June 3, 2008
Posted: 05:31 PM ET
 Rep. Maxine Waters supporting Obama.
Rep. Maxine Waters supporting Obama.

(CNN) — California Rep. Maxine Waters, a longtime supporter of Hillary Clinton, said Tuesday she is switching her support to Barack Obama.

“Senator Hillary Clinton has run a superb campaign and has proven to be a hard worker while gaining the support of many key constituencies that will be essential for Democratic success in November," she said in a statement. “Despite that, Senator Obama’s delegate numbers more than describe the enthusiasm for his candidacy and I believe that by the end of the day, he will have the necessary numbers to become the Democratic Party nominee for President."

“It is now time to close ranks and time for all remaining delegates to put their support behind the presumptive nominee, Senator Obama. Senator Obama has run an effective campaign and has overcome many obstacles to create an energy that has brought many new Democrats into the party," Waters also said. "Together, both of these candidates have generated an unprecedented involvement in Democratic Party politics. This is something that all Democrats can be proud of."

Speaking to CNN in early February, Waters said she endorsed Clinton over Obama because "It’s clear there are two different campaigns, one is about hope and inspiration and the other is a campaign about concrete proposals and solving problems — and I think Senator Clinton's experience emerged very clearly."

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Fish, MN   June 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Way to go! Really, the time for change has come.

Obama Supporter   June 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Better late, way late, than never.

Catherine   June 3rd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Its over HIllary. Give your going away speech and throw your support behind Obama.

Obama 08

Ben (New York)   June 3rd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

It ain't over till its over…and if everything was done legally and ALL the states i.e counted Florida and MI, the she wins.

She is the only candidate who can overtake Mc Cain…shame on you
cowardly DNC and superdelegates all caught up with this youthful nonsense of the totally inexperience that is B.Obama.

If she is not the nominee her supporters will either abstain or vote for McCain

Venus   June 3rd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Man what a freaking day!

Obama only needs 16.5 superdelegates and counting!

What a great way to seal the deal!!!

I love it! In your face Hillary!

Go Obama go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Liar, Liar pants on fire   June 3rd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Well said! Just don't try to twist his arm to have her as VP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Veterans for Obama   June 3rd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Another one…..

Army Wife   June 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

—————-what took her that long?????????????

Addis - observer   June 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

… that is what i call being "bold enough to tell how u feel" !

KiloWhiskey   June 3rd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

The first of many "loyal" democratic "leaders" to try and jump on the winning band wagon. Makes you want to gag!

polly miller   June 3rd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

like it or not obama and hilliary need each other in order to get to the white house.i belive they will work their issues and be a great team i am a female and a women of color this is very exciting for our country.

Ralph   June 3rd, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Bye, Bye Obama!!!

Run Independent Hillary…your supporters will NEVER vote for Obama…he is a loser!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

s.boat   June 3rd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Now Go And Tell All Your Friends!

Victor, NJ   June 3rd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

ONLY 13 MORE NEEDED. WHEN IT RAINS IT PURES. WHAT A JOYFUL DAY. ENOUGH HILLARY BASHING ALREADY AND LETS CONCENTRATE ON MCCAIN. DEMS UNIT!!!!!!

Fox; Albuquerque NM   June 3rd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

When it rains… it pours. Wow I saw like 4-5 super delegates in the span of 5 minutes! This is busted.

cameleon116   June 3rd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Ralph : lol

Michael   June 3rd, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Sellout. Nothing more, Nothing less.

She supported clinton until it was time to jump on the boat of losers and then she jumped on.

Probably should see how much she'll take for her grandmother's teeth.

John from LA   June 3rd, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Shame on Her-I had the upmost respect for her-oh well-Time to vote Rep! or Nader!

The Media picked him in Jan.-Why?-a Novice-hmmmm-didn't we just get done with an 8 year run with a Novice-

I guess some of the best ones-Never get into 1600 Penn. Ave.-Gore and now HRC!

