The Clintons' Black Superdelegate Problem

Superdelegates are now king makers ? Voting's goal is to accurately represent the public's desires. If superdelegates vote any way other than what the popular vote in their district, county, city, state, country, is, then the Democrats are no better than the Republicans. Remember how the republicans handled Florida and the 'hanging chads', 'dimpled chads', et cetera ? WAKE UP SUPER DELEGATES AND DO YOUR JOB !

The black superdelegates are being threatened of their political career if they support Hillary over Obama. The media knows this but refuse to dig into it. This is why John Lewis and others are rethinking their support for Hillary.

They do not want to go the extent of losing their job over their support for a white lady. It is that simple.

It is not that they really torn between two good candidates as they want to profess. It's the THREAT to their political career driving their actions.

It's a shame.

Center of Responsive Politics
HOPE FUND
Obama has given over $698,000 to super delegates that will support him.
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Don't dis, this is a fact. If it comes down to superdelegates being the deciding factor. Its because OBAMA BOUGHT THEIR VOTE

Many of the superdelegates are not elected officials, therefore they are not obligated to vote based on the masses. Why would they even change sides? They should vote for the person that they believe will make the best president. I think this is called LOYALTY!!!!! They shouldn't be swayed by what the press and other says. If they change sides is this not flip flopping, which is what Obama is claim Clinton did on Iraq.

All candidates for political office make mistakes in their campaigns.

All candidates for political office have segments of their past, life-choices/policies/associations, that will not appeal to some segment of their constituency.

As voters we need to attempt to ignore rhetoric and the multitudinous spins put on everything that any candidate has to say. We need to listen to what they say and then parse it for ourselves. We need to avoid the sound bites and look for the substance. We should make comparisons between the candidates’ histories and what is now being said by, or about, them.

In short we should take the time to become informed voters.

We serve no one, least of all ourselves, if we vote solely on the basis of political party, race, color, creed, sex, sexual preference, or anything other than how much a candidate reflects our morals, values, ethics, views, and priorities. It is very unlikely that any candidate will shares all of the above with any individual, but either by selection or process of elimination we will still come to a decision, hopefully our own decision.

As a final thought, I would urge the DNC to rethink the how, why, and wherefores of the super delegates. I do not believe, that as they are now constituted, they work beneficially toward the democratic process of the democratic party.

Todd,

Wow! So you would have us to accept that there is no legitimate substance to Sen. Obama and that his very presence on the world stage is a result of some sort of quasi-affirmative action conspiracy?

Is it possible, just remotely possible that white Americans from Illinois who voted him into two of their major representative offices just happened to see an honesty, a charisma, and a genuinely-representative voice that transcended race?

For you and others to suggest that Obama is some sort of guilt-produced token is...something. The man is accomplished and solid. Disagree with his political stance and vote for the 'other guy', if you will, but don't discount his legitimacy as a candidate for President, especially just because he happens to be an African American.

Wow.

Cathy,
My facts are "straight". I'm aware of Clinton's "Goldwater" days. She was 13, or 14 at the time. What's your point? Are you calling Senator G. a racist? Senator Clinton is not a racist. I'm entitled to my opinion. FYI, I was responding to the article.

The Obamas have manipulated people, and the press, very well. If you don't vote for Obama you're either a racist, or don't want change. Day by day Obama gets cockier and cockier on screen. It's almost this sense that if you don't give Obama the handout that we'll all have hell to pay, racial strife, the party being split, etc.

The Republicans are LOVING this. The best possible scenario has played out for them 1) an untested new politician as the nominee 2) a split Democratic party.

This is a sad and fantastic time all at once for American politics. Let me say that as a Black man, when Obama first anounced his intention to run, I thought it was a joke. When he actually did, I thought he was crazy. But then I started to listen and I read about him. I went to his website and I went to Hiliary's I am currently reading his book, the Audacity of Hope. I am now a 100% Obama supporter, and NOT becasue his is black, but in part due to what I have read as his ideas and what he plans to do and based upon his intergrity.

If I can I will state a few reasons why Obama should be given a chance to lead this country above Hiliary Clinton.

1. Like Bill Clinton, his has a story from rags to success, so he understands what the average citizen goes through to make ends meets. And he knows what to do to make things better.

2. He has the credentials in my opinion. A law degree from Harvard, a community organizer, a law Professor, a state senator and then a US senator, so indeed he has moved up the ladder and understands politics and policy making.

3. He certainly has the ability to work both sides of the Isle. You should note that Hiliary Clinton always speaks about her experiance and ability to FIGHT and TAKE ON the Republicans, she does not know how to work with them.

4. He draws support from both parties. We now see there are Obamacans, Republicans for Obama. We know that Senator Lincoln Chafee is now supporting him and Colin Powell has indicated that he likes him and may support him. Such is the Charisma that he has.

