February 19, 2008
Posted: February 19th, 2008 09:50 AM ET
Sen. Obama leads in the overall delegate count in a close race with Sen. Clinton who currently has more support from superdelegates.
Sen. Obama leads in the overall delegate count in a close race with Sen. Clinton who currently has more support from superdelegates.

(CNN) - Democrats say they have a "dream team" of Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama but they might be looking at a nightmare if superdelegates have to determine which one will be at the top of the ticket.

Usually the superdelegates are an afterthought - the nominee normally emerges before the National Democratic Convention by winning enough delegates in the caucuses and primaries to capture the nomination.

But this year, Obama and Clinton are running such a tight race that after millions of votes and months of campaigning, neither candidate is expected to have the 2,025 delegates needed to seal the nomination before the August convention.

And the superdelegates, a group of about 800 people who cast their vote at the convention, could set a candidate over the top.

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • superdelegates


Grand Nagus   February 19th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

I believe that the super delegates will look at who can best lead this country out of the quagmire that bush put us into and who has the experience necessary for the job. There is only ONE choice!!

HILLARY 08!!!

Pete   February 19th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Some quick observations:
1. A Clinton/Obama ticket just ain't gonna happen-it would be political suicide for Obama, if he loses then he will probably exit politics ASAP if he wants to preserve his political capital for the future. That is the principal point of his message-Washington needs big time fixing.
2. Obama is a 1:1,000,000 candidate, Clinton is a 1:50 candidate, McCain is a 1:10 candidate. The chance of repeating a candidate with Obama's demographic and personal qualities are astronomically small.
3. The entire world has experienced the Clintons for over 15 years. This does not mean that HRC is the more experienced candidate, just that the public has more experience with her. Short of her 8 years as first lady, her experience is slightly less than Obama's. As sure as the sun rises in the East, a Clinton Presidency will be succeeded by a Jeb Bush Presidency.
4. Even if Clinton wins by a 20% margin in Ohio and Penn. and 10% in Texas, she would still be short by over 60 "pledged" delegates. The only realistic way she can win now is to drag the Dems through a mud bath involving Florida and Michigan(the most critical state) and Superdelegate reversal of the public will. The HRC supporters should look carefully at the math and face reality-you are headed for the proverbial "trainwreck". This "trinwreck" will ensure a Republican victory in November!

SA, Illinois   February 19th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

I will go with whatever the superdelegates choose. I do not want another Bush in the White House! At first, I didn't really agree with super delegates deciding, but Anderson Cooper's interview of the young, intelligent super delegate helped me to understand who they are and the role they are playing in our best interest.

TG   February 19th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Francie wake up and do some reading.

Take a look at the public record on Hillary. Her solution to health care was to print plastic cards saying your covered. She has no experience with health care costs, or delivery and that is why she actually set health care reform back. She is a polarizing force and works with no one. That is what we have now with Bush. There is a clear reason why the less educated are her base. If Obama came in with nothing but ideals and a willingness to reach out and bring people together he would be 1000% better than Hillary.

Leikesha   February 19th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Obama running now has NOTHING to do with courage. It has everything to do with POWER. He doesn't have a message. He can't explain how he's going to pay for all these false promises. If he somehow manages to beat John McCain (iffy since many moderate Democrats I know will vote for McCain and no conservative or moderate Republicans will vote for Obama), he'll be a one-termer.

xtina   February 19th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Why don't we just have a special vote... I guess that would be too complicated. But shouldn't the Democrats be mad about leaving the nomination in the hands of a select group of elites ?

Gary   February 19th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

What do we get out of Obama? I will say my piece for one last time, HE IS NOT READY YET!!!! He can inspire but HE CANNOT LEAD!!!! We need a strong candidate that can battle McCain, that is HILLARY!

Bill, Tx   February 19th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It's doubtful there will be a Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket.
They are both strong willed candidates and the vice-presidency has little to offer either of them. This country has never had or will ever have a president willing to share power with the vice president.

