UPDATED: Obama Picks Up NINE Super Delegates

by Walt Starr, Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:44:35 PM EST

-California DNC Ed Espinoza
-California DNC Vernon Watkins
-Maryland DNC John Gage
-New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne
-Oregon Rep. DeFazio.
-South Carolina Chair Wilber Lee Jeffcoat
-New Mexico Addon Laura Weahkee
-Hawaii Rep. Mazie Hirono

When Utah announces its add-on he should have nine.

The Super Delegate flood gates are starting to open. This is the most in one day for Obama.

UPDATE:Virginia DNC member Joe Johnson has also endorsed Obama today. DemConWatch now has the superdelegate standings at 269 for Obama and 269.5 for Clinton.


Tags: Obama, Super Delegates, Recommended (all tags)

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Wow! (2.00 / 1)

This is the first I've heard of it.  Woohoo!


No Way, No How, No McCain!
by GFORD on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:46:30 PM EST

Re: Wow! (2.00 / 1)

BTW, what about the new Guam superdelegate? Didn't that one come today - am I behind?


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:29:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Wow! (2.00 / 1)

The new chair, Lujan, said she would support the winner of the caucus, but then when the first results came in SO close, kind of backed off.

The results are now certified with that 7-vote margin for Obama, but there's been no definitive statement from Lujan.


by Rorgg on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:35:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Wow! (2.00 / 1)

BTW, Guam certified its results today, so maybe Lujan will declare soon.
http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art icle?AID=/20080509/NEWS01/805090318& referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:42:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Wow! (2.00 / 1)

With Obama the presumptive nominee, I'm sure she'll want to get on the bandwagon, even if she did lean Clinton (which I doubt).


John McCain vows to overturn Roe
by soccerandpolitics on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:50:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Two More (2.00 / 1)

Come on Obama just two more and I'm sure the media will start talking about it.


by sweet potato pie on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:47:20 PM EST

Re: Two More (2.00 / 0)

Speaking of which, I kind of hate the fact that he is making this run of superdelegates on a news dump Friday.  Seems like if he picks up a couple more, he will surpass Hillary in SD's today according to most of the counts (DCW has him within 1 1/2), not just ABC's.  Why on a news dump Friday?


I like baked beans.
by SpideyDem on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:50:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Two More (2.00 / 2)

because it doesn't matter anymore, everyone knows he is the nominee he doesn't have to worry about press days right now.

just get the supers out and add to the inevitablity meme, before WV on tuesday to hammer home that it wont change anything


Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton PUYBYA! Party Unity? You Bet Your Ass!
by TruthMatters on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:53:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Two More (2.00 / 1)

Yeah, I guess there's something to be said for being well ahead in SD's on Tuesday rather than just passing her that day.  Looks like that's the direction we're headed in.


I like baked beans.
by SpideyDem on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:56:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Two More (2.00 / 0)

It be will news on all the Sunday news shows and affect Monday coverage, leading into Tuesday.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:26:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

News dump Friday -> Sunday (2.00 / 1)

I think the topic for the chattering classes this weekend, on the Sunday shows, will of course be Clinton and Obama.  Probably more in the "what happened to Clinton?" vein.  So these SDs will definitely get coverage, and it's probably fine to trickle them out on a slow Friday.


by McNasty on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:04:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: News dump Friday -> Sunday (2.00 / 0)

oops - just read your comment - after I said about the same thing.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:26:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Why Friday? (2.00 / 1)

Because the message ISN'T to the MSM, it's to the other Supers.

Right now, Obama is sitting on a boatload of them, but if he lets them all go at once, Hillary, and her supporters will go ballastic?

Does anyone wonder WHY he had the meeting with the House Members, and why Hillary didn't?

Because SHE KNOWS which way they are going?

We all know, except for a few here that need to work through their anger and rage...


"Well the danger on the rocks is surely past... Still I remain tied to the mast"...Don Fagen, Poet and Piano Player
by WashStateBlue on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:12:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Good chance (2.00 / 1)

that the Sunday news shows will use this with the other commitments since Tuesday (total 15-20?), to continue the steady drumbeat.

