Obama gains yet another super - First Read - msnbc.com

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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

  

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

  

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

  

Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher





Obama gains yet another super

Posted: Monday, May 12, 2008 1:53 PM by Domenico Montanaro

Filed Under: 2008, Obama, Delegates

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro

Obama has gained yet another superdelegate, Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka. Akaka is the second Hawaii superdelegate to announce today and the third superdelegate overall to go to Obama since this morning.

Idaho Democratic Party Chairman R. Keith Roark will endorse a presidential candidate some time after 2 p.m. ET. Obama won the state overwhelmingly, 80%-17%.

Obama has now picked up 22 superdelegates since last Tuesday's contests in North Carolina and Indiana. Clinton has picked up 1.5.

*** UPDATE *** Roark is officially now for Obama, the Obama campaign confirms. Roark is the fourth today for the Illinois senator.

The NBC NEWS delegate counts:

PLEDGED: Obama 1,590, Clinton 1,426

SUPERS: Obama 279, Clinton 276.5

TOTAL: Obama 1,869, Clinton 1,702.5

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  Comments

It would be nice if Senator Clinton would take this time to educate her supporters that Senator Obama is NOT a Muslim, that he didn't take his oath on a Koran, and that he loves his country as much or more than they do.  



This time, instead of voting against abortion and gay marriage, and for prayer and guns (those issues will never go away) -- vote for your wallet , vote for the economy, vote for the environment, vote for jobs.  



Vote Democratic 2008 -- don't let the corporations and their Republican stooges win again.  

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 1:58 PM)

oh yeah!!!!



Get used to saying President John McCain.



Obama will get his butt kicked in November.The USA doesn't need radicals like the Obama crowd.



The Democrats have given McCain Florida, Michigan and the Supreme Court.



woot woot

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:01 PM)

WTF??!  "WOW.  (HILLARY)Use Clear-eyes to 'moist-your-eyes'"  Man!  The drippping is DEAFENING!!!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:01 PM)

oh yeah!!!!



Get used to saying President John McCain.



Obama will get his butt kicked in November.The USA doesn't need radicals like the Obama crowd.



The Democrats have gift wrapped Florida, Michigan, Ohio and the Supreme Court for McCain.



woot woot

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:02 PM)

3-0 today!  Woohoo!



Need some tissues Patty??

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:02 PM)

Does First Read have any information on how the campaigns are responding to the earthquake in China?



It's never too early to judge how a potential President would act in the face of an international natural disaster.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:02 PM)

Your count is not good for BO(Supers and Pledged).

Look with obama camp or barackobama.com

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:03 PM)

Bring on the Supers!  I support Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas to be Barack's running mate.  Her background is much more impressive than Hillary's (look it up!) and she is from the midwest where she will help garner more of the votes from that region.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:03 PM)

Firstread please post this



Everyone keeps talking about how Senator Obama is having trouble with the white voters in OH and PA and how that could affect him in the general election.  Here is some food for thought per Tim Russert: if you don't win a certain percentage of the black vote in OH or PA, you don't win those states.



While Senator Obama would have work to do with some white voters (currently getting 30%) if he is the nominee, Senator Clinton will also have work to do with some black voters (currently getting 8%) if she is the nominee.  African Americans are a minority but they are also a crucial voting bloc for the Democratic Party. Senator Clinton has done a good job of focusing the attention on the white voters Senator Obama isn't getting rather than the black voters she is not getting.  However, they are both of equal importance because they could cost either of them the general election.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:03 PM)

Sucks for Hillary that Akaka went for Obama.



If Roark went for Hillary, she could claim that "Despite being down by half a delegate, Hillary has stormed back, retaken the momentum, and gained a lead over Obama in the delegate count."



But now even if Roark were to (unlikely as it seems) go to Hillary, she'd still be down.



Sucks to be Hillary.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:03 PM)

Thank you Senator Daniel Akaka,  Obama's Hawaiin brother from Barack's old hood!!!







Speaking of Tribalism, Pat Buchanan was defending Hillary's , 'hard working white people' comment, as it is what it is, instead of denouncing it as divisive.



Consider this. Lincoln was right when he said, "A house divided cannot stand". How did he know that?



As a student of history, Good Old Abe had learned how tribalism had not served Native Americans, or Africans. Had the masses of either of these respective continents been unified, it would have been impossible to conquer them.



The Holy Scriptures say, "Stand together as a cemented wall, least your power depart".



Nuff said?



Dems unite!!!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:03 PM)

How will the Clinton's spin this?



Proud to be an Obama supporter!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:03 PM)

Great! We'll on our way to wrapping this up well before June 3rd!



