- Daily Photo: Obama Jokes Around at G-20
- Blackwater gets replaced in Iraq
- Daily Photo: U.S. Marines Look Out for Taliban in Afghanistan
- Hillary Clinton the Tomboy and Her "Ah-Ha" Moment
- Obama Administration Sudan Envoy Headed to Region
- Daily Photo: Potential Flashpoint in Iraq
- Clinton Says New Afghanistan-Pakistan Plan Depends on Diplomacy
- Exclusive: Three Israeli Airstrikes Against Sudan
- Additional 4,000 Troops to Be Ordered to Afghanistan
- Daily Photo: Navy Submarine Trains in the Arctic
- Alarm Over North Korea Missile Prep
- Anti-Terror Stimulus? US Offers Rewards for Top Terrorists
- Daily Photo: Pakistani Women in Refugee Camp
- Condoleezza Rice Appears on "The Tonight Show"
- Diplomat and Aid Group Sound the Alarm on Darfur Camp Situation
- auto industry rescue
- Ballotwatch
- Biden, Joe
- Bush, George W.
- Clinton, Bill
- Clinton, Hillary
- Dodd, Chris
- Edwards, John
- Giuliani, Rudy
- Gravel, Mike
- Huckabee, Mike
- Hunter, Duncan
- Inauguration
- Iraq
- Kucinich, Dennis
- McCain, John
- Obama, Barack
- Palin, Sarah
- Paul, Ron
- Romney, Mitt
- Tancredo, Tom
- Thompson, Fred
- Veepstakes
- Vote 2008: Democrats
- Vote 2008: Republicans
- Washington
- White House
« Previous | Main | Next »
Obama, Clinton Split Bragging Rights
January 19, 2008 9:45 PM
ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: A Democrat won the popular vote, but not the electoral college votes. Sound familiar?
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., won the Nevada Democratic Caucuses, winning 51 percent of the vote to Sen. Barack Obama's, D-Ill., 45 percent.
Each candidate is fighting to reach the critical number of 2,025 total delegates needed to win the party nomination. In Nevada tonight, 25 delegates were at stake. But the delegates are awarded proportionally by how the voting went in each district -- not across the entire state.
And so ABC News has calculated that even though Clinton won the vote by a large margin, in the race for delegates, Obama gained 13, and Clinton gained only 12. In the overall delegate count so far, however, ABC News calculates that Clinton holds the current lead with 203 delegates, to Obama's 148.
So, how is it that Obama could have lost the vote and gained more delegates?
The Obama campaign is claiming this delegate victory because of the proportional manner in which Nevada awards district delegates, especially in the state's rural 2nd Congressional District.
On a conference call with reporters, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe and Obama director of delegate selection Jeff Berman explained that Obama had the majority in districts where there were odd numbers of delegates and therefore he won the majority of delegate seats.
Clinton won in areas where there were even numbers of delegates by a narrow margin and so those delegate seats were split evenly.
Nevada's largely rural second congressional district is represented by Republican Rep. Dean Heller. It includes 16 of Nevada’s seventeen counties in their entirety, and portions of Clark County in southern Nevada.
Following the Obama campaign conference call, the Clinton campaign press office told reporters that Obama's calculus that he won more delegates in Saturday's caucuses is faulty.
"Hillary Clinton won the Nevada Caucuses today by winning a majority of the delegates at stake," said Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson in a statement released to reporters. "The Obama campaign is wrong. Delegates for the national convention will not be determined until April 19."
On April 19, the Democratic party of Nevada will hold its statewide convention. At that point, the county delegates have the right to switch their commitments and throw their support to Clinton or another candidate, if they so choose.
Bottom line: Clinton won more county delegates that were actually at stake on Saturday. But Obama won more national delegates using the kind of extrapolation of future behavior used by ABC News, the Associated Press, and other news organizations.
January 19, 2008 in Bush, George W., Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (88)
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
I just want to say hang in there young people, we are still trying to take America back,especially for you; our future!. I just wish Americans would wake up and smell the coffee!I have never seen so many young voters get involved with the voting process before,and for once because they have something to fight for; A Change You Can Believe In! and not the Washington Status Quo! Obama 08!
Posted by: susie | Jan 20, 2008 7:37:54 AM
I certainly thought of voter fraud concerning Hillary and New Hampshire and it was the first thought that came to mind concerning Nevada. Nothing against these states, and truthfully this is not being sour grapes, but the media always carries on about Hillary's unpopularity. In Nevada Obama was ahead and then suddenly the tables turned and Hillary jumped ahead. A last-minute jump in votes is rather fishy regardless of who is ahead. In these types of scenarios, there is a LOT of room for voter fraud. I wonder about a recount? Billy hangs around and he talks rather threatening if Hillary doesn't win. I really detect something ominous there. Like right before the Nevada outcome he looked and acted like he would chop the head off of anyone that voted against Hillary. It is like he DARES anyone to disagree with him. As I have said before, are people afraid of him? The Clinton machine is powerful and has the appearance of possibly being vindictive if they do not win the election. God help me, I do not trust him or her. I have a gut feeling that they are capable of doing despicable things. As far as I am concerned, Obama is the winner. He has more delegates than Hillary but you don't hear much about that. It seems like our nation does not know what to do with someone that is honest, trustworthy, genuine, and stands for ALL people. God bless America and its people if Hillary becomes the Democratic nominee. I will have to vote Republican, the lesser of two evils.
