Clinton seeks to go after Obama superdelegates

[GaryC 7]

Clinton seeks to go after Obama superdelegates

By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press Writer

RAPID CITY, S.D. - As Barack Obama turns to concentrate on his general election challenge, his rival Hillary Rodham Clinton is mounting a last ditch campaign to stay relevant in what is left of the Democratic presidential contest.

The former first lady enters this week with an insurgent strategy not only to win over undecided superdelegates but to peel away Obama's support from those party leaders and elected officials who already have committed to back him for the nomination.

"One thing about superdelegates is that they can change their minds," she told reporters aboard her campaign plane Sunday night.

Obama displays no signs of worry, pivoting toward his new contest with Republican John McCain and responding to Clinton with a shrug. And some of Clinton's own backers are saying the time is near for her to fall in behind him.

Obama, campaigning in Mitchell, S.D., confidently predicted Clinton "is going to be a great asset when we go into November."

"Whatever differences Senator Clinton and I may have, those differences pale in comparison to the other side," he said.

South Dakota and Montana, which hold primaries on Tuesday, are the last Democratic nominating contests. Obama is favored in both states and he goes into them with 2,073 delegates, 45 away from the number now needed to secure the nomination. Clinton has 1,915.5 delegates.

Obama has made up most of the ground he lost Saturday when the national party's rules committee agreed to reinstate delegates from Michigan and Florida. The party had initially refused to seat the delegates as punishment for scheduling their contests in violation of party rules.

With 31 delegates at stake Tuesday, Obama could close the gap further and cue undecided superdelegates to come to his side. He picked up two more on Monday, Nancy DiNardo, chairwoman of the Connecticut Democratic Party, and Virginia's Jerome Wiley Segovia, a Democratic National Committee member.

But Clinton argues she now leads in the popular vote — a debatable point given that she relies on Michigan and Florida outcomes. None of the candidates campaigned in either state and Obama received no votes in Michigan because he removed his name from the ballot. Clinton also continues to present herself as better able to confront McCain in the fall.

She and her campaign's national chairman, Terry McAuliffe, both made it clear Sunday night that Obama's supporters were now fair to pluck with those arguments.

To drive the point home, Clinton invited Virgin Islands superdelegate Kevin Rodriguez, a recent convert, to travel with her to South Dakota where she planned to campaign Monday. Rodriguez had initially supported Clinton, switched to Obama, and recently returned to her camp.

"This has been such an intense process," she said, "I don't think there has been a lot of time for reflection. It's only now that we're finishing these contests that people are going to actually reflect on who is our stronger candidate."

Her decision, if prolonged, is not likely to sit well with party leaders and some of her own supporters. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., have both called on the contest to end shortly after the final primaries.

Tom Vilsack, the former Iowa governor and a national co-chairman of Clinton's campaign, said Sunday: "It does appear to be pretty clear that Senator Obama is going to be the nominee. After Tuesday's contests, she needs to acknowledge that he's going to be the nominee and quickly get behind him."

Eager to make amends for avoiding Michigan's primary and build general election support, Obama on Monday planned to hold a town hall meeting on the economy in Troy, Mich.

Clinton, meanwhile, said she was still contemplating whether to challenge the decision by the Democratic Party's rules committee to split the Michigan delegates 69-59 in her favor. Each delegate would have a half vote. The agreement granted Obama 55 uncommitted Michigan delegates and four who would have been assigned to Clinton based on the state's results.

McAuliffe Sunday night called the panel's judgment "outrageous."

"People are angry," he said. "This does not unify our party, this crazy, cockamamie thing they came up with in Michigan."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080602/ap_on_el_pr/democrats

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

[GaryC 7]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

It isn't over until Hillary says it is.

"One thing about superdelegates is that they can change their minds," she told reporters aboard her campaign plane Sunday night.

This is something she really believes and as a matter of fact it's true. Just because the SD's may put Obama over the top does not mean he has the nomination locked up. It isn't really over until the SD's cast their vote or Hillary gives up.

This isn't hope, just reporting on what Hillary says she will do. I think your more worried about her not giving up than I am hoping for anything. Admit it Dog, you are worried that she will not give up because you know that every day that goes by only deepens the divide in your party.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

You're in for a disappointment this week, my friend.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

You're in for a disappointment this week, my friend.

