Dean: Convention likely won't decide

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:54 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Democrats

From MSNBC's Adam Verdugo
In an interview with MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell today, DNC Chairman Howard Dean answered questions as to whether he would broker a deal in the Democratic race to prevent a protracted nomination fight.

"I think when someone gets to 2,025 it will be pretty clear," Dean said.

O'Donnell pointed out, "Well that's not going to happen in March or April, Governor."

"It could," Dean responded, "because I think you're already seeing movement among the superdelegates, the unpledged delegates and there will be more pledged delegates assigned as we go through this next round of primaries."

Dean ended with this prediction: "I think the odds are much better than 50-50 that the nominee will be decided before we ever get to Denver."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Clearly the odds are favored more towards one side than another. So based on what he says, it seems like Obama is going to be the candidate for the democratic party.

Johnson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:06 PM)

DEAN the OBAMA of 2004 too bad the democrats with KENNEDY AND DODD attacked DEAN as CRAZY and the establisment won JOHN KERRY FUNNY HOW THINGS CHANGE

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:11 PM)

Dean...if you have something to say, just say it! 50-50 is no use.

theo (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:12 PM)

The absolute worst case scenario for the Democrats: Hillary wins, but just by a little, in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Even if she only wins 2 of 3 in those states, and still is behind in the delegate count, then she cannot leave the race. Then the infighting, backroom deals, and horse trading begins. In the end, either Obama's supporters or Hillary's supporters are disenfranchised when the other one is choosen, and they stay home on election day.

No matter what Dean says (hopes?), it looks like this one is going to the convention.

Jayson Steele, Davenport IA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:12 PM)

I think it has already been decided, but some people just refuse to acknowledge it. President Barack Obama. That has a nice ring to it.

Guy Fawkes (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:14 PM)

Norah O'Donnell tried her best to get Dean to say ok will be Obama. She goes after anyone thats for Clinton.Gets smacked down too a lot.Dean is smart to not try to close this to soon.Obamas people would have us believe it all over. Guess what folks .It aint over!!If everyone doesnt get out to vote it could be .I dont believe that will happen. News media or Obaminikins wont tell us who we have to have. This is to improtant.Hillary has the knowhow and the fervor to work endlessly to help change our lives for us for the better. Check her website.Shes great!

ep-ny (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:17 PM)

If Hillary wins the nomination then that will be the day I pack up all my belongings and move to the moon.

Prez-elect Obama (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:23 PM)

For those that don't know, it means that if Obama wins either Texas or Ohio then call Hillary, Reynolds, cuz it's a wrap!

Patrick, Detroit, MI (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:24 PM)

The delegate count doesn't count for deciding until the convention. Wouldn't all of the candidates have to officially drop their candidacy, not just suspend, for it to be official?

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:25 PM)

AHHHHHGGGHGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAFGGGGGGGHHHHHHgood!

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:26 PM)

I think Dean had one of his better days today. If he tries to end this race to soon he will be telling more people they dont need to vote.It is a race!! Why are Obama people in such a hurry?? Worried? should be hang on its not finished yet.What exactly is first thing Obama will change if he gets White House. Wish they would ask that. Not a triade stump speach. Just what would be the first thing.I think it will be decided on its own.I would also like to know his stance on supporting Israel. Is it different than his church?

Joe (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:27 PM)

Hopefully it will be Hilliary.

If the press would DO THEIR JOB it would be very plain to the voting public that obama understands very little about world affairs, Iraq and the Economy.

He is a talker and that is it. Vote Hilliary if you want a better life. If you want another BUSH vote obama.

Dawn, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:28 PM)

The DNC needs to change their format before the next election. All primaries should be on the same day and all should be winner take all and no more caucuses. The system in effect now is ineffective.
Shame on the DNC for deciding to punish Florida and Michigan. They did the voters of those states a great disservice and the nation in general.