Obama 08/12

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:04 PM)

As the aloha spirit spreads to the other forty-nine states, our country will really move into an exciting era, reminiscent of the Kennedys.  Perhaps we'll hear the banjos of Kentucky harmonizing with ukeleles--instead of the Clintons banging pots and pans together.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:04 PM)

How white is Idaho compared to Clinton strongholds KY and WV? Isn't her argument really that her base is white racists who barely graduated high school?



Frankly, those aren't the kinds of people I really want having a voice in how the country runs. It's time to acknowledge that White America is but an old fashioned dream...welcome to modern America, folks.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:05 PM)

OK - posting this again!!!



a) all the elected house members voted as their district did,



b) Senators voted as their state did,



c) Non-elected supers voted as their state did



She would be ahead in supers - enough to win the nomination. No one in the media is doing that math…why not???

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:05 PM)

Idaho Superdelegates United for Obama



By Jill Kuraitis, 5-12-08

 

Obama in Boise in February - photo by Andrew Kuraitis



Idaho State Democratic Chair Keith Roark, who is a superdelegate to the Democratic convention, announced today he will vote for Senator Barack Obama.



“The unprecedented enthusiasm Senator Obama has generated here in Idaho is unlike anything I have seen in my 31 years of active political participation in this State.  He has captured the imagination and mint fresh optimism of young voters from Coeur d’Alene to Caldwell, from Murphy to Montpelier, from Twin Falls to Idaho Falls.  I firmly believe that the critical process of rebuilding the Idaho Democratic Party will receive a once in a lifetime boost from Senator Obama’s candidacy.”

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:06 PM)

Sweet!



I wonder if we'll eventually break our record of 9 supers in one day? Maybe today?

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:06 PM)

Ok  he has picked up 22 and HRC 1.5.  Now HRC is taking about a 40 point advantage in WVA.  



Give me a break, in one week his has earned, not polled, a %1500 advantage. That's right %1,500 to %40.  



This thing is done. All done.  Not even sure why we are still keeping count.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:06 PM)

Something everyone should see about McCain:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y395Tftgz0E



Changed my mind about voting for McCain.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:06 PM)

Bam said



"

 Steve. NewYork NY said



Remember, this is not 1998, 2000 or 2004.

And the more that people under-estimate and dis-respect Obama , the more he wins !





Hey Steve,



I have news for you buddy, the more the Obama supporters with their "They think they're better than everyone else" attitude, disrespects everyone who is not in love with, and will not support Obama, the more you and the rest of the Obama supporters are under estimating the people who can't stand Obama, his wife, and more importantly, his supporters and as a result, Obama will pay in November and there isn't a dam thing you or any of the Obama supporters can do about it."







REPLY !



Hey Bam !



Obama showed that appeals to division - whether from elements that stirred up fear that a "black candidate couldn't win" - or from his former pastor - could be overcome by America's overwhelming hunger for unity.



Americans - and particularly young Americans - are sick of Republican appeals based on the things that divide us, particularly race.



It isn't 1988 anymore.



A whole generation has passed from the scene and been replaced by young people who simply don't get the passions that allowed the fear of "Willie Horton" to decide the 1988 presidential race.

"



It is because of bigots like you who choose to dislike Obama and his wife, solely because of the color of his skin...(and I say this because you offer no policy dispute or issue that you have against him)... that Obama has registered NEW voters and younger voters to counter the racist vote that will no doubt come from people like you.



He does not need you .. and he has devised a way in which he will overcome your biggotry !

Feel bitter now?

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:11 PM)

Prediction:



Since it's pretty clear the Obama camp has had a strategic roll out of super delegates for almost two months now, I predict that they'll have enough supers endorce between now and Oregon that the delegates that Obama gets out of WV, KY, and Oregon along with those supers will put him at 2025+ on May 20.  That way when the Rules committee meets on May 31, he'll already be over 2025 for nearly a week and a half, making it nearly impossible for them to overturn the election using some bogus Michigan/Florida delegation.  They'll seat them, but not in the way Clinton wants that gives her all the MI delegates and Obama zero.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:12 PM)

I predict several more before the day is out.



YES WE CAN!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:12 PM)

And the Beat Goes On!!!!!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:12 PM)

Riddle me this Clinton supporters.  When Hillary finally admits defeat and throws her support to Barack Obama and the Democratic Party are you going to really vote for our true enemy Flip Flop McCain?



After all this support you've shown her over all this time will you really dishonor her by voting for the repugnant one who will give us just more of the failed policies the Bush/Cheney Tyranny has wrought upon our good country?  Will you blow off her suggestions for party unity so "Warmonger" McCain can keep our brave soldiers enslaved by the stop loss program that ensures they have to endure more combat tours?  Is this the gratitude you'll show Hillary when she finally comes to grips with political reality?



