Romer: Time for supers is 'right now'

Posted: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 10:53 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Delegates

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer said he's endorsing Obama now because he believes all superdelegates should get on the record "right now.” It’s "now time to turn to the general."

On the endorsement call, he's going to stop short of calling for Clinton to drop out, but he believes the race has ended, which is why he's coming out now for Obama; he believes Obama's got the math on his side.

Romer, a former Democratic National Committee chairman, added that Obama has good support in the West and that he can put some Western states in play. Romer said he informed Clinton senior aide Harold Ickes late yesterday of his final decision. Romer is the fifth DNC chair to endorse Obama; eight others are for Clinton.

OBAMA (5): Andrew, Romer, Kirk, Dodd, Wilhelm
CLINTON (8): Rendell, Manatt, DeLee, Grossman, Harris, Strauss, McAuliffe, Curtis

*** UPDATE *** In the conference call announcing his support of Obama, Romer said, "The math is controlling. This race, I believe, is over." He continued, "Sen Obama. has accumulated a lead in delegates that cannot be overcome."

As mentioned above, he didn't call for Clinton to quit the race, but he said the more information she has about how superdelegates -- like him -- are breaking, the better kind of decision she will make regarding her future in the race. "They need to know where I am as a superdelegate. That is not forcing them out of the race. That is giving them facts."

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Comments

Romer's right--this is our year. We better not blow it. Clinton's ego is not as important as the 4000+ lives lost in Iraq. Let's not forget what this election is really about.

Liz in SD (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 10:59 AM)

God forbid he calls for Clinton to drop out early...if he did, Patty might go crazy.

Time for the general (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:00 AM)

Watch as the lead grows...

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:01 AM)

Yes, the time for the Supers is RIGHT NOW!! Let's get this Hillary ego-trip charade over once and for all.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:01 AM)

The reason some of the Superdelegates and media/pundits are pushing for Hillary to get out is she will have the popular vote lead at the end. This looks like Obama is weak, (like he is) and "the party" don't want that stigma attached to the "hopemonger".... The reason the loser past Presidental Nominees are pushing her to get out is for the same reason.... They don't want the Bush Gore analogy of 2000, popular vote vs delegates. They also want more time for little Obama to rest and prepare, and visit the battleground states.

I hope Hillary stays in, and exposes Obama for exactly what he is, a puppet propped up by the media and controlled by the left wing of the Democratic party.

The Truth Hurts (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:01 AM)

First: Obama has not won the nomination yet.

Second. If he does win the nomination, he will not win in November.

Third: It will not be because of racism but because he is NOT qualified.

Celeste, OR (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:02 AM)

What about the popular vote? If you add up the popular vote and give Obama a goose egg in Michigan, I will have the lead! Let's do that! I mean, we all know that even if Obama had been on the ballot in Michigan, not one person in that state would have voted for him! Sure, I signed the documents, saying that Michigan and Florida would not count this year. So what? Since when is my word good for anything? It's all about me! I should be president! My husband cheated on me!

Insincerely,

Hillary Clinton

Obama/Anyone but Hillary Clinton in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:02 AM)

Thank You - I like the Clintons but I know that there needs to be unity. I like the Redskins but once they lost - I supported NY Giants. Its time to move on and beat the Republicans.

Marcus, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:03 AM)

why was this not based on previous standards considered a switch by you. Per the WAPO:

Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson, a Democratic convention delegate pledged to support Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, said yesterday that he thinks Sen. Barack Obama has "in a real sense" won the Democratic nomination and that he now plans to support Obama at the August convention.

Thanks for the explanation

Lyn,MD (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:07 AM)

The truth hurts = my truth is only what matters kinda like your candidate. Gee you sound like one of those bitter people that Obama was talking about the sooner you realize how bitter you sound the sooner you will realize just maybe he was right.

DontBeSoAngry (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:08 AM)

"Time for the general", thanks for the laugh!

Where's Patty? (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:09 AM)

Despite the self-proclaimed oracles here who know all and see all with their omnipotent visions of the future, wherein Obama garners no votes, polls belie your vision, as do primary results. It's time to set the magical thinking aside, embrace the facts and indisputable mathmatics of the situation, and relinquish the sour grapes. On to the general!! GOBAMA.

Netta CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:10 AM)

I will not vote for Obama. I would rather see McCain get it. You have to have a descent spouse to be able to pull it off. Michelle sucks.

Becky ky (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:11 AM)

So in other words, the superdelegates should ultimately force the issue, they should do what all the Obama supporters were saying in January, and February and March that they shouldn't do because back then it looked like the superdelegates were going to possibly throw it Clinton's way and the Obama supporters said that wouldn't be fair.