5. His programs are REALISTIC, and not based on promises that will end up being broken. For example he correctly says that all through the cold war years, the USA maintained dialogue with Russia though we were techincally at war.

6. If you think he does not know foreign policy, he has foreign family roots, has lived abroad as a youth so he understands how to deal with foreign cultures. It is rumored that George Bush had only travelled out of the country once or twice before becoming president.

7. He is certainly intelligent. Being the president of the Harvard law review, an elected position to run one of the most respected legal journals in the United States, he cartainly must have shown his collegues he is intelligent. Being a law professor shows that he is intelligent. Intelligent people know how to make tough and good choices and decsions.

8. You cannot overlook his charisma. In times of tria and tribulation, many times it is the Charisma and intelectuality of an induvidual that gives the people hope and strength to carry on despite the odds against them. He has also almost single handedly ganvanized the youth vote in the country, if he does not win the nomination, the youth vote may shy away from the general election.

9.Oh! I forgot, this experience issue. Consider this, George W Bush was a Two times Texas governor before he became president, one would have assumed that would be adequate experience required the run the country effectively correct? We now see that this is not the case.

10. And to round up. His age. John F. Kennedy was younger that Barack Obama was when he became president, so how does Obama not qualify to be president?

There is more, but I think thats enough. Obama needs your vote. You will note that I have not mentioned anything as regards race or gender.

The media has gone overboard for Obama. I used to think Fox news was bad, but now CNN and MSNBC have shown to be just as selfish and one sided for their favorite candidate.

The popular vote, is at a dead heat, but watching CNN or MSNBC (excetp for Dan Abrams) you'd think Obama has one already!

How do we revolt against an unfair corporate media? I'm upset they are race baiting us all. First Clinton is a racist, now all these race being an issue discussions, just pitting everyone against eachother.

We are all pons.

Comments (media & blog) are becoming more and more vehement as people discuss the issues of race and gender. It is a fact of our existence that we learn at early ages to take a healthy amount of pride in, not only our accomplishments, but also in our identifications, our cohorts (be they race or gender). In our youth, we were pitted 'boys-versus-girls', and we were made better by fostering a friendly but meaningful sense of competition. We wouldn't dare call that racism or sexism.

Now that we are voting, contributing adults, we learn to hash through political ideas or intensions that will work to make our lives better--ideas/intensions that transcend race and gender. But, that doesn’t discount that healthy sense of identity we gain from being white, black, Latino, Asian, or bi-racial—for that matter.

We shouldn’t HAVE to have Black History month or tributes to other minority groups because the accomplishments of those groups should equally be included in American history. However, that doesn’t negate the healthy sense of pride I especially feel in learning of the contributions of African Americans. When J.C. Watts was a staunch Republican representative in congress, I was proud. When Colon Powell and Condoleezza Rice were the first African Americans selected for such posts, I was a proud black American AND a proud American because of the strides such selections imply. Likewise, I was proud when Barack Obama was elected to the US Senate.

Ultimately, I will vote for the candidate that spawns ideas that contribute to a better quality of life for me and my children, but if I vote for Barack Obama because he is black, then that also contributes to my children’s view of a limitless future (of personal opportunities) as well. (Obama is a good man too. I would not vote for Marion Barry for anything, and he’s black. But, Obama is a positive role model for men, black men, and people in general.)

My point is that while we should vote on issues predominately, fostering and perpetuating a sense of pride in my race or gender is not racism or sexism. It’s not. Obama’s and Hillary’s accomplishments as people and as minorities are something to be proud of in a healthy way. If you are conflicted because of his race or her gender, then you should be. You were taught that. It’s not unhealthy. If they were not good people and patriots, then you would be remiss to be led by race or gender in making your decision. No one is choosing Obama just because he’s black. He is substantive (despite Rush Limbaugh’s opinion). No one is choosing Clinton just because she’s a woman. She has a solid history.

I am confused by Rep. Clyburn's comments. He said,"Those of us who live in the South especially, we know the code words when we hear them and we understand the tone. People felt some of that was going on and they reacted to it in a very bitter way."
What 'code words' and what 'tone'? Is there a guideline as to words and tones?
Racists in the South are pretty obvious and lack subtlety. I grew up in the South and and have relatives who are bigoted and racist. I am continualy shocked at how easily the ugly words come out of their mouths. My memories of racism are as vivid today as they were in the 50's and 60's. The white line on the floor of the buses, signs reading "Whites only"-on water fountains, in restaurant windows, on bathroom doors. Signs saying "Blacks must use back door". It was, and is still, shocking to me.
My confusion lies in the fact that racism seems like a chess game in which only one side knows the unspoken rules and the rules keep changing, therefore the game never ends.

Vivi, you wrote " Ms. Clinton is not a racist,yet the media keep playing it up. M. Obama gets a pass on her crude comments."

Do some research. Hillary was a "Goldwater Girl" -- get your facts straight!