Poor Gary...his nerves must be a wreak right now thinking about the impending doom of the Republican Party come November.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

I really dont think you should be critisizing anyone for holding on to hope.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

I really dont think you should be critisizing anyone for holding on to hope.

I'm just a bit worried about my pal Gary here who seems to be about as much in denial as Hillary herself.

[GaryC 7]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

I really dont think you should be critisizing anyone for holding on to hope.

I'm just a bit worried about my pal Gary here who seems to be about as much in denial as Hillary herself.

Don't worry about me. Worry for your savior Obama.

Posted in another thread:

We are going to Denver

On a conference call today with major fundraisers this afternoon, Harold Ickes told them Clinton isn't planning to drop out. He pressed donors to stay unified, and reviewed tactical options, including challenging the Michigan delegation.

State finance committees are also circulating letters to deliver to Clinton tomorrow in New York, and I've obtained a draft of the Illinois finance committee's letter ... which stresses a fight until the convention, and a resolution in "August, and no earlier."

We, the Illinois Finance Committee, want to show our full commitment to and support for Senator Hillary Clinton, in the fight for her rightful appointment as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee at the convention this August.

We believe she is, by far, the best candidate of the three, and the candidate most able to turn the ailing economy around, solve the housing crisis, end the war in Iraq and defeat the terrorists in Afghanistan, bring universal healthcare to our citizens, and finally make our country energy independent.

We also know she is the Democratic candidate best able to beat John McCain in the fall. One thing we are certain of is that the Republicans are good at winning elections. We, as Democrats, allowed them to win the last two contests, and we cannot afford to let that happen again.

Senator Clinton is ahead in the popular vote, and neither candidate can secure the nomination with pledged delegates alone. The automatic delegates can change their mind up until their vote at the convention, and that is why this nominating process must be resolved in August, and no earlier.

We Democrats will be united after our nomination process is completed, but only if that process is completed justly and in fair representation of the opinions of the members of our party. We believe nominating Hillary Clinton is the only way our party can guarantee victory in November.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/060...no_earlier.html

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Don't worry about me. Worry for your savior Obama.

Beleive me he isnt a savior! He will just bring more dissappointment. Mark my words on it!

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

It isn't over until Hillary says it is.

"One thing about superdelegates is that they can change their minds," she told reporters aboard her campaign plane Sunday night.

This is something she really believes and as a matter of fact it's true. Just because the SD's may put Obama over the top does not mean he has the nomination locked up. It isn't really over until the SD's cast their vote or Hillary gives up.

This isn't hope, just reporting on what Hillary says she will do. I think your more worried about her not giving up than I am hoping for anything. Admit it Dog, you are worried that she will not give up because you know that every day that goes by only deepens the divide in your party.

I am sorry but I have to agree with Gray on this one. While the chances are slim there is still a possibility, even if it's .01%. I would be surprised if she won now but who knows what strings the Clintons can pull. Their political ties go back long and deep. For her to keep going is amazing, exhausting, and sometimes inspiring to many people while irritating to others.

Again, I add that the best thing, or the bigger thing, for her to do at this point would be to back Obama, to quiet the Clinton supporters, and unite the party. Once that is done I am sure most of the Clinton supporters will not be alienated, since they are hearing it from the horses mouth, and they can reasonably move to backing Obama as well.

I am just sorry for all the fight she put in that she might not get a better deal but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

I really dont think you should be critisizing anyone for holding on to hope.

I'm just a bit worried about my pal Gary here who seems to be about as much in denial as Hillary herself.

Don't worry about me. Worry for your savior Obama.

Posted in another thread:

We are going to Denver

Harold Ickes ...

Au contraire:

Clinton message: She'll do what it takes in November

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton is poised to deliver a message Tuesday "that she will do whatever it takes" to put a Democrat in the White House -- a message that Sen. Barack Obama insiders say indicates she would accept an offer to be Obama's running mate if asked.

art.clinton.ap.jpg

Sen. Hillary Clinton goes into the final two primaries of the Democratic nomination fight Tuesday.

"In her speech tomorrow night, she will convey the message that first and foremost she is committed to Democrats winning in November and will do whatever she's asked to do," said a close friend and adviser of the New York senator and former first lady, who speaks with her regularly and is privy to her deliberations.

"She will do whatever it takes to bring the party together to win and whatever is asked of her to make sure the Republicans are defeated."

That message has been conveyed to the Obama campaign via informal channels, according to Obama insiders who said the message is a signal that she would be willing to serve as Obama's vice president.