Delores Rose-Kennedy, Murfreesboro, TN (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:29 PM)

The odds aren't that great if Hillary is going to try what everyone things she's going to try. If she squeaks out a 2-4% win in Texas and Ohio, she's going to act like that means she's all of a sudden the big winner, the obvious choice. The fact of the matter is, though, that she doesn't ACTUALLY win unless she wins by something like 25%. Obama is -so far- ahead in the pledged delegate count, that she basically has to SWEEP the remaining primaries to even come close to making it up.

That's what happens when you only win 11 out of 25 contests. Obama has won more than 66% of the time. If this scenario were reversed, the establishment would have already crowned Hillary. But, alas, that's the trouble of being the insurgent underdog, Obama has to keep fighting till she finally realizes its over.

Ron, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:30 PM)

Dean's being pretty honest here. The DNC knows they can't let it go to a convention with the nominee brokered by superdelegates. It would make them look bad (popular vote overruled by party brass), it would keep the party divided between Clinton and Obama for the next few months (while McCain goes into general election mode, full steam) and it will just weaken the eventual nominee, who is very likely Barack Obama at this point.

More commentary - http://www.nationalscold.com

Gustavo Herrera, Baltimore MD (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:32 PM)

Howard Dean. Oh, how I wish he were running. But he’s got it right. Thankfully, the dems won’t have to go to the convention to decide. Time for Obama to move on to his real work -- beating John McCain. Time for Clinton to pick up the pieces of her dream and move on. Time to stop this horrible blame game -- on both sides. Time to heal. The country needs Senator Obama now.

A. Malley, Naples, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:35 PM)

But why risk a convention fight? If Hillary doesn't cut it on March 4, pressure her to call it quits.

Chuck, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:36 PM)

Sounds like the writing is on the wall...even the head of the DNC has caught Obama-fever lol

Pucebeata (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:42 PM)

i am glad this will be the last debate. she will have to drop out after she loses texas. she won't have a path to the nomination. she will loses texas and if she wins ohio, she won't win by enough to make her candidacy viable any longer. she is losing to much demographical support to win against obama. She won't beat him in tonight's debate either.

if you want to consider who is ready from day one. take a look at how the 2 campaigns have been managed and lead. every scenario that could have occured was planned for by obama and his advisors. a national campaign and the size of it is an indicator of good judgement, management style and executive leadership. the proof is in the pudding.

the truth (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:44 PM)

The head of the DNC just told us who their Nom will be folks. He clearly mentioned a shift in super delegates. Who has been getting more and more super delegates?? It certainly isn't HRC. Personally if u can't keep your own house in order your not going to be able to keep the White House in order. Also...I fully believe we are ready for an African - American or a Woman, or a Nativer American, etc....BUT I do not want to see the leader of the free world crying if she can't get a treaty signed...I have been an Obama supporter for the longest, and for the life of me I can't imagine how anyone could play into her constant attention getting tactics. All she is doing is delaying the inevitable.

Obama '08

Diallo Basking Ridge, Nj (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:47 PM)

You know it is truly amazing how well Hillary Clinton is doing with actual voters given her high negative ratings, the dislike so many in the media have for her, being the first woman with a real shot at the Presidency, the diffiuclty that presents anyone of her gender, and Obama mania. I don't believe any other candiadte could have overcome so many negatives and be almost in a dead heat with their opponent.

I know that conventional wisdom before the actual voting started was that she was supposed to have it all locked up, but given all of the above what she has accomplished is remarkable.

Jerry Eaton Sioux City Iowa (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:53 PM)

Sounds like the writing is on the wall...even the head of the DNC has caught Obama-fever lol

Pucebeata NJ (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:56 PM)

I THINK HILLARY CLINTON IS THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE PRESIDENCY BECAUSE I DON'T THINK OBAMA HAS THE EXPERIENCE TO RUN THE COUNTRY, AND HE MAKES A LOT OF PROMISES, AND HAS A LOT OF PEOPLE BUFFALOED.

JIM JACOBIA WAMEGO KANSAS (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:57 PM)

The pressure for Hillary to withdraw after March 4th will be ENORMOUS...unless she wins BOTH Texas and Ohio by at least 10%.