So it's fair if the superdelegates decide. It's fair if they do it before the convention which still creates a brokered candidate, it's just outside of the convention as long as the superdelegates give the nomination to Barack Obama instead of Hillary Clinton.

Typical Obama supporter reasoning.

If it benefits Obama, it's fair.

If it benefits Clinton, then it's unfair.

Whatever.

Whatever (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:11 AM)

Ah, yes, but the metric for success is not the popular vote. Just like it is not the metric for the general election. The metric is delegates. Is now, always ways always will be. The netric in the general is electoral votes. Like it, or don't, it is the system we use. She knew it going in. So did he. They have both campainged hard, and only one can win. At this point in time, the NUMBER OF DELEGATES seems to point to Obama as the victor. That is why the push to have Hillary exit. Not any other reason. You can spin all you like, but the numbers are what they are.

clueless in colorado (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:12 AM)

Democrats unite now!

The math is simply not with Senator Clinton. Axelrod promised a roll out of a few new supers every day and it appears he wasn't kidding as a few new supers have come out for Obama everyday since. It is effectively over. Time for party unity.

America can not afford 4 years of John McCain.

Jason, Grand Blanc, MI (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:13 AM)

Ah, yes, but the metric for success is not the popular vote. Just like it is not the metric for the general election. The metric is delegates. Is now, always ways always will be. The metric in the general is electoral votes. Like it, or don't, it is the system we use. She knew it going in. So did he. They have both campainged hard, and only one can win. At this point in time, the NUMBER OF DELEGATES seems to point to Obama as the victor. That is why the push to have Hillary exit. Not any other reason. You can spin all you like, but the numbers are what they are.

clueless in colorado (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:13 AM)

From his mouth to their ears! Come on, superdelegates! Take a stand and finish this process so that Barack Obama can move on to the general election campaign.

Mama for Obama (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:13 AM)

I agree with him. Now is the time to get behind the candidate and prepare for the general election. We can not, I repeat - we can not have another four years of the last eight. If someone is so ignorant to allow someone's race or gender to be a determining factor, they are too stupid to vote anyway. It is all about the issues and the issues only. Want the same then vote for McCain. It is your right. The popular vote is not an argument. The Party has rules. Rules she agreed to when she started her campaign, so why try to change them now in the 4th quarter? Not a cake walk as she thought it was going to be. Her name and her pandering are not working. Perhaps if she would have remained true to the issues, she would be winning. And to play the race card? DISGRACEFUL!!

Ron, McLean VA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:14 AM)

Yes it is time !!!

Supers need to act now !!!

McCain cannot win ... We want/need change!

mary lee w atlanta georgia (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:14 AM)

C'mon Chuck. Are we seriously reaching for any possible metric we can to lend some credibility to the Clinton campaign? We are comparing DNC chairs now? In the interest of full disclosure how many of hers endorsed before Iowa?

Dave, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:14 AM)

On First Read, it's sickening to see the smug Obama supporters on this site rub Hillary's face in defeat. It's very telling when the Obamans on this site address Chuck Todd as "Hey Chuck", as though he's their partner, which he is.

Chuck Todd supports Obama. He's "in the tank".

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:14 AM)

I hope Hillary stays in, and exposes Obama for exactly what he is, a puppet propped up by the media and controlled by the left wing of the Democratic party.
The Truth Hurts (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:01 AM)

My response: SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!

Angel (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:15 AM)

Becky ky

If you have to have a decent spouse, doesn't that automatically eliminate Hillary Clinton?

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

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:15 AM)

Clinton will not have the popular vote at the end...even with Florida and Michigan!

What is in your kool aid?

LStewart (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:16 AM)

This so true. Obama is going to re-draw the electoral map and those bigoted people who will not vote for him will stay behind.We want an INCLUSIVE and PROGRESSIVE America and if the people of West Virginia don't want it, it is too bad. This is their chance to show our country that they are in this movement of taking back our country from the dark ages of the Bush years.

Maria Hopgood (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:16 AM)

Obama not experience enough?

The greatest president we ever had was the least experienced, Abraham Lincoln. Two of our worst presidents had the most experience (Buchanan and Andrew Johnson). What made Lincoln great was JUDGMENT, and an ABILITY TO INSPIRE through his incredible speeches. He didn't PANDER like Hillary.

Barack 'n' Roll (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:17 AM)

Becky,

Do share with us all - what has Michelle Obama done to you?

Just Curious, WV (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:18 AM)

Yes, a spouse has everything to do with the presidency. And so, that's why serial cheater Bill and " I stole drugs from a charity" Cindy McCain are the reasons why Obama can't POSSIBLY win in November. Michelle just can't compare.