This is what they call the catbird's seat.


by bookish on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:21:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Let's get double-digits today. (2.00 / 1)

Open the barn door and let 'em all out!


by McNasty on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:48:47 PM EST

Wow so the (2.00 / 1)

NM super was an Obama backer.

Thanks for the compilation.  Rec for the gathering of data.


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:48:55 PM EST

Re: Wow so the (2.00 / 3)

Everyone suspected she was all along.  She's Native American and Obama has strong support in this community.  Clinton supporters fought tooth and nail to keep her out when she was announced.  


John McCain vows to overturn Roe
by soccerandpolitics on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:53:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

It's fantastic. It shows you that DNC Members and Party Leaders want to put finally an end to this fight. And the Day isn't over yet.
My next guess is NM Congressman Tom Udall.
by Obamafan on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:50:15 PM EST

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 3)

What I heard from a friend who's father is a super in my state is that the phone calls, meetings, arm twisting and threats are getting old.  

Yeah, I think they want it to be over.  As her father pointed out to her, he has a real job too and needs to be able answer his phone without cringing.


the third eye does not weep. it knows.
by mijita on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:59:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 2)

Well, then, he should make his commitment known.  Over 90% of the rank-and-file have voted, why not him?


by Rorgg on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:38:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

He did commit after the CA primary --sorry if I didn't make that clear.  

The calls, threats and arm twisting won't stop until there's a nominee.  Hence, I suspect, the desire by at least some of the supers for the process to be over.

Since he's still getting plenty of calls and emails, I can only imagine what it's like for the uncommitted.  


the third eye does not weep. it knows.
by mijita on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:10:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What helps even more (2.00 / 2)

is that some of the rabid fans over at His44 and Taylor Marsh wrote some foaming vitriol to a bunch of the SDs, and they ain't happy. Check out this reaction from one:

"I spent my entire life in the two reddest states in the entire U.S. so please excuse me if I fail to discern the nuances of the arguments sent my way this evening in what appears to be an orchestrated campaign to intimidate the remaining unpledged delegates by threatening to leave the party and vote for a third Bush term if I and others like me don't vote for Sen. Clinton," wrote the exasperated superdelegate. "I have been uncommitted throughout this campaign because I wanted to see how the candidates performed in a variety of settings. I am proud of them both. But I am horrified by this effort to threaten votes for McCain if super delegates don't vote for Sen. Clinton. I have received hundreds of emails from both sides - but I can say without exception that I have not received a single email from an Obama supporter that threatened a vote for McCain if I didn't support Sen. Obama. You really ought to be ashamed."


by bookish on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:24:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

32 states to 16

a substantial lead in pledged delegates

a substantial lead in the popular vote.

It's over mathematically.  90% of clinton supporters will be on board, the angry little bitter elves will vote McCain out of spite.


by bigdavefromqueens on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:50:41 PM EST

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

In 2004 6% of democrats voted for Bush.. yes voted for Bush, we shouldn't be suprised of these people will vote for McCain either


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 Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:27:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 2)

Wow...that's a lot.  

I'm hesitant to say that one day means anything, but if a pace even half what this is continues, then it's pretty clear the SDs have decided to end this fight.


No way. No how. No McCain.
by freedom78 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:51:38 PM EST

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (1.00 / 1)

The idea is to get him close enough that Oregon puts him over the 2024.5 and to do it by way of steady trickle between now and then so that the Hilary fans don't freak out about how the party pushed her out of the race. (As if they will ever stop playing the victim, at least some of them anyway.)


Government derives its power from those that it governs.
by lockewasright on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:46:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (none / 0)

I believe he would need more than 100 SDs from here to get to 2024.5 by OR.  Are there really that many ready to commit before OR?

He is DEFINITELY going to clinch pledged delegates with OR, but I hadn't heard anything about clinching total delegates.


by sasatlanta on Fri May 09, 2008 at 11:52:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (none / 0)

He'll get a few from West Virginia and, at this point, SDs should start to feel pretty motivated to commit since being the one after the one who finishes this off for him earns very little favor with the likely next POTUS.  He needs about 6 a day to get there, or he did this morning.  He outpaced that today so now he probably needs like 5.7 a day or something.