Have fun Obamabots-McCain WILL WIN!!!-Remember-Obama will be a Puppet-The Daley Machine is behind all this!

Barb   June 3rd, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Is this really the kind of action that will unite Democrats? Obama doesn't even need her support to win the nomination — all Rep. Waters did was turn her back on someone that plenty of women in this country continue to support and admire, and at the 11th hour. Seems like Rep Waters just wants to be on the winning team, not necessarily bring the party together. Shame on her.

It was her Idea...........   June 3rd, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Hey, Hillary told the supers that they were free to change their minds. Looks like they are.

I don't like Obama so I am going to be a spoiled child and vote for McCain. Hillary's supporters need a time -out.

Go Barry!!!

Chuck   June 3rd, 2008 6:32 pm ET

RIGHT ON Barb!!!

True Democrat   June 3rd, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Look at the person in pink in the background.

I think she feels that Judas should be impeached.

ms. sims   June 3rd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

I don't get why the Clinton supporters want to vote for McCain….both Clinton and Obama have 98% of the same exact policies! And for those who say she has more experience…Prove it, being the First Lady doesn't mean you have experience to be the President (If so the Repubs should have nominated Mrs. Bush). What did she do as First Lady besides…attempt a health care plan that failed. I mean i don't get it someone please explain it to me! And how do you feel the election was stolen Obama followed the rules….Clinton didn't (whose fault is that). You wanna know who lost the nomination for Hillary just look to her left. Many people don't like Bill for the things he did while he was in office and when they see her they see him. Regardless, take ur vote to McCain, there equally a number of Republicans who are switching over to vote for Obama, and speaking of switching over how many Republicans do you think voted for Hillary due to Operation Chaos that wouldn't have voted for her in November. I don't know about yall bout i'm ready for a change!!!

Fred   June 3rd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

The moderators would rather see posting by ignorant people saying they'll swicth their votes to McCain. Racism will always be a part of the USA. I can't wait until I leave this hateful country. If you ignorant people cause Obama to lose, I can't wait for the day to come when McCain sends your loved ones to war and they don't return. I can't wait to see poverty take over and the Republicans get richers. Obama doesn't need Hillary's supporters anyway. Goof balls!

Cold hard truth   June 3rd, 2008 6:57 pm ET

I'm a political analist from Mississippi, so i know hat im talking about. Most clintins supporters are being very unreasable. Just because clintin didnt win, they vote for the person that they really dont want as a president. They're just mad their canidate lost, so they dont want him, they want George Bush the 3rd. by the way ben, if you really think that, then you dant check your facts. The way the democratic party works, they would practically split it. And sorry to say it, its over. I have inside info that already enough superdeligates to put him over, he just wants it to seem like montana or south dakota put him over. Thats very admirable. Lastly, Ben, keep telling yourself that that their was sexism and bill ruined it for her, both canidates recieved some discrimination of whatever kind and both had trobles, like clinton under sniper fire. Please write again Ben, id love to shut u down again

gary hamilton   June 3rd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

thank you america for changing a black man

Pat M   June 3rd, 2008 7:08 pm ET

The moderators seem intent in just posting what they feel is beneficial fodder. Hence, my comments never make it through.
So much for Free Speech.

Justice   June 3rd, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Cold hard truth…
"I'm a political analist…clintins supporters…"

HAHAHAHAHA… are you on drugs? It's ANALYST… & CLINTON!

You can't even spell, much less offer analysis.

Seriously tho, congratulations to Obama and his supporters.

However, do not expect Hillary and her supporters to go away, or vote for Obama in November.

Kevin from NC   June 3rd, 2008 7:12 pm ET

What a loser!!!!!!!!!!!! She will lose her day time job for backing Billary………………………………….

Pat M   June 3rd, 2008 7:13 pm ET

“Senator Hillary Clinton has run a superb campaign and has proven to be a hard worker while gaining the support of many key constituencies that will be essential for Democratic success in November," she said in a statement. “Despite that, Senator Obama’s delegate numbers more than describe the enthusiasm for his candidacy and I believe that by the end of the day, he will have the necessary numbers to become the Democratic Party nominee for President."

