Super Delegates Super Risk
By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer
Posted Feb. 11, 2008 – Sen. Barack Obama has proved his appeal across race, gender and geographical boundaries, but it won’t be enough for him to woo the popular vote if he can’t get those “super delegates” to follow.
That could be critical for him in besting his only remaining rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton. Right now, Clinton leads Obama in the “super delegate” category, which includes elected state officials, Democratic Party hierarchy and members of Congress.
One of the fringe benefits of being a member of Congress is being positioned as a “super delegate.”
But this raises an interesting dilemma for many African-American members of Congress who jumped on the Clinton bandwagon – before Obama became the hottest ticket since a free vacation in the Bahamas.
Among some of the most high-profile Black Clinton supporters are lawmakers like civil rights giant John Lewis, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.), outspoken Los Angeles Rep. Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas and Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio.
But eight out of 10 Black folks in the recent contests have supported Obama. These voters are the same people who put these super delegate Black lawmakers in office. That means these lawmakers could find themselves jeopardizing their own re-election efforts if they make the wrong move with their “super support.”
And the troubles don’t end there.
Another backlash could come if Black folks think their presidential pick was ignored. Black folks might just opt to stay home, which would almost certainly guarantee a Republican victory.
The Clinton camp may be down, but not out. The Clintons know how to play these super delegates, and they will.
Word is Hillary and former President/husband Bill Clinton, both notable powerhouses in the Democratic Party, have started flexing their muscles to exert pressure on super delegates
This past weekend wasn’t a good one for the Clinton campaign. Obama made a clean sweep, winning all three primaries and two caucuses – from Washington state to Maine. Clinton’s closest confidante and campaign manager, Patti Solis Doyle, was forced to resign and Maggie Williams, an African American and longtime political ally to the Clintons, has taken over the job.
Mark my words: Hillary Clinton still has a few dirty tricks up her sleeve. Even though Obama has momentum - and will probably win Virginia, Maryland and DC - Hillary will somehow win the nomination through back room deals and superdelegates.
She’s going to use Michigan and Florida to win, even though that’s unfair.
Read my words, if Hillary wins the nomination, John McCain will be our president.
Let’s evaluate the facts. Hilliary did not do well in Southern states on Super Tuesday, she won in big states like California and NY but hell, they are blue states anyway, they would vote for a democrat if a monkey was running. Obama is the only person that can possibly make Georgia and other Southern states turn from red to blue. I know it sounds like a stretch but he is talking about real issues that are hurting southern states right now and his mission of change can lead him to being the next president.
Secondly, blacks were already offended by the comments that the Clinton’s made and if Obama has more elected delegates and still lose because of the super delegates, then these blacks will be insulted and either not vote or vote for an Independent. (Especially since Ralph Nader has already vowed to run if Hillary is the Democratic nominee.) And remember the last time Ralph Nader entered the race? He cost Al Gore to lose to George W. Bush and we had 8 years of pure hell.
If someone is reading this and can get to a super delegate or is active in the party, tell them to heed our warning. Do not rob the people!!!! If the majority votes for Obama then side with the majority, not with your friend in Congress. This race should be about the people’s choice, not about the Super delegates. As Donna Brazile stated, the super delegates are not heros, they are not here to save the day, they are here to represent the people and the people’s voice should be followed. Right now, the voice screams….OBAMA.
It absolutely baffels me as to why we as a people can’t allow ourselves to be the “Dreamers” Dr. King talked about. This is our moment in history, it is our time to honor all of those who fought and died for this opportunity. Sen. Obama deserves our support, because he has worked hard to earn it. If you wish to help him, please write Congressmen John Lewis, Charles B. Rangel, Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Stephanie Tubbs Jones, and any other Super Delegate you know and ask them to reconsider.
why don’t super delegates vote for who they think will best lead the country? and why don’t you ask people to lobby white super delegates who support clinton to switch to obama?
HILLARY 2008
http://www.hillaryclinton.com
Curt,
It is not that we cannot allow ourselves to be dreamers but that the world is made up mostly of people who see things in black or white…or in this case optimism or realism.
Most realists listen to a speech from Obama and they can’t pick the meat out from the pretty words and eloquence which if you ask me speaks to an intelligence question but I imagine they would argue that they want someone who attacks the issues head on first because it makes their candidate seem harder or tougher on issues.
Optimists and visionaries on the other hand would find a candidate who sat around spouting off plan details and policy facts, etc. extremely boring and that the candidate obviously doesn’t speak their language and is often grouped in with old school status quo politicians.
