Democratic Leaders Pushing Superdelegates To Commit

WASHINGTON — Top Democratic leaders intend to push for a quick end to the battle for the presidential nomination when primaries are over next week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday, adding that he, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and party chairman Howard Dean will urge uncommitted delegates to choose sides.

"By this time next week, it will all be over give or take a day," Reid said of the marathon race between the front-running Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Obama is within 44 delegates of clinching the nomination, according to The Associated Press tally, and leads Clinton by roughly 200 delegates.

Democratic officials said Pelosi already has begun contacting uncommitted House members urging them to weigh in soon after the primary season ends. Numerous Democrats have expressed concern that a protracted nominating campaign could harm the party's chances of winning the White House in the fall. John McCain effectively wrapped up the Republican nomination in March.

Tantalizingly close to the nomination, Obama stands to gain a minimum of roughly 20 delegates in remaining primaries in Puerto Rico, Montana and South Dakota under party rules that distribute them proportional to the popular vote _ even if he loses all three. He would need to enlist the support of uncommitted superdelegates to amass the rest.

Slightly fewer than 200 superdelegates remain uncommitted, including 64 members of Congress.

One, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, the Democratic whip in the House, was quoted in a report published Thursday as saying he intended to disclose his preference as the final primaries are held on Tuesday.

Clyburn, who is black and whose district and state voted overwhelmingly for Obama, is widely expected to support the Illinois senator.

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Asked about the story in the Stamford Advocate, Kristie Greco, a spokeswoman for Clyburn, noted that he repeatedly has said he will not endorse before June 3.

Although Obama holds a commanding lead in delegates, Clinton has threatened to campaign into the August convention if she is not satisfied with the results of a party committee meeting this weekend. A Democratic National Committee panel is scheduled to discuss the fate of disputed delegations from Michigan and Florida, two states that held primaries last winter in defiance of party rules.

Reid, in an interview on radio station KGO in San Francisco, said he had talked since Wednesday with both Pelosi and Dean. "We agree there won't be a fight at the convention. ... We're going to urge folks to make a decision quickly _ next week."

Reid said the results of the disputed primaries in Florida and Michigan "should be counted as well," but he did not propose a compromise to resolve the controversy.

He made his prediction that the nominating fight would be settled by the end of next week in a speech at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.

Karen Finney, a spokeswoman for Dean, said that in his conversation with Reid, the chairman said he wants the nominating campaign settled in June.

Pelosi has also said she hopes the nominating contest is wrapped up quickly.

Comments

[Wanod]

Run Hillary Run! Don't even give up, Pelosi and Reid need some spine, they are weak leaders. Run Hillary Run, the hell with the Democratic party...

[hope]

run....run.....further.....further......splash.


(oops, ran out of pier)

[CocteausTwin]

LMAO

[edwarvir]

Hope that is so funny, you made my day.

[dawlishgal]

The Clintons have already sabotaged Obama's chances in November by the way they justify their waiting game as being necessary because (they hint) certainly there must be some dark dangerous something or other in Obama's background that will destroy his chances for victory in November (as though there is no such thing in HER background or Bill's).

They are asking Obama to do the impossible...prove the negative, ie that there is NOTHING that bad in his background.
I'd guess that pretty much everybody has something lurking in his past that could be spun into a disqualifier for the presidency by somebody with no behavioral standards for HERSELF. Hell, I made up sins in confession because I didn't want the priest to know how dull my life was before I burst into full-blown puberty. SPIN THAT!

Besides that, THEY are willing to make up something if nothing REAL appears...as is clear from their staged "Iron my Shirt" charade.

The most incidious thing about their scheme (as far as the party's chances for victory in November are concerned) is that if Obama is nominated and that dark thing has still not shown up, people will opt out of voting for him because (her supporters are not the sharpest knives in the drawer anyhow) they think the Clintons wouldn't stoop so low make up such a thing. Her supporters conveniently ignore that the Clintons don't have to make up anything tangible....just hint broadly that there is reason to wait.

[AxelDC]

Imagine it is Election Night, and Obama leads McCain 279- 253 Electoral Votes, with only Montana and South Dakota have yet to be called. Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, California, Virginia, etc. have all been called hours ago. Even Hawaii and Alaska have come in.

