Despite Dean's call, super stays neutral

Posted: Monday, April 28, 2008 6:25 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Delegates, John Yang

From NBC's John Yang
Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press" this past Sunday, Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean told Tim Russert that he hoped his party's nomination fight would "be over by the end of the month of June." That would require most of the 288 uncommitted superdelegates to declare their support for either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

So how does that sound to Leila Medley, the political director for the Missouri National Education Association and one of the superdelegates we profiled for "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams"?

"He hasn't communicated with me," she says of Dean. "So, for now, I'm still doing my thing -- which is being uncommitted to the convention."

After the bruising Pennsylvania primary campaign, Medley, originally a John Edwards supporter, says the race is "more unpredictable now than a month ago." While still leading in pledged delegates, votes and states won, Obama is "sort of losing ground, it seems to me. He hasn't been able to close the deal."

The pressure from the campaigns and other rank-and-file Democrats has eased up a bit, Medley reports. She still gets letters and e-mails daily, but it's nothing like it once was. Nonetheless, it is wearying. "It seems like it ought to be over," she says with a sigh.

And she's been getting calls on behalf of Clinton from a fellow Missourian -- former House Democratic leader Richard Gephardt. Medley twice went to Iowa in support of Gephardt's presidential campaigns.

"Fortunately, I've been out of the office when he's called," she says.

And she hasn't called back.

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Comments

As an Obama supporter, I think that Michigan and Florida must be counted. The voters cannot be punished for the antics of their politicians -- not if the Democrats want to have a chance to win in FL and MI in the fall.

It is my expectation that Obama will end the primary season June 3 with about a pledged delegate margin of about a hundred votes.

Shortly thereafter, the DNC and Obama's campaign will announce they will recommend that the credentials committee seat the Florida and Michigan delegations selected at their state conventions, giving Clinton a 60 net delegate gain. Obama will continue to lead the total pledged delegate count by about 40 votes.

A few hundred superdelegates will announce their committment to vote for Obama at the convention. Obama will be the presumptive nominee, AND Michigan and Florida will have been counted in the total.

If the situations were reversed, and Clinton was ahead by any number of pledged delegates, she would be the nominee. To do anything else would leave her supporters feeling severely alienated and cheated. The Democrats won't do that to either side. Since Obama will almost certainly be in the lead, he will be the nominee.

I hope that the Democrats can then unite around Obama, our nominee, and win in November.

Sharon Yellowdog (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:30 PM)

Senator Obama is just getting started! He will win North Carolina and it's a close race in Indiana. There is no way for the other candidate to catch him. This will not go to the convention. Hillary might still be hanging around but for what?

Obama for President!!!

Diane,greenville,sc (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:35 PM)

...Nonetheless, it is wearying. "It seems like it ought to be over," [Leila Medley] says with a sigh....

Yet, Ms. Medley lacks the courage to be the one that makes it "over." What a hypocrite.

tee, oakland, ca (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:42 PM)

So happy to see Hillary moving UP in the polls. I voted for her in my state primary and contributed to her campaign.

Hillary is the most qualified and electable candidate for President and I will support her all the way to the White House (baggage and all).

I hope the remaining superdelegates endorse her and a solution to Florida and Michigan is reached, so she can focus on the general election.

BTW: Obama will make a great Vice-President and can run again in 2016, when he has more experience.

HILLARY, OUR NEXT PRESIDENT !!!

HILLARY SUPPORTER (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:45 PM)

So how does that sound to Leila Medley, the political director for the Missouri National Education Association and one of the superdelegates we profiled for "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams"?

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

Ms. Medley,

For your informaiton, when Hill, and Bill left the office of Govenor in the state Arkansas, their educational system was the worst in the nation.

You, and the Pa. teachers union are a bunch of idiots.

west jeff., pa. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:46 PM)

Well Yeah Super delegates should stay neutral. Last time I checked NEITHER candidate had the required number of pledged delegates to win the nomination. And of course if you realize that the state legislatures in Florida and Michigan screwed their constituents and count their votes as well, then everyone should be asking Sen. Obama to drop out for the good of the party right?
There is nothing wrong with going to the convention without a nominee. Is everyone too young to remember how this works????

