Add another superdelegate for Obama

Posted: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:25 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Andrea Mitchell

In an on camera interview with NBC's Andrea Mitchell, Rep. John Lewis -- one of the most influential African-American members in Congress -- has said he will support Obama as a superdelegate. Congressman Lewis had endorsed Clinton last year, but says that Obama's candidacy is a "movement and something in American politics that cannot be ignored."

Lewis has said his decision to change from Clinton to Obama was harder then his march across the bridge in Selma 43 years ago when he was beaten and bloodied by Alabama State Troopers. Lewis tells NBC's Andrea Mitchell he has put a call into Senator Clinton but has not yet informed her of his decision and has not yet told Senator Obama.

Adding one to Obama's superdelegate total, and subtracting one from Clinton, the superdelegate count is now Clinton 255 and Obama 201.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Come on John Doe, where's your response??? It seems like everytime you post your derogatory, and racist rhetoric, Sen. Obama gets more support and endorsements! Dang, it stinks to be you, LOL!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:32 PM)

He can get all the superdelegated he wants. Obama will never win in November. Once again the democratic media has ruined the party by their biased reporting. Instead of having the best qualified candidate in Hillary we will be stuck with another 4 years of republicans. I am ashamed to be a democrat. I will vote for Mcain. Obama will never win the big states. His foriegn policy is a joke.

kevin fl (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:33 PM)

Let's see... a new blog entry from First Read...

Must mean it's time for the John Doe spam.

Tim (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:38 PM)

MAYBE msnbZZZZZZZZZ can tell us OBAMA IS YOUR PRESIDENT you all act like little girls I know some are but the CRUSH is really High school,maybe JOHN DOE IS an obama supporter who enjoys stirring up the base,remember obama is going to get all the republican votes anyway,HOW DO YOU TRUST ANYONE OR THING SAID ON THIS SITE OR STATION

kenn (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:38 PM)

Well Kevin I don't see how you can say that. No one in their right mind would vote for that old billy goat McCain.

Marty in KC (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:39 PM)

FLIP FLOP

kenn (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:39 PM)

man, they will all feel stupid if she wins on Tuesday in tx, and Oh. Sad, part is black america betrayed the clintons for a man who didn't have the class to show up to the state of the black union. The losers in the party wonder why they can't beat republicans.
Obama is a joke. Claire Mccaskill is supporting him because her daugther said too. Great to know her daugther influences her political decisions.

Michael (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:39 PM)

CLINTON HOLDS 50 SUPERDELAGATE LEAD OVER OBAMA and they ask her to throw in the towel PRICELESS ,We all know women should be in the kitchen and the bedroom not in the whitehouse.ASK OBAMA AND HIS SUPPORTERS

kenn (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:43 PM)

Kevin this is exactly what Obama is running against. What were his chances of winning the nomination? What were his chances of getting one MILLION donations? What were his chances of creating the largest grassroots campaign ever seen in the history of the world?
It doesn't require much to be cynical about something. But it does require hope, effort, and hard work to believe in something deeply and fight for it. If you want to keep being cynical thats your business but please learn where Obama stand on issues before you decide to vote for McCain just to spite Obama. Make sure that you don't do something that you will end up regretting for the next 4 yrs.

Johnson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:43 PM)

Right on KJ-I have had today a few choice words for John Doe as well. rascists are pathetic.

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:43 PM)

He can and will Win. Ken in Fl. you know it is not right to be a bigot in todays time. We are all God's children. So Grow Up!

Laura (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:43 PM)

I would rather vote for Obama than someone that is constantly under some type of investigation...

gal (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:44 PM)

I just want to say if she can not manage her campaign then how can you manage the business of this country? will she write a check to get the country out of debt? leave your emotions at the door. everything can't go your way. Chill out
Clinton got beat in Ohio, she was too emotional, crying about being first, if you got the experience, than you should want to go first. you have to bring people together to accomplish anything. I understand his message of change, everyone plays a part.