The networks refuse to declare Obama the winner, because Bush, Cheney, Rove (posing as a journalist) and Ann Coulter are all screaming that "every vote counts". McCain is down in Puerto Rico, hoping to win its 0 EVs. Instead, the entire nations sits, realizing that Obama has enough states decisively to be declared President-elect, but the GOP is demanding that the networks hold back until all the returns in all the states have been counted.

Isn't this the situation Obama is in now? He has won the primaries. He has a 200 delegate lead over Clinton. Only her "zero delegates for Obama" scenario in Michigan (which even denies him the 31 delegates he received in the district conventions there) puts her even close enough that the remaining 191 undeclared oligarchs can put her over the top if they are unanimous.

Bill Clinton claims he's never seen a candidate treated so poorly. I've never seen a losing candidate act with such entitlement. If this had been Edwards, Richardson, Dodd or even Al Gore, they would have graciously bowed out long ago. This isn't' about democracy and fairnness; it's about narcissism and unbridled self-interest.

[abby4ever]

Wonderful news BUT..."CLINTON ATTMEPTING TO UNSEAT DELEGATES IN TEXAS" dampens my joy a little bit---and amazes me too.
Apparently, Hillary has just taken hypocrisy to new heights. I wonder if Huffington will be doing a story on the truly amazing---at least to me---news about Hillary that Philoguy tells us in his Kos diary today (on the Recommended List). Using Politex as his source, his diary opens with:

***It was a localized version of the Michigan/Florida debate in Grand Prairie today and once again, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama supporters were at odds.
Local Clinton supporters advocated Thursday for unseating ALL of the Democratic delegates from Collin County because their senate district conventions were held on the wrong day.

Officials with the Collin County Democratic Party said they chose to hold the convention a day late because there wasn't a large enough venue in the county available for the scheduled date of Saturday, March 29. Party officials warned at the time that the eligibility of their delegation may be challenged.***

Philoguy says:
"Apart from the disgusting hypocrisy of contesting these delegates while simultaneously wrapping themselves up in the flag of voter's rights with respect to Michigan and Florida, this story is even more revolting because of the way it is based on a technicality that, to all appearances, looks as if it couldn't have been avoided."

Here's the link to his diary: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/29/22624/7358/589/525218

Amazing.




.

[CocteausTwin]

Thanks for sharing. Obama just picked up two TX SDs, I do not know if it has been mentioned yet.

[abby4ever]

You are welcome---but I wish the story didn't exist. And thank you for telling me about the new TEXAS SDs. Maybe they got really hot about Philoguy's story and decided not to wait until 3 June, who could blame them?
What good news.
Are you listening, Hillary Rodham Clinton? I say, "What good news!!!"

[edwarvir]

abby4ever , thank you for sharing that article with us. I am going to be praying hard
for this meeting the Dems are having. I don't want to get upset, or fret about this
situation, but I fear that we are headed for a real split in the party if HILL/Bill try
and steal this election from Senator Obama.

[likeicare]

Howard, Nancy, Harry --

Better fasten your seatbelts -- Hillary and Bill are planning a kamikaze attack,

They're taking this all the way to the convention -- and beyond. Think not? You underestimate the determination of a narcissist to get her/his way.

The Clintons LIVE for drama and spectacle, and they'd love nothing more than a full-blown, bloody floor-fight to ensue at the convention. It would validate their existence (and importance!) and satisfy their need for attention and adulation (only temporarily, tho).

When they are denied their "crown," however, look for them to play the "wronged party" to the hilt, either refusing to encourage their supporters to close ranks around Obama's candidacy, or manipulating the electorate in a way that completely sabotages his chances in November.

Bill's completely confident that he'll be able to pull off some kind of coup against the party that he and Hillary no longer have a future with, and could care less about.

It's the money, stupid. And the power that goes with it. That's all.

My advice is to cut your losses while you can. Put these two old con artists out to pasture before it's too late. You'll be sorry if you don't.

[hope]

They aren't going to take it to the convention.

Narcissists? Yes. Welcome to D.C.

But narcissistic enough to know they severely damage their earning potential after the fight.

'Triangulation' also means letting to when it doesn't work.

[CocteausTwin]

I think she missed her peek earning power by several weeks (if not months).

[McChimp]

Don't worry, Hillary WON'T be taking this to the convention, because Pelosi has promised to step in if necessary.