And this statement is supposed explain why what has been described as a Long Time Hillary Supporter giving her the shove and jumping on the back of the winner! I thought Mutiny only took place during the time when Pirates sailed the stormy seas!

Yeah Right   June 3rd, 2008 7:23 pm ET

You didn't support him when he needed you most.
Obama don't need hillary to win in november and shouldn't be forced to take her as his VP.

No more Clintons in the white house less she backstabs him later down the line.

Thompson   June 3rd, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Grow up Clinton supporters, I hope you're not raising your kids to act like this. He won so get over it.

j   June 3rd, 2008 7:24 pm ET

she is soooooooooooo phony! She SHOULD HAVE supported him all along! I am glad that the democratic party can begin healing and join together to ensure that OBAMA- can put the democrats back in the white house. AMERICA will be better and more respected than we have in the past 8 years under bush. YES WE CAN!

Evelyn Peters   June 3rd, 2008 7:29 pm ET

I have followed this race very closely, and at this point I realize that the people are not loyal, and yes we are all looking for change. But I am a Hillary Clinton fan always appreciated her topics, and issues were on point with my concerns, and she didn't waver about how she would deal with the issues at hand. If the super delegates can choose who the nominee is, then I don't see the point of voting at all, and I probably
will not vote again. I am a black voter and haven't seen or heard anything that would make me vote for him. It seems pointless to vote at all and that's just my take on it, if superdelegates get to choose over all the millions of voters who choose Mrs.Clinton as their next president then it is evident that we the voters just don't count.

Re: Cold hard truth   June 3rd, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Oh my…there's no way on this earth you are an analyst of anything….especially of spelling! Your reply does not only not make sense, I had to get out the hooked-on-phonics to read the mess!

At the 11th hour, Winters did what was best for HER, not for her country. How can you trust the supers at this point?

Shirley Q   June 3rd, 2008 7:31 pm ET

In the end, what would we expect she would do???

john williams san diego, ca.   June 3rd, 2008 7:32 pm ET

why am i moderated for calling Maxine clueless ??…that has always been apparent.

Jim   June 3rd, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Fred, I agree with you whole-heartly! I'm a White man and I support Barack Obama. This world needs a change. Switching your votes to the Republicans will only come back to hurt you and your families.

martin   June 3rd, 2008 7:37 pm ET

next time dont be so hasty.

Pistoff   June 3rd, 2008 7:42 pm ET

You go girl!!!!!!!!!!

Michael   June 3rd, 2008 7:42 pm ET

John from LA >

Are you serious? Come on, if Richie Daley was behind this, He would have been President a long time ago.
This is indicitive of the ignorant rants of a group of people who are just plain angry that their beloved candidate is NOT going to win. Throwing a temper tantrum like a 3 year old, because mommy told you to go to bed!

Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama hold the same views, by her own account, 98% of the time. So you mean to tell me that if she asks all of you to support Obama, you will not? That means one of two things:

1) You didn't really trust her in the first place, and just went on Name recognition only.

2)You are not true, blue Democarats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barry   June 3rd, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Sen. Waters should be Sen. Obama's VP! I'm for it! Sen. Hillary & Pres. Clinton have made fools of themselves! Sen. Hillary should concede.

caron   June 3rd, 2008 7:49 pm ET

I hate to say it but I think you Hillary supporters are just saying irrational things — or is it really Repubs in disguise. Please tell me why you have such hatred, other than race, against Obama. From what I've seen, Barack has tried his very best to not belittle Hillary or her supporters. In fact, Hillary was the one who was the cause of such anger by her actions and words.

I could understand if it was the repubs acting as if the sky is falling —
The way you're acting is like it's your way(candidate) or the highway. C'mon, grow up people!!!

Telisab   June 3rd, 2008 7:57 pm ET

Hillary is so polarizing and evil that she even polarizes her own supporters. I cannot believe that I ever wanted to vote for her.

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