Obama Memo: 17 Pledged Delegates Away From Winning Primaries

In a sign that they are likely to declare victory in the presidential primary very soon, the Obama campaign is now boasting in a memo to reporters that they are on the cusp of winning the pledged-delegate majority, thanks to the endorsement from John Edwards and a group of his delegates.

By the Obama campaign's math, they are only 17 elected delegates away from the pledged-del majority, a number that they are guaranteed to pull off next week in Oregon and Kentucky. Expect them to court super-delegates to break their way en masse after that happens, on the basis that Obama has the popular mandate to be the nominee.

Comments

[Teritt]

Come on Sweet Seventeen - let's get this over.

[Vantunow]

FROM WASHINGTON POST - OBAMA'S WEBSITE:

At least six of the eight pledged delegates that John Edwards won in South Carolina are expected to jump to [Barack Obama], according to CNN. And at least one of Edwards's four pledged delegates in New Hampshire has re-committed to the likely nominee. Edwards's four pledged delegates from the Iowa caucuses remain up for grabs.

... When Edwards dropped out on Jan. 30, he had endorsements from 28 superdelegates .... As of this afternoon, nine of the House members backing Edwards had switched allegiance to Obama: Reps. Miller, Herseth Sandlin, Gonzalez, Johnson, Oberstar, Obey, Price, Watt and Braley. Four of the pro-Edwards lawmakers -- Reps. Ethridge, McIntyre, Stupak and Michaud -- remain uncommitted.

... Seven of Edwards' DNC superdelegates have shifted to Obama; two have switched to Clinton. Five remain uncommitted.......

MATH - NEW DELEGATES OBAMA PICKED UP:

7 of Edward's Pledge Delegates
9 of Edward's Elected Super Delegates
7 of Edward's DNC Super Delegates

Edwards was a big deal. That is 24 point hammer. That seals the deal!

[Freedomscap]

Excellent -- Edwards was definitely a big deal.

[Freedomscap]

Yes, I understand what you are saying -- thanks for clarifying, Marrob. And Going2Ireland, my intent wasn't to take a jab, I was asking for clarification -- there is a difference. That's a bit too touchy/thin skinned, for my style. However, I'll concede that everyone is entitled to their sensitivities. Just don't expect me to understand or coddle to them. That's like the eggshell plaintiff.

Believe me, if I wanted to take a jab, it wouldn't be mild -- it would be a jab.

[YankeeCanuck]

In the midst of coming together and uniting behind a nominee, as we celebrate we've got to remember there's a tough road ahead. It will take at least two presidential terms to even begin to repair the damage done.
Let's commit to steadfastness in future congressional elections during this time. We've got to support the new President so that he/she can effect real change.

[jafahr]

you're absolutely right... but i for one am going to allow myself a day to celebrate!

[McFlipFlop]

You are so right! It's one of the reasons that I hope Obama picks a young, progressive VP that can carry this movement forward the next 8 years.

[ATLiberal]

Bad idea. He needs the counterbalance of an established figure. The most effective argument the republicans have at their disposal is "inexperienced".

[BoThomasReed]

It's time to unite the party. Hillary and Obama supporters are now DEMOCRATIC supporters. We are one voice, let's act like it please. No more griping and name calling. We have a crazy old man to keep out of office. Hillary has made Obama a stronger candidate and has shown signs of standing behind him as we approach the general election.

Obama '08

[debwarot]

Well said!

[mntnguy]

i could not agree more

[petuniafish]

Regardless of all the negative attack campaigning HRC has done, she IS coming around, supporting Obama, showing her support of the Dem party all around the last few days.
I thought up until the last few days I could not support her as VP, but now think she would be a fine choice- as long as BILL stays in the corner.
If HRC is challenged about her Obama primary campaign attacks, she is good at talking her way out of messes. Ultimately she intends to make for the greater good. And would make a good VP- better Sec. of State.

As you said so well, it is time to unite the party and get behind both candidates and WIN! No more negative talk Dems- lets play nice, don't let the Repubs have 4 more years.

Obama/Clinton 08.

[tweedy54]

She DID NOT make him stronger.. He was already strong.. IF NOT ...his a$$ would have dropped out long ago. If you haven't noticed that he adapts EXTREMELY quickly and EFFECTIVELY...
He outsmarted her in EVERY WAY.. THE CLINTON MACHINE.. So you tell me who was TOUGHER, MORE INTUITIVE AND JUST PLAIN SMARTER, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME STAYING TRUE TO HIS
MESSAGE ?!!!!!!!!

It certainly wasn't her!!

At most he just a little practice dealing with her BS.

Obama and his campaign crew deserves ALL THE CREDIT....NOT HRC!!!!