And even IF she attempts a fight at the convention, it'll be only her, Bill, and a few supporters (five or six people)

This is over next week, we are moving on to the GE and defeating John McCain, even if Hillary and Bill are left behind.

Obama/Sebelius 08

[CocteausTwin]

According to MSNBC's Chuck Todd, Obama just picked up two addition SDs from Texas, pointing him at a 200 delegate lead. It was something I heard in the background, so I doubt I have all the specifics to share.

[abby4ever]

Pelosi, Reid and Dean have put their word on the line now---they will do all in their power to keep it, for their own sakes---and, ideally, for our sake and the sake of the whole country.
All we need is a great big fight between this trio and the Bonnie and Clyde of politics: Bill and Hillary. But it's Bonnie and Clyde who will look bad if there is one, the whole coun ry will see how ruthless they are and what poor sports they are---and it may be that many of her supporters will fall away, just as some have already fallen away.

[Mr. Cobb]

I think most of the Hillary supporters are typically older women who feel that unless Hillary gets the nominaton, they'll never see a woman president in their lifetime. (So much for what's best for all of us.) And they're probably right. Any democrat is a shoe-in against the GOP this election so a woman would be guaranteed to be elected. And then there are the racists and those who might not be racist but believe a black man can't get enough votes because we're still basically a racist country.

[jeplanet]

Well said, MrCobb
I also think some of her supporters are people who are simply longing for the "good-old-days" when Bill Clinton was in charge; and that's certainly understandable.

[armadillious2002]

Hillary is unelectable - I know of numerous repubs who are sick of bush and have warmed up to Obama but would not vote for Hillary if a gun was held to their heads. Many Dems feel the same way. She can quote all the polls she wants but I am out there every day with the working folks. She is polarizing - plain and simple. Now having said that - Obama needs to get out of that damned church and get away from those damned preachers or he will pay the political consequences as people will start to rethink as to just who might really be influencing him.

[only1Demvoter]

armadillious : Absolutely !

... Keep your church out of our White House ! ( Thx. T. Jefferson )


More to follow. -ralph

[adavis08]

Iagree he must leave that church.I agree also with Chris Matthew who thinks it's really Michelle's choice of the church that they attend. After he denounced Wright, she was the one that looked really pained. After all she did grow up on the south side of Chicago.

[Geoffo]

I simply do not understand why so many Superdelegates are undecided. Are they afraid to commit now in case they pick the wrong candidate? Are they hoping for some sort of favours? Each candidate has more than amply demonstrated their skills, experience, style, and explained their policies and hopes for the future. What more do the Superdelegates expect?

[lhaz]

Maybe they're afraid of more "pastor problems." In April,2004 Obama said Father Michael Pfleger is one of the people that helps him keep his moral compass set. In light of the current "Pfleger Flack", I would be worried too if I were an elected official. Obama supporters are not helping their cause by burying their heads in the sand and pretending this is not a problem.

[deceiveandobsfucate]

When John McCain has Rod Parsley and John Hagee (until recently) on board, I'm not too upset. Moreso, if this is what some people use to determine a president, then God help us all.

[smoo]

Have you noticed that something like this always comes up 3-5 days before an election. I understand your concern and frankly I share your concern, but lets be critical of our critical observations. The Pastor problem should and I hop will become come a mute point. Consider the 2 - 3 pastor problems that McCain has had in just the th past 2 weeks. People should now realize that Pastors are uncontrollable, particularly the high profile pastors. Most elected officials go to high profile churches and a great majority of high profile pastors are arrogant and beleive that god has blessed them, given them permission, and encourgages them to speak "truth to power." This is part of what it means to be a Pastor. Think about it. Everyone is "wordly" to them.

The othe point to ponder. Notice how unverifiable alligation keep coming up right before a election. The Nafta/Canada thing, pastor issues, business relations issues. The purpose is to cast doubt and it has worked. So people wonder why Obama has problems in OH, PA, WVA, etc. his opponents orchestrates the problems. Unlike Obama, HRC drives people to vote againts Obamas as to voting for her. The dangerous results of such tactics is what's playing out now.

[Nyland8]

There are lots of theories on this subject, because it is widely held that by June 4th, Obama will have enough Super Ds to take the nomination. His lead in Super Ds was 36 as of 5/25, and since then he's gained another 7 against her, according to demconwatch - a site that HuffPo won't let me post a link to, so you'll have to find it yourself.