Marcallus Sunday, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:45 PM)

Speeches and words and inspiration are all great. Obama does not have the experience needed to lead this country. He has no clue what he is up against in Washington. This media has killed Hillary in every way shape and form. I hope republicans wake up and see the polls that Hillary can't beat Mcain and Obama can and vote for Hillary in Texas next week. Do what's right for the republicans and keep Hillary in the race.

kevin,fl (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:45 PM)

i was amazed to hear how obama has ties to Farakhaan

tsg (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:46 PM)

go vote for mccain. some people aren't about the party and bringing the party and country together again. they are about their own emotional tirades and wants.

i salute hillary and barack. no matter who wins or loses they are going to uplift the party to try and restore some form of government for the people.

for those of you who keep saying that if your candidate doesn't win, be it hillary or barack you will vote for mccain, then do so at your own peril.

you will be advocating four more years of the bush policy. if that happens because of your betrayal, and your plight doesn't change for the better then just realize that you are the reason for your own continued suffering because of your emotional immaturity that allowed you to not think about making a bad decision do to pure ignorance.

the truth (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:47 PM)

i think Clinton lost last night

Marcallus Sunday, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:47 PM)

All the talk of McCain's foreign policy experience sounds very much like Dick Chenney's foreign experience that was touted in last 2 presidential elections.

Look where that got us !

TOLD YOU So (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:47 PM)

Marcallus Sunday, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:48 PM)

As always in the animal kingdom, we tend to gravitate towards those who we feel are more like us and therefore feel more comfortable with.

Moe D. (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:50 PM)

"ADD ANOTHER SUPERDELEGATE FOR OBAMA"

We've heard that A LOT in February! :-)

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!

Eric, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:51 PM)

I am not a biggot It has nothing to do with his color. It has to do with hope vs substance. Don't tell me that Hillary is not change, remember she is a woman I think that is a pretty big change.

kevin,fl (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:53 PM)

YOU DID NOT HEAR THAT FARKAHAN HERE<WE DONT REPORT BAD THINGS ABOUT OBAMA

kenn (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:54 PM)

tsg..clearly you didn't hear what was said at the debate lastnight. Obama clearly said that he has never aligned himself with Farrahkhan, has on many occasions spoken out against his anti-semitic opinions and denounces his support. So where in that did you hear he had ties to the man?

I wonder when the day will come when people will see people for their vision and promise and stop trying to seek out and create negativity. If we never get to that place, this country will never rise.

Inspired, Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:54 PM)

I sincerely hope and pray that Sen. Hillary Clinton win Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont primary to drive her heart and to keep her hope alive in presidential bid.

Sen. Hillary Clinton's records of 35 years, she has also served eigh years as a First Lady, experienced assistant to president Bill Clinton. She is running on HOPE and change with experience for America's future political and economy system, while Sen. Obama
is only a junior U.S. Senator.

I hope and pray that Sen. Hillary to become our next female president of the United States of America, if media decides to play fair with her. She has a vision, wisdom, experience and courage to fight what is morally right, in setting the course to reaffirm our greatness as a God - honoring nation and people.!!

Akber A. Kassam. Blaine, Minnesota. (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:55 PM)

What's that song... what's that song.. oh! That's right! ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUSTTT! AND ANOTHER ONE DOES AND ANOTHER ONE DOES!

The Farrakhan rediculousness is getting old. I'm not surprised Clintonites are still parroting it around, disgusting slander is the name of the Clinton-game.

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:56 PM)

in before patty from sd, ca's clinton shill attempts!

Greg, San Antonio, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:57 PM)

Democratic party is realizing they must unite quickly.

Republicans were trailing, but because their party has essentially selected McCain, they are now ahead of the Democrats.

Don't be surprised if several more super delegates announcement for Obama over the next few days. If they care for their party, they cannot afford for this to go on past Tuesday.
If Hillary wins Tuesday, this will continue until the Democratic convention.

Ideally, Obama and Clinton would come to an agreement and the ticket would be Obama-Clinton. I used to be opposed to the two combining, but I think it's in the best interest of the party.

Dan, McFarland, WI (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:58 PM)

I want to hear more about Farakhaan and his church.

Moe D. (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:58 PM)

Kevin - I don't want to vote for HRC . . .but we can't afford the Supreme Court to be destroyed by another GOP nomination. Think about it!

JJ - Dayton, OH (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:59 PM)

Anybody that has watched Mr. Lewis knows he has been for Obama all along. You would have to been on another planet not to know this. Know big surprise.

voter, az (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:00 PM)

How many of those super delegates are still backing Hillary Clinton? Like I said before, they will all come around.

