Two more Edwards delegates for Obama

Posted: Friday, May 23, 2008 3:07 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
NBC NEWS confirms two more Edwards pledged delegates have pledged to vote for Obama. So far, 12 Edwards pledged delegates have said they will vote for Obama, since Edwards endorsed Obama last Wednesday.

New Hampshire State Sen. Peter Hoe Burling tells NBC NEWS he and Deborah Bacon-Nelson have decided after talking with friends, family and constituents to go Obama "in large part because Obama's willing to not just consider but embrace the kind of fundamental change the country needs to go through. He gets it," Burling said. He added that Edwards' passion in his endorsement for Obama also played a part. (PolitickerNH first reported their endorsements this morning after they announced their intention at Lebanon High School in New Hampshire.)

Burling called Clinton an equally "superb" candidate, but said he believes Obama has the best chance to win in a general election against McCain. He said he "didn't buy" Clinton's latest electability argument, that she's better suited to win the key swing states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida. He called polls showing that just a "snapshot."

The NBC NEWS Delegate Counts:
PLEDGED: Obama 1,647 to 1,502
SUPERDELEGATES: Obama 309.5 to 281.5
EDWARDS PL. DELEGATES: Obama 12 to 0
TOTAL: Obama 1,968.5 to 1,783.5

* Obama is 57.5 delegates from the 2,026 required.

He went on to draw an effusive comparison of Obama, saying, "Obama's an almost Lincoln-esque figure," Burling said. "He comes to us at a time when the country is badly torn and needs to be brought together. He has the mind and the heart to do it."

Burling also noted that he thinks Obama has a good chance to win New Hampshire, because of the economy and the war, despite the Granite State's affection for McCain's maverick style. "John McCain has not yet been touched by the press," Burling said. "He will be, and he must be. John McCain in my view, comes to New Hampshire, which I would say, is ferociously ready for change. What he offers is four more years of George W. Bush. ... What New Hampshire is going to ask, is how many more of our now middle-aged men and women have to die."

Burling added he is not urging that Obama put Clinton on the ticket, saying it's not for him to decide. "I'm convinced they'll figure out how to put together the best possible ticket."

He does hope, however, that the next attorney general will be John Edwards.

Obama has also picked up three more superdelegates today, including one switch from Clinton. They are: California congressmen Jim Costa and Dennis Cardoza (the switch) and Oregon DNC member Jenny Greenleaf.

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Comments

It is being like the slow drip talked about several weeks ago. If Clinton continues to campaign after the end of June, it will show that she is just in it to win at any cost. I would hope that during June that all the major players talk and discuss what is to happen after all the primaries are over.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 3:58 PM)

Diane... people would be nicer to her if she was honest. Don't you see thru the BS? Their tactics are disrespectful to the process, the party, and frankly us. I could support her, but only if I could trust what she says. It's too bad.

Respect!

Joel, Mpls (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 3:59 PM)

Ya' know, the MSM is getting all hot and bothered about the potential of a 'dream ticket'. I wonder why. Do they think that this generates more interest in a campaign that is already legendary?
It's just not going to happen. This act of onanism by the MSM should stop...it's simply a waste of energy.

Obama will pick Webb as part of a military/southern strategy. They will win in November, I'm thinkin' by quite a bit.
Obama'08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:01 PM)

> you can not like the guy but to call him stupid
> shows how stuipd you really are.
> jeff D Evanston IL.

> Only ignorant individuals who have not, would be
> stupid enough too call him stupid
> The - Democrat Soldier

> Hey maybe "Bush Hugger" McCain will ask her to be his VP choice.
>Eric, Salinas, CA

More cases in point.

It's almost funny at times, but these people are just so specious.

Diane T., Illinois (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:03 PM)

No Dino Cook. Please edu-tate us. What is this fancy new-fangled so-called "margin of error," Mr. Math-lete? Maybe the Clinton campaign can hire you to help them add up the fact that she is done.

Scott (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:03 PM)

The - Demorcat Soldier,

That's why people don't like Obama's supporters. They speak of him as if he wasn't even human; as if he was somehow superhuman or supernatural.
My question for you is: Have YOU read his books? There's some pretty controversial stuff in there. Some stuff that may be considered racist.

Philip (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:04 PM)

Diane T. Illinois (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 3:30 PM)

Ma'am, to make sweeping generalizations about "obama-ites" being young and un-employed is as disrespectful as any thing I have seen here. The fact is that nonsense has gone on from both sides and it needs to stop, yourself included! I have seen countless posts from "Clintonistas" calling Obama "boy", and making other subtle racial and religious slurs, just as we both have seen some Obama supporters making fools of themselves and going against the wishes of their candidate by continuing to feud with members of there own party. The most disrespectful and stupid of posts from BOTH sides involve voting for McCain if the desired candidate does not win the nomination. That makes these people..both sides... BAD Democrats who should not continue to call themselves such! To win the White House, the congress and begin the monumental job of cleaning up the mess we are in we need only vote for the nominee of the party. So all of you stop this garbage and prepare to reunite or we will be seeing a third BUSH term! Root for your candidate but knock off the Nasty! NOW!
I am a 50 year old Engineer very much employed Thank You!

