MyDD :: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegates

Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegates

by Jonathan Singer, Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:12:28 AM EST

Barack Obama is perhaps 70-90 delegates away from hitting the magic number of 2,026 (now that Travis Childers and Don Cazayoux are now in Congress). However, NBC News and CNN report that Obama has now clinched a majority of the pledged delegates, surpassing the 1,627 mark. What's more, assuming Obama is able to secure 30 delegates out of Oregon (which seems likely at this juncture given the spread in the state), Obama will have clinched a majority of pledged delegates including Michigan and Florida (assuming a halving of the states' delegations, which Chuck Todd is reporting is a likelihood).

What does this mean? Obama has not clinched the Democratic nomination, though his seemingly inexorable move towards securing the nomination was not slowed tonight. Nevertheless, Obama now has a claim to the majority of the pledged delegates under almost any scenario, meaning that the cadre of superdelegates pledging their support to the winner of the pledged delegate battle could move to Obama, and soon.

Tags: Democratic Primaries, Pledged Delegates (all tags)

Permalink :: 219 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 2)

What this means is that we are at the point where the superdelegates would have to give HRC the nomination. That's our reality at this point.

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:13:39 AM EST

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 4)

I take it you haven't heard that they are all going to switch over to HRC in Denver. It's true, because the nomination is not decided by who won a majority of delegates but who's leading in the general election polls 6 months out.

I wish President Kerry would do something about this. Doesn't seem fair.

From a Hillary supporter: We laughed as that became our mantra - "Barack can't win!"..... ....."he can go to hell and i'll pay for his way there."

by Cochrane on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:16:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

Well, since President Dukakis passed universal heath care reform in 1989, we can all grab some free zanax. So we don't have to worry about fair, do we?!?!

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:19:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 2)

Even Dukakis said that Obama is nothing like him... so, your sad reference will look even worse when Obama is elected president.

Obama has done something unprecedented in the history of politics. He's beaten a Clinton. No republican has ever done that. Give him the respect that is due.

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:27:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 0)

The next time a Clintonite says that all Obama supporters are smartasses, I will point to the above comment.

Same team, chief.

From a Hillary supporter: We laughed as that became our mantra - "Barack can't win!"..... ....."he can go to hell and i'll pay for his way there."

by Cochrane on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:31:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 2)

Dude, this was total satire. I thought it was pretty clear, to say the least. I've supported Obama since before his DNC speech, and I expect his supporters to follow bullshi* sarcasm like my post.

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:32:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

Around here, nothing is clear! :-) My apologies!

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:35:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

That's true, but this site will be back to normal (albeit with dramatically less traffic) come June 4th.

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:40:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

...from your lips to God's ears...

Unseen, in the background, Fate was quietly slipping the lead into the boxing glove.

by fogiv on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:49:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

What is exactly "normal," pray tell?

Is it that people who read mydd.com "get with the program" and just do what the majority says it should?

You sound like someone who thinks pretty highly of themselves...maybe THAT is the normality of mydd.com that you have come to know and love...

by Steven B on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:55:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 1)

Leave the Barack Obama supporters alone!

We want to see Ivana [Trump] because we are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture. - Sarah Palin

by spacemanspiff on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:56:30 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 1)

I'm referring to the reality-based community that I used to read for years.

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:04:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

Chris Bowers Poll Analysis? Where? Where?!

by MNPundit on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:12:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

posting (done on 5/19) I'll pass. His map had Obama losing CO and it was a lean to McCain. he goes for the same recent poll stuff without throwing out even crap polls (like Target Point: a republican pollster that used a sample size of 300).

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:15:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

Maybe you haven't heard, but McCain is recruiting trolls.

by niksder on Wed May 21, 2008 at 07:43:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 1)

MyDD collectively has a broken sarcasm detector.

I suggest standardizing on a special font to indicate you are not serious.

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:00:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

whoa - how do you make it blink like that?