M. Heiden (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:46 PM)

Hillary will be hanging around because she will be the nominee. There is no way in h_ll Obama can win in November and the SuperDelegates know this. They are just holding tight waiting until he knows it.

Wildcat (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:54 PM)

Ms. Medley is a Hillary supporter. She is obviously not neutral on this. Look at the FEC records that shows that she has contributed $750 to Hillary Clinton's campaing during the first quater of this year. So, don't assume that she is "uncommited" yes because she says so. Look at the records and include that very important information. She is a Hillary Clinton supporter.

Carla, Miami, Fl (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:54 PM)

The SDs are smart. They don't listen to the Scream Dean. They also see Obama sinking like a stone.

Pat Ellis (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:55 PM)

Funny how people say "why can't he close the deal"?

Well how about "why couldn't HRC close the deal"?

Lets think back to before Iowa shall we. HRC had ALL the money, ALL the name recognition, and ALL the Party Machine behind her.

Who even heard of Barack Obama?

Yet look where she is now. LOSING. She hasn't closed the deal and CAN'T close the deal.

She WILL NEVER catch up in delegates. She has all but lost this nomination, a nomination that was only hers to lose.

So instead of saying "Why can't Obama close the deal" (which by the way, he actually already has-HRC can't win unless the election is STOLEN from Obama), how about asking "Why couldn't HRC close the deal?"

And Ms. Medley, maybe you should grow a pair and say who you are supporting, instead of acting like a whiner and complaining about how long this race has gotten.

Obama 08 (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:56 PM)

It's now ending for Obama. Indiana is lost because of Obama's buddy Rev Wright blabbering his life story for the last 3 days. NC will tank for him too and go with Hillary. Crash and burn.

LT Taylor (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:58 PM)

If she (Medley) is going to endorse Hillary might as well do it now. Why wait until the convention when she is saying all the things in this article that point to Hillary.

Larry Los Angeles Ca. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:01 PM)

This just in... NC Governor endorses Hillary Clinton...
Is John Edwards next???

Hillary Clinton = Madame President '08!!!

Shabby, Florida (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:02 PM)

This just in... NC Governor endorses Hillary Clinton...
Is John Edwards next???

Hillary Clinton = Madame President '08!!!

Shabby, Florida (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:04 PM)

don't worry. most supers have another 2 full months, and there are nine states ahead. am sure the critical mass of the supers would have committed, and the nominee known by end of June.

sem, va (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:07 PM)

Hillary has not been able to seal the deal. he has lost a 30 point lead and has lost the delegate battle. Go ahead, have a re-vote in FL and MI. Whenever Obama campaigns he gains thousands of voters. Whenever Clinton campaigns, including in Ohio and Penn, she loses thousands of supporters to Obama. She never would have won in First in the nation New Hampshire if she had not promised and pledged that FL and MI would not be seated if they violated the rules. Now Clinton wants to violate her pledge and go back on her promise. Re-votes after 2-3 weeks campaigning...Great! We're paying 15 million dollars an hour in Iraq. A re-vote would cost about 2 hours.

You want to start over and make it about the popular vote? OK. Obama will visit every small, medium and large city in America, every well-educated suburb and every college campus. He will end up millions of votes in the lead.
The media runs their favorite show every night: How can we keep Hillary in the race so our ratings stay high?

kathleen san juan (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:07 PM)

Obama has been outspending Clinton 3-1 and Clinton is still battling on. Obama just cant seem to close the deal is correct. He needs to Change his strategy. His Change campaign is getting old and tired. I liked Clintons idea of debate head to head like Abe Lincoln did.

Geoff, Collinsville IL (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:10 PM)

As a Clinton supporter, I cannot imagine counting the Michigan vote when her opponents weren't even on the ballot. I want her to win, but not at any cost to the party's dignity.