Government derives its power from those that it governs.
by lockewasright on Sat May 10, 2008 at 12:04:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (none / 0)

You are suggesting 60 or so SDs.  I hope you are right, but that doesn't sound right.  From my reading of Poblano (what a site he has), Obama will pass the pledged delegate majority by about 20 on May 20 (that includes WV, KY, and OR).  That means he needs to be within 20 SDs of a majority of SDs to have a majority of total delegates.  I think he is about 130 SDs away from a majority meaning he needs about 110 SDs or so to get to the total majority.

I am being too lazy to check exact numbers, so feel free to correct me.  I'm actually hoping you are right.


by sasatlanta on Sat May 10, 2008 at 12:17:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (1.00 / 1)

He needs a total of 165 more delegates pledged or super.  11 days remain until the 20th.  He's got WV and Kentucky where he'll take a major whooping, but will still pick up 2 dozen delegates or so. Oregon is worth another 30 for him.  That leaves about about 110 delegates that he will need.  There are a few add ons coming his way too, but now that I look at it he'll need about 9.5 superdelegates a day to get there on the 20th.  

My numbers were based on a 35% performance in WV and Kentucky.  If he can squeeze out a 40% performance that number changes to 9 supers a day.

It's very optimistic, but possible.  The other thing that could happen is to go into that May 31st meeting regarding those farcical beauty contest from January with so many delegates that Hilary cuts her own campaign's throat with her disingenuous insistence on not "disenfranchising" Michigan and Florida.  That gives us until the 31 for supers to trickle in and leaves her with the choice of insisting on including  the very delegates that will finish her or expose her for doing a 180 on her Machiavellian rant about counting all of the votes.  It'd be fucking poetic.


Government derives its power from those that it governs.
by lockewasright on Sat May 10, 2008 at 01:12:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

Recommended under the proviso that you keep us updated throughout the night, Walt. You stand to be one busy boy.


by vermontprog on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:51:45 PM EST

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 3)

My hunch is that many folks were waiting after NC/Indiana to see what Hillary would do. Everyone wants to respect her stature and give her an easy way out if they can.

But her style the last few days, and especially her comment about hardworking voters probably convinced many that it's best not to wait.


by drmark on Fri May 09, 2008 at 03:55:42 PM EST

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

Who in the Clinton camp is going to be brave enough to go on MTP and tell Timmy how good they are doing?   Anyone?  Anyone?


by rf7777 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:23:32 PM EST

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

And so begins the race to not be delegate number 2026.  

May 20th.  

fin.


Government derives its power from those that it governs.
by lockewasright on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:26:56 PM EST

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

And in WV, Bill seems to draw in crowds, but not be able to keep them interested:

While the crowd gave Clinton an extremely warm welcome, many in the crowd seemed to lose interest as he began his speech -- even during his appeal for a high voter turnout.

During the course of Clinton's hour long speech, many people wandered out but those that did stay listened intently to Clinton discuss his wife's energy and education plans for America.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/ 2008/05/bill-clinton-we.html


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:28:35 PM EST

Well, yesterday.... (2.00 / 2)

they said he would have 30. He only got 9, so that's a Hillary win!


by IowaMike on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:31:59 PM EST

Re: Well, yesterday.... (2.00 / 2)

I have never seen anyone win by losing so much as the Clinton Campaign....


"Well the danger on the rocks is surely past... Still I remain tied to the mast"...Don Fagen, Poet and Piano Player
by WashStateBlue on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:42:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That was Zogby (2.00 / 1)

My bad. His brother is in tight with the Obama campaign, but even giving JZ a 2 minute head start, you've got to take his analysis with a grain. Fer god's sake, he was the second least accurate pollster through the season. Last was some firm I'd never even heard of before.


by bookish on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:27:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Utah announced (2.00 / 2)

it will select its add-on, an Obama supporter, tomorrow.


by Rorgg on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:36:15 PM EST

Yeah Rec list (2.00 / 0)

good for you Walt.