McCain housing policy shaped by lobbyist.

by obsessed on Wed May 21, 2008 at 03:03:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

or is it just me? (none / 0)

McCain housing policy shaped by lobbyist.

by obsessed on Wed May 21, 2008 at 03:04:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Blink? (none / 0)

I don't see anything.

by anaphora on Wed May 21, 2008 at 03:31:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Blink? (none / 0)

OK, now I do.

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:46:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Sorry, what? (none / 0)

MyDD collectively has a broken sarcasm detector.

I suggest standardizing on a special font to indicate you are not serious.

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Wed May 21, 2008 at 04:10:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

crap-- I'm so busted (none / 0)

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Wed May 21, 2008 at 04:20:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

It's "xanax".... just sayin'

by mikeinsf on Wed May 21, 2008 at 06:24:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

This can't be true - I demand a recount (2.00 / 0)

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:14:14 AM EST

Re: This can't be true - I demand a recount (none / 0)

In Oregon Obama:

Won with Women

Won with Whites under 60 (and all voters under 65)

Won with Union Households

Won with Voters with no College Degree

All that crap about who Obama can't win with we kept hearing after West Virginia just went out the window.

It's time to restore balance and fairness to our economy,... It's time to stop giving tax cuts to corporations that ship jobs overseas... - Barack Obama

by Lefty Coaster on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:30:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This can't be true - I demand a recount (none / 0)

Silly. It comes down to Appalachia, where people work harder. Yes, the white ones. I checked with CNN, MSNBC (Hi, Pat) and FOX, and they'd like us all to refrain from saying anything that disturbs the narrative that OBAMA HAS TROUBLE WITH WORKING CLASS WHITES, especially pointing out where he's won working class whites.

by niksder on Wed May 21, 2008 at 07:47:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 1)

Shh...keep it down. Jerome might be listening.

by 08AMA on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:14:37 AM EST

I still think the biggest story is the Penn Pol (2.00 / 5)

SUSA's poll showing Obama with a 17 pt lead over McSame.

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:17:49 AM EST

Re:l (none / 0)

But...but...it's not his turn! He's not owed!

by kitebro on Wed May 21, 2008 at 04:51:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Barack Obama.... (2.00 / 5)

Soon to be the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States.

Awesome.

by Seeking Cincinnatus on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:19:00 AM EST

According to PocketNines (2.00 / 2)

over on the horrid Orange beast, it looks like Obama will win between 29-32 delegates.

Most likely 30, a small push would get him to 31.

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:22:13 AM EST

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 4)

Seriously, though, the fact is that the only way that Barack Obama is not the Democratic nominee is if the superdelegates put Hillary Clinton over the top. This is a raw fact, and it can't be disputed, irrespective of the George Bushian guerrilla math that some people might want to use.

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:22:45 AM EST

makes ya wonder what Hillary is doing - doesn't? (2.00 / 0)

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:25:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Neither candidate has enough delegates just yet... (none / 0)

The same is true for Obama. Neither candidate will have enough delegates unless superdelegates put her or him over the top. The momentum is behind Obama (whom I support) but this thing isn't over just yet.

by sharpfork on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:31:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

under what scenario do they break her way? (none / 0)

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:34:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: under what scenario do they break her way? (none / 0)

The scenario where the SD's find out that Hillary is ahead in the popular vote.

Somehow, they aren't aware of this "moral argument" yet, but as soon as someone clues them in they are going to break heavily for Hillary.

Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:37:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: under what scenario do they break her way? (2.00 / 1)

With the rules differing so much between different states, the popular vote is about as useful as winner-take-all total land mass. I think Obama leads in that metric, also (b/c Alaska + Plains states).

by nwodtuhs on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:54:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

But can you possibly forget (2.00 / 7)

The very important State of Denial?

Look at that real estate!

