MyDD :: Superdelegates head to Obama

Superdelegates head to Obama

by Trey Rentz, Sun May 11, 2008 at 09:43:37 PM EST

Today Obama just tied Clinton in Superdelegates, overcoming a 100 delegate deficit at the start of the race. It's interesting who finally brought the two candidates to parity.

California superdelegate Crystal Strait headed over to Obama's column today after a long process. Crystal is a heavy in the Young Democrats, and she chose to vote on the basis of the youth vote in America. She cast her vote in a manner that follows those trends. I believe each superdelegate will have similiar rationale - as I wrote earlier, they tend to follow the popular and pledged delegate trends.

I wonder if this bothers some Clinton supporters. After all, Clinton did send out a letter that attempted to inform any prospective superdelegates to encourage them to ignore the pledged or popular electoral landscape and make individual decisions.
This was a letter sent to attempt to take Speaker Nancy Pelosi to task for suggesting that the superdelegates follow national and democratic trends.

As I wrote earlier, in a previous post entitled, "What will the Superdelegates do?" , watching the superdelegates in this contest has become something , now, of a canary in the coal mine.

And that now points to the fact that the superdelegates have moved to Obama. Clinton will keep running to pay down her election debt. And to prepare for the General Election, because she's going to run as Vice President and be the best damn VP America has ever seen.

That the superdelegates did so in a way that respects the deepest traditions of democracy - and at least in the manner that it happened today - rejects Clinton's call to vote "independently", is a telling sign of things to come.

Since Dick Cheney tried to make the office of the Vice President the "CEO of America" , when Clinton makes it into the office of the VP, she will be able to do alot more work in smoke filled rooms and those that are currently dealing with the office of the VP are known to be exercising alot of independent judgement. She is a very strong candidate for reforming that office , while at the same time forging a strong direction for the machine that exists (hey, you have to fly the plane to the mechanic's airstrip , to get the engine repaired!).

Perhaps the Superdelegates are thinking that "Full Speed Ahead"
is a good way to waste alot of gas.

Tags: Obama, 2008, general, primary, democratic race (all tags)

Permalink :: 36 Comments :: Post a Comment

A youth vote leader (none / 0)

votes for Obama- well there's a shock!

by linc on Sun May 11, 2008 at 09:48:15 PM EST

Re: A youth vote leader (none / 0)

A sincere question -- Why do you think so many other superdelegates have moved to Obama. He is 13-0 in the last three days.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Sun May 11, 2008 at 09:50:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The real question for me (none / 0)

is why haven't all of them gone to him at this point- if he is indeed absolutely the nominee at this point. They have reservations and that gives me hope that we might have a winning candidate for November.

by linc on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:44:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The real question for me (none / 0)

I believe it is because they want to give Hillary her space and let her leave on her own accord. They don't want to give the impression they are ganging up on her

I would say at this point we're starting to see a little desperation on the part of the woman who I support... NY Governor Paterson

by obamaovermccain on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:46:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I agree (none / 0)

As everyone involved on both sides says, the unity of the party is the key SDs are worried about (though we forget how screwed up the Republican party is these days - McCain can't cleanup running against "not running"...).

We in the Obama camp are in a funny position - we are trying to give cool-down space to Clinton suppoters, and simultaneously need to be aware that there is real (if extremely tenuous) competition out there. We expect on Wed to hear a renewed cry of "look! momentum!") from the Clinton camp - as we would do in your position, frankly - and need to position ourselves appropriately, but we also want to bring the party together if the next three weeks turn out as 99% of the world thinks it will.

The SDs are not fools, they are thinking the same way.

-chris

"A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things." Admiral Grace Hopper, computer pioneer

by chrisblask on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:00:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A youth vote leader (2.00 / 7)

I note, with some dismay, you continue to mock Obama's youth appeal. Let me tell you, this generation is not yours or mine as youth- perhaps you should take a serious look at why they're supporting Obama overwhelmingly, rather than dismiss them offhand.

Hooray for John McCain!

by ragekage on Sun May 11, 2008 at 09:51:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A youth vote leader (2.00 / 2)

Agreed and well said...

Like the nominee, don't like the nominee... Our nominee is still better than John McCain...

by JenKinFLA on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:08:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No (none / 0)

it is my generation, unless we are just counting 18-24 as the youth vote.

by linc on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:39:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Honestly don't know what the metric is (none / 0)

but I think 25 is pushing it for the demographics being touted (anyone know?). Unless they are including PhD students, I'd assume it is something like 18-24, actually. I generally picture the demographic as the college crowd.

-chris

"A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things." Admiral Grace Hopper, computer pioneer

by chrisblask on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:53:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No (2.00 / 1)

Under 30 breaks huge for Obama. But it doesn't matter what we're defining the youth vote as, it still doesn't indicate why you're so dismissive of it.