The only exception is GW and actually Cheney is the President and Bush his monkey on a chain.

dick, WI   February 19th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Been listening to Milwaukee talk radiio today. A lot of republicans are voting for Hill to get rid of Obama and then will vote MaCain in Nov.
So, when you see how many more dems voted than Repubs you will know why. And there are some who are voting Ob for the same reason.
Dose'nt matter which one gets the nom. There's no difference between the 2. Either one will lose in Nov. Both are negative people and bashing the country.
Waiting for that Vast Right Wing conspiracy card to be played.

Francie   February 19th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

People wake up!

Hillary is the best person for the job. Obama hasn't proved himself, hasn't done anything to boast about for our country. Hillary started the Healthcare issue back when Bill Clinton was first nominated for President; but she was ridiculed by the Republican haters. Obama is only imitating/copying other famous speeches of other famous politicians. If Obama wins, he will be beat by the evil Republican machine. Hillary is the stronger of the two.

Hillary 08.

Carmen   February 19th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Silvia,

Obama ran for the Presidency this time because he had the courage to do it, even with the skeptics telling him to get in line and wait! Where was Hillary 4 years ago when she could have ran and won and we would have been in a much better position than with George Bush. She waited until the time was right for HER, not the country. I wish she had the leadership and COURAGE that Barack has.

And as far as the party splitting, that's all due to the Clintons. They have taken this campaign to a negative level. Obama has always just been responding to attacks from Hillary. He runs on his own message and people are responding to that message that he's always had. Hillary is running on her own message, and people are not responding so she starts to attack her opponent. That's weak. And that's why she's constantly changing her message, because every message that she tries doesn't work for her. People just don't believe her.

Mrs. Clinton, you didn't do your country a favor in 2004, do us a favor now and back out of the race graciously without killing the Democratic Party along with your own career.

Mr Din   February 19th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

To whom posted comments should do more researches first.
Sometime like you were born yesterday.
Superdelegates in Democratic Party has been around for decates.
Popular votes not always a winner.
Here is for example in 1888 president election.
Benjamin Harrison (R) had 5,443,892 popular votes (47,8%)
Grover Cleveland (D) had 5,534,488 popular votes (48.6%)
But Benjamin Harrison received 233 electoral votes and Grover Cleveland received 168 electotal votes.
So Benjamin Harrison was a winner.

This 2008 democratic primary election..neither Hillary nor Obama will be a winner before convention in June. EVEN either candidates won 50% delegates for the rest of primary and caucuses.
So the SUPERDELEGATES must decide for winner or to decide to re-concider for Michigan's and Florida's delegates.

Gee K.C.   February 19th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

C'mon , democrats,.. can't you see whats happening here? The superdelegates have to step in and decide who the nominee should be. McCain has had the republican nomination rapped up for about two weeks now. Some of the republicans still want to have a vote that counts..So what can they do? They are voting in some of the open democratic primaries AGAINST the person they don't want to face in the general election. The supers are a safeguard against this. Why would we want the republicans to help pick our nominee and then run back to their own party for the general election.

Allen Friedman--- Henderson, Nevada   February 19th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

The numbers game must be taken care of well before the Democratic convention or this party will destroy itself from the inside out.One of the two candidates may have to give in to the other with the promise of a cabinet job or other type of job be given to the one that gives way for party unitty. If this goes to the convention without being totally addressed, we could be instore for President McCain and an endless war!

Michael   February 19th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Other than favoratism towards one candidate or another, in the end, why would any superdelegate choose the candidate with fewer pledged delegates? This contest needs to run its course but I don't see why both camps cannot agree on letting the superdelegates serve as 'tiebreaker' to give the candidate with the most superdelegates the needed 2025 total delegates to win.

FInal note – I hope today's elections are more landslide than narrow victories. We need a united party and Hillary is not looking very electable right now. If anything, she needs to stop hurting our more electable Obama so that we can have a Democrat in the White House.

Hillary is hurting her own party and even her own campaign. How can we trust that she will not hurt the nation?

john2   February 19th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

The parties decide the candidates. The People decide who to vote for in the election. Super delegates are Democrats and they only get one vote. I am not a Democrat and a contested convention is fine with me.
I just want to see who the final party tickets are because for me that will be the deciding factor.

Nowhere Man   February 19th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Can someone explain how the ridiculous situation the Democratic party finds itself in now with these Super Delagates is Karl Rove's doing?