;)

Commissar: Canadian Gal; Proletariat Policemen: ragekage, Lord Hadrian. "For the Proletariat!"

by Lord Hadrian on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:57:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

you forgot talkleft and no quarter tho (none / 0)

McCain housing policy shaped by lobbyist.

by obsessed on Wed May 21, 2008 at 03:05:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: you forgot talkleft and no quarter tho (2.00 / 1)

"There be Dragons"

We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.

by Jess81 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 04:45:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: But can you possibly forget (2.00 / 0)

Phantom mojo, nicely done. Good funny, as I would say when I was a kid.

Capitalization is the difference between "I had to help my uncle Jack off a horse..." and "I had to help my uncle jack off a horse..."

by igottheblues on Wed May 21, 2008 at 06:39:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: under what scenario do they break her way? (none / 0)

Yup, that is really going to resonate with Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.....

Telling them WA state is not part of the equation?

Cause Caucuses are disenfranchising?

So, the records broken in this state were really a BAD thing?

Expect Maria to change first, then Patty, as soon as Barack passes the magic number....

"Either you're the butcher Or the lamb but even so, Everybody pays as they go-Jakob Dylan"

by WashStateBlue on Wed May 21, 2008 at 09:05:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: under what scenario do they break her way? (none / 0)

I don't see any realistic scenario where Hillary can win the nomination at this point. Still, it isn't over until its over. Since she put away the kitchen sink, I have no problem with her staying in until the convention.
On the other side of the political world, Ron Paul and his hardcore supporters are still fighting. About two days after enough supers pledge for Obama to hit 2025 + whatever comes from FL + MI, the press will give Hillary's campaign about as much air time and ink as Ron Paul's still running campaign gets these days.

by sharpfork on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:15:54 AM EST
[ Parent ]

she's sly (2.00 / 0)

really, ron paul receives zero attention and he's not making outlandish charges ("i'm ahead in the popular vote" - WV is a swing state, Iowa isn't).

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:30:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: under what scenario do they break her way? (none / 0)

There is a massive gulf of difference between Ron Paul and the rest of the Republican party. It's not just the war - it is essentially every issue.

The difference between Hillary and Barrack on policy is not very great in spite of what you hear.

It is important to note the difference.

by zadura on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:35:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: under what scenario do they break her way? (none / 0)

Convention? Surely you kid. She'd have to spend that time wooing Supers and presumably so would Obama, meaning he wouldn't be able to focus on the general. Once the supers declare we should have a nominee and not weaken our candidate by eliminating two months of fundraising and training his fire on McCain.

by niksder on Wed May 21, 2008 at 07:50:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

It won't happen... (none / 0)

...so it's useless to speculate about it.

Obama has won over the superdelegates as much as he has the voters. Which is to say JUST enough to come out ahead.

by DawnG on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:44:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It won't happen... (none / 0)

Dawn, have you seen the Supers tally since Feb. 5th. I think he leads by more than 100. I point to Super Tuesday because you could fairly assume Clinton would do well in the time before the primaries began, and she did win those early commitments. Since then, when Supers were increasingly aware of the role they would play in this race, they have moved overwhelmingly for Obama. Frankly, I don't think they want to have to make a choice, but those who either believe Obama is the stronger nominee or that they will follow the will of the primary voters. Or both.

by niksder on Wed May 21, 2008 at 07:53:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It won't happen... (none / 0)

Maybe she should change the rules to a best out of three primary season. They run the whole thing again and next time, she will rightfully win her deserved nomination. Or it will be best out of 5.

Congratulations Steny Hoyer! Our 2008 Chickenshit Leader Of The Year!

by RockvilleLiberal2 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:52:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

CNN ran this before Oregon came through (none / 0)

I think they may have jumped the gun because it looks like they have Obama picking up only 14 delegates in KY but Oregon makes it official.

by elrod on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:23:01 AM EST

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

The Times has a massive Obama headline right now which echoes this fact.

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:24:41 AM EST

This article is telling (none / 0)

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/us/pol itics/21clinton.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&am p;adxnnlx=1211344023-wiC0oMsqXFnwzbRaaxh U7w

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:32:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This article is telling (2.00 / 4)

It depresses me to think of the financial ride she's taken her people on since this was over in Wisconsin. If she were running for the Republican nomination I'd support a class action lawsuit for her supporters for ripping them off.

