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Clinton Superdelegate Switches to Obama

It's just one more superdelegate for Obama, but it's an important "get" for his campaign.

The Associated Press is reporting that Joe Andrew, who chaired the Democratic National Committee for two years while Bill Clinton was president, will announce today that he is switching his support in this year's campaign from Sen. Hillary Clinton to Sen. Barack Obama.

Andrew says the Obama camp didn' t ask him to switch, but he decided to do so after watching the way Obama handled two issues in recent days: his stand against the gas tax holiday and the way he has handled the most recent Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy.

Andrew said he was impressed with Obama's stand on principle against the tax holiday when the politically easy thing to do would have been to support it. And he liked the way Obama has dealt with the Wright controversy.

"He has shown such mettle under fire," Andrew told the AP. "The Jeremiah Wright controversy just reconfirmed for me, just as the gas tax controversy confirmed for me, that he is the right candidate for our party."

Andrew also told the Indianapolis Star that his wife, Ann, who has been a full-time volunteer for Clinton is also switching her support to Obama.

Andrew said he was also concerned about what the bruising battle was doing to his party.

"I am convinced that the primary process has devolved to the point where it is now bad for the Democratic Party."

He also said that a vote to continue this process would be a vote to help John McCain.

Andrew told the Star that he hopes Obama picks a Clinton supporter as his running mate - such as Sen. Evan Bayh, national co-chairman of Clinton's campaign, to help unite thte party.

The Former DNC chairman will make his announcement today in his home town of Indianapolis. He said he also plans to send a letter to remaining uncommitted superdelegates explaining his switch.
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UPDATE: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Obama will pick up three more Illinois superdelegates next week when the Democratic Party of Illinois meet next week to finish filling out the delegate slate:"Mayor [Richard] Daley --he shares strategist David Axelrod with Obama and brother Bill, the former Commerce Secretary is on the Obama team; Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago), a Hyde Parker who lives near the Obamas'; and Cook County Board President Todd Stroger."

 

Comments (Send a comment)

"Andrew said he was impressed with Obama's stand on principle against the tax holiday when the politically easy thing to do would have been to support it."

This is exactly the type of difference between candidates that will make the choice easier for more and more superdelegates.

Sent by Gary | 9:06 AM ET | 05-01-2008

Wow, it seems that relationships and loyalities are being torn apart on both sides during this campaign season and it's mind boggling. It would seem to me that people would stand by their commitments as an exercise to represent their character well...unless these people lack the fortitude to stand by the decision they made and support their candidate...whether that is Clinton, Obama or McCain. It appears that people are flip-flopping all over the place...perhaps some for opportunistic reasons. Unfortunately, though Clinton is tough and really the better choice when compared to Obama, a few of her supporters appear to not be of the same character. These "jumpers" may look back on their strategic move to the other side with regret...this campaign is far from over and there are still many opportunities left for other "upsets" that could terminally derail Obama's nomination...I'll say it again, if Obama gains the nomination, McCain will be the next President of the United States...it's just that simple.

Sent by ard | 9:24 AM ET | 05-01-2008

It really angers me to see these super delegates changing sides. I hope voters are paying attention. If we cannot sxpect our elected officials to keep their words, perhaps they no longer need to be out elected officials.

Sent by Genia Jarrett | 9:45 AM ET | 05-01-2008

Genia, have you never learned in retrospect that a decision you made wasn't the best one? It takes courage and intelligence to correct a mistake. It takes stubbornness and ignorance to cling to a stance even when it's not right. I applaud anyone who is adult enough to review their situation and make adjustments as necessary. If that means people switch from Obama to Clinton or vice versa, then so be it. At least they have the ability to use their mind, and not to simply stubbornly resolve to toe an imaginary line. I expect MY elected officials to always review facts as they are presented and to keep an open mind that we aren't always as right as we think we are, and thus have the option to change.

Sent by Jenn | 10:25 AM ET | 05-01-2008

Why does everyone always say that Hillary can't win the primary? Obama can't win the primary either. Both will never get the amount of delegates needed to prevail and so the contest continues.

It's interesting that so many want to just shove one candidate through without hearing from the rest of the voters. It's essentially tied.