The Clintonistas will steal this nomination either by buying off (literally) the Supers they need, or they will get the MI and FL delegates seated. The Clintons will not go quietly into the night when they are this close! Hopefully, Obama will be strong in WI today for momentum into TX and OH.

Obama '08!

Kevin Michael   February 19th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

I will vote for Hillary or Obama if the win the votes and pledged delegates in the primaries. I will be extremely disappointed if Hillary wins. If Obama wins and Hillary get the nomination, I will be tempted to join the Republican Party. I will definitely not vote for Clinton or remain a member of the Democrat Party. Fortunately, there is little or no chance the Super Delegates will overrule the choice of the people in the primaries. Such a choice will decimate the Democratic Party and alienate the young, black, educated and truly inspired voters supporting the Obama campaign. Obama has inspired hope among Americans and peoples throughout the world in unprecedented numbers. He has and will transform the politics of division that has ruled this country for far to long. Obama's campaign has already demonstrated that we can move beyond the divisions of the past and truly unite in ways many of us have only dreamed about. It is time for change and a new direction and Obama can lead the way. America is ready and we deserved it.

Bayou Joe   February 19th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

This is good entertainment. I can't wait until Thursday when the rumble in Austin takes place. CNN, Ask tough questions of both candidates. The last debate was a farce. I want to know how they are going to pay for all these new programs they are promising.

koo   February 19th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

it dosen't matter who wins the supper delegates but to be fair and honest the candidate who win most primarys and cacuses should be supported by the supperdelegates to strenghen the pary against the republicans. the fight here should not me internally but should be focused on the real opponent and that means 'one front'.

Shannon Shiflett   February 19th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

I've already written my letter to the DNC - If superdelegates override the pledged delegates, I cannot support an undemocratic Democratic Party. I will probably still vote - God save us if we have another Bush Third Term - but I will become an independent going forward.

ANTI CLINTONS   February 19th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Frank in DC, you are right.
Sylivia, the CLinton's don't have the corner on who can run for president, you are a true blue lin loving idiot to support that witch. You and your closed mind goons think that this should that Hitlery should have the office handed to them for nothing. People are tired of these Clintons and you need to get a reality check about this.

Obama may win, he may not, but he does have the right to run despite what your sources say that he shouldn't run. We need to change this attitude, look at Harry Truman, he went against what everyone wanted him to do and thought he didn't have a chance, he won. IO hope Obama wins and the Clintons will be showed out the door.

Obama!

Michael "C" in Lorton, Virginia   February 19th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

The world is reshaping and civilizations are changing. Hillary Clinton comes to the table with too much "baggage" of past performances with herself and especially her husband "Bill von Zipper." She is a "history seeker", and Americans have seen and heard enough of her and Bill's neurotic behaviors. One realizes that for "growth" to occur, you must have change, and in her and Bill's case, a leopard doesn't change its spots.

carrie   February 19th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

I am 64 years and a democrat all my life. If Hillary wins this nomination fair and without dirty politics I will vote for her. If the Clintons steal this election with their crooked back room politics she will never become president because i and the majority of african americans will stay at home and she can fade into the sunset. She will need black folks more than we need her.

DARRELL FROM TOPEKA   February 19th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

The economy, health care, education and all other issues won't matter if we have Al Qaida roaming around the States. We better be thinking about our Country instead of our wallets and our personal needs. By the way , I am one of the poor Republicans!

Patrick from diego   February 19th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

The news thirsty media should stop focusing on petty stories of supposed plagiarism and insignificant comment by Michelle Obama and cover why Obama did not receive a single vote in certain districts of New York and possibly other states. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE. It is hard to believe that Obama did not receive one single vote in a predominantly African American neighborhood when he is averaging 80 – 90% of that demographic nation wide. Where is the investigation into this aberration of voting trends. As always, our media fails to report on substance and perverts itself with coverage of Clinton's petty jabbing at Obama. Its obvious where who the media supports. To all MEDIA Personal: Hilary crying plagiarism is not an important issue. However voter fraud is.

livingstone   February 19th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

CNN LEAVE SUPERDELEGATES ALONE

Jack   February 19th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Frank in DC, if Hillary split the party, I dont see it. Obama has already threatend to not run again if he is not the nominee. So he implies that he gets his way now, or he doesnt care in the future. I think that says a lot about his character. His being VP will not hurt his future, it will make him a stronger leader for the future.

