Top Clinton Supporters Warn Pelosi Over Superdelegate Statements
WASHINGTON — Twenty top Democratic donors who are supporting Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a letter asking her to retract her comments on superdelegates and stay out of the Democratic fight over their role in the presidential race.
In their letter, Clinton’s supporters said superdelegates “must look to not one criterion but to the full panoply of factors that will help them assess who will be the party’s strongest nominee in the general election.”
The letter also noted the donors “have been strong supporters” of the House Democrats’ fundraising arm. “We therefore urge you to clarify your position on superdelegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the national convention in August.”
Pelosi, who has not endorsed either candidate as chair of the Democratic National Convention, said during a March 16 appearance on ABC’s “This Week” that it would be harmful to the party if superdelegates don’t support the pledged delegate winner.
“This is an untenable position that runs counter to the party’s intent in establishing superdelegates in 1984,” the letter from the wealthy Clinton backers said.
No matter what the outcome of the 10 remaining contests, it will be nearly impossible for Clinton to overcome rival Barack Obama’s lead in pledged delegates, because they are awarded proportionally based on the outcome.
So it will be up to the nearly 800 superdelegates — party activists and elected officials who aren’t bound by any vote — to put one of the two candidates over the mark of 2,024 delegates needed to win the nomination. Obama has 1,406 pledged delegates to Clinton’s 1,249, according to The Associated Press count.
Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, “This letter is inappropriate and we hope the Clinton campaign will reject the insinuation contained in it.”
“Regardless of the outcome of the nomination fight, Senator Obama will continue to urge his supporters to assist Speaker Pelosi in her efforts to maintain and build a working majority in the House of Representatives,” Burton said.
Clinton spokesman Phil Singer said Clinton had made the case superdelegates should exercise independent judgment about who would be the best for the party and the country.
“Few have done more to build the Democratic Party than Bill and Hillary Clinton. The last thing they need is a lecture from the Obama campaign,” he said.
The letter was first reported by the political blog Talking Points Memo.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Threats! Threats! Where have I heard this before? I know - Ms Ferraro threatened Senator Obama when he became upset with her racist remarks. She had the audacity to say to Senator Obama, (paraphase) “don’t question me or I won’t help, if you win the nomination, to raise money”. I am not a fan of Nancy Pelosi, however, when threats are made, I hope Rep. Pelosi will stand her ground. She is right and those that continue to support Senator Clinton are running out of legitimate reasons to do so other than the fact that they have blinded themselves to the slash and burn of the Clintons and the campaigns they run. Caught in a lie by the Bosnia debacle, she had the audacity to say “I misspoke”. Please, no one could possibly believe this excuse and what is even more dumbfounding, she said it with a straight face. I guess when you are an accomplished liar, it is quite easy. Enough of this hold the Clintons have over the Democratic party. Can you not see she will do anything and everything, even destroy the party to achieve what she believe is her RIGHT to be president. If the destruction of the Democratic party happens, those that blindly support the Clintons have no one else to blame but themselves and the Clintons.
Isn’t it a crime to attempt to influence the Speaker Of the House of Representatives, with bribery and/or threats? There has to be some criminal intent in this letter. This is typical Clinton strong arming. Somebody needs to go to jail.
Here’s an interesting thought: According to your AP delegate count, H has 1498 pledged delegates and B 1617. There are approximately 800 superdelegates. Let’s say they are evenly split at 400 apiece. Now H has 1898 and B 2017. John Edwards has not released his delegates to either one yet. If he releases his 26 delegates to B, then B wins the nomination. He could play a HUGE role in this yet.
I think this whole thing is a sham. I do not believe that MCain was elected by any of us Rep. any more that Osamba or what ever his name is. I think this election has outside help and influence from other than the American public. Same as the Bob Dole deal. No Rep would elect aome one whon could not win, Dole, Macain.
We all know that the Clintons are bought and paid for. Now we know who 20 of the owners are. Since it is also known that they have taken money fron the Chinese and the Iranians, that puts the 20 “big donors” in that same catagory.
Pelosi needs to stay out of it if she is claiming to be nutral then she should not talk about what the superdelegates should do. What about the superdelgates who are not supporting the outcome in their own states?
If the people in this country are not able to see for them self what the Democrat party is up to God help this country!!! especially wanting to take this country into socialism !!!!
The process was set before the race began. If Clinton can use it to her advantage so can Obama. In other words, if she can win by using Superdelegates, then she is within the process. I am sure that Obama would do the same if he was in her position. Pelosi should be impartial, not try to tip the scales for Obama!
The Clinton’s have done more for the Democratic party? I don’t remember either of them doing much that they are remembered for except for a certain husband’s little mishaps. I think that what Pelosi is trying to do is to get the Democrats to pick a side and end this Primary crap once and for all. The Republicans already have their candidate. Why not the Democrats? Because they can’t make up their own minds about who they want. To be honest, I don’t want this party to have any more control over the political system if they can’t even agree with themselves.
I am glad that this letter was sent. Pelosi needs to be educated on the primary process for the democratic party, and it is sad that someone in her position needs to be reminded!!