Sent by deek | 10:39 AM ET | 05-01-2008

It seems to me that a lot of these 'switchers' were people who supported her only out of a sense of obligation, and that seeing how unethical and underhanded her campaign has gotten, have decided even obligation isn't stronger than a duty to do what is right. Clinton's political supporters seem to be the result of her cashing in her chips, after all, her husband did have the Presidency for 8 years...Obama had nothing to give his political supporters, didn't have the power and influence to do back-door deals to line up political supporters before beginning his campaign....looks to me like these 'switchers' are supporting him because they believe he is the best candidate, not because they feel they OWE him anything - and that's VERY telling to me!

Sent by Lovenia | 10:44 AM ET | 05-01-2008

Why can't someone change sides? I thought Andrew gave good examples to illustrate the reason for his switch: Obama's leadership on the gas-tax-holiday issue, his handling of the Wright issue, and the fact that McCain is benefiting from the protracted battle. I also started out as a Clinton supporter but "changed sides" as I watched the campaigns unfold and learned more about each candidate.

I applaud Democratic leaders like Joe Andrew and John Kerry who are speaking up on behalf of Obama, who has been battling the Republicans, McCain, the media, Clinton, Limbaugh, and now even Wright himself. Obama has been remarkably resilient, determined, and, yes, tough in fighting (and winning) this six-pronged battle without substantial support from the party leadership. I'm glad to see folks standing up for him now. He has earned it. I hope more will follow.

Sent by Michelle | 10:59 AM ET | 05-01-2008

I see the changes as bold and right-headed. Hillary has run a disappointing campaign that has not been focused on the things that are important to me. These delegates must also be disappointed and are in a position to do something constructive to move our country in a direction that will be more thoughtful and positive than McCain's, Clinton's, or President Bush's leadership can.

Sent by Margot Zook | 11:48 AM ET | 05-01-2008

Clinton and her supporters have absolutely no right to complain about delegates switching sides. It is one of her strategies in receiving enough delegates to win. She has repeatedly stated that there is no such thing as pledged delegates since all are able to change sides. If pledged delegates don't have to listen to their constituencies, then former Clintonites don't have to listen to her. If she says that delegates can switch to her, then they can certainly switch from her.

Sent by Drew | 11:48 AM ET | 05-01-2008

Hillary said she wanted to continue this process to vet Barack. He's stood up to her attacks, which she's borrowed from the GOP/Atwater/Rove school, and superdelegates have taken notice. He's withstood trial by fire. Hillary has served her stated purpose. She has acknowledged that he can win. It's time for her to save what little face she still has and exit gracefully.

Sent by Sweetie | 11:57 AM ET | 05-01-2008

Superdelegate Texas DNC member John Patrick just declared for Obama.

Sent by Michelle | 12:20 PM ET | 05-01-2008

The Empress's new clothes are on display.

Sent by P. Shears | 1:13 PM ET | 05-01-2008

"I don't care which one gets the nomination, just as long as they beat McCain in November!"

Is this REALLY how you want to choose your president? Why talk about issues?
Why have a position on ...(anything).

You people REALLY NEED to wise up!!!
These people are going to be making your decisions FOR YOU, for the next 4 years.

Sent by Harold | 2:45 PM ET | 05-01-2008

i have never been of the mind that politicians should be loyal to other politicians. They owe there loyalty to the people that they represent and as a part of that they should feel bound to do what ever they feel is best for not the party but the American people based on the needs of the people who vote for them. When they stop doing this for the sake of there personal freinships or connections then it is time for a change.

Sent by J.A. WILSON | 7:45 PM ET | 05-01-2008

I'm disappointed in Hillary and her style of campaigning. She is not representing her gender very well at all, very classless; she and Bill are focused on one thing and one thing only and that is to win; I believe Hillary is very capable and would be a good president but I decided long ago to be a supporter of Obama and it is because he is different, he is young, he has a way about him that exudes professionalism, leadership and thoughtfulness that will go a long way to get America back on the right track. We should be celebrating both Hillary and Barack as examples of what America can be, instead it turns out to be more of a contest on tearing people down. It's really sad to see.

Sent by Sharon | 11:06 PM ET | 05-03-2008

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