Rose (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:11 PM)

I'm so angry with Sen. Obama. I've been a staunch supporter of Sen. Obama since he announced his candidacy. I'm so mad with Rev. Wright. He needs to go sit down somewhere and be quiet. But moreover, Sen. Obama needs to take control of what's happening. He's our nominee but I'm NOT going to hear about Rev. Wright until the nomination. I'm just NOT!

Obama 2008

Drop Out Hillary...Save Us ALL! (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:14 PM)

I got a feeling Edwards is going to put his support behind Clinton. It is just a thought.....

Signed: big Edwards fan and was disappointed that you dropped out before Missouri. I voted for you anyway.

Louis, Missouri (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:16 PM)

Seating delegates from Florida and Michigan should be done upon approval of the DNC. So far, each state has refused to redo the primaries, so the only way to seat the delegations is to have them divided equally amongst all candidates as of the date of the original primaries, not just among Clinton and Obama. Fair is fair, but giving the elected count as of that date will not settle the inequities of the early primaries. Remember, Michigan has a Democratic governor, so don't say that there was no way to stop the early voting.

RhonnieM, Cincy, OH (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:17 PM)

Obama is in trouble and he and his delusional supporters will see how this unfolds. White America as Rev. Wright so eloquently refers to will show the 10-12% of black America how they truly feel about this self-proclaimed wolf in sheep clothing. Best believe that.

Objective Analysis (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:18 PM)

Obama hasn't closed the deal. But Hillary lost the deal ages ago, and can't win.

John S (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:21 PM)

I agree with Sharon. Well said.

In the end, whoever is in the delegate lead, should win. The Democratic race is won by the person with the most delegates. NOt the popular vote, not the most states won, and not the biggest states. The only thing that matters is the delegate count.

Although FL and MI should not count, the DNC should still count them (in part at least) to quiet the dissent and appease those voters.

greg, Bellingham WA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:22 PM)

I don,t know how obama hid all his baggage from US all but man It sure is staring to smell very fishy

marcos vanc, wa (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:26 PM)

This process should not be rushed. Information and details are slowly coming out about these candidates(allowing voters and superdelegates to weigh their respective differences) at this very late stage of the game. Unfortunately, a lot of information was not evident earlier in this process-now we must let things take their course. I believe that another debate would be helpful for people still on the fence.
At the end of the day we all want to know as much about our candidate as we can before voting-not after the fact.

jane, new york city, ny (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:30 PM)

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Pete, Meridian, ID (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:35 PM)

The problem as I see it is that on first glance, Obama looks good. He sounds very presidential and appears to be a new breed of politician. But once you take a good look at his views, you realize that he is very elitist. He looks down on middle class america with their bitter attitudes, gun in one hand, bible in the other( as he sees us) and seems to have a lot of contempt for us. Even his pastor says that he is just a politician who says whatever he has to just to get votes. I am sorry that I was buffaloed by his first impressions and I am certain that many of the people who were caught up in the Obamania of the early days(Before the Wrightgate/Bittergate/Typical White Persongate/Ayersgate/Gaffe of the day gate changed the dynamics of the race.I don't see him having enough support to win the general election. If hes the nominee Ill vote for McCain.

Tom, The Voice of Reason, Plattsburgh NY (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:38 PM)

Tom, The Voice of Reason, Plattsburgh NY (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:39 PM)

what thiscountry needs above all is a Democratic president, this is a must, foremost and I must admidt, I was pushing for Obama, but after hearing the ramblings and the so called words of wisdom of his minister, I see absolutely NO WAY this man can overcome his association and unite the country against Mcaine, it's ashame, but if I as a supporter feel that way, imagine the rest of the country...Therefore I believe in the interest of a Democratic win, Mr Obama should resign and let Hillary carry the Democratic ticket
jay fl

jay boca raton florida (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:41 PM)

Lack of Super Delegates response shows 3 things:
1. Dean is a leader in name only, no power
2. Same reason both parties lack Congressional progess....POLITICAL FEAR
3. Fear of Clinton revenge

Super Delegates need to show leadership and back bone.

