Delegate update: Byrd endorses Obama

Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008 1:12 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Obama, Delegates

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Despite Clinton's 41-point win West Virginia, Sen. Robert Byrd has thrown his support to Obama. He cites the latest dust up between Obama, Bush and McCain.

"As people all across this great nation know, I have been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Bush Administration’s misguided war in Iraq and its saber rattling around the globe," Byrd says in a statement released by the campaign. "With the Bush Administration's latest request to fund this on-going war in Iraq without any attempt to start bringing our troops home, the issue of the upcoming presidential contest has been weighing heavily on my heart. The loss of life continues and the sons and daughters of tens of thousands of American families remain in harm’s way every day.

"This Democratic primary campaign has been tough and competitive. I had no intention of involving myself in the Democratic campaign for President in the midst of West Virginia's primary election. But the stakes this November could not be higher. After a great deal of thought, consideration and prayer over the situation in Iraq, I have decided that, as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, I will cast my vote for Senator Barack Obama for President. Both Senators Clinton and Obama are extraordinary individuals, whose integrity, honor, love for this country and strong belief in our Constitution I deeply respect.

"I believe that Barack Obama is a shining young statesman, who possesses the personal temperament and courage necessary to extricate our country from this costly misadventure in Iraq, and to lead our nation at this challenging time in history. Barack Obama is a noble-hearted patriot and humble Christian, and he has my full faith and support."

The NBC NEWS Delegate Counts:
PLEDGED: Obama 1,602 to 1,444
SUPERDELEGATES: Obama 302.5 to 279.5
TOTAL: Obama 1,904.5 to 1,723.5.

*** UPDATE *** Kansas Democratic Party Chair Larry Gates throws his support to Obama as well. (Numbers adjusted.)

*** UPDATE 2 *** Two new Alaska superdelegates for Obama: Cindy Spanyers and Blake Johnson

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Comments

Please call Obama for America at 866-675-2008 and let them know you don't want Hillary Huckabee on the Obama ticket.

Tell a friend ...

Janice Rockett (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:14 PM)

YES WE CAN.

Vote against the Democratic Party. It’s the only way to send the message that sexism has to be thrown under the bus, “sweetie.”

VOTE AGAINST OBAMA.

NOT SO MUCH A VOTE FOR FOR MCCAIN AS IT IS AGAINST THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

patty,sd,ca (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:15 PM)

THANK YOU SEN. BYRD WELCOME ABOARD!!!
OBAMA/ZINNI 08

javier san antonio,tx (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:17 PM)

OBAMA WAS SENDING HILLARY A TELEGRAM ---->.."HILLARY, ITS OVER" ---- AND YOU WILL NOT BE MY VP -------
_____________________________________________________

OBAMA WAS SENDING HILLARY A TELEGRAM ---->.."HILLARY, ITS OVER"
______________________________________________________

OBAMA'S TELEGRAM TO HILLARY ---->.."HILLARY, ITS OVER"... (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:18 PM)

Wow. yet another . . .? Well hey . . . it's time already!

Matthew, Newark NJ (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:18 PM)

So what are the latest totals? How close is Obama to declaring victory?

SusaninIN (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:19 PM)

Take that, Hillary Huckabee!!!! It's over--you're history!
OBAMA '08

Janice Rockett (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:20 PM)

Wow! Now that's an endorsement. Thank you Sentor Byrd!

I invite all of Senator Clinton's supporter to join our common cause.

Go Obama!

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:20 PM)

I knew it! Byrd has way too much integrity to stand with Hillary, he has come full circle on his life's journey, and is standing now, for the RIGHT choice, just as he stood with his NO vote on Iraq so many years ago!! Hillary should know now that that YES vote on Iraq was the last straw for most of us who might have supported you, but instead, you chose to unite with those who claim faux patriotism, and so you shall go down with them as well.

LB, Virginia (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:20 PM)

Monumental: I believe Byrd is a form KKK sympathizer. After a brief fact check. He has stated he joined the KKK. There is some doubt to whether or not he sholeheartedly aggreed with their doctorine though.

Hussein (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:20 PM)

Who is expemplifying the true spirit of the Democratic party today? Byrd or Ferraro?

Dave, CA (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:21 PM)

Less than 100 superdelegates needed now, to have the majority of superdelegates, on top of tomorrow's guaranteed gain of the pledged majority.

This will be over fast.

Matt, Idaho (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:21 PM)

This just smacks of irony! The very people Senator Obama has admonished and critized...the "old" Washington politicians...are the very ones that are supporting him now. I guess Senator Obama isn't THAT turned-off by the old politics after all!

Karen, Illinois (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:22 PM)

The Bush/McCain message to Iran -

(1) We surround you on both sides, Afghanistan and Iraq, with our military and governments we installed,

(2) We called you part of the "axis of evil,"

(3) We invade unfriendly nations that don't have nuclear weapons.