I personally agree with you and think that a candidate should be a visionary and be able to back up those words of hope and inspiration with hard facts (even when the solution may not be easy to achieve or controversial.) If someone dictated policy and plan specifics to me at a rally I would question their ability to inspire people which is extremely important to the common woman/man but also when one is trying to get things done in a Congress composed of party members of both sides.
I hope you guys are steeling yourself for the disappointment. Superdelegates are about inside politics, which the Clintons are masters. They have already made job offers and called in favors. Hillary will be the nominee because there are backroom deals being made now to get her the nomination. If she wins Texas and Ohio, that is all they need to apply more pressure to the superdelegates. Don’t expect Congressmen John Lewis, Charles B. Rangel, Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Stephanie Tubbs Jones to change their votes. The careers are more important to them, that supporting us. These same people will be in your face come general election if Hillary is nomination. I will say that she gets the nomination becuase of some backroom deal, I will consider not voting for her.
I will have to agree with Kiersten. I’m afraid if Hillary wins against Obama, McCain will be are next president. I have nothing against Hillary she’s an good canidate, but the fact of the matter is people would rather have a republican in office than Hillary running the country. In my opinion it would go back to the Clinton days again; i’m ready for a change, a new face, a whole new fresh slate. Why not have a guy that is ready for change in Washington, a guy that is for the people and ready to have diversity in the world. In my opinion if Obama wants to win this election he has to change is strategy plan instead of talking about change; he should talk about his plans for the economy, and what he plans to do to help the American people. With that being said he would get alot more votes than Hillary and maybe win the election!
RE: kris on February 11th, 2008
why don’t super delegates vote for who they think will best lead the country? and why don’t you ask people to lobby white super delegates who support clinton to switch to obama?
********************************
Good point Kris….people let US write to EVERY “super delegate” we can! To point out only black super delegates is not the message Sen. Obama speaks about in his speeches or what we as democrats should want.
Stop polarizing the obvious, ethnicity…because if the truth be told if it’s only about etnicity…shouldn’t Sen. Obama have every vote of both white AND black??!! You know he was borne from both.
The voice that should be heard is the voice of the people, not of racism, sexism, etc.
ALTHOUGH SENATOR BARACK OBAMAN WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT PRESIDENT, REALITY DICTATES THAT INSPITE OF HIS ABUNDANCE OF QUALIFICATIONS, & COMMITMENT TO TRULY HELPING AMERICANS, MOST OF AMERIKKKA WILL NOT ELECT HIM FOR THE PRESIDENCY OF THE UNITED SNAKES OF AMERIKKKA, BECAUSE MOST OF AMERIKKKA HAS NOT SOCIALLY EVOLVED, PERIOD!!!!
BESIDES WHICH, THE AMERICAN PEOPLES VOTE FOR THE PRESIDENCY IN AMERIKKKA DOESNOT COUNT, BECAUSE OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE. THESE ARE HAND PICKED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO VOTE BASED ON THE POPULACE OR VOTERS OF THEIR STATE(IN THEORY). MY QUESTION IS IF THIS COUNTRY IS TRULY ONE MAN ONE VOTE, THEN WHY DO WE NEED A ELECTORATE, WHICH IS NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO THE AMERICAN VOTERS? SECONDLY, AFTER WHAT HAD HAPPENED IN THE 2000 ELECTION, WHERE GEORGE(EXAMPLE OF WHITE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION)BUSH’S FAMILY & COHORTS(SUPREME COURT)STOLE THE ELECTION, INSPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN VOTERS WANTED AL GORE(POPULAR VOTE). FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!!!!
They knew that, Obama will win election. this is why they increased the number of super delegate for candidate nomiation. because no too many black people in congress. Obama work hard to get popular vote, but a big problem in members of congress. I think Obama will not win, due to minority In U.S governement
Obama is clearly the best candidate! His integrity and vision resignates with young and old. I DON’T TRUST HILLARY. I don’t believe a word she says, and she says whatever she thinks will coax the black vote. If the Democratic Party does not choose Obama as the nominee, this Party WILL be divided and countless blacks, will NOT vote at all. Additionally, democratic white males (who have supported Obama in large numbers) are threatening to cross over and vote Republican if Barack Obama is robbed of the nomination, and Hillary becomes the nominee. Obama is winning the popular vote by a landslide!!! Americans nominate Obama! If the “Super Delegates” call this race for Clinton, People will protest! I for one, WILL NOT WASTE MY VOTE! If the Super-delegates go against the people’s vote, I vote to get rid of the delegate system altogether. Does the preamble to the U.S. Constitution say “WE THE PEOPLE” or “WE THE DELEGATES”??? Additionally, America is hated throughout the world now, thanks to the last two decades of the same ‘ole, same ‘ole and the Bush Regime! Hillary Clinton can not effect change where this is concerned, Barack Obama as President can. This country is ready for Obama and America’s place in this world needs this change. It’s now or never people.