The Clinton and Obama campaigns told CNN there have been no formal discussions between the campaigns.

Obama insiders are split over whether considering Clinton for the ticket is a good idea.

"Obama has a philosophical aversion to making promises and pre-empting the process that is in place so Clinton can accommodate her interests," one Obama insider said. "Sure, she's on the short list, but there's a whole process in place."

One Obama insider believes putting Clinton on the ticket would "ramp down the animosity" that exists between the supporters of the two candidates. But another insider said that "while there is mistrust between the two, it's less about trusting her, and more about whether she can deliver."

Clinton and Obama go into the final two primaries of the Democratic nomination fight Tuesday with Obama leading in delegate totals, although the results in South Dakota and Montana won't give him the 2,118 delegates he needs to secure the nomination. Video Watch Sen. Clinton claim the popular vote »

Instead, the Illinois senator must depend on superdelegates -- party insiders and elected officials -- to put him over the top.

One such superdelegate -- the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, House Majority Whip James Clyburn -- will endorse Obama on Tuesday, multiple sources told CNN. A top Democratic operative said Clyburn will offer conciliatory remarks toward Clinton in an effort to bring the two campaigns together.

advertisement

In his endorsement speech, Clyburn is expected to talk about the historic nature of having a woman and an African-American run for the Democratic nomination and how important it is that these two leaders and their supporters bring the party together. Clyburn has been instrumental in trying to bring the two camps together and has delayed until now publicly stating his choice in the Democratic race.

Democratic Party insiders are also discussing how to patch up Clinton's relationship with the black community and how to bring African-American Clinton supporters into the Obama fold, several top Clinton supporters said.

You keep focusing on Ickes, Wolfsohn and McAuliffe, you lose touch with reality. Those characters clearly have. Better wake up now, Gary. I'd really hate to see your world (on this issue) come crumbling down within the next 96 hours.

[GaryC 7]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

I really dont think you should be critisizing anyone for holding on to hope.

I'm just a bit worried about my pal Gary here who seems to be about as much in denial as Hillary herself.

Don't worry about me. Worry for your savior Obama.

Posted in another thread:

We are going to Denver

Harold Ickes ...

Au contraire:

Clinton message: She'll do what it takes in November

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton is poised to deliver a message Tuesday "that she will do whatever it takes" to put a Democrat in the White House -- a message that Sen. Barack Obama insiders say indicates she would accept an offer to be Obama's running mate if asked.

art.clinton.ap.jpg

Sen. Hillary Clinton goes into the final two primaries of the Democratic nomination fight Tuesday.

"In her speech tomorrow night, she will convey the message that first and foremost she is committed to Democrats winning in November and will do whatever she's asked to do," said a close friend and adviser of the New York senator and former first lady, who speaks with her regularly and is privy to her deliberations.

"She will do whatever it takes to bring the party together to win and whatever is asked of her to make sure the Republicans are defeated."

That message has been conveyed to the Obama campaign via informal channels, according to Obama insiders who said the message is a signal that she would be willing to serve as Obama's vice president.

The Clinton and Obama campaigns told CNN there have been no formal discussions between the campaigns.

Obama insiders are split over whether considering Clinton for the ticket is a good idea.

"Obama has a philosophical aversion to making promises and pre-empting the process that is in place so Clinton can accommodate her interests," one Obama insider said. "Sure, she's on the short list, but there's a whole process in place."

One Obama insider believes putting Clinton on the ticket would "ramp down the animosity" that exists between the supporters of the two candidates. But another insider said that "while there is mistrust between the two, it's less about trusting her, and more about whether she can deliver."

Clinton and Obama go into the final two primaries of the Democratic nomination fight Tuesday with Obama leading in delegate totals, although the results in South Dakota and Montana won't give him the 2,118 delegates he needs to secure the nomination. Video Watch Sen. Clinton claim the popular vote »

Instead, the Illinois senator must depend on superdelegates -- party insiders and elected officials -- to put him over the top.

One such superdelegate -- the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, House Majority Whip James Clyburn -- will endorse Obama on Tuesday, multiple sources told CNN. A top Democratic operative said Clyburn will offer conciliatory remarks toward Clinton in an effort to bring the two campaigns together.

advertisement

In his endorsement speech, Clyburn is expected to talk about the historic nature of having a woman and an African-American run for the Democratic nomination and how important it is that these two leaders and their supporters bring the party together. Clyburn has been instrumental in trying to bring the two camps together and has delayed until now publicly stating his choice in the Democratic race.

