Obama To Meet With Superdelegates
EmailABC News’ Sunlen Miller reports: The Obama campaign held a conference call with reporters Wednesday to discuss the results of last night’s primary – and look at the road ahead. On the call was campaign manager David Plouffe, in addition to some of their top supporters: Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Gov. Janet Napolitano, D-Ariz., and Gov. Deval Patrick, D-Mass.
“We can see the finish line here,” Plouffe said.
Kerry added of last night’s results, “Barack Obama took a giant and a decisive stride toward the nomination…. Clinton’s very tight win in Indiana and Obama’s huge win in NC fundamental changed this race. He clearly did more than he had to and she did not achieve what she had to.”
They were extremely careful to not call for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-NY, to withdraw from the race and continually said it is her decision to make.
“It would be inappropriate and awkward and wrong with any of us to tell Senator Clinton when it is time for this race to be over,” McCaskill said and then added, “I am confident that she will do the right thing for the democratic nominee. And confident that she will work hard for the party.”
Their clear talking point: stepping up the pressure calling for the superdelegates to make their decisions known now.
“Over the course of the next week superdelegates are going to exercise their judgment and responsibly,” Kerry advised.
Additionally, ABC can report from a campaign source that Obama plans to meet with undecided super delegates tomorrow in DC.
Gov Napolitano said, “Now is the time for superdelegates, as we wind our way down to the last states, to announce their preference.”
Speaking of the general election campaign, Plouffe danced around questions if the campaign is actively engaging in a general election strategy.
He alluded to the Obama planning on campaigning in battleground states that have already had their primary in the nomination season, but would not give any more details.
“Our core focus is continuing to commit superdelegates and campaign hard, “Plouffe said, “We have a lot of contest coming up in a short period of time.” Plouffe says Obama will continue to push a message against presumptive nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that he has focused on in past months.
Plouffe announced that the campaign has started a 50 state voter registration drive to “make sure the part is the strongest in the fall,” and no doubt another sign that the campaign is looking with one eye past the primary toward the general election.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
Kerry and Patrick are supposed to vote for Clinton. That is the will of the voters.
Posted by: geevill | May 7, 2008, 10:02 am 10:02 am
Well, inevitability is setting in.
Posted by: The Commander Guy | May 7, 2008, 10:02 am 10:02 am
I thought it was pretty surprising how strongly Tim Russert said that we now know who the nominee will be.
Posted by: SystemsThinker | May 7, 2008, 10:02 am 10:02 am
I don’t think Barack Obama can win the General Election in 2008.
Posted by: Apple | May 7, 2008, 10:03 am 10:03 am
As to will of the Voters. HE who has the most votes should win. Hills can’t catch up to O so……. it looks like we know who the winner is then.
Posted by: The Commander Guy | May 7, 2008, 10:06 am 10:06 am
Ha, since when did the will of the voters dictate what our congressmen are going to do?
Hillary will NOT step down. Both she and Bill are too set on having their butts in the most powerful seat in the Western Hemisphere.
This country’s going to the dogs. And by dogs, I mean the power mongers who have no regard for the will of the people.
Posted by: Disdain Lady | May 7, 2008, 10:07 am 10:07 am
It is time for Democrats to face reality and make a move to solidify their move towards the White House.
The longer they sit on the fence, they lessen their chances of going all the way in November.
Clinton is damaging the Party and attempting to damage the only viable Candidate they have had in a looooooong time.
Obama has weathered the storms with fierce dignity and Presidential acumen. He will make America proud and restore our image on the world stage. I am proud that Americans are waking up and not listening to the Media hype and pundits that are working overtime to keep us divided.
Thanks Americans for insisting on a “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” We are on our way to finishing the job of “perfecting our Union.
Change is in the air, in our hearts, in our pocketbooks.
Please note that the grassroots efforts are moving forward to victory.
Yes We Can!
Posted by: IdaHere | May 7, 2008, 10:18 am 10:18 am
I don’t think they’ll be telling Obama to get out… Hilliary!
Posted by: blog | May 7, 2008, 10:23 am 10:23 am
Apple – I think Obama CAN win the general election but he’s going to need alot of support. Despite the fact that McCain is, well, not always “with” us and it will become apparent in debates that he gets confused and doesn’t always have his facts straight, not good qualities for the leader of our country, there is still alot of hidden/not so hidden racism in this country. I really think Obama has the makings of a great president but the democratic party, the REAL democratic party (as apposed to those who call themselves democrats but aren’t really because they will vote for McCain if Clinton doesn’t get the nomination) must summon up tremendous energy and be on top of its game at all times to counter the inevitable republican attacks. It will be interesting to see exactly what kind of country we are, what kind of a people we are, if/when we have our first Black nominee for president. I hope I will not be ashamed to call myself an American.