Hooray for John McCain!

by ragekage on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:58:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A youth vote leader (none / 0)

try enlisting in the army.

It's the young people who are out there fighting wars, as it always has been. show the youth some respect.

John McCain hates terrorists, except the ones that hate women. Those are just swell.

by terra on Sun May 11, 2008 at 09:54:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Stop making assumptions (none / 0)

I am the youth and if the youth didn't wait 8 years to get out and vote, then we wouldn't be in this mess to begin with.

by linc on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:40:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Stop making assumptions (none / 0)

Technically, today's youth could not vote 8 years ago. Many could not vote four years ago. It's a different youth that is voting for Obama.

www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com

by LandStander on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:56:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

lin, please, for the love of Mike (none / 0)

stop disenfranchising groups.

Many of the most ardent Clinton supporters state that they have been active for decades. Many of these statements trace back to:

their own youth.

IOW, much of the Clinton camp got started in politics because they were inspired in:

their own youth.

So, snide comments about the youth vote is not only incredibly divisive, it is an abdication of the facts of the roots of many of your colleagues - and maybe yourself.

When did you become politically active, linc?

-chris

"A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things." Admiral Grace Hopper, computer pioneer

by chrisblask on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:43:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Um- in my youth (none / 0)

when I was 18 I helped run a GOTV campaign in Montana, specifically targeting you.

I have no qualms about stating something so obvious about youth- they didn't come out for Gore, they didn't come out for Kerry. Finally, my generation gets off their hands for Obama- its the thing to do...

by linc on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:53:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Um- in my youth (none / 0)

Wow, it's as if Obama has found a message that resonates with your generation. Damn him!

John McCain

by Mandoliniment on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:06:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Sure has (none / 0)

and now we should be praising youth because they found something they like?

by linc on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:18:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Sure has (2.00 / 1)

Would you be discounting them if they happened to like your candidate?

Look, one person, one vote. That simple. You don't get to disparage groups of voters simply because they don't tend to agree with you.

John McCain

by Mandoliniment on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:23:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Um- in my youth (none / 0)

Targetting me? ;~) (I know, typing is imperfect, just a friendly chain-yank...).

There is most likely something of a herd mentality about it, but to overstate it is I think to underestimate the individuals involved.

Gore was less motivating (and now that he is more motivating, he's resting on his freakin' laurels... :~P ) and Kerry was, bless his heart, sleep-inducing.

Obama actually has something to offer for the future, and it is in contrast to the "life is hard, get used to it" pitch of other current or past candidates. JFK offered a similar future, and the youth (and the rest) responded.

Good for them.

-chris

"A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things." Admiral Grace Hopper, computer pioneer

by chrisblask on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:10:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A youth vote leader (none / 0)

If someone said, "an elderly leader votes for Clinton - well there's a shock!", you'd be offended, and rightly so. Anything which amounts to "oh, your decision matches the tendencies of your demographic, therefore it doesn't count" is idiotic and offensive.

Unable to rec or rate
Still supporting Obama
Still not putting up with "preening" posts

by jaiwithani on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:54:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Superdelegates head to Obama (none / 0)

I don't know why everyone thinks Clinton will be the best candidate for Vice President. I understand the reasoning behind offering it to her, but we need to pick people who'll compliment the ticket in this race. If Clinton had become the nominee, I wouldn't have demanded Obama be the Veep pick. This "dream ticket" exists on very tenuous grounds. Many of the other choices offered, like Strickland or Rendell or Kaine, Warner, Webb, Sebelius, etc, are good ones; each has their plus or minus side, certainly. If Strickland could help deliver Ohio, where McCain is plus five against Obama, it'd be more than worth it. If we could move Virginia solidly into the blue, it'd also be more than worth it.

Besides, I think Clinton would be better suited for her talents and what she could accomplish in the Senate, rather than the Vice Presidency.

Hooray for John McCain!

by ragekage on Sun May 11, 2008 at 09:50:29 PM EST

She's not going to be the VP. (none / 0)

It just makes no sense. Sorry. I know that's the new narrative, but it would weaken Obama's candidacy.

John McCain supports privatizing Social Security.

by Travis Stark on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:02:45 PM EST

Re: Superdelegates head to Obama (none / 0)

I would hate to see Clinton take the VP slot. I think it's a waste of her talents.

But more to the point, why do people occasionally post about how "she's running for VP" or she's staying in hoping to be chosen VP? Is that just baseless gassing, or has she or anyone close to her suggested she has the slightest interest in the job?

Just curious.

by Susan in Oregon on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:09:55 PM EST

She doesn't want the job... (2.00 / 1)

... but she will continue her Sherman's March campaign until Obama offers it to her.

