Maine congressman backs Obama

Posted: Monday, May 12, 2008 10:49 AM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Ken Strickland and Domenico Montanaro
Maine congressman and candidate for U.S. Senate Tom Allen announced his support for Obama this morning, bringing the Illinois senator within one of taking the lead in the NBC News superdelegate count.

Obama has now picked up 20 superdelegates since last Tuesday's contests in North Carolina and Indiana. Clinton has netted 1.5 since then.

The NBC NEWS delegate counts:
PLEDGED: Obama 1,590, Clinton 1,426
SUPERS: Clinton 276.5, Obama 276
TOTAL: Obama 1,866, Clinton 1,702.5

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Comments

Need One More!

Stephen, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:00 AM)

NBC seems a bit behind here. Everyone else has had Obama in the lead for a couple of days.

Doesn't matter much though, because it is almost over.

Obama is approaching a 175 delegate lead.

Bill Johnson, Anaconda, Montan (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:01 AM)

As Maine goes, so goes the Nation!!

Linda S., Albuquerque, NM (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:04 AM)

Everyone who has even a tiny thought of voting for McCain should see this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y395Tftgz0E

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:04 AM)

To Senator Barack Obama and the American People -

And we can build this dream together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us, nothing's gonna stop us

Starship (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:04 AM)

Thank you Congressman Tom Allen. Barack is saying, we are not there yet. Keep 'em coming supers. Let's take the lead on everybodies tally!

ET (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:05 AM)

Obama and Clinton should just drop out now, most of thier votes have came from Republicans who are just trying to make it easier for McCain in November by dividing the democratic party.

John, MI (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:06 AM)

20 vs. 1.5......nuff said. We here in the capital city are working hard to close some gap for Obama WV. Its an uphill battle (a letter to the editor in today's paper says the voter will not vote for Sen.Obama 'cause he does not say the Pledge of Allegiance-----a shame on many, many fronts), but we call, canvass, visit, discuss, and post on until......

Sherri, Charleston WV (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:06 AM)

Yippee another superdelegate endorses Barack Obama, the next President of the United States. Just the first but most likely nmot the last catch of the day.

Too bad "Desperate" Hillary can't keep getting the supers to endorse her, just goes to show she's lost their support as well as the majority of the Democratic Party. There goes the whole failed gameplan for her as she had to count on the superdelegates to pull her pantsuits out of the fire.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:07 AM)

As if Hillary could win the GE without the support of Black voters, whose support I might add, could be very difficult to get running on the message that Black votes don't count for much in America. The truth always hurts, especially when everyone else knows it and your supposed leaders taunt you with it.

Tired of Being Tired (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:08 AM)

Yayyyy!!!! I love Tom Allen.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:08 AM)

Move On!! The pimp of Obama is how I see it!!

anybody but Obama (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:09 AM)

What is the mystery about these super-delegates? Why doesnt anyone agree on the numbers? MSNBC as them dead even at 276 Real Clear Politics, who I would imagine is abreast of the numbers, has Obama leading 277-272. What is so hard in keeping track?

Stan Richman (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:10 AM)

DAAH-HAAAAMMMM!!! And it resumes . . . drip . . . DRIP . . . DRIPP!! Welcome Mr. Allen! Aahm . . . Hillary? He's 0.5 behind of you now. Breathing down your neck with party insiders, taking your supporters from you, what are u doing??

Matthew, Newark NJ (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:10 AM)

It's 3AM and the phone is ringing in the White House. It's Hillary calling Barack to see if she can come visit her old haunts for old time's sake. That's the only way she'll be getting back to the White House now. Barack better keep a close eye on her so she doesn't steal anything.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:10 AM)

Superdelegates, please stop the madness before "dueling banjos" becomes the new Clinton campaign song.

Dave, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:11 AM)

Hey Billary - that light you see at the end of the tunnel is almost on top of you!

The Hope Express (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:11 AM)

We're almost there!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:11 AM)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Nomination goes to Obama = MCCAIN in the White House. Period! The DNC is willing to gamble that all democrates will support Sen. Obama --- Think very seriously about that - as many independants and Clinton Supporters - simply may not due to Sen. Obama's own opinions about "typicle white, small town, bible clinging, gun totting - antipathy toward others who are not like them" voters...

With ZERO apology for his statements. What does this tell you about the person Sen. Obama really is?

Vote Obama = McCain in the White House (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:12 AM)

This drip drip strategy is making me feel sorry for the Clintons.
OUCH !

Kudos to David Axelrod !