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:39:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

THANK YOU!!!!! (2.00 / 2)

I know - this is what I have been telling everyone! Clinton knows she cannot win at this point - it is wrong for her to continue to solicit donations for her little vanity parade. There are people literally struggling to make ends meet who are giving her money - which will eventually go towards repaying her $11.6 million to herself.

Bill Clinton PERSONALLY taking that $440 check from that little kid who sold his bike and video games was beyond shameless. The Clintons are worth tens of millions, if not over $100 million. He should not have accepted that money. It showed a total lack of class.

by Deano963 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:10:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Nope : Personal Responsibility (2.00 / 0)

If folks are "struggling to make ends meet" and are still donating to her then they deserve what they get.

Democracy requires an informed electorate. If folks are willing to part with their money without reasonably informing themselves then tough luck. Darwin has always stepped in, in those circumstances.

by v2r1 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:57:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Nope : Personal Responsibility (2.00 / 0)

So, in other words, you say "tough shit for all the poor dummies that keep sending money to Hillary."
Wow, that's a compassionate campaign slogan!

Let the children lose it Let the children use it Let all the children boogie

by toyomama on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:36:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Nope : Personal Responsibility (none / 0)

It might be "tough shit" in light of the Clinton campaign's massive debt. I'm not going to speak for the prior poster, but I doubt s/he was referring to each and every donation to her campaign as having been wasted. Hillary and Barack, together, have already spent more money promoting their superior message than we could have ever hoped for. But at this point, every dollar which ends up in the coffers of the Clinton campaign is a dollar wasted, in some sense, on a bid which has long ago -- particularly in the minds of Obama supporters -- ceased to sustain a legitimate path to the Democratic nomination.

Personally, I believe that donations to the Clinton campaign at this point do more to strengthen the message of our new Democratic majority. As our great Salvadorean-hippie-communist leader Kos has been fond of saying over the past days, contested primaries are good for those who survive them.

We really ought to reject that idea which says those current emotions which leave so many Clinton supporters grasping for a path to the nomination will remain through November and the general election. Remember that in 2000 almost half of McCain supporters were claiming they would ever vote for GwB. Alliances change, and political necessity rules the day.

by kyle in philly on Wed May 21, 2008 at 06:09:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Kid's Donation (none / 0)

was used for the confetti after her win in West Virginia.

by prajna on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:56:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: THANK YOU!!!!! (none / 0)

Totally disagree. Give people enough credit that they can decide what to do with their money.

I do prefer "informed consent," and I think it's misleading for her campaign to suggest to everyone that Hillary's still in it to win it. But there's plenty of other sources where people can learn that her campaign may not be viable. If they still want to donate, so be it. Honor them for taking some ownership of the political process and caring enough about a candidate to get involved.

McCain: because not everyone's ready to say goodbye to W yet!

by Matt Smith on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:35:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: THANK YOU!!!!! (none / 0)

Agreed. It doesn't necessarily mean they are wasting their money. Dean blew a ton of money on building a grass roots ground game that paid dividends far more widely than he could have hoped for in MS-01 (as an example). While the election may be out of hand for her, she may well be laying the ground work for future Democratic races to be competitive in "unwinnable" states. The Clintons are smart, savvy, and ruthless but they ain't stupid.

Congratulations Steny Hoyer! Our 2008 Chickenshit Leader Of The Year!

by RockvilleLiberal2 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:58:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: THANK YOU!!!!! (none / 0)

Congratulations Steny Hoyer! Our 2008 Chickenshit Leader Of The Year!

by RockvilleLiberal2 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:59:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This article is telling (2.00 / 1)

This might be the most depressing thing I've seen in days.

I mean, god. The number of things that simply have to be outright lies (to put it bluntly no political professional would be so foolish as to believe them) is staggering.

As for concerns that her continued campaign might exacerbate party divisions, Mrs. Clinton is convinced that if and when she quits, her camp would quickly coalesce around Mr. Obama, advisers say -- so much so that any Democratic ill will would fade within days.