Posted by: CS3539 | Jan 20, 2008 7:44:16 AM
Young people and men, get out and vote for Barack. Let's roll.
Posted by: Mark | Jan 20, 2008 8:55:41 AM
This election is the most disgusting that I have witnessed in years. Clinton won someone called for a recount talks of voter fraud, she wins again now we quibble about who got more delegates, for god sakes can anyone of you just congratulate the win and move on.All these cries because a black man is running for President and as always when others are busy trying to make a living the blacks always feel the world owns them something due to what they had to endure during slavery.Well the world owes nothing to anyone Hillary has a right to win just like everyone else, am getting sick and tired of all this calling foul in every run off, while voters are coming out a saying they are not supporting Obama. If its not race, its fraud or we just don't get it, as if everyone is just supposed to vote for Obama because he is black. On the other side candidates win some don't I don't hear all this nonsense about cheating they move on to the next state and try to win. Is this what we are getting because Obama is in the race constant cries of unfair treatment once the results are not in his favor? This is really disgusting to say the least.
Posted by: Mac | Jan 20, 2008 9:35:25 AM
working as a volunteer (with my family) on Senator Clinton's campaign was a privilege. she won the caucus with women, men, youth, blacks, whites, latinos, native Americans, and more minorities.
Posted by: rar47 | Jan 20, 2008 11:26:15 AM
Delegates are what matters most. If Hillary gets the nomincation, I won't vote for her.
Posted by: facemn | Jan 20, 2008 11:30:57 AM
It has nothing to do with Obama.
It has everything to do with the Clintons and the entire Vietnam 'me' generation. She is no different than Cheney, Bush, or the guy caught tapping toes in a bathroom stall. They have created an environment where it's okay to make excuses, whine, etc.
I absolutely disagree with Obama's policies--but I appreciate his honesty and integrity.
You get what you vote for--so people supporting Hillary better not complain if they get what they want.
I'd really love to see McCain and Obama as the candidates--at least then we can discuss issues without having a dirty campaign.
Posted by: Jim | Jan 20, 2008 11:33:53 AM
i say again, the clinton "win" is actually in vain because its not a popularity contest. obama currently got the most delegates...and the superdelegates don't even count unless this reach the national convention
not a shift on delegates maybe possible in the future..some either towards hillary or more towards obama...but that remains to be seen and irregardless to the fact of today...and the fact is that obama won the most delegates hence him technically the winner of nevada as of right now....hillary's "win" was only a symbolic one
Posted by: gluv | Jan 20, 2008 11:37:39 AM
And finally there is a rocking speech that Hillary has given, though hoarse in the throat, but it really is a more direct speech. If anyone is interested it is here on abcnews.com. Hillary Gets Groove Back is the title, and this is the link.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4161356
at least she is saying things that I have said and felt and that peole who live in my town are saying. She is speaking about situations and greed and tax rates and loss of jobs to overseas workers. Please give a listen. And then of course come back and tear her to bits. But know that if this is the direction she is going - democrats should in the end feel confident should she win. That crowd was large (listen to how 'far back' they sound) and it was rowdy.
Posted by: Edge-Of-The-Abyss | Jan 20, 2008 11:41:32 AM
Funny- all week Bill Clinton was talking about how the union workers' votes would be worth '5 times what another person's vote is worth' if they were allowed to vote in their workplace. Hey, Slick Willy, you indefensible liar- what about the SUPERDELEGATES that count more than 5 times what a 'regular vote' counts? What about your little power-broking schemes securing those for Hillary? Is that fair? Of course not- but that doesn't matter to you. Truth never matters to the Clintons. Just power. Barack is taking this thing yet.
Posted by: soldier | Jan 20, 2008 11:42:51 AM
When barack decided to run for president I was absolutely thrilled to be able to vote for someone and not have to hold my nose as I have done for the clinton machine in the past. As the democratic race tightens up and the fear that old hilldog may be the democratic nominee, I become slightly relieved that at least Mccain is doing well. He will more than likely be able to beat the clinton machine because he actually has a solid record of reaching across the isle which is what the middle in america wants now. Not righty or lefty extremists making a fight that really means nothing to the average american. I want washington to work again and clinton's rhetoric of I can take on anything the republicans throw at me is not a statement to heal our division.