Posted by: nikita | May 7, 2008, 10:27 am 10:27 am
Geevil
Kerry and Patrick are voting with the will of the voters… the majority of ALL of the voters. That is the point of the superdelegates… to make sure no disservice is done to the members of the party…meaning the VOTERS. Not just those from their state.
The regular delegates is a horse of another color…they should respect the will of their constituency FIRST.
Posted by: dl | May 7, 2008, 10:31 am 10:31 am
hillary will do the right thing, once she sees superdelegates move to Obama. She just has to see movement, to shake her head, to re-ajust her heart. In the end…with a “bitter” smile she will unite the party.
There is no way she can win. No way.
No democrat president can or ever has won an election without 90% of African American voters. She knows that. And Obama has the young, who also will STAY home. He is winning over the women voters too. HE IS THE NOMINEE.
Even with FLorida and Michigan.
Its over.
Posted by: lee from Treasure Island Fl | May 7, 2008, 10:35 am 10:35 am
At this point, I think Hillary might be wise to step aside and let Obama have his shot. She would be in a good position for 2012 and still have the goodwill of the party. I think many Dems may have to suffer the loss of yet another presidential election they should’ve won before they start to see the larger picture.
Posted by: hopesprings52 | May 7, 2008, 11:03 am 11:03 am
For the past 20 years, I have been a proud supporter of the democratic committee. However, as a US citizen and a resident of Orlando, I will not vote in the November General election if my state, FL is not allowed to seat its delegates. I know I speak for many frustrated individuals here in Orlando and elsewhere in FL, and surely MI.
In fact, my frustration has reached a new level. If my vote is not recognized, I will not support the nominee regardless of whether it is Hillary or Barack.
Frankly, our parents have fought hard and died for this country and the rights we all cherish. I served in the Army for 18 years, mostly in S. Korea. Neither I nor many of my veteran colleagues will support our nominee should this matter remain unresolved. My concerns is that this issue is escalating to new height and we will surely loose against McCain.
If my vote is not respected by my own party, perhaps another party will respect it.
Posted by: Jim | May 7, 2008, 11:04 am 11:04 am
The vote in IN and NC last night indicate that people are listening to the candidates and making up their own minds based on real issues, but that the only obstacle to Obama is the inherent and embedded racism that is part of our country’s history.
But Obama has the debacle of GWBush and a whole bunch of engaged new voters on his side and I predict will beat McCain in a cakewalk in November.
Godspeed Barack Obama !
JEH
Posted by: Jeff Hansell | May 7, 2008, 11:12 am 11:12 am
Three things happened last night…
#1 – Hillary’s campaign for the Presidency ended
#2 – Barack Obama needs to face the reality that he needs Hillary in order to have any chance of winning in November and
#3 – If Obama does not face reality, McCain won the White House.
Posted by: Michael | May 7, 2008, 11:17 am 11:17 am
Blacks have supported the Dems in the past whether white or black. Obama is good enough to go all the way and thus he will draw many black voters. It is not pure racsism as many want to paint it. Call him the first Great Black Hope. Six months ago no one considered Obama and he surprised everyone and has earned his chance. I didn’t wote for Hillary because she is too hungry for power, too cynical, and transforms herself into whatever she thinks will get her more votes. There are many more character issues and this phony gas-tax deal was the last straw. It is good that these two candidates have given a voice to smaller states — they are just as important as Fl, Pa, NY, Ca etc. This is the work of Obama’s surprise rise and not HRC.
I believe that in this world evil will exist along side good and stupidity together with commonsense. This is easily seen if you read the comments on this site. But this time, let commonsense reign and end 8 years of stupidity and evil!
Posted by: Liberum | May 7, 2008, 11:49 am 11:49 am
Clinton is not damaging the party.
She was running for president, and up until yesterday had a viable chance to win.
She should drop out now. Its the best thing for the party.
Posted by: tomdavie | May 7, 2008, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
Battleground states. I guess he won’t be bothering with Forida then right. The state that decided the last two presidential races because well, he has less than a snowballs chance in Florida or winnning there.