This is simply preposterous on the face of it. Kerry took 3 months to rally Dean's base, and that was without Dean fighting it every step of the way claiming he was the real winner and sexism was to blame for Kerry coming out ahead. To imagine that after everything that has been said everyone will magically hop on board at the drop of a hat is an insult to everyone involved.

Mrs. Clinton does not believe that a racial split will be a legacy of the Democratic nomination fight, her aides say -- especially if Mr. Obama wins, as he could point to victories in states with largely white populations, like Colorado, Iowa and Washington.

Do I have to even mention the hypocracy of stumping on "he can't win working class white votes" and then claiming Sen. Clinton isn't driving that group away because Obama has won them elsewhere?

Just, this whole article, wow.

by werehippy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:36:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This article is telling (2.00 / 1)

But when you think about it, do you really think she could go on if she knew how problematic some of her decisions are? No, no, it's all justified, what's everyone making such a big deal about?

Like her vote on the Iraq War. Like her staff choices. Like her inevitability. She's not a bad person, she's just always right.

We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.

by Jess81 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:45:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This article is telling (2.00 / 1)

I hate to kick up a bitch-fit about this, especially now when we're just getting into the awkward "we're all friends here" dance but that really was some of the most depressing stuff I've read in a long time.

I'm honestly not sure whether I'd feel better if her view of reality was so wildly divergent from mine on all those point or if she was a Machiavellian style manipulator who would gladly say anything to come out ahead. Since this is the real world I'm sure it's not so cut and dry, but I just can't wrap my mind around a legitimate national figure saying or believing that.

by werehippy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:08:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

What's the path for HRC now? Is there one?

by mikeplugh on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:26:01 AM EST

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

Debt repayment... and her own ego stroking... but that's about it...

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:28:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

Exactly.....hitting up her lower-class white voters in WV who make less than $30,000/yr to contribute to her so she can repay her $11.6 million to herself.

Totally shameless.

by Deano963 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:11:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

Make that $16.6 after April. And yes, it's disgusting.

Can't rec or rate -- next username, please!

by neeborMolgula on Wed May 21, 2008 at 10:23:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

She has plenty of debt to other people. I expect she won't end up repaying herself, but will bother to repay others. I don't appreciate the tone of your comment.

McCain: because not everyone's ready to say goodbye to W yet!

by Matt Smith on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:39:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

We'll see -- remember that she only has until the end of the summer to repay herself.

Tone of my comment? Sorry, but I find direct upward transfers of wealth disgusting. Middle-class people chipping in to retire the debts of someone worth over $100 million is one such transfer.

Can't rec or rate -- next username, please!

by neeborMolgula on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:48:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I agree the tone could have been nicer, (none / 0)

But IMO it's a good point. HRC is increasingly appealing to low-income voters. You really don't see how asking them for donations which are mostly going to Mark Penn is at least questionable?

It's now completely inconceivable that she wins the nomination. Most knowledgeable people outside her campaign (as well as anonymous candid people inside it) agree that she's currently jockeying for some kind of leverage inside an Obama ticket. Especially when much of your base is poor, it seems unconscionable to ask for money knowing that you're lying about what end it will be used for. And rest assured, she is.

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:53:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Path now? (2.00 / 1)

Finding a graceful way out while honoring the passion of her supporters. I have no doubt that she has the strength to do it right.

by Twin Planets on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:40:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Path now? (none / 0)

She will do it, and she will call it right.

by niksder on Wed May 21, 2008 at 07:58:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Umm. (2.00 / 1)

Florida and Michigan?

by Scan on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:28:08 AM EST

Re: Umm. (none / 0)

Probably gonna get halvsies. With Barack getting the half the uncommitted.