The establishments have underestimated Barack Obama right from on set; they are glued to the politics of the '90s. Obama is much more interested in the politics of the 21st century.

Here is my prediction; more of the super delegates will endorse Obama in the next few weeks. Hillary and McCain are both toast

Bee (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:02 PM)

It's humorous that people keep posting comments stating that Senator Obama has little chance of winning in November, when if you actually do the research, most stats show a decidedly easier victory for Obama over McCain. In fact I believe that latest polls that came out said that Senator Clinton only stands to beat McCain by three to four percent, while Senator Obama commanded a double Digit spread.

Beside's, Clinton is showing her true colors more and more in this election. First she complained that because she was the front-runner, everyone was picking on her. Now that she's no longer in the lead, what does she do? Get nasty. I haven't made my decision yet as to who I am voting for, but the simple fact that she can't refrain from playing dirty politics says volumes about what we can look forward to if she does get elected.

Jonathan W. Portland OR (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:02 PM)

Let's see James Buchanan, with the longest resume of any man to become president; sadly he was one of the three worst presidents in U.S. history. The other two being Warren G. Harding and guess who?

Abe Lincoln, FDR, both with rather scant resumes...and how did they do? You know, there is no preparation for the presidency. Read Michael Beschloss' book 'Presidential Courage'. The state of the times creates the president by the manner in which the challenges are met. It's about judgment. It's about what constitutes their beliefs...how do they lead their lives, their campaigns. I don't know about all of you but of the three choices that we have today, Barack Hussein Obama seems to have the most promise to me. BTW Barack means blessed in Hebrew, as it does in Arabic. Where Hussein means handsome in Arabic, it means bridegroom in Hebrew.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:04 PM)

Lewis has said his decision to change from Clinton to Obama was harder then his march across the bridge in Selma 43 years ago when he was beaten and bloodied by Alabama State Troopers.

I am a Obama supporter but I find that statement hard to believe. He must really be afraid of Bill Clinton

Bye-Partisan, SC (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:06 PM)

the media has crammed Obama down our throats so much that i no longer support him....he can do no wrong and Hillary can do no right (according to the media). Hillary is the best choice but unfortunately obama will be the democratic candidate. i cannot wait to see how he is portrayed by the media once he gets his"boyz from the hood" in the white house ie Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, etc.....will everyone love him and be so accommodating then?....the whole primary race is a shame because it's all based on media bias. If Chris Matthews,Keith Oberman, etc get any more excited about Obama...it's almost lustful and disgraceful......i guess he will be crowned soon by msnbc........................

Ann from VA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:06 PM)

Ann from VA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:07 PM)

He should have rejected Farrakan from the start. There are too many questions about him that we so not have the answers to. His wife's thesis and her comments about never being proud of our country are disturbing. He will make Carter's and Bush's presidency's look terrific

kevin fl (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:08 PM)

HRC represents change?? Let the past, present and future look like this: HW Bush, B Clinton, B Clinton, G Bush, G Bush, H Clinton, H Clinton, Jeb Bush, Jeb Bush. It could be 36 years of this! Heck by 2024 Chelsea will be ready for 8 years.

Jack420, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:09 PM)

This is sick and more people should see it for what it is. Another politican not keeping his word. When you support someone, your word should be as strong as oak. Thia makes me sick that Amercia doesn't see this as flip flop politices. I back my sports team win or lose, I back my wife right or wrong. I don't run to another side just because they are up at the time. What is this teaching people that is watching these contest and etc. It is teaching them leave your values at the door they do not matter. The only thing that matters is being right and being on the winning tesm, and possiably in this case listening to every other black politican ( I said possibily). I have been an Edwards supporter and watching this race from the outside is amazing.

Alex Smith, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:09 PM)

Someone really needs to explain this "35 years of experience" that Hillary Clinton has, to me. If I recall, she has only been a Senator for 8 years. That means just 1 more term in the Senate than Senator Obama. And can you really say her being first-lady means much? I don't ever remember seeing her name on the ballot for that position. so add it up and I only see 8 years worth of elected political experience, not 35 years. Senator Obama has served as an elected offical for far longer then 8 years.