Another point, no one can ever explain with facts why they hate Hillary Clinton. I hear hearsay and I am directed to web-sites. However, I can make a web-site and put anything I want on it, doesn't make it true.

Hillary is a strong leader.

Paul from Kissimmee   February 19th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

I'm glad that I am a Republican. I feel sorry for the Democratic voters who took the time to vote, only to see it decided by a vote seperate from the public. I saw a kid that's a super delegate on the news the other day, and he appeared to be gushing over the fact that he had breakfast with Chelsea and a phone call from her Dad Bill. Seems a little inexperienced to me for such an important decision. I'm just learning about this myself, but how do these people get voted in? I bet that next time, they will be voted in more carefully.

Any one but Hillary God   February 19th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Its all been said, Lets just just wait to see the blood flow in the Streets of Denver.

Jack   February 19th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

While we talk about who should be the democratic nominee, should this not be decided by democrats? Hillary Clinton leads among all democrats that have voted up to this day. Obama's new lead in popular votes comes from republicans voting in democrat primaries and cucaus's. The vote has been uneven because many republicans are scared to go up against Clinton. The media is not reprting this fact and that is strange. If you take out all the non-democratic votes, Obama falls way behind Clinton. The republicans have found a new way to win this fight and American's should wake up.

Kevin,FL   February 19th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

You In the Media Count Clinton out to early... don't underestimate her and her team... If I remember clearly Bill Clinton got the nomination in June of 92.. So Will Hillary

Smarten UP   February 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

For the individuals that say "if HILLARY wins them I am voting for john mccain"....you have to be most uninformed remedial voter I have seen. The same goes for the BARAK supporters. "If BARAK doesnt win then I'm voting for john mccain"! You all sound like FOOLS. Don't you all realize, TO VOTE FOR JOHN MCCAIN IS TO VOTE FOR ANOTHER bush. CAN IT BE POSSIBLE THAT YOU ARE UNAWARE OF WHAT bush HAS DONE (OR SHOULD I SAY WHAT BUSH HASN'T DONE) AS PRESIDENT! You all can't be that dumb. I am supporting Barak but if he does not win then Hillary has my full support. I DON'T WANT TO BELIEVE THAT US DEMOCRATES CAN BE THAT NAIVE!!!!!

Astounded   February 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I find it shocking…. Most everything I read on here, “I’ll never vote for Obama if he gets the bid…I’ll never vote for Clinton if she gets the bid”. WHY? These two candidates are virtually identical in their beliefs (at least, much more aligned than the beliefs of the Republican Party). It is simple: If A=B and B=C, then A=C. So, unless you are basing your decisions on anything other than your beliefs, either candidate will suffice.

It is also hilarious to hear people piping in, “Obama is only good at speeches, and he doesn’t have a plan.” Oh yeah, because I believe someone would be dumb enough to run for President, and then get into office and say, “Just kidding, I have NO idea what I am supposed to be doing…” Clearly, he must have a plan, who would knowingly face nation wide hate (President Bush, anyone?!?)? Or “Clinton is too polarizing, she won’t get anything done.” Yes, that may be the case, but getting nothing done would be infinitely better than putting a Republican president in office for at least the next 4 years and us as a nation taking 15 steps back socially.

Grow up people, divided we fall.

Marsh   February 19th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

You can not blame either Obama or Clinton for the current split because the division exists in the Democratic voters. Approximately half are voting with their hearts and a vision of what could be. The rest are pragmatists whose votes have been colored by hindsight of what has been. If it takes a final conflict at the convention floor to coalesce around a common vision, so be it.

I do not believe Hillary Clinton is the President America needs to significantly change the course we are on. However, I would not hesitate to vote for her if she wins the nomination and I urge others to do the same.