Some of the proceeding posts are the most thoughful posts I have seen to date
however, what perplexes me is why the Democrats always seem to pass on candidates like Sam Nunn, Joe Biden and or Chris Dodd?

The real challenge we have within the Democratic race is that we are dancing around the 800 lb elephant in the room. The third rail issue is race and every reporter, news anchor and pundit wants to remain as far away from this as possible.

As with all politicians who earn a significant majority of the vote from one particular group or party, there is concern as to what the massive support from such a group is expecting in exchange for this blind support? Barack has already given some inkling as to the sensitivity of this overwhelming support by avoiding vote choices on issues involving tougher laws for criminals and the reduction of plea bargaining. This is after he stood at the podium claiming to be tough on crime. His voting record (or lack of it via the ‘here’ votes) shows the contrary. It seems that anything that looks like it is supporting the local police and courts by closing loopholes or reducing tolerance goes against the massive support building behind him.

He is against illegal immigration but sought the support from one of the biggest benefactors of an illegal workforce, the Culinary Union. The reality is that if immigration reform includes amnesty, unions will see this new “legitimate” labor force as the equivalent of fresh meat in a singles bar. The ability to organize millions who will come out from the shadows means a whole new base of health and welfare payments.

Barack is for many things and from a viewpoint at 30,000 feet things look really good. But the lofty goal of bringing the two parties together is not going to be a reality with the current legislative body. What few realize is that laws and bills bubble up from the bottom and not from the top down. The rhetoric of bringing the world together is just that, rhetoric. As a newbie, his political capital will be lean if he were to be elected and he would spend that awfully quick trying to get one or two bipartisan proposals passed. After that, the continued objectives of congressional leaders and the required support of their home state agendas will continue as usual.

Alex T., I read your post and I agree with you wholeheartedly. However, the elite are only 10% of the American population, I'm not threatened by them. They are threatened by us. Actually, I think Hillary Clinton is broke and can only afford to run her campaign in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Otherwise, she'd be more visible. During World War II, England manufactured cardboard planes to fend off an attack by the Germans. It may sound incredible, but it worked. The German scout saw what he believed to be a fleet of thousands of airplanes and warned Germany against attacking England. Hillary Clinton's finances are like the cardboard planes. She touts that she has plenty to campaign with, but actually, there's nothing there. Otherwise, Bill Clinton would be more visible.

Hillary's experience = Bad experience

People need a new direction and a president worthy of trust. McCain should look for a retirement home and Hillary should step aside and stop doing more damage with her negative image. She will only unite republicans.

And I am not sure all that anger and frustration of Bill is not because he was hoping to get loose on all those interns again while Hillary is busy! What he thought was a sure thing seems to be slipping away!

Posted by: s.b,
What does black american owe the clintons? were it not for the blacks, he never would have been elected in the first place. if anyone owes anyone anything he owes them. you better go back and look at the numbers and do a little math. second, what did obama say about white voters? you are a liar. he never said anything about whites being racist. if he did say anything of the sort, you think i would be voting for him?

third, if hillary, black civil right activists, or anyone else was all that concerned about voters being disenfranchised, she would agree to a re-election so EVERYONE can vote. no, she wants to keep it as it is. she can't have her cake and eat it too.

Ditto "Mr Judgment"

"If Hillary can't manage her campaign finances, can't keep Bill on a leash, and can't find her message -- how exactly will she lead the country?"

I think this election is a disaster. The media are the ones causing all this conflict. They are the ones creating the hype. Wasn't it really Obama's wife that went to South Carolina and told the Black Churches that they needed to make a stand together. Clinton's words and the way he said it were taken out on content. The media spun that web. The Fairy tale bit to me was nothing more than hype there was nothing racial about it. To me he meant that it was a fairy tale to think that obama could think that he could win when he really has no experience and no one really knew who he was. Nothing racial. What is really bad is that the republican's are trying to convince people to vote for Obama so that McCain can chew him up and spit him out and they will have the White House again. That is what was going on in Virginia. The conservatives don't like McCain they said since they are stuck with him that they want the democrats to be stuck with Obama. They are saying that they fear him in the national election only so that he will be the one choosen. They really however fear Hillary. They know she has the power to really change things. And that bothers them. They also think that if they can keep the conflict within the democratic party that half of the democrats are going to be so upset they they will not go vote in the general election. And I am sorry to say they are correct about that. The Hillary supporters will not support Obama and the Obama supporters will not support Hillary. However I think the only way this will work is to have them on the same ticket. Hillary should be president however and Obama Vice President until he actually gets some experience and people really have the chance to see what he is really all about. Any other way the democratic party will not be united. People are hurting all over the United States and its a crying shame that the media is trying to destroy the democratic party. If an independent would run they may have a real chance in the national election. People need to get off the hype wagon and start looking at the issues. compare the plans. See what they are really voting for or against. It is bad for our country that we are going to be voting on hype instead of issues.