Clinton adds two more supers

Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:21 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC’s Christina Jamison and Domenico Montanaro

Three superdelegates in one day. It’s been months since that’s happened for Clinton. In addition to the pickup we mentioned earlier of former Pittsburgh Mayor Sophie Masloff, the New York senator’s campaign just announced it has also picked up the support of CA Rep. Jackie Speier, who recently won the special election for the late Tom Lantos's seat, and the former president of the Ohio state AFL-CIO, Bill Burga, a DNC member.

Obama picked up one superdelegate earlier today.

That adds two more to Clinton’s superdelegate total: 259-226 over Obama. In the overall count, Obama leads by 131 (1,642 to 1,511). He has a 164 pledged-delegate lead (1,416 to 1,252).

[EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this post incorrectly identified Masloff's first name. Also, we identified Bill Burga as the current head of the state AFL-CIO; he previously held that position. ]

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Comments

She picked up a couple--Yawn--

Bored (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:30 PM)

Obama could have written off Pennsylvania in the expectations, but the truth is that he doesn’t have the delegates to win the nomination, and he won’t unless he picks up a sizable chunk in that delegate-rich state.

If he were way ahead, he could just say, that’s Hillary-country, let her have it, I don’t need it. But he DOES need it, because he isn’t that far ahead, because this is still a contest where the conclusion is far from certain.

Go Dems, Go Hillary.

Susan, CA (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:32 PM)

Well praise Jesus, finally a balanced report from MSNBC, plus I saw a few articles on OBama that were not fawning over him as of late.
Great job blog reporters. As long as it's fair & baalanced, MSNBC ROCKS!!

Ready for the HIllary bashers in 5...4.3...2....

Jay Link, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:34 PM)

It ain't over 'til it's over. If Obama cannot win PA, yet another major industrial state of the Democratic coalition that he CANNOT WIN, then perhaps it is HE who should step aside.

Rob in NV (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:35 PM)

Why are these SD women supporting her? Can't they see she is bringing down women in whole?

Jane, Philly PA (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:35 PM)

Oh how the SuperDelegate story tires me.

Honestly, if the election is 'overturned' by SuperDelegates, we may be witness to a revolt in the Democratic party.

No matter how it is spun, it won't be pretty.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:36 PM)

Wow! MSNBC actually reported something good for Hillary. Shocking. I just wonder if I hadn't written them and asked why Hillary getting a super delegate vote was snuck in the middle of the first thoughts post and why Obama's had a headline, would they have mentioned it? I guess they didn't realize that people noticed the obvious bias.

Rochester, NY (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:37 PM)

...and now the Hillophiles will have their song-and-dance routine about how she's still in this thing.

Look, the fact that Senator Clinton, working with President Clinton's Rolodex as well as her own contacts from eight years in the Senate -- and that she had the standing as the front-runner from the get-go -- means that if an upstart like Obama can even keep pace with her, he's out-organized her, out-managed her, and out-campaigned her. Now, to beat the champ, he'll need to knock her out; but frankly, her campaign has been so poorly done from top to bottom that I'm not really comfortable with her running as the Democratic nominee anymore, and neither should other Democrats be. I don't think she'll beat John McCain.

Brendan D, Niles, IL (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:39 PM)

At this rate, maybe she'll catch up in time for the 2012 election.

CitizenJ (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:40 PM)

First Read,

The former Pittsburgh Mayor's name is 'Sophie' Masloff. It may be of interest to your readers to know that she is quite elderly. We have had three mayors since she retired from Pgh. politics.

donna, pgh., pa. (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:40 PM)

AP is reporting that Obama just picked up two more supers today -- two former governors from Oregon.

http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/elections-0/1207839848150850.xml&storylist=orlocal

Andy in Brookyn (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:41 PM)

I don't blame them for endorsing her. After the public character assassination that Governor Bill Richardson had to endure (and I don't even want to think about the private intimidation tactics he was put through), the supers would have to be almost masochistic to go against the Clintons.