Steve. NewYork NY (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:14 AM)

I feel the river starting to flow now! Great news for Obama!

http://www.politivine.com

Cory (SC) (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:14 AM)

Obama's campaign has been running a movement of volunteers who are registering more people, all over the country.

We also need to address the issue of voter ID's. For low income people, either the fees for birth certificates and ID's needs to be waived, or we need to donate to a fund that covers them. No one should be excluded from voting due to financial hardship.

Terry, IN (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:17 AM)

It's going to be a great week, isn't it?

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:18 AM)

Even though other news organizations have declared Obama leading Clinton in superdelegates I'm going with the more accurate count from Chuck Todd. All campaign season long Chuck Todd has done a great job of counting up the delegates. He seems to be the only pundit counting the half votes properly and I'm sticking with Chuck's count even if others make Obama look better. Besides we all know that "Desperate" Hillary will cling to the most advantageous superdelegate count she can to avoid facing the truth that she has lost.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:22 AM)

WOW !!!! THE FLORIDA DEMANDS REPRESENTATION COALITION WILL BE HOSTING THE " COUNT OUR VOTES PROTEST RALLY " THIS SUNDAY MAY 18 TH. FROM 4:30 P.M.-- 7 P.M. AT THE TORCH OF FRIENDSHIP BAYFRONT PARK,301 BISCAYNE BLVD, IN MIAMI,FLORIDA.FOR FURTHER INFO. floridademandsrepresentation.

Alan Keys, Miami Beach, Florida (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:22 AM)

Vote Obama---he did apologize for those ill stated comments!!! Cut him a break!

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:25 AM)

Vote Obama = McCain in the White House (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:12 AM):With ZERO apology for his statements. What does this tell you about the person Sen. Obama really is?

It tells us Vote Obama that Obama will be the next President of the Uinted States. In fact, it is going to be a landslide over McCain. So sit back and watch the fun.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:27 AM)

Bill -

Rush Limbaugh is irrelevent and the republicans that disrespected our voting system had very litte effect, if any. Rush seems to think the privilege to vote should be degraded into a reality show voting strategy. That speaks volumes about the respect his party has for the Unitied States.

Nick, Portland, Oregon (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:30 AM)

Get Real, a vote for Obama is not a vote for McCain in the White House. Only Obama offers us a real choice of change against the tired old smear and fear politics of the past few decades. Obama will send "Sleepy" McCain back to his regular day job in the Senate where he can once again catch up on his afternoon napping.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:31 AM)

To Chuck Todd:
I understand there are some differences between how different news groups count delegates and I have always trusted your numbers. I guess because your math has been right-on as you count pledged delegates, popular votes, etc. I am wondering which set of numbers is the Obama campaign using? and what is their number count? Any clarification would be appreciated. This matters because when we get close to 2025, I would like to be sure the numbers are real.
Thanks.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:33 AM)

To anyone so foolish to think that we Obama supporters are somehow taking orders from the Obama campaign to post nasty flames here against "Desperate" Hillary then you had better think again. This outporing here at First Read by so many Obama supporters is proof that the Clintons have pissed off plenty of Democrats that are sick and tired of their lies and her constant complimenting of Flip Flop McCain.

Hillary should have been more careful to heed the old saying that what you sow you shall reap and now she reaps the whirlwind of disgust from the majority of Democrats. If you can't stand the heat of her kitchen sink strategy then get out of her kitchen before you get burned!

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:36 AM)

From DailyKos

Update: Looks like Obama is about to get another

Press conference scheduled for Monday

Last Idaho superdelegate before convention to make endorsement

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Democratic Party officials will gather at Party Headquarters at noon Monday, where Chairman R. Keith Roark, will announce his endorsement democratic presidential nomination.

Additionally, Mr. Roark will also take questions about plans for an active Democratic Presidential campaign in Idaho this year for the first time in four decades.

* Who: R. Keith Roark, Chairman, along with other Democratic party officials

* What: Superdelegate announcement

* When: Monday, May 12, Noon

* Where: Idaho Democratic Party Headquarters (988 Longmont, Boise, ID

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/12/102924/889?detail=f

ColoradoJim (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:37 AM)

Obama, not a chance I would vote for him.

votedoesnotcountmich (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:39 AM)

I find it strangely ironic (or worse) that those with the most at stake in this election - the under $50,000, less educated crowd - are the ones who are deciding their vote on skin color and lies about Obama's religion, Rev. Wright, etc.