John McCain defends Bush's Iraq strategy.

by recusancy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:31:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Umm. (2.00 / 1)

And no votes for the supers if the DNC has any stones. They're the ones that caused this whole mess, and the best possible way to make sure no state pulls this crap again is for the state party leaders to know that if they pull this kind of stunt they get to sit out the most important part of the election cycle with no leverage and no access.

by werehippy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:10:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Umm. (2.00 / 1)

Amen. Lest we start having Thanksgiving primaries.

From a Hillary supporter: We laughed as that became our mantra - "Barack can't win!"..... ....."he can go to hell and i'll pay for his way there."

by Cochrane on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:25:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Umm. (none / 0)

Umm, no. Not Florida and Michigan.

And just for the sake of honesty, shouldn't anyone citing Clinton's contention that she's won the popular vote be obliged to state precisely how she's come to that figure:

Counting Florida and Michigan, with no Michigan votes going to Obama.
Not counting ANY estimate from four caucus states.

She she leads if you count every vote save those from the four caucus states.

I know that everybody knows who the nominee is, but her strongest point is based on a nonexistent metric. Why nonexistent? Because there is no accurate tally of the popular vote.

by niksder on Wed May 21, 2008 at 08:03:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 2)

It's all up to the Super D's and they are doing an awsome job!

We want to see Ivana [Trump] because we are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture. - Sarah Palin

by spacemanspiff on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:28:11 AM EST

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 2)

I wonder who troll rated you... was it an Obama supporter who hates the concept of superdelegates? Or was it a Clinton supporter who once praised superdelegates overturning the popular will, but now has changed their minds about that?

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:37:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

It was likely a mistake (2.00 / 2)

as the 'mystery troll rater' was LordHadrian.

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:40:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Sonuvabitch! (2.00 / 2)

I fixed it. I keep accidentally hitting one. It's so much easier on DailyKos to click da little bubblez :(.

Commissar: Canadian Gal; Proletariat Policemen: ragekage, Lord Hadrian. "For the Proletariat!"

by Lord Hadrian on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:43:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah (2.00 / 6)

Dkos has a much better design to it (could we get ratings with out refreshing? how about seeing comments without having to refresh?)

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:48:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeah (2.00 / 2)

Heartily second that. The goddam page refresh is maddening.

Unseen, in the background, Fate was quietly slipping the lead into the boxing glove.

by fogiv on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:57:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Shhh guys (2.00 / 6)

They'll know we're ninjas sent from DailyKos to propagate the ridiculous math and logical fallacies required to arrive at the conclusion that Senator Obama will quite possibly win the Democratic Nomination.

Commissar: Canadian Gal; Proletariat Policemen: ragekage, Lord Hadrian. "For the Proletariat!"

by Lord Hadrian on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:01:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Actually this is my main base in the political (2.00 / 3)

world, it is just annoying that it is so poorly formatted.

Dkos is great for activism and for posting the news, but it is so big.

However I heart it's platform.

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:13:30 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeah (none / 0)

I've been meaning to write a greasemonkey script to allow for insta-rate, among other things that annoy me about this site, for a while now. It wouldn't actually be too hard AFAICT. Maybe I'll get around to it this weekend. Anyone care to point out other things they don't like about the design of the site?

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:01:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeah (none / 0)

That alone would improve things dramatically.

Unseen, in the background, Fate was quietly slipping the lead into the boxing glove.

by fogiv on Wed May 21, 2008 at 04:15:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeah (none / 0)

My main problem is that rating wipes out the [new] tags you haven't seen yet. What I usually do is just rate, then press back to get to the old page as it was.

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Wed May 21, 2008 at 04:19:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Hate Fest and Ratings Abuse (2.00 / 1)

Jonathan,

It seems that after their hate fest in the Clinton Results Watch Party thread, Catfish1 went on a ratings abuse rampage.

Can something be done about this?

Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:30:14 AM EST

I read that thread and wow (none / 0)

if Obama is the nominee (90%+ chance) there will be some thinking to do among the posters there.

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:39:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I read that thread and wow (2.00 / 1)

I couldn't believe what I was reading.

The next time someone claims that hate is coming from the Obama supporters I know where to direct them. The comments in that thread were absolutely disgusting.

Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:45:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I read that thread and wow (none / 0)

The diary was nice and positive though.

We want to see Ivana [Trump] because we are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture. - Sarah Palin

by spacemanspiff on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:02:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I read that thread and wow (1.00 / 0)

they are called hillarybots.

by prajna on Wed May 21, 2008 at 03:14:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

You misspelled 100%. (none / 0)

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:02:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hate Fest and Ratings Abuse (none / 0)

Are you kidding?

by SophieL on Wed May 21, 2008 at 07:46:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hate Fest and Ratings Abuse (none / 0)

Am I kidding about what?

Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:34:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I Can't Wait (2.00 / 2)

For President Obama's Inaugural Address, announcing to America and the world that our long, painful nightmare is finally over!

Let the children lose it Let the children use it Let all the children boogie

by toyomama on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:35:02 AM EST

it reminds me of the Onion article... (2.00 / 5)

...after Bush won in 2000 saying At long last our national nightmare of peace and prosperity is over.

it's sad when the joke becomes reality.

by DawnG on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:47:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeh.... (none / 0)

B/c George Bush and Obama are so similar (rolls eyes)....

Just two more weeks of having to read more asinine comments like the one above! God I can't wait.....

by Deano963 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:14:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeh.... (none / 0)

My bet is just that the commenter is too young to recognize "our long, national nightmare is over" as a reference (it is from about 2 to 6 years before my political awareness jelled, but I certainly know it as a reference), so the Onion version is the only version she knows.

by letterc on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:53:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeh.... (none / 0)

I doubt it. "Our long national nightmare is over" is universally known.

But humor sticks in the brain and parody supplants what's being parodied.

We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.

by Jess81 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:58:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't knwo if I'm too young.. (none / 0)

....but yes the onion reference was the only one I recognized.

care to enlighten me?

by DawnG on Wed May 21, 2008 at 11:12:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I don't knwo if I'm too young.. (none / 0)

Sorry, that was rude of me.

It is a line from a speech by President Ford immediately after he was sworn into office, referring to the end of Nixon's presidency and the Watergate crisis. I have always associated it in my mind with Ford pardoning Nixon, but I think that association is not anything more direct that that that was one of Ford's first actions once he took office (okay, looking it up, it was 1 month later).

Okay, I just went and looked up Ford's pardon speech, and he calls Nixon's crimes a national tragedy in that speech, so it is more directly connected than just time.

by letterc on Thu May 22, 2008 at 12:29:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeh.... (none / 0)

I didn't mean it that way.

I'm just saying the phrasology was similar.

If any dem wins, our long national nightmare of unjust war and economic repression will be over. Peace and prosperity are the legacies that Clinton left us.

Bush bulldozed them in record time.

by DawnG on Wed May 21, 2008 at 11:11:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

And what exactly is the meaning of "pledged" delegates? Weren't they supposed to support the will of the people in their own states?

Weren't the first ones to run from that pledge Ted Kennedy and a slew of others that immediately went against the will of their constituents?

This whole "pledged" and "super" delegate thing is a nightmare. There ARE no rules, although there seem to be some sort of cast in stone....UNLESS... yes, it's the unless that unleashes and justifies betrayals and sudden rule changes.

The whole system is TAYLORED to let the power players take advantage of every single weakness in the system, and here we are.

Perhaps (and I say perhaps) ending up with the weakest candidate for our party. And everyone on their part are trying to label it in advanse as "Hillary's Fault".

Barf, puke, diarrhea, and please God let me get beyond the purging to see what I can do to help this sorry state of affairs.