CB   February 19th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I want him to win so that they will see that he did not get the job through Affirmative Action but by the will of the American people.
Obama is talking "Change" for all Americans to have a better life.
Hillary is talking "Change" to fill the rich folks pokets
We the people know that the intentions is for Hillary to win this campaign. Look at what they are trying to do with Florida and Michigan in order for her to win.
Obama makes more sense as to what the country needs, yet the elites are not ready for this transition as it will only expose their reasons to oppress the poor.
All the past presidents are rich folks. Obama will be the only one not from a wealthy family and knows the plight of poor people.
Obama is an example of what can be if the country unite, however the elites and lobbyists don't want unity, they want to fill their fat pockets.

Bulldog   February 19th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Obama will be foolish to have the name Clinton on any part of his ticket. All the scandals and supsected corruption with both Bill and Hillary will do more harm than good.

The Clintons have more investigations and accusations of scandals and corruption than anyone alive today and have been wiggle out of most of them thus far. Was it because they are smart people, absolutely. They are very smart people, but smart does not equal ethical. Experience does not equal integrity. In the Clinton's playbook, if it looks like a duck, talks like a duck, walks like a duck, the duck magically disapears and anyone who claims their was a duck is liar. Smart yes, honest no.

Any superdelegate voting for the Clintons should be searched for the missing duck!!!!

david   February 19th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Hopefully Hillary will just win the nomination she rightfully deserves. Then, you'd have an excellent duo with a Clinton/Obama ticket.

Hillary will win Wisc. tongight and we are just can't wait here in Texas to get to the primary and vote for her too!

HILLARY 08

Robert   February 19th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

If Hillary wins because of superdelegates, I'll simply vote for McCain and like someone already said, I won't be the only one. Like someone else already said, leave it to the democrats to blow it yet again.

KW   February 19th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Whether you like it or not...the ONLY way the Democrats are going to win the General election is that there be a Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton Ticket. There is too much division in the party right now and it plays right into the hands of the Republicans.

Belle   February 19th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

I am sick and tired of the CNN coverage of the Superdelegates, AND the SLANTED NEGATIVE COVERAGE AGAINST CLINTON!!!

Look, FLORIDA moved up the PRIMARY BECAUSE OF THE REPUBLICAN controlled House and Senate in FLORIDA...then THE BRILLIANT DNC said...your vote does NOT count Democrats.

OBAMA RAN CAMPAIGN ADS...THE only candidate that did. He still lost Florida by an overwhelming margin, yet NOW he wants it to be a Caucus...(I wonder, who is willing to do or SAY ANTHING TO WIN???) He knows he has the advantage in Caucus scenarios.

Lets see...now that we have BLAMED HILLARY for the war in Iraq, the non-existence of National Health Care, and saying she is desperate...I admire her for being able to even put up with all the CRAP that has been piled on her.

Here it is...almost two years into the campaign...and OBAMA still is an orator...but I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD AN ORIGINAL PLAN come outside of his mouth. He has copied Clinton's plans, he has copied Edwards' ideas...and now he discounts the fact that he copies other speeches.

Better yet, he knocks Clinton better than anyone! But no one dares call that NEGATIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have heard EVERY one of Obama's speeches that were on TV; and I have listen to BOTH DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN debates...every one. I am for Clinton, but if she does not win, then I really believe America's best hope would be McCain.

I am voting for the candidate that BEST SUITED TO LEAD, Period. It is NOT like the first time the Superdelegates have chosen a president.
To say 8.5 MILLION+ voters that voted for Clinton over OBAMA are desperate, makes me want to QUIT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. This is a dead heat...and NO ONE IS DESPERATE.

In the know.   February 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Obama should have waited 8 years or brokered a VP deal. Barack's career will be destroyed by the time Hillary is done with him. If Kerry thought Rove was bad, wait until you see how Obama is going to look between now and March 4th.

If Obama makes it to the General Election (which he won't), McCain will have a field day with him.

sean   February 19th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

to sylvia...
who cares who you will vote for and i think your the one supposed to do the growing up instead of frank...............................
i must say ron paul was candidate nr 1 but since his got no chance then obama is the right one

J   February 19th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

She has LOST 8 in a row, she is low on cash, she has dumped her campaign manager, she is begging for more debates, she wants to change the rules in Florida...all signs of a losing campaign.