VOTE…Obama ‘08
Right now, Obama supporters should be rallying Ohio-ans and Tex-ans to vote for the best candidate…Obama. If you know anyone in these states encourage them now. YouTube.com has some inspiring Obama videos that Americans throughout the country, white, black, red and brown are making in support of Barack Obama, that can be sent to fellow friends and family in these states! These videos demonstrate the MASS AND DIVERSE SUPPORTERS FOR OBAMA. This really isn’t about race or color, it is about character, sound vision and the tenacity and energy it will take to dig this country out of the mess we find ourselves in after the BUFFOON we called President for the last 8 years…finally steps down, loaded pockets and all! The Clintons have really played Dirty! Just look at what they say and do—the Clinton’s are trying to box Barack into a box in the perception of Americans, by mentioning the black vote all the time. As if this is all who is voting for Obama—which it’s not. He is getting a enormous amount of votes from people making over 100k, alot of whites, and youth. That is why he is kicking her behind 2 to 1 and 3 to 1 in some states. These dirty, limiting tactics are more than likely orchestrated by the Clinton camp who now feels desperate and embarassed by the numbers of people saying, NO MORE!!! Remember, Hillary Clinton thought Obama was a Joke and that she could wrap the nomination up after Super Tuesday….THINK AGAIN!
VOTE….Obama ‘08
People please! Let the process roll on! We have the priviledge of having TWO brillient candidates in the running. One of the two of them will be our next President. I have my preference of which one I would like to see but I won’t share that because quite honestly its not germaine to this discussion.
Instead of trying to lobby the superdelegates why not lobby our two candidates and tell them to stop this madness and get on the ticket together! Our country would benefit greatly from the expreience and knowlege of Sen. Clinton and from the message of hope from Sen. Obama.
I was told on Friday that Donna Brazile stated that if these two senators allowed the nomination to be decided by 700 superdelegates she would leave the party! How insane is she???? But I think she does have a point. We need what both these people bring to the table and truth be told the ONLY thing that seperates their platform is UNIVERSAL healthcare. Let’s put our energy where it can be best servered…taking it directly to the Senators themselves. WE NEED THEM BOTH!
Denise I respect and admire your perspectives. Yet, the only thing that separates their platform in Universal Healthcare? Really what about Social Security reform? What about the mortage fraud act? Plan on Iraq? There are very distinct differences. http://www.barackobama.com .Just because they may agree that water is wet, doenst mean the agree to crossing it the same.
In addition, Obama supporters if you see the breakdown (Independents, Upper Class Young whites, moderates, and new generation african americans) are voting for Obama as more of a new Movement. They are not a part of the traditiona; voting block. That is why they are flocking to Obama, he represents being out that mainstream inner circle. To pair with Clinton, right or wrong, would defeat the purpose of why they are voting for Obama anyway. They want a change.
Wow, It absolutely amazes me everytime theres a Black Candidate running for office, we all need to be Blacker than Black and Support them..I happene to be A Black American Woman, Who Supports Hillary Clinton 100%.. And for all of you who think the Congress People ( Maxine, Shelia) or any other that holds the position of Super Delegates Owes us something, when we dont do to much to help ourselves..(REALLY)This is like the 60’s Black Prople always waiting on there Hero, this Man cannot Guarantee Us anymore than she can, But I feel a little Comfortable in knowing I can Trust Her to work as hard as she can to do what shes proposing to do..SHE HAS A TRACK RECORD OF getting things Done, and thats whats important to me..Not the color of anyones skins, We sound worse than them…Read what you people are talking about..Everything Is Not Black and White, there are other Raises People!! Best Wishes Hillary!! Thank You Maxine Waters, Maya Angelo, Shelia Jackson Lee, Stephanie Tubbs..There are Black People that know, you know Exactly What your doing Keep Up The Awesome Work!! Signed, A Faithful Hillary Supporter
http://WWW.HILLARYCLINTON.COM GET SOME FACTS ABOUT THIS WOMAN..