Well, it ain't gonna happen....unless Obama gets caught with three hookers in an opium den this weekend. Place your bets.

james d, Evansville, IN (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:00 PM)

Anyone who thinks Obama 'knows little about world affairs' should read his remarks to the Jewish leaders in Cleveland yesterday (transcript in the New York Sun). He's well-informed, thorough, fair, smart, and tough. And our next president.

TKD (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:02 PM)

If Hillary wins the nomination then that will be the day I pack up all my belongings and move to the moon.
Prez-elect Obama (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:23 PM)

**************************

Need help Packing?

Oh no!!!! not everybody loves Obama the destiny child.

Get ready Obamabots. Texans don't like being told its a done deal.

Patty,sd,ca (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:03 PM)

Thank you Howard Dean. This should go to the DNC. Why should Hillary stop now? Why is Obama in such a hurry? I am tired of his speeches already. Let's get a plan in place Obama. What would be on your agenda for the first month in office is what I would be asking him. I am tired of the Obama mania. It truly does feel like a cult. Now Dodd is supporting Obama. What a joke. Go Hillary.

CM Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:04 PM)

Obama stands NO chance against McCain in november, the GOP is gonna shred him......

Thomas, Slidell, Lousiana (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:05 PM)

Lets hope Tim and Brian ask real questions and not the same old stuff. These are the worse dabates in the history of tv, not because of the candidates but of the moderators. CNN and NBC you are running me to Fox. TERRIBLE

Larry Holder. Charlotte, N.C. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:06 PM)

To the one who said that if Hilary Clinton wins the
nomination he/she will pack his/her belongings and move to the moon. I'll tell you this,do it now and don't ever come back anymore. Go Hilary!

Ray (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:07 PM)

The Truth is - once Hillary Clinton wins Texas and Ohio - the Obamaniacs will start to show their true "colors" and the blind will really see. Comeback time, against all odds! This will make Clinton a true warrior!
Go Hillary! Say no the the snake oil salesman!

MJ,Weehawkin,NJ (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:09 PM)

To Dawn--please don't let Hillary's attempt to paint Obama as another Bush sway you! We're all Democrats here....besides, Obama showed far better judgment on Iraq than Hillary did. And no, I am not delusional or hearing angels sing or blindly following the unthinking masses. I have done my homework and it is Obama, not Hillary, who will represent the greater break from Bush. If you really think he knows "nothing," I suggest you read his second book, which contains an eloquent political philosophy and a true grasp of the day's most pressing issues.

washdc (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:09 PM)

Barak Obama is too Anti-American to get the dem nomination. All that money that he has raised has come from terrorist groups. Wake up Obama is a Terrorist bent on weakening our governments abillity to detect and prevent terrorist attacks. Track his money and it all leads to Radical Islamist groups. If you don't believe that a picture is worth a thousand words. He will wear traditional Islamic clothing and respect Islam but refuses to honor our National Anthem by placing his hand on his chest. So he will sit down with Americas enemies and give them money they will use to kill more Americans. Maybe he promised to pay them back with our tax money for giving him money to wage his campaign.

Jeremy, Evansville,IN. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:11 PM)

Dean should just stop speaking and instead continue he excellent work at the DNC.

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:13 PM)

If Hillary wins the nomination then that will be the day I pack up all my belongings and move to the moon.

Prez-elect Obama

Its going to be awfully crowded up there, you think we should call ahead and make reservations.

I'llDieB4ISeeHillaryAsPres,Charlotte,NC (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:23 PM)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3433485.ece

read this.

The republicans are going to have fun bringing the American Idol down to earth.

patty,sd,ca (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:24 PM)

ep-ny (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:17 PM):

ep-ny:

Is this not getting a little old and tiring. Geessshhhhhh! You remind me of those Japanese soldiers coming out of the jungles 20 years after WWII was over and expressing their sentiments as to how the Japanese could still win the war.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:25 PM)

I'm heartened to read that the DNC Chairman is not going to let this destroy the party - no matter what Hillary and Bill want. The only thing left now is to get to next Tuesday and get this mess over once and for all. Hillary has far too much of an uphill battle to catch Obama, much less surpass him and I highly doubt that she will get overwhelming double-digit wins in both Texas and Ohio,so the point is basically moot.