Why would Iran have an interest in having nuclear weapons?

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:22 PM)

So that locks up the ex-Klansman in the Senate vote for Obama. Too bad he didn't do this a week ago. What an act of political courage!

BB, Oak Park (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:22 PM)

What other arguement does Clinton have? Democrats unite...let's bring the independents and Obamacan into the fold..
Demo 08

Yasriel, Houston TX (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:22 PM)

Drip, drip drip...

... and everyone thought that West Virginia was a complete loss...

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:23 PM)

I agree, Senator Byrd. We have to unite against the GOP and win in November! This protracted primary is helping the GOP. Senator mcCain even did a spoof on Saturday Night Live about this topic this weekend saying, " I hope you Dems keep taking your time, examining your candidiates all the way to the convention."

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:25 PM)

My message is before anyone votes. Please check the U.S. Senate site and see how the people you support votes on important issues.

My thought is be informed on how those who you support vote on important issues before the Senate and Congress.

Please do not vote on charisma or race. KNOW WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE VOTING FOR.

Ely (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:25 PM)

Get on the Obama train or get left behind, people.

If Byrd can do it, so can you.

Vicki, Florida (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:25 PM)

Racist Obama Haters take note: Senator Byrd, a former member of the Ku Klux Klan, has endorsed Senator Obama, rejecting the polarizing racially charged politics promoted by Hillary Clinton. Senator Byrd has served this country with distinction, and he is now demonstrating the wisdom that has made him the longest serving Democrat in the United States Senate. This should send a strong message to the old time "yellow Dog" Democrats--it's never too late to accept change. Come on board, or you'll be left behind!

Long Tall Texan (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:25 PM)

Obama can have this one - Byrd is a former KKK member. Can you imagine the press and the Obama race baiting lunatics if Hillary had gotten Byrd's support?

csh, IL (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:25 PM)

Thank you Senator Byrd.

The time has come for Democrats to stop fighting with each other. Americans are hurting, we need a party that understands we need help.

Americans have seen what the Republicans have done to our country. We are crying out for the Democrats to change things and put our nation back on the right track.

Our military needs the Democrats to set aside their differences and bring them home.

Debbie, WI (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:25 PM)

Amazing isnt it...just a few months ago everyone was crying and saying the super delegates should not go agains the will of the voters in their states...guess that only applies if Obama wins and they are leaning towards or backing Clinton.

JF, SC (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:25 PM)

I would hope that the Iraq war would take center stage in the upcoming election.

Robt. Byrd understood something very fundamental in 2002 - that we are a democracy - that we have the right to speak up against any Administration at anytime - but most importantly - when we are faced with the question of war.

That is precisely why we have a Congress.

No one - no one - had to vote for this invasion.

Robt. Byrd's anger is refreshing.

All he asked back then was that our government step back a moment and THINK.

They did not do that, including Hillary Clinton and John McCain.

Bush and Cheney got everything they wanted. With no consequences, except a change in party come January 2009. That's not good enough.

Bless you Senator Byrd.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:25 PM)

Thank you, Mr. Byrd!!! I was certain you would endorse Mr. Obama!!!

Such a wise and wonderful soul...

AMG -- White Progressive Grandmother in Richmond, CA (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:26 PM)

Thank-you Senator Byrd. Your endorsement ought to be good for several thousand votes in West Virginia for the general election.

Jim F., Greensboro, NC (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:27 PM)

Byrd-brain!!

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:28 PM)

Senator Byrd has been one of the most outspoken and truthful since the beginning on Iraq. He and Barack may not have the same backgrounds, but it's not surprising that they can stand side by side to turn the country back on the right path.

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/

infogiant, austin, tx (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:28 PM)

Senator Byrd:

It just goes show that all people are capable of change. What a transformational path your life has followed and I believe that you are still transforming. I mean this in no way to sound condescending but on the contrary, as a compliment, to acknowledge your still youthful spirit and mind, in that you continue to grow (favorably) with the times. I only hope that the good people of West Virginia will follow your lead.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:28 PM)

I've come to the conclusion that the only reason HRC is still in this race is to attempt to minimize the debt her campaign is in. I just don't understand how someone can have $100million dollars to campaign with and end up $20million in the hole and working class people would support such antics.

Because there is no way Obama won't get the additional 124 delegates he needs. Half of those will come from the remaining primaries alone.

Even though I hate the DNC they should put a stop to her antics because it is obvious she has no regard for them.

McCain 08

John, MI (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:28 PM)

Sen. Obama's campaign has come full circle now with the endorsement of Sen. Byrd for obvious historical reasons. Thank you Sen. Byrd for your endorsement.

Obama '08

Washington, DC (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:28 PM)

Wow ! Thank you Senator Byrd. Kudos to you for using your 'own' good judgement.