It does not take many words to tell the truth Chief Joseph - Nez Perce

by Gabriele Droz on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:40:03 AM EST

LOL... (2.00 / 2)

There ARE no rules

-Clinton Supporter.

should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?

by Firewall on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:42:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Um, Ted Kennedy is not a pledged delegate (2.00 / 2)

The rest of your post looks like just a rant, but that bit of misinformation should be corrected.

by Angry White Democrat on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:42:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (2.00 / 3)

Pledged delegates are based on a mathematical apportionment based on specific districts. Each campaign knew these from the start, and they represented the popular will. In the event that the pledged delegates did not generate the necessary delegates to secure a nomination, the superdelegates (party leaders) were created to lend their support to whatever candidate they wanted based on whatever metric they felt was right. This is a ridiculous system, obviously, but it is what it is. The pledged delegate total should be the only relevant metric. In the future, if they want to switch to the popular vote, that's totally fine. In that case, however, it will change the strategy of the campaigns dramatically. As an example, Iowa and New Hampshire would not matter, and California and New York would be essential.

by Pat Flatley on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:45:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

pledged delegates (2.00 / 0)

are those divvied out in the actual election.
They generally do (except for the douches who switch) support who they got apportioned to .

The elected officials (aka super-delegates, aka automatic delegates) are free to vote for whoever they wish. The vote of their constituents is one metric that they should look to but there are other things they vote on as well.

The rules are a bit of a mess in that pledged delegates (the ones divvied up in the election) can switch.

I think the only way Hillary gets blame if Obama loses if she pulls a something like a Scoop Jackson in 1972.

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:46:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

scoop jackson? (none / 0)

care to educate us youngsters on what that is?

by DawnG on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:48:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I am a youngster (age 23) (none / 0)

Scoop was one of the conservative on foreign policy dems in the 1972 race and was mad that he lost so he didn't try to get his people behind McGovern...

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:01:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm 27 (none / 0)

There were a million shadow organizations that sprang up from Scoop Jackson's followers with names like "Democrats for Nixon".

It's the untold story of 1972. It's likely Nixon would have won anyway but McGovern was routed because the powers of the Democratic party were absolutely opposed to George McGovern.

We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.

by Jess81 on Wed May 21, 2008 at 02:01:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Nothing says power player (2.00 / 6)

like rookie, one term senator who's named Barack Hussein Obama, is black and has to deal with 13% of the country still thinking he's Muslim.

WHY IS THIS SYSTEM DESIGNED TO REWARD POWER PLAYERS?!

[me screams]

Commissar: Canadian Gal; Proletariat Policemen: ragekage, Lord Hadrian. "For the Proletariat!"

by Lord Hadrian on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:50:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Bill and Hillary aren't "power players" (2.00 / 1)

yeah, Bill and Hill had no influence when they were in the WH.

Maybe Bill Clinton's hand picked chairman shoulda wrote some rules.

what a joke

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:52:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Ted Kennedy is not a pledged delegate. (2.00 / 1)

Pledged delegates are the ones that represent the voters that voted in the state. They are divided up according to the allocation of votes.

Ted Kennedy is a super delegate who can represent whoever he chooses as can all the other super delegates.

No Way, No How, No McCain!

by GFORD on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:52:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Has a Majority of Pledged Delegat (none / 0)

I agree. Please join me on a conference call to Ted Kulongoski and Mike Easley, eviscerating them for going against the preference of their constituents.

From a Hillary supporter: We laughed as that became our mantra - "Barack can't win!"..... ....."he can go to hell and i'll pay for his way there."

by Cochrane on Wed May 21, 2008 at 01:01:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Train Wreck (none / 0)

Obama has not clinched the Democratic nomination, though his seemingly inexorable move towards securing the nomination was not slowed tonight.

Sorry, but I think Clinton's 35 point win in KY is more than a speed bump. Clinton is still raising money to compete in the remaining 3 contests and there is Florida and Michigan to be resolved on May 31. I wouldn't assume that their delegations will be halved per Chucky T. Also, according to ABC News, Clinton leads in the popular vote.

by grlpatriot on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:51:20 AM EST

Where's she going to get her (2.00 / 1)

delegates from?

(This is a delegate race, and not a popular vote contest, as you no doubt recall)

should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?

by Firewall on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:53:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Where's she going to get her (none / 0)

They will switch.

by grlpatriot on Wed May 21, 2008 at 12:57:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]