Go Obama 08/12!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:14 PM)

Pat from Boston I agree with you, It is time that voters stop allowing the media to influence their votes. With nonissue stories it is time that voters look at the differences between the candidates on issues. Not this silly stuff about who is to old or who wears a flag pin or who is related to who.  The question is do we think the economy is good or is the war in Iraq good and can we stand to be there for 100 years . If you think all of the above is great and cant wait to fight against Iran . Then  John McCain is your man.  If you think that all of those things are bad then Barack Obama is your man. Then if you cant make up your mind and just wanna waste a perfectly good vote you will have Barr and Nader. One that leans to the right (Barr) and One that is so confused that he forgets he is a rich guy (Nader).So now is the time for All True Democrats to unite and fight together.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:15 PM)

So called super delegates better be watching their jobs instead of jumping on the Obama band wagon. To all Hillary supporters, vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee, and vote against all the so called supers that backed Obama. It is time to teach the Dnc a lesson for not counting Fl, and Michigan. I do not think they all can win with all the black vote and only 25-30% of the white vote.

Everyday something new comes out about Obama, when we thought Wright was bad, now we have Hammas a part of his campaign, and the dnc wants all the dems. to come together and vote for Obama, FAT CHANCE THATS GOING TO HAPPEN, NOT.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:15 PM)

RNC spokesman Alex Conant emails this statement about Obama's travel plans: “Barack Obama can travel wherever he wants, but it won’t make his calls for higher taxes, restricted gun rights, and proposed meetings with state sponsors of terrorism any more appealing. Wherever Obama takes his flawed message, voters will learn more about the weak leadership he has demonstrated on important issues confronting the nation. Obama’s punitive tax plan shows he doesn’t understand the American economy or how to rejuvenate it – and that’s no different in Michigan, Florida or the other the states on his itinerary.”

__________________________



So Obama can't even travel without the Republicans/RNC jumping down his throat?? Wow.



Just watch, these will be the same people accusing Obama of "going negative"... he's just visiting states and they broadside him. So he's supposed to campaign from Illinois and just hope people will catch him on TV?



Way to crush hope. Hillary gets half the Dems thinking that the election is a game and it's okay to take vengence 'cause their candidate didn't win, and now the Republicans are trying to throw elbows... it's not easy being Obama right now, but come November, I'm guessing he'll be the Prez.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:15 PM)

Apres moi le deluge....

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:16 PM)

I'm going to read some posts while the supers pour in!



(Don't get me wrong, I'm happy, but I like to read what we 'ALL' have to say, even Patty)!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:17 PM)

Wow - it must really be hard to get up in the morning and face yourself when your name is Hillary Clinton. No doubt that the steady trickle of superdelegates into Obama's camp is driving her absolutely batty!! At this rate, Obama will reach the 2025 delegate count in no time at all, and I'll bet you some land that Hill will try to find a way to steal the nomination.Of course the biggest slap in the face right now has got to be that Obama and McCain are ignoring her - the worst telltale sign that her campaign has already ended - despite her predicted win in WV.



Obama 08

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:17 PM)

Looks like The " Not so Hard working" Elites, African Americans and others who support Obama are winning BIGTIME.



Hill - Dog made a BIG MISTAKE making that dumb comment and STILL has not APOLOGIZED for it.

When Obama made the Bitter comment he realized he blew it and apologized right away saying it was not what he really wanted to say but the gist was correct.



HAS ANYONE HEARD AN APOLOGY FROM DARTH HILL???



She is SUCH A LOSER

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:18 PM)

150 more to go !!!!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:18 PM)

For those who need to linger in their lost cause, let them have the time they need. For the rest of us, time to move on.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:18 PM)

We're pulling away!  All of the outlets have different delegate counts but I always have trusted Chuck Todd's breakdown.  Washington Post has a good article on Mr. Todd http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/linkset/2005/04/11/LI2005041100587.html  I believe that Mr. Todd has done a very good job of being balanced even though many on this blog cast stones at him.  Keep up the good work guys.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:19 PM)

Thank you, to all of the Obama superdelegates for their support.  It is nice to see the broad representation from every shore and inbetween.  I was particularly moved to read the endorsements from the Hawaii SDs who truly do regard him as their native son.  I went to college in San Francisco and I had many friends from Hawaii (indeed my daughter shares her name with one of them) and I have a deep regard for the people of that State.



Obama for our best future.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:20 PM)

Wow! It feels more and more real with each super!



Obama '08!

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:20 PM)

Hurray! I am hopeful that not only will Obama be the Democratic nominee, but also that he will continue to run a positive campaign.  I hope he becomes our next president.  The rest of the world is watching, and I have heard on National Public Radio that European countries are hoping for a Democratic president. They are especially excited about the possibility of a person of color becoming the president of the US. I pray that our country can see Obama's skin color as an asset, not a liability, and that we will be able to see all of the great qualities he possesses.  