Posted by: AG | Jan 20, 2008 11:49:44 AM
If Obama won, why did he leave Nevada before all of the votes were counted? Why didn't he give a victory speeech?
He was embarrassed, because once again Hillary beat all expectations. He had the union support and even an advantage in the caucus locations. Everyone thought he would win. Why hasn't he spoken since Nevada? He knows he didn't win. He knows he is in touble, because the only group he is winning in is the black vote, and that paints him as the black candidate. Whites and Hispanics will not support the black candidate.
Posted by: Bret | Jan 20, 2008 11:53:25 AM
If you don't want to vote for Hillary don't talk about just don't do it. Clinton holds the delegate lead 203 to Obama's 148. What have you been reading. Obama got 13 and Hillary got 12 but Hillary has the lead on the total. I believe I have said it before that California, Texas, Nevada and Arizona would go to Hillary. South Carolina maybe not because of so many blacks living in the South both the polls have been wrong more than one time so we have to wait. I did not hear Obama congratulate Hillary on her win. Obama is running because he wants to make history as the first black president of America. That is not going to happen. So relax and have a drink.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Jan 20, 2008 11:53:30 AM
Obama is pathetic sore loser. Did not make a concessia on speech. Flew away to hide in Chicago even before the caucasses were over. Obama and his supporters are just classless. When Hillary won in NH they cried foul about machine were fixed. Now Hillary wins in Nevada they are crying foul again. What a bunch of crybabies like their leader. Grow up..
Posted by: Opandora | Jan 20, 2008 11:57:13 AM
Was watching the Sunday morning news shows for some kind of learning experience about how/why the press totally eclipsed John Edwards throughout 2007 to make him unviable.
(why I never saw him on CNN/FOX/MSNBC last year when he was tied with the other two in Iowa).
It suddenly came clear: Neither Hillary nor Obama can win the general election. As soon as they eliminate the third candidate, who can win the general election, the junk news stations will start all their stories with the suggestion about the inelectablility of the two rock stars.
Posted by: laura | Jan 20, 2008 11:59:58 AM
Hillary ofcourse won! Allthough the dirty games from the unions in NV and her own party(Democratis Party) pulling out of MI knowing that Hillary was going to sweep MI big time , all going against her she won again and again!
At this moment Neither the Democratic Party who most likely are against her with Pelosi, Kerry and all that crap, nor the bought unions and the paid media and the most important thing NOT even the Republican party can stop Hillary!!!
Go Hillary
All the way to the White House!!!Mission accomplished in NV and MI,
Posted by: 8maccabees | Jan 20, 2008 12:15:57 PM
Where is Obama with his people (black church) for support? The media outlets say that Obama refuses to comment on his lost to Hillary, talk with his supporters about coming into second, and talk with the media until he attend Church and rally on Monday for MLK. All of candidates at least talked with your supporters after the NV race. If Obama felt he won then why is he refuses to talk with his supporters and the media? He understands that the delegates are not important at this point of the game.
Posted by: suzelee | Jan 20, 2008 12:20:30 PM
Ever since Oprama signalled his intention to run many, many months ago, the popular media was unreasonably "in his corner". This made me suspicious right off the bat. Why would the popular media jump on his bandwagon and help make him a "media star" long before his positions became known? Now with the current Clinton win in Nevada, the popular media is reporting the wins with such headlines as "McCain and Clinton Take The Lead...For Now". This is more veiled references to the fact the popular media, for nefarious reasons, is openly in the Oprama corner. The popular media is supposed to report the news, not make the news. Another day without Oprama in my face is another day of wonderful sunshine in my life. I am Oprama'ed O-U-T. He only tells his supporters what they "want and need" to hear, not the real deal. I never thought I would find myself rooting for Clinton, but that choice is better than Oprama any day of the week.
Posted by: therockofages | Jan 20, 2008 12:22:11 PM
No surprise of voter fraud for Hillary. Low turnout too on the democratic front in the past few caucuses. Seems like Republicans may take the next election if democratic voters don't show up.
Posted by: cbeargal | Jan 20, 2008 12:33:14 PM
Lets not even talk about Obama's church and that preacher that runs it. This preacher has been saying the most ugly things about white people, Bill, Hillary and so on but the media leaves it alone, race all of a sudden is not a factor in that kind of talk coming from someone aligned to Obama. Obama his self does not say one word to condemn such crap with the highest voice yet he gives a meek response as the preacher does not speak for me.What does the Obama camp expect we must all cry shame of any thing leading to race on the Clinton side but give him a wide berth when his people talks trash? That kind of talk need to go into the dustbin and I can never vote for anyone that does not raise a voice over that, shame on the media for not even making a whimper of this but made a issue over a black man reminding people that Obama did a lot of stuff when he was young, I really wonder which is worse?
Posted by: Mac | Jan 20, 2008 12:36:51 PM
Post a comment



