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Clyburn Goes for Obama; Clinton's Plans Unclear
June 03, 2008 8:50 AM
“Today the primary process draws to a close," said House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-SC, in a statement this morning. "From the beginning, I have made it clear that I would put the Democratic Party’s best interest first and remain publicly neutral as this process ran its course, but it is now time to make my preference known. Today I am pledging my delegate vote to Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States."
Clyburn has been officially neutral until yesterday, though he has publicly expressed disappointment at the way Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, and her husband conducted themselves during her campaign.
In addition to praising the "levels of energy and excitement that I have not witnessed since the 1960’s," the highest-ranking African-American in Congress also trotted out an electability argument about Obama, perhaps to contrast with Clinton's argument that she is more electable.
“Recent surveys indicate that Senator Obama is by far the most preferred presidential candidate among Democrats and independents," Clyburn said, "and I believe he is the most electable candidate that Democrats can offer. He will be able to dramatically change the electoral map for Democrats which will in turn expand our majorities here in Congress, and help elect more Democrats at the state and local levels. Furthermore, I believe that Senator Obama is the Democrat who can unite our people, help heal our nation’s wounds, improve our standing on the world stage, and steer our country in a new direction. What is especially exciting about Senator Obama’s candidacy is its attraction to young and independent voters. Our Party cannot hope to continue our recent successes if we don’t continue to attract new voters. Senator Obama has demonstrated the ability to draw a new map for Democrats by putting traditionally red states like Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina, and swing states like New Mexico, Missouri and Iowa in play."
Clyburn also sent this message to Clinton and her supporters: “All of us have roles to play in helping to unify this party and unite in support of our nominee. But united does not mean unanimous, united means recognizing and respecting some realities. And it is a reality that delegates determine the winner. No matter the outcome tonight, Senator Obama will lead in the delegate count and should be named the nominee. Any other outcome would require un-pledged delegates, who have the power and authority to do so, to reverse the results of those who played by the established rules and worked hard in the primaries and caucuses. This would be unwarranted and could make the nomination worthless."
It remains unclear what Clinton will do tonight or this week. Sources in her camp say she has no intention of withdrawing from the race tonight even if Obama reaches the magic number of 2,118 delegates. In fact, Clinton has not yet stated that she accepts 2,118 as the magic number.
- jpt
June 3, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (62)
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I am so.....disappointed. It was so close.
We are left with two candidates that are not very impressive..Obama and McCain. Is this all we have to offer? I will definitely not vote for Obama. Let's pray for the United States of America.
Posted by: Yolanda | Jun 3, 2008 8:02:27 PM
Clyburn supports Obama......get out of town. are you serious? really? I never got that impression throughout the primary. Even when he has been defending Obama every chance he took and took jabs at the Clintons every chance he could.
wow this really comes as a surprise.
Posted by: mona | Jun 3, 2008 3:24:58 PM
I've watched Clybourn do his little back and forth Kobuke dance over the past 4 months. Never for one moment did i beleive that he would be loyal to Senator Clinotn and vote for her. Even when he personally said that many times he would. Even though he owes his entire career and Livelihood to the Clinotns, I never even once believed that he would be loyal. He is just making his bed with who he believes to be the winner and after all he is black and it is not considered Racist to be part of the 92+ % blacks that apparently only vote for other blacks. It would only be considered racist if they were white. I see him the same way as I see the Governor of New Mexico, as just another self serving losers that bites the hand that feeds him. I hope this all comes back around some day and they really get their come uppance. Go Hillary go and to hell with all of these loser users. We know you are the better person in this race in every way, and that B Hussein Obama is not even qualified to run in this race.
Posted by: Crystal | Jun 3, 2008 2:38:00 PM
DEVAL PATRICK'S a smart black man, smarter than Obama and worked hard to be where he is with a little help from scholarships and the Clinton Administration I don't mean to belittle that. But then, he should remember who helped him to get to where he is today. And that wasn't Barack Obama
Posted by: neil1785 | Jun 3, 2008 2:25:02 PM
Unify the Party? Huh? Senator Obama
does not posses that gift. The "Party"
has not been this divided in my lifetime. Senator Clinton should run as an independent. It is time to put Country over party. She is the only candidate who has the courage, intelligence, and leadership to bring this country forward. She has not to my knowledge ever been enough of a Coward to vote present. I hope she continues to fight for us. I should not be surprised that the same nation which elected George W. would drink the Koolaid again.