One theory holds that, if they all jumped at once, Rodham would not be able to successfully campaign and eradicate her debt - so it is a practical concession. Behind the scenes, these types of deals are made with handshakes and winks all the time.

Likewise, there will be those who will simply remain in Rodham's camp, even though they already know that Obama is and will be the winner, but they're doing it for political reasons - favors - promises made - to placate their own perceived constituencies.

In any even, it should all be over by June 4th ...

8

[jeplanet]

Your lips to God's ears.
Or Nancy Pelosi's ears.
Or whoever.
:)

[butchie65]

I read an article about how so many people owe the Clinton's favors. They are afraid to come out and are waiting for the others to make Obama the candidate. They won't have to answer to the Clinton's if someone else picks Obama. I'm a 67 year old white woman and would NEVER vote for Hilllary knowing and reading about her background. I too would like to see a woman President someday for my granndaughters, but, not Hillary. Please read what she is about, instead of picking her because she is a woman.I also have grandsons of draft age and would hate to see women vote for McCain, because they don't like Obama.In my days if your candidate didn't get the nomination, you voted for the other Democratic candidate, if you liked it or not. Now, you are like a spoiled child trying to get your way or no way.

[okmama]

Now, you are like a spoiled child trying to get your way or no way.

Very true, they are acting just like Billary!

[tompaineaz]

This is an excellent analysis, please read.

http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/5/28/164638/636

[bellenoir55]

Here's another analysis about HOW and WHY Obama bested Clinton by following the rules and making them work for HIM:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080530/ap_on_el_pr/obama_strategy_3;_ylt=Al6CODBhZPXRllmE_j7lTegE1vAI

[ashenthorn]

Are democrats really as split as would be indictated by reading these blog comments? Personally, I don't think so, but we're still pretty split during this divisive primary season, and it only appears to be getting worse until we have an official nominee. In the meanwhile, let's not pay much heed to "What if?" or "Potential Matchup" polls. These are terribly innaccurate and misleading, especially when supporters of each candidate are not only mad as hell at the other guy/gal, but also desperate to enhance their candidate's "electibility" argument to superdelegates (Clinton supporters moreso because she's behind). "Democratic Candidate vs McCain" polls are going to pretty much meaningless until the dust settles on this race, 60 days or so after we have an official nominee.

[VoteforOCD]

Why are these people totally disregarding what is best for Mrs. Clinton? In these topsy turvy times we need to remember what's best for Hillary is what's best for America.

[jeplanet]

I think that's printed on a T-shirt that can be purchased on her website for a $29.99
Please go to hillaryclinton.com NOW to make your donation.

(ps this is a joke, for all you overreactors out there)

[vippy]

I am so sick of seeing Mrs. Clinton's face. By now she should be a non-issue, however,
the press is giving her all that exposure and i have noticed FOX NEWS is only reporting
the positive news about her. I assume Bill Clinton made a deal for his wife to come on
if they only report positive things. We heard McClellan say that it is common practice and
now we know for sure. Some people claim that the press is against her but I have seen
no evidence. She has lost and but fails to admit. It would really be a bummer if they
declare her more electable for whatever reason, because we, the people support
Obama and his $ 40 milliion show it, whereas she is in the hole by at least 20 million.
Nothing could be clearer than that.

[VivaZapata]

as usual, the lameness of the democratic leadership is in evidence: late to the party is a motif with reid and pelosi. the time to end clinton's humiliation and obama's hesitation was more than a month ago. in waiting they've weakened obama's chances. let's hope it's not too late.

[ReggaeFan]

Once again, I am confused.
In a greedy grab for power, the STATES decided to thumb their notices at national and hold their primaries when they were forbidden to.
All the candidates gave their WORD they would not campaign in these states.
Hillary decides to go back on her promise and run.
Now she wants these votes counted. . . and this is supposed to be the person we can TRUST?
She sways with the wind, she capriciously breaks her word . . . is it just me?
Want to know who' s to blame for this mess - the FLORIDA and MICHIGAN Democratic party leadership - if the people of FL and MI are upset about not having votes count they need to hold their state Dem party responsible.

[solarenergy]

No, it is not just you. Many of us who admired the Clintons, voted for him, supported them through 8 years of scurrilous attacks, and went along with policies we did not agree with (NAFTA) because they had earned our trust, are now aghast at their behavior in this primary.