Congrats...


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:36:44 PM EST

Re: Yeah Rec list (2.00 / 3)

4/5 !!!

wow this site will soon be free and we can discuss issues without the petty politics of demagoguery.


Unable to rec or rate

Read this: http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/5/15/1427 30/254

by GeorgeP922 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:46:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 4)

I actually would prefer to avoid any huge SD days...a nice, steady flow of 4-8 a day is good.  It produces positive news and denies McCain the limelight.  


John McCain: Healthcare for Kids? In America? No way
by bosdcla14 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:36:56 PM EST

I think... (2.00 / 1)

Obama's trying to rush them out on purpose.  

Think about it.  If Obama can get 114 SDs in the next week and a half, he'll be the nominee May 22 (not including whatever solution is found on MI/FL).  The narrative works out much better for him if he becomes the nominee due to a win, and not due to super endorsing him.  

Of course, he'd need nearly ten a day, every single day for this, which doesn't seem likely, especially because some SD are add-ons which will not be selected yet/will be going to Clinton.  But still, he needs to become the nominee on a win.  


by telephasic on Fri May 09, 2008 at 04:40:46 PM EST

One - Two - Three... (2.00 / 3)

1.  walt, please add a link

2.  how come no one ever posts a tip jar on MYDD?


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:16:25 PM EST

Re: One - Two - Three... (2.00 / 1)

Yea  Al's back!

And for that Im gonna repost my fav mashup


Unable to rec or rate

Read this: http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/5/15/1427 30/254

by GeorgeP922 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:32:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Hi, George!! (2.00 / 0)

I've been swamped.

But that didn't keep me from Kicking ASS from my leading perch on DKos, Tuesday nite.

http://www.dailykos.com/user/Al%20Rodger s/comments

Beginning with this comment, I shaped the evening's coverage/message over the MSM ("it's OVER" and Indiana was a BIG defeat).  

I was even quoted on Tuesday's Nightline!!!

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2008/5/ 6/195634/1592/1#c1

It's a blast when they follow our lead:


Hillary to Snatch Nomination?? Add to Hotlist

by Al Rodgers, Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 06:28:47 PM EST


KEITH OLBERMANN, HOST (voice over):  "Which of these stories will you be talking about tomorrow?"

"Out of gas: The rational superdelegates have all decided and they`ve secretly told the campaigns and the Obama people are happy.  Where does that leave Senator Clinton`s bid to snatch the nomination?"

Countdown with Keith Olbermann' for Wed, Apr 30, 2008
 


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Fri May 09, 2008 at 07:03:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Dem Con Watch (2.00 / 3)

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/

There's usually a slight delay between the announce time and posting, but they're up pretty quick.


by bookish on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:35:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

Wow -- this is better news than had been posted before.  Kudos for keeping us updated.


John McCain the flip-flopper...
by chinapaulo on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:34:49 PM EST

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 1)

Four Probama rec'd diaries. What's happening? THis is awesome.
John McCain isn't evil. He's just wrong about a lot of things. Vote Obama!
by proseandpromise on Fri May 09, 2008 at 05:48:55 PM EST

Add another-now 9 (2.00 / 2)

From demconwatch:

Virginia DNC member Joe Johnson has also endorsed Obama today. We have gotten confirmation from the Obama campaign. They told us it's not being covered as widely because the campaign added him a while ago but he didn't officially endorse until today.


by bookish on Fri May 09, 2008 at 06:21:30 PM EST

Re: Add another-now 9 (2.00 / 1)

Thanks, just updated.


Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.
by Walt Starr on Fri May 09, 2008 at 07:26:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Picks Up Eight Super Delegates (2.00 / 2)

Nine on a Friday is solid.

Drip, drip, drip.


by DeskHack on Fri May 09, 2008 at 06:35:47 PM EST

5 a day is good starting Monday (2.00 / 1)

Don't want to overdo it.


by parahammer on Fri May 09, 2008 at 07:51:17 PM EST


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