CitizenJ (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:39 AM)

I don't know about you all, but these next few months are going to be some trying times in my household. My wife is a die-hard Hillary supporter who is one of the posters that are vehemently opposed to supporting Obama this fall. I secretly voted for him in our state's primaries, although my wife thinks I voted for Hillary. I honestly did not do so based on gender. I did so because I love what that man stands for and believes this country is ready for the types of changes he envisions. Most of my Democratic buddies feel the same way (and quite a few of the Republican ones). I think there is a feeling of serious let down from women in my wife's generation. They are hurt, sad and disappointed that Hillary does not seem to be the likely candidate. These are very sensitive times for them, and I am respectfully asking that the Obama supporters realize this and begin to take a higher road on the things we say on the boards. It's not as if my wife has anything per se against Obama. She is loyal to Hillary right now solely because she is the most intelligent, viable woman candidate who has ever run for President. But she IS against the Obama supporters right now, especially the ones who taunt and tease Hillary and her supporters. Please realize that this is a very tense and emotional time for them. You're not helping Obama win over these very needed voters by calling Hillary or her supporters names. Please realize this. These women are very strong-willed and powerful, and they don't forgive easily, especially to receiving foul language and being called old and unimportant. Please people, tone it down, not only for the sake of millions of households, but for the sake of Obama becoming our next President. Thank you much!

Andrew Clanton, Jacksonville IL

Andrew, Jacksonville IL (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:40 AM)

I can't wait to see a McCain-Obama debate.

Just imagine: a young, charismatic man with a real vision for change standing next to an old, hunched over, bumbling Bush clone promising more American families that they will go bankrupt, lose their homes, and have their children die in Iraq and Iran.

CitizenJ (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:41 AM)

Those Yankees are some mighty smart folks, ayuh!

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:42 AM)

Enough of the trash-talking about Hillary already! obamatrons should remember that you will need Hillary supporters like myself in Nov for the GE. Keep degrading and taking petty cheep-shots at my girl and you will completely alienate us. Don't forget that even if you like your obama better, Hillary & Bill have done ALOT for this party & country. Give them the respect they deserve! If not, say good-bye to alot of Dems just like me.

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:42 AM)

Thanks Tom...You have my vote for the senate!!!!

Caroline, Thomaston ME (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:46 AM)

To All Women: We (I'm a 64 year old white UAW working woman active in the women's movement of the 60's) fought for equality for all not just women. We saw our fate intertwined with the fate of all those who faced inequality in our country. Hillary Clinton (with her statement in USA Today about how white workers would only vote for her) was the lowest, divisive, most racially charged statement since the southern democrats in the 60's. Why woman
would vote for her after that statement is beyond me. Her legacy and that of the ex-president is DEAD! Obama has taken the high road despite all of the attacks on him from both the Clintons. How can anyone deny this and not respect his consistant message. He even stayed silent on this latest racially charged statement from Hillary. Wow, what a guy. He's got my vote!

Serious (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:48 AM)

Good Morning Chuck "CLINTON" Todd. You counting proves my point.

Bob, Chicago

Bob, Chicago (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:49 AM)

It really disgusts me when I hear and read about Clinton supporters that are going to vote for McCain instead of Obama. This is not a game people. A vote for McCain is a vote for more war. It is a vote for thousands more American soldiers dying and getting wounded in an unjust and criminal war in Iraq. It is a vote for the further slide of the middle class and lower income families down the economic scale. If you think our great country is on the right course and you want to see four more years like the past eight, then McCain is your guy. But if you want to change this country, if you want to renew this country, then please let go of your petty sore-loser attitude and vote for Obama.

Change You Can Believe In (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:50 AM)

Glad to see that Hillary is doing what the Dems have done so well for 7 1/2 years. They've lost the art of losing graciously and now they're doing it to each other. She learned well at Gore's knee.

Keith, American Fork, UT (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:51 AM)

Change You Can Believe In (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:51 AM)

Sherri in WV - Thanks for helping to close the gap in West Virginia.

Obama '08

sharrell (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:52 AM)

Change You Can Believe In (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:52 AM)

Chuck, did you add Tom Allen from Portland to the SD count?

cliff (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:52 AM)

Change You Can Believe In (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:53 AM)

Lewis-he never apologized, he just said he regretted. Big difference.

You'd think Obama supporters would be nicer to Clinton supporters, because if we swing to McCain, Obama is a sure loser.

Kyle (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:53 AM)

GET OUT HILLARY!!!!!!!! you are just humiliating yourself further. after this fiasco you have drawn out, you probably won't even win the senate next time around. and good riddance.

rikki, WV (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 11:54 AM)

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