Time to move on to the next stage in this election cycle - the final run for the White House for the Dem's in '08!

Tim Rivers, Talbott, TN (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:28 PM)

Jerry Eaton Sioux City Iowa (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 4:53 PM):

Jerry:

I might agree if Hillary had been running against someone with a little more name recognition going into this race and if she had not been the crowned b ythe media as the nominee back in the summer. But given she was crowned the nominee by the media back in the summer and having run against someone as green as Obama, I would say she has done pretty darn terrible.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:29 PM)

Howard Dean also says that nominee is going to Washington DC to take back the White House!

YEARGH!!!!!

Pete, Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:30 PM)

We have two great candidates running for the nomination. Hopefully this race can be decided before convention so that we may get tom the real task of keeping the republicans out of the white house for at least 4 years.

Malcolm Childress, Madison, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:31 PM)

Dear Ron from TX,

Do you have a job?

It seems like you post on every blog all day long. Sadly you post the same tired drivel.

If I were to guess, I would say that you work for the Obama campaign.

Manuel Morales (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:35 PM)

As a Democrat, I don't know what to think anymore. Hillary is turned all of her supporters so hard against Obama (it didn't help trying to compare him to Bush) that I'm not sure how much of a chance we have in November, even against somebody as old and incompetant as McfrickenloveswarCain.

I just don't understand how some Democrats could hate Obama so much. He epitomizes everything that is great about our party. If it is because he is beating your presumtive nominee, then get over it. We have an election to win in November!

Thanks Clintons!

Disgruntled Dem (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:35 PM)

i will be laughing, at the polls, as they close and McCain is the next president. Laughing in the aisles, yelling from rooftops: "I TOLD YOU SO!"

Daniel (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:37 PM)

Jerry:
What's more remarkable is that she blew a coronation with a series of errors, mismanagement and arrogance. Most importantly, she supported Bush's war.
Thank God she is toasted (as Bee would say).
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:38 PM)

Hillary will win tonight's debate - just as she has won every other debate according to just about every pundit.

She's stronger, smarter and has worked harder than Obama (or McCain).

csh, IL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:42 PM)

Hillary Clinton will be the Economic President of the 21st century. It is a sad day in American politics when her opponent with less than six years of experience claims to be the Savior for America. It is obvious the media is involved in a collusion with her opponent. Shame on You!

Keith Boutwell, Amarillo Texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:43 PM)

I am a democrat, thats lives in Fl. and we will not be voting for know BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA if he gets the nomination. Remember folks FL. FL. FL.

Ron, claearwater, fl. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:44 PM)

Keith Boutwell, Amarillo Texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:46 PM)

This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

Dean has said that the DNC would step in and help decide the nominee by mid-March or April, presumably by throwing a ton of superdelegates and endorsements in one direction or another in order to force the other candidate to withdraw their nomination.

Given that he has the power of the big Democratic pursestrings, he's *NOT* someone that a superdelegate running for office wants to cross. If Obama runs competitively in Texas and Ohio, look forward to a swift end to this contest.

The *GOOD* news, no matter whether you supported Clinton, Edwards, Dodd, etc. is that a united Democratic Party will seriously kick butt and take names this year, combining Obama's grassroots army, Hillary's party connections and big donors, and actively competing in all 50 states.

Obama, who is only 10,000 donations away from a million supporters, is going to bring in over $60 million for February, and will out-do John McCain in total donations by about a 3-1 margin, competing strongly in all fifty states, and bringing in a ton of new Democratic congressional leaders on his coattails.

This is the new reality, and it should be something we're all proud of, because all of us Democrats are going to make it happen together!

The time for recrimination, for fears, for bickering... all that is ending. Time to start moving forward again, with confidence and hope for the future. Barack Obama has weathered the storm, is vetted, and is ready to lead.

Mark Kraft, Santa Clara, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:46 PM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=703436