Now with her back to the wall this desperate little animal lashes out! The GOP couldn't be happier watching Hillary claw and scratch forcing Barack to defend himself which can only result in an inevitable downward spiral for both. The republicans were dealt a pair of two's this round...leave it up to Hillary will force the dems to fold.

Do us all a favor Clintons and GO AWAY.

deb in az   February 19th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

i really think the democrats will vote regardless which candidate gets the nomination. if people sulk and stay home and dont vote in the general election they werent going to vote anyway. i would like to see everyone running for president put their plans on paper and present them to the american people to see and let them make their choices that way. speaches are great but facts are facts. i heard someone on larry king last night state that all obama needed to do was to mention oprahs name to win the nomination. i really think that was a lot of presumption on her part. she also restated oprahs statement ( is he the one? ) the one what? reminds me of the waiting for the second coming of christ and that has already happened. it bothers me when statements like this are made. i think the american publc needs to get to know this candidate based on his merits. the media is so quick to tear apart the candidates that they think they already know. i really think they need to do some research on ones that the doesnt really know. everyone is so quick to tear sen clinton apart for nafta, but really i dont think she voted on nafta at the time. if you think about it im sure that nafta has been altered in so many ways from its original form to suit the big corporations that wanted to go south or to the east. really the blame lies with our congress thats making decisions for their own personal gains. all i would say to anyone please pay attention to the plans outlined by both candidates and what is in the best interest of our country

Bruce Waters   February 19th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I trust the Superdelegates. There will be a democratic candidate in the Spring. Hillary is being her devisive self. Her flailing shows how desperate she is. Afraid to debate, all hot air, plagerism, these disingenious attacks do not help beat McCain. The party infighting has to stop. Obama wiil come out of March 4 with an insurmountable lead. The Superdelegates will swing if Hillary does not step aside.

Sylvia   February 19th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

To Frank of DC
grow up!!!
Hillary did not split the party...Obama did
he was told not to run but he let his evil ego tell him to do it anyway and now look where we are. Then he gets his puppet master OPRAH to do her magic and shove Kool-Aid down the american weak, gullible throats and look at them now all the Obama Zombies....pathetic
The Republicans did not have to lift a finger, Obama did it all for them...we just gave them back the WhiteHouse
I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR OBAMA...if I have to I will vote Republican for the first time.

Mike   February 19th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

If Clinton wins the nomination, I expect to see democrats voting for McCain in record numbers.

Clinton has been exceptionally nasty throughout this primary season. I for one refuse to vote for her after what she has done thus far.

Nathan in Los Angeles   February 19th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Let's confirm this – if the people choose Obama and the Superdelegates try to reserse it for Clinton – THERE WILL BE CHAOS IN THE STREETS OF DENVER. I'll put my job on hiatus, book my ticket, and devote ALL my energy towards disrupting, screaming, clawing, and expending all resources to get in the face of everyone I can to fight this corruption. It will not be peaceful. I will not follow the rules. This choice will not be stolen from us without a vicious fight. This is a promise.

Giegie   February 19th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

almost 700,000 US dollars to superdelegates. Why is obama trying to buy so many superdelegates?.

Ron   February 19th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

If either candidate has both the most pledged delegates and popular vote the Superdelegates HAVE to back that candidate. It is THE only right thing to do. If it is a split results then the Superdelegate need to step forward, make the decision and OPENLY explain why in a way that the other candidates supporters don't feel they were cheated.

Mike in Cleveland   February 19th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Gene, I agree for the most part, but I don't think we can fault Karl Rove for this. Frankly, I think Obama supporters and Clinton supporters are to blame for the devisive split. All the more reason to band together behind the eventual Dem nominee and ask yourself what is more important a Dem in the WH or 4 more of the same failed policies

Brett   February 19th, 2008 11:49 am ET

I find it amazing that the news media is now deciding to care about super delegates, when they have been around for 30 years. Bias, I think so.