Bob, Chicago

Bob, Chicago (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:46 PM)

Diane the Survey USA 4/24-4/27 poll shows Clinton with a 9 point lead in the Indiana primary and the latest AP/Ipsos poll she beats McCain by 9 points vs Obama beating McCain by 2. It would appear that Obama's not willing to debate Clinton one on one in Indiana may be coming back to haunt him. People are starting to ask real questions and Obama's is slipping. And we have 9 contests to go. It now looks like she is closing in North Carolina as well picking up yet another superdelegate today from that state. But then maybe you thought Obama would win Pennsylvania too? People are realizing we are electing a president, this isnt American Idol, we need to hire someone who can do the job. Indiana voters will make a responsible, informed decision and elect clinton.

Paul in Indianapolis (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:56 PM)

"The voters cannot be punished for the antics of their politicians"

Who voted these politicians into office? That is what happens when people do not vote for elected officials. Rules are changed by those in power that affect the people.

GO OBAMA!

Fernando, San Antonio, TX (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:01 PM)

Dear superdelegate. Please do the math. It is only arithmetic. Use a calculator if you must. NOBODY can close the deal; neither Hillary nor Barack because there are too damn many of you. If you can't decide and commit then resign. If enough of you resign then the candidates will mathematically be able to close the deal. Sheeesh!!

nuanced (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:10 PM)

All this Obamanista talk about the superdelegates giving it to Clinton is a farce. The SD will have to give it to either Obama or Clinton because neither will have the pledged delegates necessary. So which one can beat McCain should be the issue. Howard Dean said the other day that Clinton and Obama are basically tied right now. He sees the writing on the wall. Obama is tanking.

Don, San Francisco (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:12 PM)

This mess might be cleared up by next week. If Indiana votes the way that this Ohio man believes the will. Obama should get a big boost. There is no way that race will go to the conventions. After this weekend's drama. People will soon say enough is enough. We (Dem.) are tearing our chances to win the Big Prize. To take a line from the Hip Hop community. " You know your a star, when the Hatez start to come after you".

Blaqwolf, Youngstown, Ohio. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:13 PM)

Obama is going to be the nominee and despite the fact that I have always supported the democrats and have been with Obama from the beginning, I think McCain will win. Clinton is hurting him too much, I consider this primary a murder-suicide.

Publius, Madison WI (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:17 PM)

Time to join the good guys, Medley.

http://gibbsv.blogspot.com/

Sam, Muncie, Ind. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:18 PM)

I cant understand that the media is telling people that Clinton is leading in the popular vote. She is taking 385000 votes in Michigan and giving him zero. Why is Clintons fast and loose with the facts math not being reported. Obama will win the delegate count and the vote. If they steal it from him then we will elect John McCain.

tom mittton casa grande az (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:19 PM)

this story just shows how impotent dean is to solve this mess

mike ca (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:20 PM)

Good for them! I'm an personally glad that they are not MEDIA DRIVEN!

The media has done more to divide this country than President ever has for greed, new shows, anchors it's called as Gwen said on Meet the Press, "Full Media Employment."

The media is a disgrace and has envoked RACISM in this race and does on a daily basis trying to divide the ethic groups.

They will not succeed because Americans will not let the Media take us to a dark place we have come too far and fortunately they are few that are playing this game.

VL, (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:25 PM)

As I keep asking: Why aren't reporters debating why Hillary hasn't closed the deal, not Obama (other than the fact Hill keeps asking and the media parrots her "humble" sayings). Anyway, she started out 2 years ago with the most cash, a BIGGGGGG lead in the polls, a former president to support her and name recognition (if she was a Smith or Jones, we wouldn't be having this conversation). Yet, she's behind.

Just watching how she's run her campaign tells me all I need to know about her -- all that cash for donuts, no plans to compete after Super Tuesday, the race baiting and the lies. Twenty-seven or so % still supports Bush so I suppose it's understandable that a portion of our population doesn't see the Clintons for how they are. The press though, they should be different. Enough of the 10 second sound bites -- let's get back to some real news . . .