[BoThomasReed]

Wow, just so I'm clear here, I'm an avid Obama supporter and have been from the beginning. Yes he won, but you cannot deny her toughness tuned him up for the fall. Give some respect where it's due friend.

[Desdemondo]

Once Mr. Obama declares victory we , as his supporters, will celebrate with him and remain mindful of the courageous race Mrs. Clinton ran. Great lady.

We should also not forget that she was instrumental in "toughen-up" Mr. Obama, thereby making him more battle-ready for the republican dirty tricks.

Mr. Obama naming Mrs. Clinton to his cabinet would be not only a gracious move but also quite in order.

[OrionGal]

Just as Abraham Lincoln did with his Cabinet choices -

[NYCforObama]

Desdemono,

Brilliant Post.

Well done!

Thanks!!!

[JavaCityGal]

Completely in agreement with you, thanks!

[JudgeCrater]

Cabinet - yes; SML - NO!

[YankeeCanuck]

Desdemondo, well said. HRC has plenty of starch, despite what some more over-enthusiastic Obama supporters may call it. She will be an asset to the Dems in whatever cabinet or senate role she chooses to accept.

[AdamX]

She started the war. She called Iran terrorists to start that war. She is a liar. She needs to go. I would vote against her in any bid.

[morticia]

it`s almost over!! thank GOD, my champagne bottle is ready to be popped, OH HAPPY DAY.

[LucieLee]

I am sooo thrilled~!! Can't wait for the big day~!! Congrats to Sen. Obama!

[Theogracias]

NONSENSE....It's Hillary full speed ahead to the White House!!!....or is that the Nut House?...whatever TO THE SLEAZEMOBILE!!!!

[Freedomscap]

I don't know -- I just don't think Hillary is going away no matter what number Obama achieves. For her, the delegate number to achieve is: 2210

[Marrob]

I support Hillary and once Obama has the magic number of delegates -2025- then I will support him. Until then, I think Hillary would make a better president and will do a better job against the BS that the "Right-Wing Spin Machine" has loaded in the barrels for Obama. My second choice, Obama. My Third choice, Peeper my seven year old English Bull Terrier. "F" McSane!!!

[Freedomscap]

Yes, but your candidate is stating now, that the magic number is 2210. What she says later, who knows.

[Gma11]

I respect your loyalty - and your practicality - marrob.

[abigail1]

Good!

[Terriac]

Thank you for being sensible. It's so nice to hear a Hillary supporter not say that they'll vote for McCain and stay home if she doesn't win the nomination. The issues are bigger here, and we all need to come together. I support Obama, but I would vote for Hillary as well if she were to be the nominee. I hope people come to their senses. I respect your loyalty to your candidate and your good sense. And I'm sure your English Bull Terrier would have done a better job than Bush, and would be better than McCain, too.

[MWJacobs]

Once Obama hits 2025 we will gladly welcome you into the fold. Thank you!

[MiddleRoad1]

And when he achieves that, she will come up with something else. Just stop listening to her

[gadfly55]

Now we get down to the devil in the detail, when anyone can count on their fingers the remaining pledged delegates necessary to have a majority from the primary elections recognised by the DNC. Once that number is exceeded, the Pelosi delegates who have declared they will support the winner of the pledged delegatescontest can declare for Obama, and those timid superdelegates can safely declare their support as soon as possible, knowing that there is no reason to prolong the antagonism between the Clinton supporters and the Obama supporters. The party can then begin the healing process by concentrating upon the real and substantial opponent, the Republican party and its failed governance. There is absolutely no reason to delay beyond the moment when Obama achieves the majority of pledged delegates. Florida and Michigan are not about changing the total number required, but about participation in the convention.

[BDunne]

This campaign has been been a rollercoaster of emotion and excitement. I am inspired and ready to break down walls to help elect Obama.

I am FIRED up!

[kdublya]

Darn tootin'!

[AnAmericanWoman]

Oh yes! America is coming back Y'all! Woo Hoo! Go Obama!

[marymansour]

halleluiah! Just hope the fat lady in the pantsuit doesn't sing all the way to a contrived convention victory.

[MissT]

No disrespect to Hillary, but as another poster said a few days ago, the fat lady is hoarse already. It's just that Bill and Hillary are tone deaf. They having a hard time recognizing that there is a new playa' in town and he makes Bill Clinton look like a washed up used car salesman. But after what happened after WV I think even Bill has to finally get it. What an absolute master stroke. And he didn't have to raise his voice and throw a temper tantrum to get the message across. Brilliant.

[loax]

Thank God! I congratulate the President to be - Barck Obama. NO MCCAIN, NO REPUBLICANS, NEVER AGAIN!!!!