Bob   February 19th, 2008 11:40 am ET

All of you Democrats fell for the Republicans’ master plan, which is to promote Obama and cause a divide in the party. Now it does not matter who is nominated to the Dem primaries b/c there is the other half that won’t vote for them…

Mariann Pepitone   February 19th, 2008 11:23 am ET

It would be nice to have a Clinton/Obama ticket. I believe the democrats would love to have Obama as VP if he doesn't win the nomination and Hillary does. I don't know who she or he would select but I am all for that ticket. Hope it comes true so the republicans don't win.

tina   February 19th, 2008 11:21 am ET

i dont know what nasty game the dems are playing but they better allow the american people decide who they want.i am tired of this decay in our political system,hillary is disgracing this country with her nasty politics.OBAMA plagiarises yeh right,this coming from a woman who had a ghost writer write her book and has all the shady deals to her credit[NAFTA],even my 8yr old son could smell the desperation.

doncinvegas   February 19th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Super delagates were a part of the game that both candidates knew about when they started their run for president, the fact is that they may be the deciding delagates, if the vote is close enough, they could take the side of their choice, and are not mandated to do anything, they could abstain from voting at all, or they could push the candidate of their choice over the top if the race is close, I find it kind of funny that the media is trying to take a role in what would be THEIR proper desicion.............

Mariann Pepitone   February 19th, 2008 11:20 am ET

I hope that Hillary Clinton wins the nomination because I believe she is the best candidate to clean up the mess in this country after 8 years of Bush. Clinton has the experience and knowledge of what needs to be done immediately. Obama is a good candidate but I don't think he is ready to be president. Maybe in another four years afte he acquires more experience. Then he should run again but try to create his own speeches. Its okay to use the same words as someone else but use them in a different manner so not to be obvious.

David, Gilbert Arizona   February 19th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Without all the divisive pessimism most people will post regarding this issue, I find it very interesting how our election process works when compared to those of other countries.

I wonder exactly what the government of the United States would think if the Pakistani elections were decided by government officials and "persons of importance" instead of the wishes of the people.

Jim in FL   February 19th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Was there ever any doubt that, if and when Hillary Clinton was ever in a competitive race, her campaign would stink up the joint ? Going back to Bill's pardon of the Puerto Rican terrorists as an "insurance policy" in her first Senate run, there are no depths too low for this woman to venture when seeking personal power. Its all that has ever motivated her. As a Republican, I hope she gets the nod, as she will certainly be easier to beat than Obama.

kimberly   February 19th, 2008 11:11 am ET

I believe that by June a clear frontrunner will emerge.the job of the superdelegates consequently will be a lot easier.

therealist   February 19th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Want to know how the super delegates are going to vote??

It’s simple, and skin deep, just like the way the democrats voted. Yep, just scratch the surface and there it is.., rascal prejustices. No different than republicans. Once again the black man will lose, to the "tolerant progressives".

Outsider looking in   February 19th, 2008 11:05 am ET

If I were a Democrat, then it would be an easy decision for me. Hillary Clinton is the person who will bring all of us (Republicans) together. I find it very funny that you guys are fighting over two people with almost the exact same plans. I personally do not see a difference except for the fact that many people HATE Hillary. You guys should do whatever floats your boat. Republicans on the other hand have a much bigger problem, John McCain is not a true conservative regardless of what people want us to think. If you all chose Obama to be your nominee, then my vote is for Obama. If you chose Hillary, then I will be first in line to vote for McCain. Have fun fighting within your party and let us all know when you make your decision so we can get on with choosing our next president.

Dave, TX   February 19th, 2008 10:57 am ET

somehow, these elections always end up being very un-democratic. whether it is this insane use of superdelegates or the insane use of the easily hacked Diebold machines. and we think our votes really count. sheesh.

Johnson   February 19th, 2008 10:56 am ET

I would be completely demoralized by the democratic party if this the superdeligates are the ones to decide the nomination. For so long has the democratic party stood for the common man and the founding principals of democracy. This subversion of the popular vote would be a grave mistake on the part of the democrats. I would not vote for the democratic party for a very long time if such an act was to transpire.

Frank of DC   February 19th, 2008 10:55 am ET

No one can work with Hillary Clinton. Obama SHOULD NOT be Clinton's VP because that will destroy any future hopes he has. If Clinton wins (and i hope she doesn't) let her pick her own running mate who can stroke her ego.