Good bye white house dems. Better luck next time. Idiots.
Posted by: s.b. | May 7, 2008, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
And I too fully believe that Clinton should come back in 2012 after McCain wins and Obama has been shown the door.
Perhaps Democrats will have learned something by then.
Posted by: s.b. | May 7, 2008, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
Wow Kerry is an expert on election? That is amazing did he not get his butt kicked so what does he know.
Posted by: SJ | May 7, 2008, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm
Dear geevil – Try really hard to follow this: Superdelegates aren’t “supposed ta” do anything. Their voting patterns are not specified by the rules committee. But think — if they WERE supposed to simply vote the way their state voters did, that would not change the election at all .. understand??
Posted by: Pica | May 7, 2008, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
I’m in.
Let McCain take it and we will wait another 4 years.
Posted by: blue Irish | May 7, 2008, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
Clinton has the right to stay in the race. Obama will never reach the 2,025 delegates needed to secure the democratic nomination.
If Obama gets the nomination, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY ADULT LIFE I”M VOTING A REPUBLICAN FOR PRESIDENT.
Yes the US will “change” for the worst if Obama gets elected as President. Change for the worst that we can believe in.
Obama can’t stand the heat. He got wobbly when he got jab with the racist Rev. Wright issue. He can’t even debate one-on-one with Clinton. McCain will just pound him. He buys superdelegates by giving them huge money donations(?). Where all those Obama’s $$$ money came from? Wow! as if all/every americans donated money to his campaign. Time and time again his campaign said small and or new donors. I beleive there’s a max. for donations per person. I don’t think they add up. Fishy, fishy, fishy.
If he gets the nod, expect John McCain to be the next President of the US.
Posted by: giz | May 7, 2008, 1:14 pm 1:14 pm
I see some Obama supporters are starting to impress Hillary supporters to vote for him with selling him.
It would be interesting to watch if he is the nominee and struggles without Hillary’s supporters support.
Posted by: blue Irish | May 7, 2008, 1:18 pm 1:18 pm
I think if Obama has any chance of beating McCain in the GE, he will need Hillary in some faction. The GE will be a major UPHILL climb for Obama. A lot of Hillary supporters will defect and vote Repub. Obama turned his campaign into a race issue, which will come back to haunt him. As one analyst said last night, all this is good for now, but just wait, Wright will emerge again and who knows what else will happen. Even though it didn’t seem to affect him this time, but now he’s getting ready for the GE, thats a different story. I will vote Democratic no matter who the nominee is, but I keep thinking that this is a “win – win” situation for McCain. The GOP will be ruthless on Obama….I just don’t think he has the stategy or stamina to stand up to their onslaught.
Posted by: david from texas | May 7, 2008, 1:26 pm 1:26 pm
Obama didnt turn this into race. Its all the freaks on the side who clung onto his campaign to press their issues.
All the surrogates and other jerks who wanted to have their say used obama as their exuse to open their yaps.
Now Obama is the conduit for every racial tension african americans have.
Its not what he wanted.
Posted by: tomdavie | May 7, 2008, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
Ahhhhhh…….racism is alive and thriving in the USofA…..
Racism, name calling, disrespect, lying, and who knows what else?
Folks, grow up, get a grip! We’re all adults here. Both candidates are better than Sen. McCain in the fall.
Please show some respect for our Democratic party and it’s candidates.
I support Barack Obama, but I am getting dog-tired of hearing the name- calling directed toward both candidates by both candidates supporters.
If you don’t have anything nice to say – listen. You just might learn something!
Posted by: GrandmaCDA | May 7, 2008, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
It’s time for the Super Delegates to do
their job and send Hillary Clinton
home! Her only reason for staying in the
race would be to sabotage Obama so that
he can’t win in November!
Get off the fence and do your job SD’s!
Posted by: reaganfan | May 7, 2008, 8:41 pm 8:41 pm
s.b.: You’re Dreaming!
Hillary has done too much damage to Obama during her “scorched earth”
campaign! If Obama loses to McCain she will be blamed for the loss!
I doubt if the Dems would reward Hillary
by nominating her in 2012!
Posted by: reaganfan | May 7, 2008, 8:49 pm 8:49 pm
I think it ‘s time for America that should send a new message for all people.
The power really flows from the grassroots and Barack Obama belongs to them.
Francisco Nguyen
Posted by: Francisco Nguyen | May 8, 2008, 11:58 am 11:58 am