Clinton Superdelegate Defects to Obama

A former Clinton superdelegate from New Jersey announced Thursday morning she was switching her support to Barack Obama. Christine "Roz" Samuels, Montclair-based union activist and member of the state NAACP announced she was moving from Clinton to Obama, citing the latter's ability to unite the country:

"I now support Barack Obama because he has brought about a new wave of hope and energy to this country, especially among our young people, who represent our future. People want to see change. Barack can help unite this country and help us embrace our diverse nation," she said.

"I am also proud to support Senator Obama because he spoke clearly and forcefully against the war in Iraq from the start," Samuels added. "I know he has the leadership to make sure we bring our young men and women home as quickly and carefully as possible, and ensure all Americans have access to affordable health care."

Samuels served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Newark Teachers' Union, Local 481 from 1995 until 2007. Samuels is a former Commissioner of the Essex County Board of Elections and a member of the Montclair Democratic Committee.

Comments

[StephenCRose]

The logic of the present situation now is that many Clinton-pledged superdelegates will switch to Obama. John Lewis and others have set this in motion. When Obama and Clinton have an equal number of superdelegates, the uncommitted will have a clear way to go with the perceived winner. That would, IMO, be Obama. In a month he will be our nominee and we can then go to work to ensure that he is, as David Wilhelm aptly said, a 65% president.

[mrJJ]

I could be wrong... But I think the Old Guard and gatekeepers of the Democratic party are worried about all the newbies & indies getting on board this voting train. No one wants to take away their posts or control. Most of us are not hard core card carrying follow the party right or wrong members... I just cant figure it out. Sooner or later this primary has to end. The question will be... was the candidate we supported given a fair playing field to compete on? If the answer is yes; then of course we should follow this thing all the way through. What bothers me is if the answer becomes a resounding no... crickets chirping... We shall find out soon.

[NewGenXer]

YES WE CAN!!!! I am proud of this independent woman who chose Change with Obama!

[shy99]

WOW this is big!!! Hillary the wheeels on your bus have all fallen off. You only have yourself to blame. Losing superdelegates???? Please throw in the towel so the democrats can unite around OBAMA!! The american people are sick of the venom and poison that you so willingly spread. Your win at all cost has come back to bite you on your fat ass. It is truly a shame you had so much potential. OBAMA '08

[politicsnut]

I was puzzled by how so many of this superdelegates were choosing so early in the game without listening to the people. That's a lesson also for the networks to count just the pledged delegates and wait for the convention to count the supers because they can change their mind until then and they will.
Good job Ms. Samuels, it's never too late to join in the movement.