Obama '08

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:06 PM)

Obama is getting outmanuvered at every turn by McCain. Can you believe Obama is trying to take McCain on in foreign policy?!? My gosh, that's like Linsey Lohan debating General Patton about how to run a war. This Obama character is really not the smartest guy in the world.

Taylor Deans, Burlington VT (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:07 PM)

Hillary is Obama's only viable VP choice. And it's basically a necessity, also. If HRC gets passed up, that leaves a very large door open for her to make an independent bid. Seriously.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:08 PM)

The endorsement by US Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-California) of Obama today sends an extremely firm message to the Clinton campaign, and not only because he was, until today, a Clinton superdelegate.

The Field has learned that Cardoza is the first of a group of at least 40 Clinton delegates, many of them from California, that through talking among themselves came to a joint decision that all of them would vote for Obama at the convention. They have informed Senator Clinton that it’s time to unite around Obama, and that they will be coming out, one or two at a time, and announcing their switch between now and the convention if Senator Clinton doesn’t do the same.

Cardoza is one of the leaders of this effort (which includes not only superdelegates, but here’s something that should set off some paranoia in Camp Clinton: there are pledged Clinton delegates in “The Cardoza 40,” too). One Field Hand reports that during a recent Cardoza fundraising event in California the effort was discussed openly in front of other Democrats. Cardoza’s announcement, today, sent the message that the effort is serious and for real.

This is not “excellent news for Hillary Clinton.”

An exodus of 40 delegates from Clinton to Obama, mathematically, increases his lead by 80 delegates, because she loses one for every one he gains.

Cardoza, in his endorsement today, said:

“I am deeply concerned about the contentious primary campaign and controversy surrounding the seating of delegates from Florida and Michigan – two states Democrats need to win in November. I will not support changing the rules in the fourth quarter of this contest through some convoluted DNC rules committee process. Yet, we must find a resolution to seat the Michigan and Florida delegates so these states’ voters are represented at the Convention. I believe we need to avoid this potentially divisive situation by uniting behind one nominee and bringing the party together immediately. Therefore, I have made the decision to support Senator Obama at the Democratic Convention in my role as a super delegate.”

If that was a little wordy for ya, let me translate. It means:

“Checkmate.”

'Nuff said!

POST THIS FIRST READ!!!

Sandycs1953 Texas City, TX (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:09 PM)

So as my friends sometimes tell me, just be cool Obama supporters. Lay low, have a martini, or margarita or spritzer, or whatever your beverage of the day may be. He's going to complete the process of winning the nomination in the next two weeks and then on to a full out press against McCain.

HRC supporters, just remember that the Dem nominee and your candidate just voted the same yesterday in the Senate. As they do on 90%+ of all legislation.
McCain didn't vote. But, he's been on record that he was against the GI Bill. So, he's less than 20% of the time voting the same as Clinton.
Bottom line, if you want your candidates positions to be championed, you're voting for Obama, the Democrat, in the fall. If you want to see your candidate not only not win the nomination, but then also lose leverage for all of her policy positions, you "my friend" should vote for the candidate who always says my friend.

Good luck, GOD bless us all and may we all have an enjoyable Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:10 PM)

Dino Cook notes that the polls are just abstractions here in May and before the real campaign begins and I agree. I also know as an active Democrat here in Oregon that the day after the 2004 election we started working, organizing and planning for 2008. We will not be underfunded, under organized nor will we allow the Republican Swift Boat machine to raise its ugly head without an immediate, concise and effective response. All we have been waiting for is a candidate and last week you all saw who Oregon's choice is. BTW, the Republicans are saying that the 75,000 who attended Senator Obama's rally were really there for some kind of rock concert. In the words of Senator Joe Biden, that's 'Bul***it'!

Bruce St. Helens, OR (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:10 PM)

Elizabeth and Diane ~
Thanks for the information which is great news. I appreciate the background on the moves.

Roofin Reality, Houston ~ according to your post, we're ready for November and starting early despite all this DNC FL/MI/Popular Vote nonsense. Using your calculations, Obama should wrap this up nicely. Again, thanks for all the information!

Heidi in Houston (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:12 PM)

Diane T. Illinois (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 3:30 PM)

First of all, no I am not an unemployed student - I work full time and also am a full time wife and mother. I can multitask - how about you?

Secondly - Please let me know how disagreeing with HRC and her campaign equals disrespect. Granted, there is some name calling - but that's on ALL sides. Frankly, for my part, I don't have a lot of respect for Ms. Clinton, and I have yet to see compelling reasons why I should.