Posted by: Jim | Jun 3, 2008 2:05:55 PM
I may be wrong but I have a feeling the Clintons will prove to be much more loyal to African Americans than Obama.
Only time will tell, but the backlash Obama will get if/when he doesn't pull out of Iraq, or doesn't deliver his long list of promises--
The backlash will be very very ugly from millions of Americans that feel duped by Obama.
Hillary08/2012 or McCain08
Posted by: cindy in nc | Jun 3, 2008 1:47:21 PM
McCain's new strategy is to
run as a "change" candidate.
That's according to a news
story today.
The "change" he's talking
about is from old age to
dotage.
Posted by: anon | Jun 3, 2008 1:09:51 PM
My my...look what money can buy.
A radical,inexperienced,unqualified, candidate with lots of charm and a bunch of promises.
The DNC and its superdelegate concept is a big joke.
Hillary08/2012 or McCain08
Posted by: cindy in nc | Jun 3, 2008 12:40:48 PM
hoosier sue and Neil,
She's done. She's broke. She's the Great Miss-speaker and Great Miss-rememberer!
I would love to hear what you think about the FALN pardons. The ones where people got bombed, people died and Clintons let them go. Funny thing happened later..........lots of Hispanic support.
Do some homework, this lady is dirty.
Posted by: twotraps | Jun 3, 2008 12:37:32 PM
Some Republicans have tried to “talk” the presidential race into a close situation; others know that it is not going to be close.
The old yellow dog could be at the head of the Democratic ticket and its would still be a landslide. Things have only gotten worse for the GOP since the mid-term congressional debacle---in the special elections in overwhelmingly registered Republican districts they have lost all three of what use to be safe House seats. One seat that of the Republican that had been in office so long that he had become speaker.
The race is not close and will not be close---welcome to the Oval Office President Obama.
Posted by: Sam Osborne | Jun 3, 2008 12:34:10 PM
Posted by: anon | Jun 3, 2008 12:00:13 PM
THE DUMBEST CANDIDATE (OBAMA) PROCLAIMED HIMSELF THE WINNER
Posted by: neil1785 | Jun 3, 2008 12:08:57 PM
Her lights are dimming and
will soon go out.
Posted by: anon | Jun 3, 2008 12:07:37 PM
The survival of the fittest.
The smarter candidate won.
Posted by: anon | Jun 3, 2008 12:00:13 PM
Isn't it ironic that Obama now says he will meet Hillary anytime, anywhere of her choosing - but when she issued the same invitation to him for a debate he refused?
Obama is weak, inexperienced, unqualified and unworthy of the presidency.
Posted by: HoosierSue | Jun 3, 2008 11:59:27 AM
Neil1785:
Careful, your true colors are starting to show through your rhetoric.
You're getting mean.
Posted by: Mary, MI | Jun 3, 2008 11:56:26 AM
Did Clyburn really come out for Obama? Really? You're kidding me! Wow, I'm glad he did. The suspense was killing me!
Posted by: HoosierSue | Jun 3, 2008 11:53:25 AM
Posted by: rgs1958@hotmail.com | Jun 3, 2008 11:44:24 AM
NEVER TELL THAT OBAMA IS HONEST BECAUSE HE LIED A LOT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING...
Posted by: neil1785 | Jun 3, 2008 11:52:02 AM
Neil1785:
Again, I ask -- What are you going to do when Hillary endorses Barack? She will. She's a good Democrat.
UPDATE: Associated Press release just this morning: Hillary Clinton will acknowledge tonight that Barack Obama has the delegates to become the Democratic nominee.
UPDATE: New Gallop poll this morning shows Barack Obama beating John McCain in general election 48% - 44%.
Posted by: Mary, MI | Jun 3, 2008 11:51:43 AM
Of course, Clinton is mum about the new goalpost on the eve of the final primaries. It sounds like Clyburn is the one who is challenging the new magic number by stating Obama will be the winner tonight according to majority delegate count. De ja vu.
Posted by: katrina | Jun 3, 2008 11:47:18 AM
I learned something new from Clyburn this morning on the Today Show as he made his announcement. He said the Democratic convention meets on the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington and that Obama will be giving his acceptance speech on the anniversary of the "I have a dream" speech. He said we are so lucky that the stars have lined up. Something more to ponder.
Posted by: tiredtoo | Jun 3, 2008 11:46:59 AM
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