And Obama offering it to her contradicts every principle he stands for; which is exactly why she insists upon him offering it to her.

It's pure power-mongering, demonstrating exactly why she should never be allowed back in the White House.

Ignorance is weakness. Get strong.

by tbetz on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:21:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: She doesn't want the job... (2.00 / 1)

I am still wondering what posts like yours are based on. Anything said by anyone close to either candidate? Anything outside the distended blog brain of anonymous nobodies?

by Susan in Oregon on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:34:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I think it's called (none / 0)

hubris

by Coldblue on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:39:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Paying attention to those who are close. (2.00 / 1)

... and paying attention to what leaks out from those who have had to work with Hillary for many years.

For example, read what Jim Cooper has to say in this Memphis Daily News article from last Friday, for example:

"I respect Hillary supporters because they haven't had the chance to get to know her like I have. She does not have the political skills of her husband. Or Barack. You need somebody who can bring people together. She criticized my health care bill because it wouldn't achieve universal coverage until 1998. Well, today we'd be celebrating the 10th anniversary of having every American with insurance."

As an example of the people I pay attention to regularyly, I find Brent Budowsky's blog at The Hill particularly informative, though little-cited in the corporatist press.

I draw from his radio interviews, as well, where he talks about things that don't find their way into print.

And of course, I look at her service as my Senator since 2000.

Over the decades (yike!) both as a supporter and more recently as a hard-nosed observer, I've developed a sense of Senator Clinton's nature that lead me to the conclusions I draw.

So far, in the course of this campaign, my sense has not led me astray.

Ignorance is weakness. Get strong.

by tbetz on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:48:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Paying attention to those who are close. (none / 0)

What I'm asking is:

Are the comments about HC seeking a VP offer based on anything that is externally verifiable.

I thought I'd made that clear.

I wasn't really so interested in what media you generally prefer, but thanks for sharing.

by Susan in Oregon on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:11:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No candidate would ever let on in public (none / 0)

that sort of sentiment. It's the same as saying "it's over, can I have a seat?"

-chris

"A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things." Admiral Grace Hopper, computer pioneer

by chrisblask on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:18:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Precisely. (none / 0)

But it's clear, nonetheless.

Ignorance is weakness. Get strong.

by tbetz on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:20:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No candidate would ever let on in public (none / 0)

Thank you, chrisblask. I was truly curious if these VP claims --of any sort, pro/con/whathaveyou-- were based on anything at all. People come on and post them so authoritatively as though they have read or heard something reputable on the issue.

I agree that that would seem odd, especially that we wouldn't have heard mention of it via the traditional media already.

So now I can just file them away with other excess gas.

by Susan in Oregon on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:28:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Superdelegates head to Obama (none / 0)

According Howard Wolfson (Hillary's top strategist), Hillary is not seeking VP post.

See this article:

Clinton's Top Gun: "I Have Seen No Evidence Of Interest" In VP Spot

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/11/c linton.obama/index.html

by hienmango on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:46:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Superdelegates head to Obama (2.00 / 1)

On the subject of who Obama is going to pick as his running mate, I think the three factors he'll be looking for are someone who unites the party, beefs up his foreign policy credentials, and, a somewhat distant, matches him philosophically and could carry on what he hopes to achieve in 8 years.

On those counts, I don't think Sen. Clinton makes it near the top of the shortlist. She brings some of her supports, but can't do anything about the die hard fans who refuse to see her at the bottom of the ticket and Obama at the top on top of rubbig a lot of Obama die hards the wrong way (right or wrong the feeling in that camp is that Clinton has crossed the line repeatedly and egregiously). She also doesn't bring much foreign policy experience to the table versus McCain and her style and Obama's are as close to diametrically opposite as you'll see in the Democratic party.

I think we'll ultimately be looking at either someone like Gov. Sebelius or Joe Biden, but time will tell.

by werehippy on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:20:22 PM EST

Re: Superdelegates head to Obama (none / 0)

Um, by your title I expected to see the names of a whole bunch of people rushing to endorse BO today, but the body of your diary names one. Did I miss something?

TexasDarlin blog

by TexasDarlin on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:42:40 PM EST

Just the 13 in the last three days (2.00 / 1)

including two who switched from the Clinton camp to the Obama camp.

-chris

PS, Tex'" if I recall you and I have had some quite rational debates. I suspect you will be supporting the Dem nominee once it is overwhelmingly clear who that is, and I look forward to your famous energy being applied to that end!

"A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things." Admiral Grace Hopper, computer pioneer

by chrisblask on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:47:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Superdelegates head to Obama (none / 0)

I believe Clinton loyalists such as Wes Clark and Ted Strickland will get fair consideration.

by howardpark on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:44:58 PM EST

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