Valerie,CT (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:29 PM)

Why did he wait to make his announcement? I would think this should have been made publice before the voting in the hopes of supporting Obama with more votes-instead Obama lost big time in WV.

Heidi, Warren, Ohio (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:29 PM)

Hey HRC fans, i guess this is another stupid superdelegate with no sense of what the electorate wants?
Do you all really think that the national dems would elect someone they thought could not win?? just what I thought...no! hillary lost, you all should stop bickering and spreading crazy metrics and rumors and get behind the winner and let's win in November. GO OBAMA!

allen (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:30 PM)

Obama is just 16 pledged delegates away from reaching an absolute majority!

Obama For President!!

-------------
http://MyObamaStore.com ( 60% Off)

America For Obama (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:30 PM)

Thank you, superdelegate Sen. Robert Byrd for the realization the nation and the world need a beacon of change.
War , the economy, and the rest of world's view must change.

Now people can believe because of you Barack is Christian not Muslim!

Beverly, Chicago (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:30 PM)

Thank you Senator Robert Byrd, I now believe you
that you believe in the American constitution as you
carry it with you every day. Senator Barack believes
in the constitution and have tought the constitution....Obama the true American and has won
the heart of all Americans irrespective of party affiliation,race or gender...Obama we lov you and
we will make sure you have $1billion in you war chest
against McSame-Bush.

Michael,Newark NJ (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:31 PM)

All I can say is WOW!

Joy for Obama, Virginia (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:31 PM)

How you like me now West Virginia! Thank you Senator Byrd!

KP, California (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:32 PM)

Wow! Thank you, Senator Byrd. What a great endorsement.

Sue, Bloomington, IN (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:32 PM)

"With the Bush Administration's latest request to fund this on-going war in Iraq..."

Isn't the Democrat-led Congress trying to FULFILL that request?

Tim, Mobile (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:32 PM)

"Barack Obama is a noble-hearted patriot and humble Christian, and he has my full faith and support."

Awwww. This, to me, is a big deal. Isn't Byrd second only to Ted Kennedy in length of service in the Senate?

Bush really did Obama a favour. The Democrats are started to close ranks around him and defend him from Republican attack. I hope every Democrat will do the same. As for me, I'd vote for ANY Democrat over a warmonger like McCain.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:33 PM)

Thank you Senator Byrd.

Math, an inconvenient truth,

No matter if you count FL and/or MI, HRC still needs between 73% and 75% of all the remaining available delegates. Possible? yes, Likely? not really.

Thank you Senator Clinton, you have run an amazing campaign, but you've lost BASED ON THE RULES of the Democratic Party. It's time to come around to the candidate with the most delegates, the most states won, and if you count the caucus states by some proportional representation, the most votes won (by millions) as well.

Please Senator Clinton, you are a very smart woman, it's time to acknowledge the truth and unite behind Senator Obama. I truly believe that you have the makings of a very great Senator, but I just can't see you as a President at this time.

And I'm supposedly in your demographic, a woman over 50 ...

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:33 PM)

Clinton is pathetic....She is on TV talking about the race is not over.....Out of three remaining candidates two of them have moved on to the GE and clinton is still in the primary....She just does not get it......

James Tn (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:34 PM)

Come on FirstRead! You are a little slow. Obama is now 111 total delegates away from clinching the nomination and 16 pledged delegates away for clinching the majority of delegates.

Brilliant game plan by the Obama folks. Campainging to put Iowa more into play as a fall swing state. Don't declare victory but act like victory is about to come!

AJ, IL (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:34 PM)

Wow, a former KKK member endorsing Obama. Hillary time to pack up.

jamie, ct (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:34 PM)

Thank you, Senator Byrd. Well said.

gmhussein, Jupiter, Fl (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:35 PM)

Bravo Sen. Byrd!

And McCain's foreign policy is every bit as simplistic and dangerous as Bush's. http://fablesexposed.blogspot.com/

All who want a more sophisticated, responsible foreign policy must vote for Sen. Obama, despite whatever bruised feelings remain from the primary.

Please subordinate your bruised feelings when contemplating the prospect of the unnecessary losses of our soldiers and those who would become "collateral damage".

With great power comes great responsibility.

FablesExposed, Oakland, CA (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:36 PM)

I have to admit that I am stunned. I wasn't expecting a former member of the Klan to endorse Obama. I guess people can change.

Karma can really bite people. Hillary has been reminding everyone for months that delegates are free to change their vote at the convention, and that supers can vote against the outcome of their home state. Thanks for the advice, Hillary! Looks like Robert Byrd was listening!

It appears that Obama has picked up a net 120 superdelegates in the last four months. He has the lead in popular vote, states won, superdelegates, and delegates. Gee, it's to bad he is not as "electable" as Hillary!

Obama/Anybody but Hillary Clinton in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none. Don't pick Hillary as your running mate, Senator Obama. Your children need their father.

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 1:37 PM)

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