All of the actions above as you describe, plus more, have served tp rip back a veil to reveal two arrogant neo-con corporatists who simply feel entitled to return to the throne. Why hasn't it been handed to them with a ribbon tied to it? All kneel before the Queen and King.

They can count. They knew 3 months ago they'd blown it, when O won 12 straight in a row. Since then they've resorted to the dirtiest and non-democratic methods of trying to steal an election, and by the way, f* you if you don't like it -- who else you gonna vote for, fool.

[armadillious2002]

Exactly - this is the kind of underhanded crap we are trying to get away from. Hillary will just be more of the same.

[FromConnecticut]

Whatever does that mean, a poster's remark, "I guess that's why Italians have olive skin?' I couldn't tell if the poster was being satiric.

If not, then let me point out -- Italians show a variety of skin and hair color, depending on where ancient invaders landed. That holds true for the Italian islands. In one part of Sicily, in my family's ancestral region where Scandinavians arrived, for example, most of the people and their descendants have very blonde or red hair with green or blue eyes and very fair skin. In fact, more than a few places in the world display vast differences in physical qualities among their citizens.

One big reason why I find Hillary's campaign distasteful -- her constant subliminal messages provoking racial disharmony.

[McPander]

I think you give the invasion claims more credence than they deserve. The color of someone skin has not always been as much of an issue as it is today...

[McPander]

It saddens me to continue to hear people who would not judge them self to be racist continue to state that he is cannot win.
I will tell you that I understand your fears and I also understand your desire to win this year.
I will ask you, do these feeling carry through in your life.
Do you interview a job candidate that is African-American and not give him the job because of your fear of how a client might react?
Do you sit on a jury and not cast a vote of not guilty when you hear obviously racist remarks in a jury room?
Do you understand that you are the problem with this country?
Do you understand that your inaction is a more vile than the man who burns a cross in someones front yard?
The fact is is that the person asking for that job still doesn't get the job....and does that make you any better than if you are a racist?
What gives you the right to decide when America is ready?
God help you.....for you are the hidden shame that allows racism to continue in the country.

[McPander]

I have more respect for a racist than I will ever have for people who feel this way.
They may be wrong, but at least they have the courage to fight for what they believe.

[MRb1000]

Are you a racist?

[chendri887]

In the end, are any of us truly "race neutral?" I don't mean the more crass or obvious forms of racism, but the ones that undergird our cultural assumptions about who is racist and who is not racist? Isn't the very notion that people can be "race neutral" a modern one, a condition brought about by social pressure and progressive (in the social sense) notions about what it means to be human?

[McPander]

In the end, are any of us truly "race neutral?" yes there are some people who are race neutral....I have a son and daughter that are race neutral....you would call them black....even though my daughter is lighter than me...I would suggest that you listen to Senator Obama's speech on race again.

The problem isn't race neutrality in this country, the problem is racism!

"race neutral" a modern one....I guess thats why Italians have olive skin....

[jeplanet]

McPander. Good Post.
One thought; I sometimes wonder if it's not more about hopelessness than racism. People have been feeling helpless for the past 8 years watching a corrupt party f*ck things up. Are they now feeling like things are so messed up that they can't be turned around?
It's easier to say "Sigh...Obama's never going to win" than it is to get excited and fired up, only to be disappointed.
It can easily be blamed on racism, and sometimes it is; but more often, I fear it's plain old pesimism.

[McPander]

Then please tell me what they are pessimistic about?

[Nyland8]

I work in West Harlem, NYC and I'll be moving here soon. None of my black colleagues and acquaintances have said that they'll refuse to vote for Obama because he is half-white. They all seem to be in favor of him now, despite this obvious handicap.

I suspect most of the white racists in this country can find it in their hearts to vote for his white half.

And frankly, the balance of those who still have an issue with race will be swept aside by the hordes that will show up at the polls.

I think it will be Obama by a landslide.

8*}

[EinChicago]

"I suspect most of the white racists in this country can find it in their hearts to vote for his white half."

bwah ha ha ha Thank you. That was the funniest thing I've heard in weeks. Completely out of touch with reality. But still funny.

[EinChicago]

"And frankly, the balance of those who still have an issue with race will be swept aside by the hordes that will show up at the polls."


So, should we plan on 2 dozen bagels or do you think we may want to have leftovers and buy 3 dozen to feed those "hordes"?