Eileen Hamilton, Portland, ME (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:41 PM)

Hillary still has a chance. Yea! She may yet get back into the White House to pardon some more convicted criminals for campaign donations, and steal some more furniture.

Why am I supposed to want that again?

Obama in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:42 PM)

OBAMA will take PA.

GO OBAMA 08

Carolyn, Conyers Ga (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:43 PM)

WHat ever happened to the 5 additional delegates Obama won over the weekend????? its been noted before but notput in his column....

Tee,Va (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:43 PM)

Is that because of her Bosnia adventure or her conflict with Bill over Columbia?

Steve Reeves (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:44 PM)

Congrats to Hillary. I disagree completely with Jackie Spier on this one but more power to her.

ME, CA (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:44 PM)

Susan? Obama doesn't just let states go as 'unimportant', as your candidate has...

Did you see today's unfavorable ratings? Unlike her plea to Richardson that 'HE CAN'T WIN'... SHE can't win...

Sniper Fire, Bill, NAFTA, CAFTA, Penn and the lack of organizational skills.. Look how she's managed the money her campaign has raised... And she's not paying her bills? That's not someone we need in charge...

Obama 08

Lyn (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:45 PM)

Please check out Ohio..A super delegate just announced his support..Investigate that one

Mervin Hanley Columbus Ohio (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:45 PM)

Tom Lantos had endorsed Hillary before he died so getting the endorsement of the new Rep doesn't really mean much - just switching the name of the SD w/out changing anything. It will take alot more SDs for her to even come close to Obama.

Jamil, Dearborn, MI (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:46 PM)

Its far from over. The media just wants us to think its over, because they favor Obama. Hillary will hang in, shes not a quitter. She will be much better for this country than McWar or Obamafraud.

Brother Odd (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

It ain't over 'til it's over. If Obama cannot win PA, yet another major industrial state of the Democratic coalition that he CANNOT WIN, then perhaps it is HE who should step aside.
Rob in NV (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:35 PM)

------------------------------------------

Go check Slate Magazine's delegate calculator (they use NBC's numbers as a reference). If all voting trends hold true it's not enough for Senator Clinton to just win in Pennsylvania...she has to crush him by 28 points in EVERY contest remaining.

It could happen but it's going to require that

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

super delegates have a right to choose who they want. they also ahve a reponsibility to the the public to coose responsibly and intimidation by any candidate is bad news for democracy

www.mpfree.org.uk

sweeetback, london, uk (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

Here's the thing.

I just have to aske this question.

It's been bothering me, and a lot of my liberal friends.

Why and How can you demote and defame a wonderful person like Penn. when he actually did less than you supportive, faithful husband?

Isn't that--a double standard?

Andress (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

Rochester and others,

What's the big surprise? There's a reason MSNBC reports what it does. It's called news. The problem for Senator Clinton is that she hasn't had anything good to report the past month. Her campaign has been in meltdown and she's been lying about her resume. Do you want MSNBC and others to just make stuff up so that they'll be "balanced"? Hilarious. "Balanced" reporting is not coming out with exactly the same number of positive articles, especially when one candidacy is in near implosion. I'm sure that hurts but it's the truth.

More Truth--It might Hurt (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

Gee, OBamabots still got something to moan about. Her super delegates are elderly, they are afraid of her, they are near death, they are crazy...lol
What a bunch of whiny nit pickers. Just like their candidate. Aren't we all still in the same party. Don't we support each others candidates in the same party when good things happen for them? Guess not with the Dems.

Jay Link, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:48 PM)

Finally, some friendly reporting for Hillary. I am so tired of your bias against her. Although; I am sure next you will say she arm-twisted them and proposed some shady deal to get them!