Get some of the facts..Where there is not Media and News Anchors to distort your thoughts..Shes Brilliant!! http://www.hillaryclinton.com
We need to flood the supers with our Barack support and demand that they listen. After all, Obama has done something that no one has been able to do — bring out the young, cross all racial and demographic lines — and made the party relevant. The supers would be crazy to ignore the energy and enthusiasm that he has created for us all and for the democratic party.
FOREVER2 HOW ABOUT YOU PUT YOUR FAITH IN SOMETHING
THAT’S BIGGER AND BETTER THAN YOURS AND HILLARY’S EGO PUT TOGETHER?
Whatever2 why are you selling on this web site and why is it every time we as African Americans are important is when you need us to get you where you always have been. And to keep us where we always been.
Barbara i like what you said which is true.
I have heard from many blacks firsthand that they don’t want to vote for Obama because they don’t want to see him get hurt. I have also heard that they don’t want to vote for him because of rumors spreaded that he has Muslim roots and is keeping it on the down low. I just think its sad that people would play dirty politics like this and personally, I think that with him being in the position he’s in, he probably feels in his heart that if he does make it to the presidency that it is something worth dying for. God forbid.
whatever2) if hillary is so great, why are you hating soooooooooooooo ugly. by now she should realize that no one’s drinking the kool-aid. she should
try using some of that experience she’s always
taking about to win this election. oophs i guess
she would if she had any! you people think that
everyone else in the world is stupid. “whatever”
experience obama lacks all he has to do is reach
into his cabinet!
The super delegate system is a travesty to democracy. Our vote must be heard! We can not have our nominee selected for us!
I have made a protest site here:
http://www.popularprimaryvotenow.com
Please add your comments to this page. I will print them all out and hand them to the democratic national committee!
what if the superdelegates were the deciding factor in tipping the scales TOWARD obama, giving him the nomination. and what if that was the only way he’d win? would you still hold the position that the super delegate system is a travesty? BE HONEST!
no
that was a joke, of course it’s still a travesty, because back in the 80’s when it was introduced, no one ever thought that the races like these would ever get this close. and as far as the GOP system, theirs is a winner take all system and they have a guy that they don’t even want. so i think that the entire system should be revamped including the electoral college which btw should have been revamped after the 2000 elections
Terrell T ~ Muslin Roots ~ 1800’s or before ~ Most African Americans in the United States family members sold as SLAVES in America were MUSLINS ! (Like it or not, it is what it is!) I always believed my Great Grandfather James Jackson, Sr. was from West Asia and of Ethiopian descent. In her research - The Pre-Islamic and early-Islamic era Black Africans had been coming to West Asia / Middle East as slaves since the Pre-Islamic era. Slaves served as household servants, soldiers and concubines. ~~ 1971-My Grandmother Ethel Naomi Jackson-Minor admitted that the family were Muslin and she told me as a slave child they were forbidden to ever talk about it. My research has cleared my head why they did not call themselves Muslins. ~~~ Historically, the English only enslaved Non-Christians, and not, in particular, Africans. A slave could become free by converting to Christianity—-In the late 1800’s, my Great Grandparents James and Matilda Johnson-Jackson, Sr. hosted community meeting with residents in the Town of Berwick, Louisiana and decided to build a church–Mason United Methodist Church– The cornerstone was laid by Golden Ark Lodge #2224 on June 9, 1901. The pastor at this time was Rev. S. McGruder. This church building is still in use today—- They raised me as a Christian with strong values and most of them were Black Republicans in the South that later converted to Democrats.
So what’s the problem with Obama having Muslin family members and being raised as most of us as Christians ( He do have the knowledge of who he is!) African Americans please research your HISTORY ~~ (Not His-Story) ~~ Obama for President!!!!
Not A Single VOTE for Obama-New York? ~~ HERE IS THE SITE WITH THE INFORMATION:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/nyregion/16vote.html
Black voters are heavily represented in the 94th Election District in Harlem’s 70th Assembly District. Yet according to the unofficial results from the New York Democratic primary last week, not a single vote in the district was cast for Senator Barack Obama. ~ That anomaly was not unique. In fact, a review by The New York Times of the unofficial results reported on primary night found about 80 election districts among the city’s 6,106 where Mr. Obama supposedly did not receive even one vote, including cases where he ran a respectable race in a nearby district.