Lynn (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:19 AM)

I will not vote for Obama. I would rather see McCain get it. You have to have a descent spouse to be able to pull it off. Michelle sucks.
Becky ky
------------------------------------------------------
You don't surprise ANY of us Becky! Archie Bunker's cousin is voicing her opinion and would rather see more kids killed in Iraq, higher gas prices and a more conservative supreme court. Do you even REALIZE what is at stake in this election or do you only vote by color? People like you truly amaze me.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:19 AM)

For those who choose not to vote for Obama - I hope its on principle and not race - We as Americans are better than that.

Marcus, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:20 AM)

Hey Becky ky...
Have you checked out McCain's spouse? A doper and a thief, how does that compare to Michelle???
You are an IDIOT and a RACIST!

Alfredo,Rio Rancho,NM (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:20 AM)

Why are you Hillary supporters looking at one side of this race? She has working class whites, seniors and some white woman on her side. Obama has AA, young, new, over $50,000 income, and any working class white, white woman or senior that votes for McCain to spite Obama is putting their education, social security, health benefits, home, and jobs into jeapordy. There is not that much hate in the world for a black man to hurt yourself and your children. Lets not forget even more deaths in IRAQ. What is wrong with you people. Your racism hate is going to turn back on you, your children and this country.

Debbie,Ewing,NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:20 AM)

All of the Obama insults won't change the facts. He has most delegates, most popular, and most states won. Looks like eligibility to me.

Debbie,Ewing,NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:21 AM)

I will not vote for Obama. I would rather see McCain get it. You have to have a descent spouse to be able to pull it off. Michelle sucks.

-Becky ky

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

McCain and Clinton are WORLDS APART on the issues--he wants to stay in Iraq and run up the deficit and have more soldiers lose their lives, is not for universal health care, wants to overturn a woman's right to choose, wants the very rich to enjoy tax cuts etc.. If Hillary is not the nominee and therefore you support McCain, that makes NO sense. Unless, you don't care about the issues...

Young Democrat, Jersey City, NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:22 AM)

Ahhhh....there you go Becky, ky.....another uneducated one! Becky....Why would you vote for Obama when you are nothing but a Republican.....Wise up sweety!

Patty Patty, I have your Meds..... (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:22 AM)

Politico and Democratic Convention Watch have Fred Harris for Obama. Are your sources right?

Jason, Shoreview, MN (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:22 AM)

I truley believe that Hillary is no longer in the race for the office. We all know she can't win now. I believe that it is all about getting her money back that she gave to her campaingn. That is why she is so focused on raising money right now. I think if she makes her money back...she is outta there!!!!

Tonyjem71, Birmingham,AL (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:22 AM)

Becky ky,

Give Michelle a chance. The right-wing media has been very unfair to her and even some of the main-stream media has been unfair. You should take a look at her interview with Larry King to get a real sense of her (I think it's still available on the CNN site). She's smart, optimistic and hopeful about our country's future.

By the way, aren't those Obama daughters growing fast? I saw them on TV the other day and they look 8 inches taller than the last time I saw them.

GO OBAMA!!

Keith, PA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:22 AM)

Riddle me this Clinton supporters. When Hillary finally admits defeat and throws her support to Barack Obama and the Democratic Party are you going to really vote for our true enemy Flip Flop McCain?

After all this support you've shown her over all this time will you really dishonor her by voting for the repugnant one who will give us just more of the failed policies the Bush/Cheney Tyranny has wrought upon our good country? Will you blow off her suggestions for party unity so "Warmonger" McCain can keep our brave soldiers enslaved by the stop loss program that ensures they have to endure more combat tours? Is this the gratitude you'll show Hillary when she finally comes to grips with political reality?

If so then Hillary has three words for you: "Shame On You!"!

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:23 AM)

It takes someone who honestly believes they are better than you to attempt to pander you with stories like "Summer Gas Tax Holiday". And OBAMA is the elitist?? WAKE UP PEOPLE - Hillary doesn't care about you and here is more proof it's over.

Nick, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:23 AM)

I really don't understand "attacking the spouse" mentality. I think Michelle Obama is a fine wife, and mother. I also would never dream of attacking Cindy McCain either. Going after candidates wives
seems beneath the American public moral. By the way, I have never been a Bush fan but I think his wife is a class act.

Sandra, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:24 AM)

Hey TRUTH HURTS: Please explain in DETAIL exactly how HRC gets the popular vote. And don't repeat the HRC spin about giving HRC her Michigan votes and giving Obama ZERO, as any fool that believes that will happen doesn't even deserve to vote. Michigan and FLorida LOST THEIR DELEGATES and OBAMA's name wasn;t even on the ballot. Like it or not, rules are rules, and HRC looks like a whiny baby sore loser for continuing this Florida Michigan charade, especially since SHE SIGNED THE PLEDGED, and agreed that they would not count. Also her little crony Ikies, was one of the people IN CHARGE of the rules and was ALL for taking away delegates until "his girl" HRC started losing. STOP FOOLING YOURSELF, you sound like an idiot.