Aura Edge, Port St Lucie, Florida (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:48 PM)

To Rob in NV------------- Nice try Hillarybots us Obomacans not falling for Old the "Hes gotta win PA or he does not stand a chance".. There is no way under the sun Hillary is going to catch Obama in

1. Pop vote
2. Plegde Delegates
3. # States won

Obama has picked up 55 superdelegates since Super Tues. And HRC has picked up 3. as a matter of fact she is still has a -2 count. Any little glimmer of hope for Hillarybots has long been over since Miss. But keep giving her your money son she can pay herself back the 5 mill you all owe her. Pathetic..

James Memphis, TN (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:48 PM)

Rochester, NY (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:37 PM)

Think alot of yourself, do you? Yeah, you and you alone caused the horribly "biased" MSNBC to make Hillary a headline.

{yawn} {eye roll}

MI Chick (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:48 PM)

Good reporting! Do the "Obama Cult Members" have a job? Or is spewing hatred, filth and racism their job?

Kay, Denver, Co (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:49 PM)

Andy, Barbara Roberts and John Kitzhaber of Oregon aren't supers. They have however, endorsed Barack Obama. No mathmetical significance, unfortunately.

Reggie (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:49 PM)

Congrats to Hillary & her team.

Obama '08.

End Game (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:50 PM)

I'll give you three and raise you three:

Two former Oregon govenors, Barbara Roberts and John Kitzhaber gave their endorsements to the Illinois senator on Thursday, just before the Democratic Party of Oregon holds its platform convention this weekend.

I think that makes Obama and Clinton even for endoresemtns today. Go Obama '08!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:50 PM)

Wow, can't believe these folks would jump onto a sinking ship.

Those of you crying about MSNBC's coverage: I know you're just taking the stance of your candidate, who does no wrong and is always shafted (I'm sure MSNBC whispered the sniper story to her in her sleep-deprived moment), but at some point you're going to have to cast aside your puerile whining and accept that Obama has, through the unbelievably successful campaign he's ran against the Goliath of the Democratic Party, shown he's far more qualified to lead and bring together people from all walks. If Clinton can't bring home what was a sure-fire nomination and win her own party without trying to define the rules of victory herself, how on earth do you expect her to win in November?!

I know it hurts, but you have to let reality set in. We will be ready to greet you with open arms when you're ready!

Sam, Muncie, Ind. (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:52 PM)

Clinton did not pick up Speier. Speier had previously endorsed her but she qas quoted by the San Mateo County Times a few days ago that she will make her decision whom to vote for after the primaries aer over. Put her down as uncommitted.

Mary, California (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:56 PM)

Hilary is being given a breath, as she is being water boarded.

PA. voter (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:57 PM)

James in TN and others,
One FYI on the "popular vote" argument. This new item hasn't been getting a lot of play yet. However, University of Pennsylvania Wharton professor Greg Nini just release a study that looked at the number of popular votes that Obama would have received had the total number of individuals been counted in the 5 or 6 caucus states that don't record numbers of individuals (they only record delegates). Iowa is a great example. His conclusion was that Obama's popular vote lead would be 1.3 million now, rather than 700,000. This is something that should be highlighted much more prominently. Caucuses disadvantage Obama if we're looking at the popular vote.

Scott (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:58 PM)

First Read has finally reported good news for Hillary because finally Hillary has some good news to report.

To all of you still sipping the Hillary koolaid, continue to spin yourselves to your heart's content. When you recover from your dizziness, Obama will still be ahead in delegates, states won, number of votes.

Obama's run a 50-state strategy (which includes PA, Susan, CA) that has proven to be superior.

As an Obama supporter I understand that all you Hillary supporters here are in different stages of grief and like an indulgent mother, will just wait you out as you kick, scream and cry.

Obama 08

Cheryl, NJ (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:58 PM)

After everything we know about the sleezy Clintons... and Hillary's lies... it truly amazes me that any politician would support her now.

I would like to take a look at each Super and see exactly how much money HRC gave them or how much money she raised for their elections.

This cannot be free will. It has to be "pay back."

Bernadette (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:58 PM)

Bernadette (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 1:59 PM)

Confused:
Jackie Speier said on April 5th on Inside Bay Area (where I reside) that she will, though she has endorsed, keep options open until after all the primaries have concluded. Is her endorsement on a solid foundation?
Also, why no news on the Oregon endorsements? Do they not count?

Please explain, First Read. I'd really like some clarity. Thanks!

scj, CA (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:01 PM)

It seems that every time there is something negative about Hillary Clinton in the media it is called media bias and every time there is something that is remotely detrimental about Barack Obama it is "about time" with the Hillary clan.

I'm dizzy from the spinning.

Whenever there was something with verifiable meat about both candidates the media pounced. Preachers, crooked fundraisers, top staff dealings with foreign countries and more were all top stories. The media wants news that interests people and will grab at everything.

The problem is not that there is media bias toward Barack Obama, it is that there is more to report about Hillary Clinton. Doesn't anyone else remember how many gaffes happened during President Bill Clinton's presidency? If it is newsworthy the news media will pounce. If it is not, they won't. This is why it is being reported that Senator Clinton gained three superdelegates today. Unfortunately for Hillary Clinton, it is one of few opportunities for the media to say something newsworthy that is positive about her.

Instead of blaming the referees for how your team is losing take a look at how badly your team is playing. Can you honestly say that your team has been playing fairly? Can you honestly say that your team is competing at the same level as the opposition? Was your team assumed to be the best but instead is being outplayed? How often has your team resorted to underhanded tactics versus the other team? As in sports, the referees will lean toward the team they perceive as playing by the rules and penalize outplayed teams that are skirting the rules.

If Hillary had not gone negative as soon as she thought the game was being threatened she would have received better press. No bias, just poorly played and deserving of greater scrutiny as a result.

Democrat (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:02 PM)

The american people better hope Sen. Clinton gets this nomination. There's no way that B. Hussein Obama will win. Just wait till the GOP gets started with their attacks on him. Sen. Clinton has already been through their scrutiny, and is still on the move.
We've really hosed this up if we lose this election. There are entirely too many important issues to be dealt with and resolved.
This entire election process needs to be revised. We should have one National Primary Election Day. This would eliminate the obscene levels of money that are being spent, allow us all to vote for any one of the initial candidates in the race, eliminate a lot of the hyped up and fictitious news media coverage, and may preclude the disenfranchising of our citizens votes. Who know maybe your state will be next.
The process should also be made the same for each state, not a caucus in some, a mix of caucus and popular vote in the next, and popular vote that in some cases winner takes all, and in the next it is split.
Let's get this on a level playing field. We are in the spotlight of the world, and supposedly the model for example to others.

David Greencastle, PA (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:06 PM)

David Greencastle, PA (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:07 PM)

Well all you Hillary supporters sitting in your high horses, reality check shes still down 2 delegates. she lost 5 and only gained actually 2 because one was a name change only. That one super took over for one that died and already supported her. So those are the facts like them or not.You cant argue with facts.So go ahead throw your party for the first time in the last month or so. I wont bother you with anymore facts for now. They just get in the way of your round about logic anyways.

Obama '08

Fact check b4 u post (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:08 PM)

Fact check b4 u post (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:09 PM)

Super delegates for Hillary, is Chris Mathhews crying yet?
i aslo noticed that Chris Matthews was so eager to jump all over the story of the lady who died with her baby when he thought it was untrue. No report though when the Washington Post validated it's truthfulness. Wake up Chris.

Evelyn New Jersey (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:09 PM)

I think that not only did the two govenors endorese but over the weekend at leat three did all of them or most were add ons at least two came from the dc ,so some one needs to really update your count

Douglas Vickers Rehoboth Beach de (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:10 PM)

Certain people keep asking us bloggers if we are unemployed loosers, need to get a life, etc. Just to let you know, I'm retired and do enjoy reading everyone's interesting blogs and posting my own. It excercises my mind. Blogging.. better than kniting.
Older white woman for Obama.

Bonnie (Sent Thursday, April 10, 2008 2:10 PM)

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