IntegrityFirst, NYC (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:29 PM)

As an Obama supporter I find the Clinton backers call for counting Florida and Michigan interesting to say the least. All candidates went into those primaries with the understanding that the state delegates would not be seated due to rule violations. Obama wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan. How is it fair to count Michigan?
Either a revote or an even split of delegates would be the only fair options.
Obama will finish the primary run with a lead in delegates and votes. He should be the party's nominee. He will defeat John McCain in November.

Depilopendet, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:30 PM)

I think the supr delegates sitting on the fence have no right to complain about how long is taking for the Clinton machine to die.I have to laugh at the closing the deal bit... She is well known, she has a president speaking for her and all the connecttion made in the past 20+ years and they expect Obama to close the deal...Any other person running would have gone home by now. He is won, by double the states and more delegates and votes. The super know it will be decided by them in the end,so why not now?
Any democrat will win in november, but only one awoke the consciuosness of young people to partecipate, the older people to get excited, like me, inspire the country with a new voice.
To me the choice is simple.
He is a leader.

lea,fredericjsburg,va (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:30 PM)

Yellowdog,

Those voters elected those politicians to make those decisions and choices for them. If they made bad decisions in electing those politicians, why would you want them to continue making bad choices by counting their votes this time? Why is it that voters are never responsible for the politicians they elected?

Pokes11, Cheyenne OK (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:31 PM)

Supers are smart to hold their support of either candidate. I called my congressman's local office today and emailed him in DC and my message was: you endorse Obama and you lose my vote and I know lots of locals who feel the same.

I wish I could say that I could support either candidate but that is not the case. I have serious doubts about Obama and what his secret agenda is. That was before I read his book, before bittergate and before Wright. Statements made by Obama in his books lead me to believe that he is anti-white, Michelle voices that opinion and we know their spiritual advisor does in a big way. In addition to all that I feel that Obama is just not ready to be president for lots of reasons.

Hillary supporter in TN (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:43 PM)

like Ms Medley said, obama has been all talk and little substance...

and i agree with Ms. Yellowdog...the voters should not be punished becos of idgit politicans. Dean is an idiot. What is with all this get the primaries done now? why becos there's a woman in the running. What a bunch of BS.

so far hilary has the most agressive ideas for homeowners who stand to lose their homes..

all obama had to say was, its time for a change...

duh! obama...

you went to yale, or whatever to tell me this? damn and i even shaved my legs.....

and mccain will do what ever the Pubs tell him to do..just like the shrub before him

how come no one talks about what mccain did to help lose jobs from american's making american military aircraft? The fact that he help give those jobs to Europe?

http://tiahrt.houseenews.net/mail/util.cfm?gpiv=1999902301.125783.33&gen=1

looks, walks and talks like a traitor to me....

deAnna Rice, Lakewood, CA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:44 PM)

Howard Dean is now saying that the pledged delegate count will not matter, and it will not matter who is ahead because "Supers" are free to vote for the candidate they feel will have the best chance of beating McCain? This is a set up for Hillary to sneak in and steal the nomination. Watch & wait America the nomination will be stolen from Obama.

Obama Supporter in Florida!

Elizabeth, Mulberry, FL (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:59 PM)

If Obama gets the nomination this summer McCain will surely win the election in November.

Van Epps Houston Texas (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:10 PM)

I'm also an Obama supporter, but I'm not sure that I agree with splitting delegates in Florida the way it was previously suggested.

At the time of the Florida vote, Sen. Obama was hardly known. For better or worse, now people know more about him. I'm inclined to believe that many Floridians voted for Sen. Clinton because of name recognition. Neither candidate actually campaigned there. Watching CNN coverage on the Penn. primary, I've heard a few people saying that they had voted for Clinton because they recognized her name and they didn't know anything about Obama.

In Michigan, that's a worse story, she was the only one in the ballot; and again, name recognition could've been an issue there.

If both candidates had campaigned in these two states, many more voters would've voted too.

Not sure what the solution is though.

SVORR, Vienna, VA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:14 PM)

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