Lastly - you Clintonistas don't respect Obama, so why are you acting all superior? There is animosity on all sides. Do you honestly think that talking down to us as if we were stupid helps your cause any? It's not helping your candidate any, that I can assure you.

L - MI (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:13 PM)

Clyde Willows--let me guess you're a working class white who also made it through Harvard Law???

Liz in SD (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:13 PM)

Sad thing is folks I am betting that even if Obama meets that magic number of 2026 before May 31 or June 3 Hillary just may still try and take this all the way to a Convention fight. The Committee hearing the Michigan/Florida issue will not give her all that she wants (which is everything) and I have this gut feeling that she is willing to go for broke regardless of what she does to Obama or the Dem party. This could get really nasty.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:14 PM)

Diane T. Illinois - Hey Diane! I have to say that I think generally all the people who post on this have been pretty decent and very informative. You will always get some who are rude and ignorant, but I have to be honest, I think all 3 candidates have those kinds of supporters. I also believe it's all about equal. Maybe you are just more sensitive to the ones against Hillary supporters because you support her. Anyway, I hope we all remember we are ALL Americans! And I would especially like to thank those who have given me some very important information on this site!!

New Independent (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:16 PM)

One need only read the comments to see that the nastiness is about equal on both sides. Comes with the passion of a close, hotly-contested race.

All true Democrats will support their nominee whoever it is. Anyone saying otherwise is a Limbaugh Operation Chaos type. HRC's supporters are playing right into the hands of the Rpublicans when they talk trash - as are BO's. Here is a fact: HRC's political future will rise or fall with BO. If he loses in November, the Clintons have set themselves up to bear the blame and I'm afraid they will never again be serious contenders for high office.

Beowulf, Pensacola, FL (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:16 PM)

Hillary Clinton today cited the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy during the 1968 presidential campaign to explain why she was remaining in the race despite long odds.

"We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California," Clinton told the editorial board of a South Dakota newspaper. " I don't understand it," Clinton added, alluding to the calls for her to quit.

Clinton made the statement after pointing out that her husband didn't lock up the nomination until June of 1992, trying to point out that, by past history, it's not late in the campaign.

But Barack Obama received Secret Service protection one year ago this month, the earliest ever in presidential history, after reports of threats.

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement that “Senator Clinton's statement before the Argus Leader editorial board was unfortunate and has no place in this campaign."

Clinton's made the comment to the Argus Leader newspaper in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Geoff in Brooklyn (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:17 PM)

May 23, 2008 --

Hillary Clinton today brought up the assassination of Sen. Robert Kennedy while defending her decision to stay in the race against Barack Obama.

"My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don't understand it," she said, dismissing calls to drop out.

New York Post May 23, 2008

Keepin it real, Gulfport, MS (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:18 PM)

McCain suporters evidently don't have daughters and sons in Iraq, otherwise they would sing a different tune.

lucyna (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:20 PM)

In response to those that feel there's a certain venom out there for Hillary...well, go figure. A lot of people, men and women who used to like her have been surprized, disappointed, angered and then disgusted by her and her organization; including Bill. I'm one of those. I urge Howard Dean to push the unannounced super-d's hard and I urge anyone who wants this to end to e-mail Governor Dean at dnc.com

bill, okla (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:20 PM)

ok...we need about 1/4 of the remaining SD's to get off their ass and put this to bed!

Geesh....how do they derive that this is GOOD for the party?

She is laying in wait for a technicality from this meeting of the rules committee. If things go the way that things usually do with the Clintons...they will be looking for a loophole. We know their M.O. by now people! Dealing with her is like handling radioactive materials...the initial burn is not nearly as bad as the lingering after-effects. SHe is just BAD NEWS man!

Jason, Rochester Hills,MI (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:21 PM)

I have a sneaking suspicion that the Hillary will now see the light and declare that the SUPERS are not relevant. wink, wink, bait and switch, etc. Oh, re: the gender discrimination issue: Who was it that had a million or so campaighn posters printed with "Hillary" on it? I haven't seen one poster yet with "Clinton" on it...oh, I forgot. Their campaign is trying to hope we have forgotton that Bubba was lurking behind the drapes in the Whit House..........

M. Elaine, York PA (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:21 PM)

I have a question to all the Clinton supporters: Do you see any Obama disrespect on these boards? I 'm sick of all the Clinton supporters talking about Obama supporters, telling us that all we do is disrespect HRC. Ok, so y'all haven't done the same thing? I see a lot of hatred and disrespect towards Obama on these message boards. Remember, it can't go only 1 way.

TSD, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:21 PM)

Super delegates - the elitists of the Democrats. That's why they're for Obama.

QTP - MS
--------------------------------------------------------

Er, last time I checked Hillary Clinton had over 200 super delegates and is hoping for the majority of them to support her or switch over from Obama. If they all support her and put her over the top, will you still dislike them and call them elitist? Your comment makes no sense...

Young Democrat (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:25 PM)

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