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:21 PM)

+++++++  Important Question for Superdeligates



Could someone out there please explain to me why it is Sen. Clinton quotes an actual Associated Press article where she refers to white working class voters  --and is suddenly being accused - from multiple sides - of playing the race card?  



When Sen. Obama, who I might ad, was not even quoting any report –simply spoke from his heart  - stated ‘typical white people’ in his interview trying to explain his relationship with Rev. Wright – was NOT accused of racist statements. Not only this - but his remarks of “small town, gun totting – bible clinging voters with antipathy toward people who are not like them”   IS NOT RACIST?  What is up with the double standard?  It is OK for Sen. Obama to refer to small town, typical white persons, who cling to guns or their religion with antipathy toward others that are not like them –WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?? And he spoke from the heart when he said this ---he was not quoting anyone like Sen. Clinton had and she is the one accused of playing the race card?



Someone PLEASE explain to me what exactly is up with the double standard here.  Has anyone who actually voted for Sen. Obama  --read his books?  Didn’t think so…



As a Canadian  --I am seriously beginning to question to judgments of the American voter. I mean, I understand that your country voted for Bush, not once, but twice but seriously, what’s up with the decision making processes here and the accusations cast upon candidates for political convenience?  It is rather disturbing to see.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:22 PM)

I love it when a plan comes together.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:22 PM)

Finally Roark caves. He's been on the fence too long. Thats all for my state, I suggest if your state's superdelegates are on the fence, that you poke them soon and often.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:23 PM)

I have grown to dislike Hillary over the past several months, but I can't even imagine the pain she and 'Ol Bill must be going through.  We have all been so wrapped up with the math and the polls, etc. that I think we are overlooking the fact that we are witnessing a generational revolution in the democratic party.  Pushing out the party leadership when they don't want to go is going to be painful, no matter what.

The Clintons are like the ballplayer that has hung around for too long, and no one has the cajones to tell him/ her that the game has passed him/ her by. They still love the game and truly believe they have something to help the team, but, just like in baseball, eventually you have to make room for the phenom to come up and show his stuff.  That bomb you hit in the bottom of the ninth back in '92 doesn't help the team today.  Sad but true.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:23 PM)

Now what I really wanted to ask Chuck Todd.

Is it true that with the Akaka endorsment that the number of Superdelegates and pledged delegates remaining is not enough to push Hillary to 2025 ?

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:24 PM)

Yet West Virginia is the key swing state, and a huge Hillary win will change the momentum back to her, right?



Will the victory celebration tomorrow night in the Charleston Civic Center be attended by anyone other than Hillary, Bill and Chelsea?



This is really getting sad.  Have some dignity Hillary and bow out gracefully so we can beat Senile John this fall.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:26 PM)

The SD's are standing behind Barack. Please, all Dems,

now is the time to show the Repub's that a Democrat

is going to be in the White House in January.



Obama '08

Kim M--AZ (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:26 PM)

Why it looks good for November...



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dylan-loewe/why-you-should-be-optimis_b_101275.html



Look, if you honestly agree with McCain's policies and think he'll be a better leader then vote for him but remember what you're getting...



1. 100 years in Iraq.

2. Extension of Bush tax cuts that he originally opposed.

3. Goodbye Roe vs. Wade...and no exceptions for rape or incest or if the mother's life might be in danger.

4. Bomb, Bomb Iran!

5. "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should."



If you want this, then by all means, go ahead and vote for McCain.



Don't say you weren't warned.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:26 PM)

Congrats to all of the obama supporters out there. Looks like he's got this thing all locked up.



Please stop with the ridicule and petty trash talk directed at my candidate, Hillary. Remember we also have been suffering through 7 yrs of Bush. Hillary supporters all have their individual reasons; I thought she would be the best leader out of the field of candidates. Take the high road and win with class. If this continues, we won't be voting together in Nov.



That won't be Hillary's fault.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:27 PM)

go supers go! hillary had a chance to go gracefully, now she will have to go under pressure of hard math (pledged delegates, no. of states, super delegates and popular vote). With all this information, she cannot make a proper JUDGMENT (to exit). No wonder she voted for the iraq war despite all the intellgence information/data showing the war was not necessarily the best action at the time.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:30 PM)

The brave ones standing up and face the Clinton Machine of Hate ! Clinton call them anything from traitor to Judas, but  fact is that they are the most powerful dynasty in the Democratic Party. It's sad that her anger  about being "denied the crown" leads to her "WHITE AMERICA UNITE!" campaign ... but the time moves on.



OBAMA'08! The nomination is won !

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:31 PM)

Why is your front page delegate count always 2 days behind the numbers you post in First Read?



Anyway.... WOOHOO! 22 to 1.5 - Hillary was right, IN/NC was a game changer.

(Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:31 PM)





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