Black Superdelegates Shift to Obama - John Lewis Switches From Clinton to Obama

ABC ^ | Feb 15, 2008 | JAKE TAPPER

[RDTF]

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., may have an added obstacle in her pursuit of the support of superdelegates — the party insiders and elected officials who compose roughly 20 percent of the total Democratic delegates, and who may ultimately choose the nominee.

One prominent superdelegate who is also the highest-ranking black in Congress told ABC News that the racially tinged way in which critics say the Clintons conducted their campaign in South Carolina is driving black superdelegates into the arms of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill..

"The surge — if I may use that word — occurred in direct correlation to the way that campaign had been ratcheted up," said Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., the House Majority Whip who has not endorsed a candidate. "Those of us who live in the South especially, we know the code words when we hear them and we understand the tone. People felt some of that was going on and they reacted to it in a very bitter way."

Clyburn made his remarks as his colleague, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., switched from supporting Clinton to announcing that as a superdelegate he will vote for Obama.

"In recent days, there is a sense of movement and a sense of spirit," Lewis told The New York Times. "Something is happening in America and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap."

Lewis also said he was influenced by the fact that his home state voted heavily for Obama. Clyburn told ABC News that he had heard from many black lawmakers who thought the Clintons played the race card. Clyburn said of particular offense was former President Clinton's comparison of Obama with the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

-snip-

[Petronski]

...the racially tinged way in which critics say the Clintons conducted their campaign in South Carolina is driving black superdelegates into the arms of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

[TinaJeannes]

That doesnt suprise me in the least. Many are voting for bama not because of issues or policies , but because he is half black.
well I am all woman and I am not voting for hillary because she is female

[McGruff]

One prominent superdelegate who is also the highest-ranking black in Congress told ABC News that the racially tinged way in which critics say the Clintons conducted their campaign in South Carolina is driving black superdelegates into the arms of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill

She should fire whoever was responsible for that fatal mistake. (or at least throw an ash tray at him).

[Always Right]

That doesnt suprise me in the least. Many are voting for bama not because of issues or policies , but because he is half black. well I am all woman and I am not voting for hillary because she is female

But is Hillary even half woman?

[Little Ray]

You mean half female, right?

[RC2]

This country has had it. Blacks voting for a man just because he is black. Women voting for a woman just because she’s a woman. Nothing to do with their qualifications. Our people are becoming so shallow it amazes me.

[17th Miss Regt]

The solution to this problem will be very simple. The party can change the rules. All delegates will be required to pay a poll tax and to take a literacy test before they will be allowed to vote. If they get past that, there is always a line of snarling dogs and firehoses to get past. Hillary has the matter under control.

[Ingtar]

This country has had it. Blacks voting for a man just because he is black. Women voting for a woman just because she’s a woman. Nothing to do with their qualifications.

You forgot Republicans voting for a RINO just because he is partly Conservative. (I just couldn't say half.)

[SamAdams76]

One thing missing from the Clinton campaign this year is the obligatory cries about the "disenfranchising of the black vote". No more are we hearing about black people being turned away at the polling places or about how they are having roadblocks thrown in front of them.

[MrB]

So, who are the bigger racists -

those who don’t vote for Obama because of his race, or those that do?

[N. Theknow]

"In recent days, there is a sense of movement and a sense of spirit," Lewis told The New York Times.

Prunes will do that.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

Obama has, very simply, paid them off with larger contributions to their campaigns. As per an earlier thread this morning.

[Southerngl]

I will repeat for the 10th time today. To vote for someone because he/she is black is just as bad as not voting for someone because he is black.

[MrB]

Actually, a better solution to the uninformed voter issue is for the IRS to issue a “net tax payer” card.

This card says that (taxes paid - entitlement benefits received) > 0. Then you can vote.

[Southerngl]

One thing missing from the Clinton campaign this year is the obligatory cries about the “disenfranchising of the black vote”. No more are we hearing about black people being turned away at the polling places or about how they are having roadblocks thrown in front of them.

***********************

Good point! Wow, the whole voting process is now ‘fixed’?

[wildbill]

These black superdelegates, long in thrall to the regular Democratic machine, simply HAVE to switch to Obama to continue with any influence within their communities.

They may have enough numbers to push Obama over the top.

[junta]

The Clintlers have one weapon left, the Jeremiah Wright card.

[Southerngl]

What I want to know is if Obama would ask Hillary to be VP.

If she would say yes without having a meltdown.

And if he would survive six months.

[mewzilla]

Dear Sen. Osama, er...Obama,

You can buy them, but that doesn't mean they'll stay bought....

Love, Hillary