Democratic Party insiders are also discussing how to patch up Clinton's relationship with the black community and how to bring African-American Clinton supporters into the Obama fold, several top Clinton supporters said.

You keep focusing on Ickes, Wolfsohn and McAuliffe, you lose touch with reality. Those characters clearly have. Better wake up now, Gary. I'd really hate to see your world (on this issue) come crumbling down within the next 96 hours.

There isn't anything Hillary can do to make my "world come crumbling down". But she sure can do that to your world. She can quit tomorrow or keep fighting until election day. It makes little difference to me. Can you say the same?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hang on to your hope for the next couple of days and enjoy every minute of it. It'll be over before the end of the week.

I really dont think you should be critisizing anyone for holding on to hope.

I'm just a bit worried about my pal Gary here who seems to be about as much in denial as Hillary herself.

Don't worry about me. Worry for your savior Obama.

Posted in another thread:

We are going to Denver

Harold Ickes ...

Au contraire:

Clinton message: She'll do what it takes in November

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton is poised to deliver a message Tuesday "that she will do whatever it takes" to put a Democrat in the White House -- a message that Sen. Barack Obama insiders say indicates she would accept an offer to be Obama's running mate if asked.

art.clinton.ap.jpg

Sen. Hillary Clinton goes into the final two primaries of the Democratic nomination fight Tuesday.

"In her speech tomorrow night, she will convey the message that first and foremost she is committed to Democrats winning in November and will do whatever she's asked to do," said a close friend and adviser of the New York senator and former first lady, who speaks with her regularly and is privy to her deliberations.

"She will do whatever it takes to bring the party together to win and whatever is asked of her to make sure the Republicans are defeated."

That message has been conveyed to the Obama campaign via informal channels, according to Obama insiders who said the message is a signal that she would be willing to serve as Obama's vice president.

The Clinton and Obama campaigns told CNN there have been no formal discussions between the campaigns.

Obama insiders are split over whether considering Clinton for the ticket is a good idea.

"Obama has a philosophical aversion to making promises and pre-empting the process that is in place so Clinton can accommodate her interests," one Obama insider said. "Sure, she's on the short list, but there's a whole process in place."

One Obama insider believes putting Clinton on the ticket would "ramp down the animosity" that exists between the supporters of the two candidates. But another insider said that "while there is mistrust between the two, it's less about trusting her, and more about whether she can deliver."

Clinton and Obama go into the final two primaries of the Democratic nomination fight Tuesday with Obama leading in delegate totals, although the results in South Dakota and Montana won't give him the 2,118 delegates he needs to secure the nomination. Video Watch Sen. Clinton claim the popular vote »

Instead, the Illinois senator must depend on superdelegates -- party insiders and elected officials -- to put him over the top.

One such superdelegate -- the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, House Majority Whip James Clyburn -- will endorse Obama on Tuesday, multiple sources told CNN. A top Democratic operative said Clyburn will offer conciliatory remarks toward Clinton in an effort to bring the two campaigns together.

advertisement

In his endorsement speech, Clyburn is expected to talk about the historic nature of having a woman and an African-American run for the Democratic nomination and how important it is that these two leaders and their supporters bring the party together. Clyburn has been instrumental in trying to bring the two camps together and has delayed until now publicly stating his choice in the Democratic race.

Democratic Party insiders are also discussing how to patch up Clinton's relationship with the black community and how to bring African-American Clinton supporters into the Obama fold, several top Clinton supporters said.

You keep focusing on Ickes, Wolfsohn and McAuliffe, you lose touch with reality. Those characters clearly have. Better wake up now, Gary. I'd really hate to see your world (on this issue) come crumbling down within the next 96 hours.

There isn't anything Hillary can do to make my "world come crumbling down". But she sure can do that to your world. She can quit tomorrow or keep fighting until election day. It makes little difference to me. Can you say the same?

Don't need to say the same. I always said that this nomination will be decided prior to Denver. I later pulled the date up to say the nominee will be picked by the end of June. Now, I am pulling it up again to say it'll be this week. You, on the other hand have insisted all along - and apparently still believe - that this will be fought out in Denver. Not gonna happen, Gary. Just not gonna happen.