Jonathan W. Portland Oregon (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:10 PM)

YOU KNOW, ALL THIS IS REDICULOUS!!! LET'S JUST PUT IT THIS WAY. I'M FROM TENNESSEE AND I'LL BE REALLY BLUNT AND TO THE POINT. I WORK FOR A TOTALLY REPUBLICAN GROUP HERE AND HAVE A HANDFULL INCLUDING MYSELF THAT WANT HILLARY TO WIN. IN THE EVENT SHE DOESN'T WIN, THERE ARE AT LEAST 45 OF US HERE THAT ARE VOTING FOR MCCAIN BECAUSE OBAMA HASN'T GOT A CLUE TO RUNNING THIS GREAT NATION. REMEMBER I SAID THIS GROUP IS FROM TENNESSEE. DO YOU THINK THAT CLINTON WON HERE BECAUSE SHE'S WHITE MAYBE???????????????????

STEVE TENN (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:11 PM)

What's the mater Obama supporters, can't handle the truth? It is significant that Obama did not criticize Rev.Wright, or distance himself from the award given to Farrakhan, last year when it happened --- but only now when it is "politically advantageous" to do so, when he is running for President.
He is a racist and not qualified to be President. I presume that he will receive the voting support of all Palestinian Americans ... but should be boycotted by American Jews!

John Doe (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:14 PM)

I hope Hillary stays right until the end. If Obama wins, so be it. I am not in support of candidates dropping out prior to the magic number being reached. additionally.
1. If Obama wins, the time he has spent defending himself and, even more important, clarifying his positions and programs will only help him.
2. Hillary has the better health program. Obama s program will have most people opt-out and the rest will once again have to pay their bills. Hopefully some Hillary pressure can nudge Obama to learn something and change his program. She also should have more say in a party plateform. As vague as those are, a stronger health program should be part of it.
3. With Hillary and Obama there is more need for John McCain to defend his¨"ideas." Not sure what the are but they are stock Republican mantras and have little to offer to the USA in 2008.
4. Obama must begin to learn a few things about world politics. I can´t believe how little he seems to know.
5. Keeping the campaign going keeps in front of the entire population the terrible state of the economy and the part the war has played in getting us there.
GO DEMOCRATS. WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF BOTH OF THE CANDIDATES WE HAVE. THEY ARE QUALITY PEOPLE WITH SKILLS AND IDEAS THE REPUBLICANS CAN´T MATCH WITH JOHN MCCAIN. VOTE DEMOCRATE FOR A BETTER AMERICA.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:18 PM)

so obama supports Farakhaan?

fred (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:20 PM)

To KJ in Dallas,

I just want the questions answered dude. Obama has belonged to this "Blacks only" church for 20 years, and his pastor DOES support, liftup, and praise Farrakhan.

Can't Obama answer ANYTHING about this? OH wait, I forgot, he is black and that might be racist if we ask him anything.

Oh and a second, different picture has surfaced of Obama dressed up in Muslim/Islam clothes.

John Doe (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:23 PM)

Comment 2: The photos and nonsense about Barack s name is typical USA nonsense. Growing up in Cincinnati (very German area) I had a friend born in 1940 who had a typical German name "Adolf". He could never use it because he was afraid (for good reason)that others would exclude him or call him a Nazi. Later in life another friend called Smith found out when he applied for a passport that this was not his family name. His real name was Schmidt. His father was told to change his name or he would never get a job at Cincinnati Gas and Electric company - he simply signed his name Smith and so did the children from then on. This was also in the 40`s. It is sad that we allow these types of things to continue in 2008. Ignorance certainly has no limit to time and place and culture. I hope no politician plans to wear green on St.Patrick,s day. They may be associated with the IRA.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:27 PM)

Bye- Partisan,
I think him saying that is misunderstood. I think he is saying that wasn't a hard choice, it had to be done. But the choice between Obama and Clinton was actually a choice. this is just my humble opinion

Greg Columbus, OH (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:29 PM)

kevin ! the republicans have disgraced this country with a nit-wit of a president named you-know who? go and have a war with iraq when the actual killer is in pakistan! duh ! osama bin laden! and tsg!!!! obama does not have any ties to farankhan and stop making up stories ! the democrats will will win with hillary or obama ! damn you kevin fl and tsg and stop calling john lewis" john doe " democrats have to unite around the frontrunner

dove night (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:29 PM)

Shame on you John Lewis...
If the decission was so hard for you.Why did you allow yourself to be swayed?...One more thing money can buy...

leeler,fl (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:30 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=709894