If Clinton wants to split the Democratic Party let her do it alone.

gene   February 19th, 2008 10:55 am ET

I am pro Clinton and the way this primary season is going, neither is going to win the general election. The democratic party is fractured. Karl Rowe is a genius. THe democratic party has three wings. Liberal left, moderate and right of center conservatives. Just read the comments on the stories and you will see that it will be next to impossible to elect a democrat in the fall. If Clinton is the nominee, the black vote will stay home and sulk. If Obama is the nominee, the blue dog democrats will also stay home to sulk. The winner is John McCain.

Martha   February 19th, 2008 10:53 am ET

It seems that the battle is now not only about superdelegates – Roger Simon on politico.com reports that the Clinton campaign is planing to try and get the support of delegates that were pledged to Obama! I am shocked at the disregard for the voters' will that this move implies. In my view, this is worse than the 2000 Bush campaign. This information needs to be publicized widely so that people know what kind of politics they are voting for in Hillary Clinton!

marcela albracht   February 19th, 2008 10:51 am ET

At this time, are both parties scrambling to get to the superdelegates
maybe offering cushy jobs and tempting offerings? Are the superdelegates accesible? can they be swayed? if they are ,Obama has a lot to loose.

Matt   February 19th, 2008 10:51 am ET

At the end of the day, the superdelegate process just makes the democratic party look foolish. If the superdelegates overturn the pledged delegate decision and the popular vote decision, the party would end up in turmoil. For the best result, the superdelegates need to act like the pledged delegates, making the system irrelevant.

According to CNN, in DC, where Barack Obama won 75% of the vote, Hillary will get 9 superdelegates to Barack's 4. How does this system make any sense?

zacheriah   February 19th, 2008 10:49 am ET

I get tire of hear so called undecided voters say the candidates never talk about issues. The truth is the candidates talk about issues all the time just no one ever listens. Obama talks endlessly of his work in the contitutional law firm and community organizer, He has said what he would do as president no one seems to listen , same with Hillary.

Angela   February 19th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Still counting on the Dream Ticket.
Hillary/Obama or Obama/Hillary.
Any combination will insure a Democratic win in the White House.
I hope they both are keeping that option open.

JonT   February 19th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Whichever of these candidates wins the most pledged delegates should be the nominee. There is no other outcome that will result in a Democratic victory in November, and a candidate unwilling to commit to that outcome is unfit to be the Democratic nominee.

Sparkle, MO   February 19th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Their job is an important one and I believe they should vote for who they sincerely think will do the better job in office, not just in the general election. If they do that and do not do favors, I believe most of the superdelegates will vote for Barack Obama unselfishly

CJL   February 19th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Obama 2008!

Dan, Washington DC   February 19th, 2008 10:38 am ET

As a supporter of neither candidate, I have to say that for the sake of the Democratic party, Clinton better have a lead going into the convention. The party insiders are going to do all they can to block Obama, and Clinton will end up winning on superdelegates, which will cause all Obama supporters to either vote McCain or stay home on election day (which I don't understand at all and I think is stupid of them). Basically, we're watching the Democrats blow it yet again.

ObsessedObama   February 19th, 2008 10:37 am ET

CNN – We people will decide who will be the best candidate for the country, not the media which is not your job!

TheLeftNut   February 19th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Superdels have to determine if they are Americans first or Democrats first.

Do they vote with their hearts or their party?

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@wolfblitzercnn: Trifecta -- NOT. My Redskins, Bills and Packers all lose this weekend. Very sad.
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:40:09 -0800
@HornickCNN: RT @andersoncooper: Interactive: The top 10 Health-Care-Reform Players http://bit.ly/6C3OlX
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:47:50 -0800
@HornickCNN: RT @cnn_oppmann: CNN.com: Mexico City approves same-sex marriage. http://bit.ly/5RyMnk #mexico
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:46:26 -0800
@HornickCNN: Rudy's reportedly not running for NY SEN or Gov ...
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:43:48 -0800
@wolfblitzercnn: Redskins-Giants always exciting. Both teams have a lot to prove. And Giants can still salvage playoffs. Skins just need a win.
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:19:36 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP