Tracking Today's Super-Delegates: Many Who Met With Obama Today Remaining Neutral
Obama met with Rep. Brad Miller today, and whatever was said apparently worked: MSNBC reports that Miller, a super-del, has agreed to endorse him.
Other House members and super-dels who Obama met with today: Gabrielle Giffords; Dan Boren; Mike McIntyre; Zack Space; Charlie Melancon; Jim Costa; and Tim Mahoney (who will remain neutral).
We're tracking the others. Stay tuned.
Late Update: Rep. Giffords will remain neutral, her spokesperson, C.J. Karamargin, confirms to me. "For the foreseeable future, the Congresswoman will remain uncommitted," Karamargin says.
Late Update: Rep. Dan Boren will remain neutral too, his office confirms. "He is remaining uncommitted for the foreseeable future," Boren spokesperson Cole Perryman tells me.
Late Late Update: Rep. McIntyre will remain uncommitted, confirms spokesman Dean Mitchell.
Still Later Update: Rep. John Spratt, who encountered Obama today, too, will also remain neutral, emails his communications director, Chuck Fant.
So-Late-It's-Already-Happy-Hour Update: Rep. Melancon remains uncommitted too, emails an aide, Joe Bonfiglio.
Very Late Update: Rep. Rick Larsen of Washington has endorsed Obama.
Comments (116)
When will hrc get over her denial? I hope the superdelegates get this done with soon.
May 8, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
It'll definitely be funner when this election draws closer.
http://www.votenic.com
May 8, 2008 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Die, spammer, die!
May 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Still pimping your rubbish site I see.
May 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
All super delegates should STAND UP and be counted. They demand the Iraqi people STAND UP for Democracy --- when will THEY?
May 8, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
The sooner the super-delegates stand up, the sooner the rest of us can stand down.
May 8, 2008 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
One thing they've got in common is that apparently Miller was subjected to some pretty nasty attacks in his own career as well. From Wikipedia:
In 2006, Miller's opponent was Vernon Robinson, a conservative African American politician who is a former city council member and current resident of Winston-Salem, North Carolina (outside the thirteenth congressional district). Robinson was able to garner national attention due to his bombastic and exaggerative rhetoric. Robinson made several accusations against Miller, including that he was cutting money from troops to study the sex lives of prostitutes, that Miller was gay, despite having a wife, and that he was allowing illegal immigrants to sneak into America.
May 8, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sounds like Mark Penn was Vernon Robinsons consultant.
May 8, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
....And the streak continues....
May 8, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
There is NO excuse now NOT to endorse somebody.
May 8, 2008 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
And yet......
May 8, 2008 7:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
SuperD's don't want to decide this thing.
They want the nominee to be decided by the voters and if that doesn't happen after ALL 56 nominating contests are completed, then they will (most likely) put the leader over the top.
May 8, 2008 8:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Unless your State hasn't voted.
May 8, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, there's no states left with results in doubt in this point, at least.
May 8, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Congrats to Rep. Brad Miller and a HUGE thank you for enorsing Senator Obama.
May 8, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe we should write short notes to these SD who have the courage to do the right thing. Here is link for Rep. Brad Miller.
http://bradmiller.house.gov/?sectionid=17§iontree=9,17
May 8, 2008 4:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I should have added, you have to be from NC.
May 8, 2008 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
We could write to our own states' uncommitteds.
May 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think a lot of SD's are waiting for Obama to reach 2025 and declare, that way they can say he's the nominee and endorse him without facing a lot recourse from Hillary. I'm sure she'll still make a lot of noise about trying to halt the process, but on some level she has to know it's pretty much over now.
I just hope she doesn't do any more damage between now and then. Although if today is any indicator, the chances of that are slim and none.
May 8, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think the chances of that are somewhat below slim and none.
She doesn't have a conscious.
May 8, 2008 4:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
...drip...drip...drip....
May 8, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
They are waiting on a leader.
Step up Obama on a gas plan like Clinton.
Talk is nothing.
May 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Um, you do know there is a diffence between a "leader" and a "panderer" don't you?
Didn't think so.
May 8, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was actually going to post something exceedingly sarcastic like "Yeah you need a real gimmick to lead, like a Gas Tax Holiday" before gotalife wrote this!
May 8, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
nisleib,
I think you forgot something in your reply. Did you fail to notice who you were replying to?
May 8, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, yeah.
Hey Gottalife, you are an insufferable little troll twit!
Thanks for the reminder.
May 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Keep it up Gotalife - you're on fire!
Obama's gas plan is another typical example of him trying to give a complex answer to a simple problem - Americans need more money in their pocket - and $28 is a start!
This isn't even a partisan issue - look how BOTH Hillary and McCain agree on this. Why can't Obama just join the team for a change?
Keep rocking the board GL - I've got your back!
May 8, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
You've got his back, huh? Sorta like Beavis having Butthead's back.
And what is that a picture of? Looks like a hill of ****. Did you just have your ears cleaned?
May 8, 2008 4:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dude, layoff, he is an anti-troll snark master.
And yes, I think his avatar is a pile of poo for a reason.
May 8, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey. We resent any association with that fart-knocker gotalife.
May 8, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, what's a poster gotta do around here to get their own anti-troll snark master!
What a bunch of sock puppets.
May 8, 2008 7:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't worry Fogu - I'm totally behind your incredibly well thought out posts and PROMISE to get your back on as many as I can.
May 8, 2008 8:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. Fogu's thoughtful arguments have changed my mind. I used to be a Democrat!!!!!!
May 8, 2008 9:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with gotalifefan! Those guys are Obamaniacal.
May 8, 2008 9:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm gonna give my $28 dollars from the gas holiday to Hillary's campaign!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wait... huh.
May 8, 2008 9:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
"They are waiting on a leader crass pandering.
Step up Obama on a gas plan like Clinton.
Talk is nothing."
Obama came back to almost beat her in Indiana BECAUSE of the principled stand he was able to take on a substantive issue in the last week. It reminded the suburbanites of what they liked about him in the first place, and they came back to him in improved numbers over PA!
May 8, 2008 4:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, Gota... I thought you were gone!?
Yesterday you wrote an "I'm quitting this forum" post and many responded mostly positively but several, including myself invited you back to help the Obama campaign.
Back a little soon aren't you?
May 8, 2008 10:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
From an interview today with Wolf Blitzer comes a very hopeful sign. If Obama can continue talking in this way it will do much to heal the rifts:
Obama could not have been more effusive in his praise of Hillary Clinton. He kept calling her an “extraordinary” candidate. In response to a video question from a CNN I-Reporter, he said Senator Clinton would certainly be “on anybody’s short list” as a vice presidential running mate. “But it would be presumptuous of me at this point when she is still actively running, when she is highly favored to win two of the next three contests, for me to somehow suggest that she should be a running mate,” he said. “At this point, I think we have to resolve this process and then we can figure it out.”
May 8, 2008 4:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep. All the right words are being spoken. Otto, I appreciate your concilliatory approach in your comments. I will attempt the same, as my candidate would wish of me.
May 8, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
You do realize that those rifts were created by Hillary, don't you?
Just sayin'.
May 8, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. This is the correct tone and approach for the Democratic Party at this time.
May 8, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Otto F
I appreciate your positive post.
May 8, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boring interview.
A real snoozer.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
May 8, 2008 4:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep. Kinda like your comments. /snark
You really opened yourself up to that one, my friend. Peace.
May 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Totally with you GL - that interview needed a seriouly injection of anti-Kool aid.
May 8, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
If anyone is ever gonna tell it like it is (the turth) - it's Gotalife
May 8, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Meheheheh.
May 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good on ya, super-delegates. Let it play out. Nothing to fear anymore.
You see, it really helps when the media narrative in the MSM is positive. All I see on the teevee right now is a coronation of Obama. Great.
Yes, he loses WV. Yes, he loses KY. But he'll win SD, MT, and OR. More time for us to turn all of those states blue.
This is inevitability at work. Yes, I have already noted the faulty premise upon which my comments today have been based.
May 8, 2008 4:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Raw Story this morning reported a non-elected-office Superdelegate from Montana named "Jean Lemire Dahlman" had declared for Obama. It also notes though that she'd previously indicated support for Obama, but had not formally declared until now. Do you know anything about this? Was this person's Obama support already listed in superdelegate totals?
May 8, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
DemConWatch has her already allocated to Obama. Nothing to see here.
May 8, 2008 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks.
May 8, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
np. this beats studying criminal procedure.
May 8, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
yeah, that one was already in the totals
May 8, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Politico indicated that she was already in their totals.
Another sign she is not new is that the Obama site hasn't announced her today.
May 8, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is why the SD counts vary from organization to organization. The big news orgs will contact them directly, and they may or may not classify leaners or conditionals.
May 9, 2008 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
EXCELLENT NEWS FOR HILLARY!
May 8, 2008 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll bet the Obama campaign is feeling pretty good at this point about SDs staying neutral. I'm sure there was a lot of talk about them being not quite ready to come out.
I believe that it may work against Obama to have the SDs turn on Hillary en masse.
Let her and hers work through their situation while feeling that they have at least some choices.
Obama has been playing this so right it is just a marvel to behold.
May 8, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Concur. Don't want to "force" Hillary from the race. Let her come to that decision on her own. Would be a lot better for her supporters to see, as well.
Obama is playing the end-game well. I'm sure Hillary will, too. These, however, are judgments that we should preserve until about a month from now.
May 8, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
My only concern is that she's not playing the end game well. She's still arguing about Michigan and Florida and the popular vote (via Bill today). When an opportunity comes to seat Michigan, she shuts it down because she's fighting over an extra 8 delegates. If she had already realized that she was done and was playing this out, why wouldn't she accept that? To save face?
May 8, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Those poor superdelegates.....with all these reporters stalking them. *tears*
May 8, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
This really has nothing to do with Obama or Hillary. It all has to do with their own constituencies, and their reelections. They are staying neutral to cover their own asses (and I bet you anything they told Obama that in their meetings). This is far more local than any of you give it credit for.
May 8, 2008 4:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Also concur. This is why they don't want to "force" Hillary from the race. The idea is to let the inevitability of an Obama nomination to settle over everyone, then endorse. It hurts less (and is more difficult to remember in 5 months) that way, for Clinton supporters.
The logic of Clinton's inevitability meme at the beginning of this campaign is playing out in front of our eyes, ironically, to the benefit of Senator Obama.
May 8, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is also why it is much easier for DPLs, Govs, Senators, and DNC members to come out for a candidate. They either don't have a big election fight looming, or their electing body is quite small, as in the case of local/state DNC officials.
But House members are in a bind, and really can't piss anyone off.
May 8, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who knows what's going on in behind the scenes now?
I suspect deals are being made, between Hillary and Obama, between the two of them and super-delegates -- deals that allow for a soft landing for Hillary and to allow Obama to take the reigns without embarrassing loses with Hillary out of the race later this month.
I think a rush of super-delegate pledges now doesn't suit either candidate.
May 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Everyday this goes on, however, 4.3 fatigued independents move Republican. I read it in a Harvard Study...it's fact.
May 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Perhaps, but I suspect that in the end more indies will vote for Obama. I can't speak for all of them, but I certainly can speak for myself and a few close indie friends of mine.
May 8, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
A reason for not endorsing:
I can imagine an SD who is fighting for her life in a red district who might not want to piss her HRC constituents off as it might help her repub. opponent in Nov.
But, I'd hazard, most uncommitted SD's are not in this position.
May 8, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
According to Politico's list 120.5 of the remaining uncommited are DNC members. They are not on any ballot.
There are 64 House members, 17 Senators, and 6 governors left uncommitted. Obviously all the House members are on the Fall ballot.
The remaining ones qare add-ons, some of whom haven't been named yet and party leeaders, Gore, Carter, etc..
May 8, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was trying to put myself in their shoes.
The only reason I can see for someone not on the Fall ballot not to commit is timidity.
And this includes most of those whoe ARE on the ballot in Nov. as well.
I think maybe we should move away from tolerant liberals and toward aggressive progessives.
May 8, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's be clear about something: the super-delegates are the only voters here who do not vote by secret ballot. They are the only ones who can actually ask to be rewarded for their vote because only they can prove what they did. That means they negotiate like in the legislature.
Many, many of these folks will vote purely out of self-interest and their leverage only grows the longer they hold out, although if they wait too long they lose all leverage.
The whole point of the SD's is to let the political folks get their personal cut from the process. All this BS about the wise old heads of the party is just so much bunk.
May 8, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I first thought it'd be best if just enough Supers endorse Obama to get him over the hump when Oregon votes.
But, now that's not going to happen, I expect the Supers to jump on after June 3.
That way, every state (and Puerto Rico) has a say, and there will be no talk of the Supers deciding anything.
May 8, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. By the SDs waiting, the Repubs can't demagogue that "party hacks and insiders handed the nomination to Obama, and short-circuited the noble quest of HRC."
May 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
You can't trust Jack Spratt. Did you know he eats no fat?
Greg, Hillary met with uncommitteds yesterday, right? Do you have a rundown of the results of those meetings?
May 8, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course, we have to take the word of Chuck L. Fant for Mr. Spratt's leanings.
May 8, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
"They are waiting on a leader crass pandering.
Step up Obama on a gas plan like Clinton.
Talk is nothing."
Obama came back to almost beat her in Indiana BECAUSE of the principled stand he was able to take on a substantive issue in the last week. It reminded the suburbanites of what they liked about him in the first place, and they came back to him in improved numbers over PA!
May 8, 2008 4:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg, please update:
Today Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton met with super-delegates, white Americans, in ongoing negotiations to woo their support.
May 8, 2008 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
These guys are supposed to be leaders, not followers. I'm sick of superdelegates who hold back out of political cowardice.
I think I'm going to write to Colorado's undeclared supers (at least the elected ones) and ask them to put their mouths where our votes are.
May 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
All Obama has to do is give them the money you sent him for their campaigns and they will endorse him.
They are waiting on their checks.
He will pay off Clinton's debt with your money too.
So keep sending it.
May 8, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know you're trolling, but I will actually be upset if he gives her a dime more than she needs to pay vendors.
May 8, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
New to politics?
Geez.
May 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Take your hands out of your pants and go to your room, if you don't stop it you will go blind!
You insufferable little troll twit compulive masterbater you.
May 8, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Grow up child and remember the #1 rule in politics.
Never, ever trust a politician.
May 8, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rule #1 is actually never trust an insufferable little troll twit compulsive masterbater like you.
And you, Mr Cut and Paste, are the last person to tell anyone to grow up.
May 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly GL - which is why we back Hillary Clinton - who is easily the most trustworthy candidate around.
Who trusts Obama? Check the polls - nobody.
May 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
One thing is certain though - there's no one I trust more for my info than Gotalife - He always keeps it so simple, stays on message, doesn't get me confused in some kind of crazy "discussion". We need more of him/(her?).
May 8, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly - Hillary doesn't play money gaves - never has - never will.
It's outrageous and undemocratic that Obama has been able to raise this kind of money.
May 8, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are deffinetly a Republican, and a whiny ass titty baby insufferable little troll twit to boot!
May 8, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
*Swoon!*
May 8, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Superdelegates fiddle while the party burns....
Somehow, that seems par for the course for Democrats. No wonder Telco immunity in the FISA bill just never seems to die completely.
May 8, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
As I mentioned in another thread, the Obama camp has declared May 20 "D-Day", the day they expect to cross the threshold for the absolute majority of pledged delegates.
This, I believe, has given uncommitted supers some license to remain uncommitted until that day. As long as Hillary doesn't get ugly, there really is no reason at this point for a bunch of supers to jump in an effectively decide the nomination before the pledged delegate threshold has been passed. It will be better for the candidates, and probably better for the party, just to wait until May 20.
May 8, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama just needs 1 more Super to cut it to single digits.
May 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Giffords is in my home town.
Will be emailing her shortly.
I regard this behavior as unacceptable.
She is up for reelection in a district that has historically been Republican. The man she is running against is actually a moderate, decent Republican: current State Senator Tim Bee.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Bee
If Giffords does not get on board with Obama within a week from today I will not only actively fund Tim Bee's campaign, but will also volunteer time to defeat Giffords. [Note to Gabrielle: You don't want me as an active enemy.]
I've had enough of this shilly-hilly-shallying.
The clock to get on board the bus against McCain is ticking.
You've got one week Giffords.
One thin week.
Mark time: NOW.
[Official US Time: 14:15:28 Thursday May 8, 2008]
May 8, 2008 5:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, that'll help the cause.
May 8, 2008 6:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Today U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), who will serve as a super delegate to the Democratic National Convention, endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. Larsen released the following statement:
"Today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President. I believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to turn our country’s hopes for a better future into reality.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/8/17401/95040/520/512058
May 8, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Today U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), who will serve as a super delegate to the Democratic National Convention, endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. Larsen released the following statement:
"Today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President. I believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to turn our country’s hopes for a better future into reality.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/8/17401/95040/520/512058
May 8, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Larson (WA-02) Endorses Obama
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/8/17401/95040/520/512058
May 8, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well its not surprising that the obamamites would have the super delagates disenfranchise a dozen states or more, anything to win.
Must drive you guys crazy that these super delegates won't commit to your guy.
May 8, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Have you even listened to Hillary the past 2 months? Do you even listen to your candidate? She's been talking about the importance of super delegates in deciding the nomination. Her whole strategy the past 2 months has been to convince super delegates. Now that they are deciding for Obama you are claming disenfranchisement. Hillary came out today against the latest way to seat Michigan.
May 8, 2008 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
As a Hillary supporter - I still can't get over the sheer level of desperation of the Obamaniacs. It's like they say or do anything to win!
They're total hypocrites, and unrealistic to book - which is why I'll take my 2% chance of victory.
May 8, 2008 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Are you still here?
May 8, 2008 8:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
What are these "dozen states or more" that are being disenfranchised?
May 8, 2008 9:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama's people are criticizing Clinton for not dropping out. They don't want the rest of the states or Fla. & Mi. to have their say!
May 9, 2008 7:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Are the SD's trying to get something in exchange for their votes?
May 8, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
I find it curious that two of the superdelegates used the phrase "foreseeable future." It's as though they are both staying on message. A smart campaign, as Obama's has shown itself to be, would garner the superdelegate support and control the tap as they trickle out. Too many at once gives Hillary the opportunity to play the role of the victim that she and the remaining voters were deprived of a fair shake.
May 8, 2008 7:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
franki:
since you're so fond of the daily kos, why