To Celeste, OR: Please explain in DETAIL why Obama will not win in November and WHY you say he is NOT qualified. And don't say that all of HRC supporters will not vote for him, as this is simply NOT TRUE. Sure some will stay home, and some LOSERS will vote for MCSame, but this is a VERY small percent of voters. McSame doesn't stand a chance against ANY democrat. AMerica is tired of the war, tired of the economy going down the toilet like yesterdays lunch and tired of GWB, and MCSame has promised to continue ALL of GWB policies AND appoint CONSERVATIVE JUDGES to the SUPREME COURT, so any women out there that like having control of their own bodies better think LONG and HARD about voting for McSame. Bye- Bye Roe vs Wade. So please Celeste, please explain why Obama will lose and why HRC or McSame is any more qualified.

Waiting for replies.

MORE DELEGATES.
MORE VOTES.
MORE STATES.
PLAYS BY THE RULES.
DOESN'T WANT TO OBLITERATE ANYONE.
HAS EARNED THE NOMINATION FAIR AND SQUARE.

Obama 08

Jessica (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:24 AM)

For all you Clinton backers who continue to blindly follow your leader off of a cliff. Answer me this one simple question: How did she blow this thing? How did Hillary Clinton lose to a virtually unknown black canidate from the midwest? You can't say that its because she is a woman bc then John Edwards (and maybe a handful of other guys) would be in her position right now. So what was it, the media? Then how do you explain Rev. Wright, SNL, Limbaugh, and that fixed debate? Where was that 35 yrs of marital experience she claimed to have? What good is all that "experience" if it doesn't pay dividends? If she truly was the better canidate, why did she lose?

Dave, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:24 AM)

Becky KY

Bill is far worse than Michelle could ever try to be. Get a life! At least Michelle won't try to be president as Bill will!
Obama 08!

Obama 08 PA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:25 AM)

It's about time the superdelegates end this primary farce and get our party united and focused on sending "Flip Flop" McCain into political retirement, where all Reagan foot soldiers belong. I'm glad to hear that Romer is now making the call to his fellow supers to get off the fence and jump on board the winning Obama bandwagon.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:25 AM)

Look - all of you people claiming popular vote has anything to do with this primary election season - need to get off drugs. There are rules and processes that have been in-place for decades now - where it is ONLY the delegate count that matters. The ONLY reason that popular vote has come into question is because the Clinton Team cannot stand losing fairly by the rules that have been established, so they are trying to win the nomination by cheating and changing the rules in the middle of the game. This applies not ONLY to the popular vote debate that for some stupid reason is on-going (read news agencies wanting to keep their rating high so they try to keep the contests going)but it also applies to MI and FL (I feel for the people in those states, it was their leaders who let them down - and it was also the hard pigheadedness of Dean to be so drastic in his punishment - but all candidates agreed not to count the two states - and that is the rules they have to play by).

So - bottom line: 2025 is the ONLY magic number - and the ONLY number that matters - and ONLY one candidate will get that - and it will be Barack Obama, and I sincerely request that all Democrats, Independents and intelligent Republicans get behind him and vote for him to save this country from the doom that it has upon itself.

Looking for Hope (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:26 AM)

Personally, I dont believe all the interaction which is negative between the Clinton and Obama supporters are actually that. I believe a lot of them are republicans hoping to cause issues between us so that the easily swayed would vote for McCain.

I dont believe this many people would turn against our troops by voting for McCain and turn their backs on the future of their children, themselves and our country.

We are united!

Peace

PR, Renton, Washington (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:26 AM)

There are many qualified people Sen. Obama could pick as his V.P. My top three are Gov. Sebaulis from Kansas, Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel out of Nebraska, or Gov. Ed Rendell from Pennsylvania. Many people have floated the name of Gov. Ted Strickland from Ohio around. The problem with this pick is that although he may be able to deliver Ohio in the general election, he is a poor debater and would be a poor attack dog for Sen Obama. Gov. Rendell would be the best attack dog for him. Gov. Sebaulis would help deliver the female vote, but I know how she would fare as an attack dog. My guess is that Sen. Obama's running mate will be Sen. Hagel. He is the epitome of Sen. Obama's transcendent message of being a unifier.

james (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:27 AM)

Decent spouse?....Bill Clinton the only president in history "impeached" for lying about having sex in the whitehouse with an intern....Cindy McCain?...adulteress and pill freak?...Decent spouse?...I know you didn't go there!!!

judy bortell, Ovilla Tx (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:28 AM)

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