesn't seem possible. But its true.

Penn racks up a 101 to Indiana's 93. I am not kidding. 93. Its going to take some creative campaigning.

Barack! For the love of Pete get the flag pin on, get baptised in the town square fountain, pull the plug on some poor unfortunate death row inmate, say something snide about gays in the military and threaten to blow some country up-doesn't matter which one.

Lets get this ting lock down.

[Dragon5616]

At least, here in IN, we can spell "thing."

[HopeGirl]

no offfence, and it is an average.

I am on a tiny apple lap top tonight, having typing issues.

[WHusseinLA]

He needs to work on his Crown Royal shooters?

[Sunburst]

why can't you Pelosi, Dean and Reid stop these hurtful ads on Obama. Enough is enough.

Where the hell are the issues we're suppose to be voting on.
Seems like Health care just went to hell.

what is left that is genuine?

Jump in and nominate him. It should have been done long ago.

[neocon43]

Get a job and get your health care.Unplu­g the cable,get rid of your cell phone,take a little responsibilty.

[Dragon5616]

Let's see, unplug the cable = $50/month. Get rid of cell phone = $50/mo.

Health care = $100/mo.? IF the insurance companies don't refuse to insure you, that is.

Good plan.

[EvoMan]

Most small and medium sized businesses are ready for the government to take over health care. It's gonna happen and it's the business community that will see it through.

Again, since the Neocons have been completely discredited, why do you continue to identiffy with them. Slow learner?

[GrouchoMarxist]

Better yet...get a mansion and a yacht!

[JuneCleaversBeaver]

Jeebus Christ, Michelle. You are SO obvious.

[PixieThis]

I just want to be the first to thank you for the sacrifices of all of your moms and all of your children in the service of our country.

I get teary eyed just thinking about it, shel

[AdLib]

As to the topic of Dems being divided and voting against their interests for McCain because they're so blindly angry that their candidate didn't win, it's an MSM issue that will evaporate come November.

The MSM is apparently run by amnesiacs who instantly forget all their predictions and adamant opinions at hearing the latest event in the race.

Do strong feelings fade quickly for the majority? Look at McCain's "competitive" poll numbers today. The public saw him as a has-been just two months ago, now he's a viable presidential candidate? Even though he wants to continue the Bush war and economic policies?

Obama would be gang tackled for saying this truth too but since I'm not running for President.­..

...the majority of the public is easily manipulated by the MSM. Remember public opinion being swiftly manipulated to support the Iraq War? Why do commercials for iPhones as well as Hillary work?

What Obama has going for him, in addition to many other things is that the American People are suffering. Change only seems to come in this country when a majority is feeling enough pain to reject the status quo. It's hard to be manipulated away from feeling pain by talk and images on a tv.

I think that will become apparent soon, once it turns to Obama vs. McCain, that the public is overwhelmingly ready for change and despite the resentment today from some Hillary Supporters, I think Obama will end up winning in Nov. in a landslide.

[HumeSkeptic]

I agree, but for a slightly different reason.

I think that once people take a serious look at McCain, they'll just freak out. And that's before they know what he looks like.

I think either Dem would beat McCain handily. And Dems will come together, if not for party unity, just out f fear of seeing a warmongering old geezer in the White House.

[HopeGirl]

Bush didn't freak them out. They wanted to have a beer with him. He couldn't spell beer but they wanted drink one with him.

[AdLib]

Actually, I think our views are along the same lines. When it's Obama debating McCain, people will have no choice but to focus on what future each of them represents and if that's a future that will improve their lives.

No matter how it's pitched by McCain, the people are sick of war and destroying our country to take over another.

All those McCain Insane points will be in the spotlight and the choice will be...shall I say allegorica­lly...blac­k and white.

[GrouchoMarxist]

Those of us who lived through the last one, won't be quick to embrace another one, that's for sure. No matter how many things they name after Reagan.

[GrouchoMarxist]

Spot on! Although I would ad that part of the MSM's interest in spinning these types of stories is that it prolongs the fight, which keeps them all on TV every night and drives up ratings.

[JuneCleaversBeaver]

We were far better served in the old days before the 24 hour news channels. The pundits they had on had to know their stuff frontwards and backwards in order to be able to make their case in a short time period.

[AdLib]

Agree 100%. This is a goldmine for them, the ratings for news and debates is record shattering. If they broadcast the truth, that gravy train would end.

Would a corporation actually put serving the public trust ahead of quarterly profits?

Okay, you can stop laughing now.

[barackaide]

hammer, meet nail

[RanTheMan]

That's called hitting the nail on the head.

[neocon43]

I think you are out of your mind.Mccai­n is going to win Ohio,Flori­da.Obama will have to sweep about seven states to do it that are toss ups or lean republican­.The reverend Wright issue will take him down in the general.Da­y after day of listening to the hate monger will blow this race open for Mccain!

[GrouchoMarxist]

But what about McCain's pastor who said the New Orleans got what it deserved? Wonder why we don't hear so much about that...

[AdLib]

I disagree with the first two words of your post.

And the rest of your Repug ravings too.

[WHusseinLA]

Entirely true. If anyone is responsible for this debacle it is the irresponsible media.

I just saw Howard Fineman on BBC America talking about his new book "The Thirteen American Arguments.­" He makes the point that we don't argue nearly enough anymore. For example, there should have been MUCH more debate in the Congress before the Iraq war decision. He blamed the media for the rush to decision.

Let this thing bear out. Rely on the people. BUT we must start holding the media responsible. Then we need to start working on education, for f*cks sake. We need to take back our country from drooling rushbots.

[AxelDC]

Obama needs just 298 delegates now to win. There are 300 Super Delegates outstanding. Reid, Dean and Pelosi had better be able to pull 100 of them or they shouldn't be the heads of the party.

Obama will clear around 100 delegates on May 6th. That puts him within 200. If he gets 1/4 of the remaining delegates and 1/3 of the Super delegates, the game is in the bag for him. Clinton needs about 75% of the remaining delegates, elected and super, to win. The odds of that happening are astronomical, especially since she has already alienated Dean, Reid and Pelosi with her destructive campaign and her innate arrogance.

[AnnArky]

Q: what do you call a plastic bag with 2 stale marshmallows in it?
A: Pelosi & Reid.

[AxelDC]

Huh?

[hope]

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Pick a gaddamn nominee already.

[Dragon5616]

Free verse, obviously.

[HumeSkeptic]

Not "gaddamn nominee", "gadbless nominee".

[GrouchoMarxist]

ROFL! Excellent.

Good to see ya, hope