Sen. Barack Obama will formally capture the Democratic presidential nomination after next week’s final primaries in Puerto Rico, Montana and South Dakota.
Obama’s campaign adviser, David Axelrod, said that after the June 3 primaries “Obama will ‘be at the number we need to claim the nomination’.”
According to CNN’s latest estimate, Obama is 52 delegates short of clinching the nomination while Sen. Hillary Clinton needs 246.
On Tuesday, Edward Lewis, chairman and founder of Essence Magazine and chairman of Latina Magazine, endorsed Obama, switching from Clinton and citing Obama’s vision for a better America.
Lewis said:
“As the founder of a woman’s magazine, I acknowledge that Senator Clinton has served as a role model for many women across America and I have great admiration for her.
However, as the campaign has unfolded, I have witnessed the strength of Senator Obama and both his passion and commitment for new possibilities for a better America. His conviction has led to my conviction that he is the hope for our country. I urge all Americans to support his candidacy for President of the United States.”
WHY HILLARY CONTINUES TO RUN
In a NY Daily article, Sen. Hillary Clinton offered several reasons why she should continue to run for president.
She also clarified Friday’s remarks:
“I was making the simple point that given our history, the length of this year’s primary contest is nothing unusual. Both the executive editor of the newspaper where I made the remarks, and Sen. Kennedy’s son, Bobby Kennedy Jr., put out statements confirming that this was the clear meaning of my remarks. Bobby stated, ‘I understand how highly charged the atmosphere is, but I think it is a mistake for people to take offense’.”
Clinton’s reasons for continuing to run include: she believes she can win on the merits, she can unite the Democratic Party, her parents didn’t raise her to be a quitter, she has a responsibility to finish the race as the first female candidate in this position and she’s the best candidate to stand toe-to-toe with Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee.
RON PAUL’S FAMILY BUSINESS
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has put family members in key positions within his campaign and paid them nearly $170,000.
A Paul campaign spokesman (and fiancé of one of his granddaughters, who’s been paid $54,573) said, “You always think about those kinds of things. But his family is very important to him. There is something important about having a family element involved in a campaign. Having people around you that you can unconditionally trust.”
Although he has garnered a dedicated following and over $30M in campaign donations, Ron Paul has received few votes and released a video in March that indicated he no longer expected to win the Republican nomination.
There are no laws prohibiting candidates from hiring relatives, but Melanie Sloan, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said, “The reason this is troubling is that it’s not clear to donors whether their campaign donations are really going to support the candidacy or to support the family.” She also noted that the campaign spent only $470,862 in April, with over $4M remaining.
Oprah said it best many months ago, ‘Nothing can stand in the way of destiny’
my fist reaction to this was;
‘tell that women to hurry up and sit down and may the lord bless you’
It’s funny that the Clinton Brand Name has for the most part,has told the Democratic Party and it’s chairman what to do,now it wants to unite…smh!
hillary should finish the race. its going to be the same outcome whether she throws in the towel early or holds out to the end. good for her.
This is my first time commenting ever…and I am first!…cannot believe it!
Anywho, EVERYONE vote for Obama…he is what we need!
Obama 08
Obama 12
o…i guess i wasnt first…so sad…
Anyways, still vote OBAMA!
Puerto Rico isn’t apart of the United States. So you why are they voting for our President candidates? J. Dakar please school me. LOL! Because I’m confused.
There’s no such thing as destiny. SMH.
Well it looks like its a done deal…….
Well we have so much work to do convincing race conscious and ignorant America (which includes all races even black americans) that we are ready for change and that begins with Obama the right person for the job. There is hope in this nation again and before we kill it with Chaney lets select the right candidate. Hilary it was fun now buzz off!
the one has spoken shut the back door and vote people, forget that get involved, get off your duffs, turn off BET, MTV, shut down XBOX & Wii and leave concrete loop for an hour and sign up for the Obama campaign or some other organization that informs them of the candidates. Use your voice BE ACTIVE!!!
Why doesn’t Hiliary quit while shes behind.
@ 8 – I am sorry you feel that way, because we all have a destiny as much as you do not believe history should teach you otherwise. God is in control but destiny, your path, your life has been written the beginning and the end, what you do between those two events are up to you but its really just one path with many forks in the road.
I cannot believe that I am tyoing this, but Hillary should not drop out. Months ago, I believed that she should have just thrown in the towel and called it a day. However, she has the right to go to the end. I do not, however, appreciate the fact that her campaign is making a big fuss over Michigan and Florida….rules are rules
lol @ this coon… I mean Edward Lewis jumping ship when the water reached nose level…
As a Black man you publicly backed Hilary, but now that it is theoretically impossible for her to get the nomination, you say you’re behind Obama (and everyone should too) because you have witness his passion and strength for a better America….
ROFL, get that shit outta here…
As for Hilary as the days go by it becomes clearer and clearer why Bill cheated on her stanking ass…
The bitch is a loser, who just doesn’t know when to quit…
typing, not tyoing
Obama Obama Obama!!
# 7 – Notbuyingit: A classic example of how our (public?) school systems continue to fail us. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. A commonwealth is defined as a self-governing territory – in this instance, the territory is associated with the United States. Crack open a book. Any book. And get your mind right.
LMFAO @ #14
Obama all the way baby who no like it mek mi wipe it in again, dem betta drop a sleep and dont wake up yep Obama baby!!!!!!!!
Please Hillary let it go your done.
Hilary should of quit a long time ago because she did divide the Democratic party by staying in as long as she did. I think it was selfish and very stubborn of her to stay in a campaign that she cant win and could barely afford. If she got out it would of given the Democrates more time to unite, in preparation for November against the Republicans. Instead, she gave the Republicans every bit of the ammunition they’ll need for November. A house divided cannot stand. But i think Obama’s leadership will unite the party but I think a lot of damage has been done and its all because of Hillary.
@12 Okay if God pre-destined our life, what the purpose in living? Wasn’t one of the reasons why Jesus came to earth so that he can save mankind? If we are destined to fail what was the point in him dying for us? Your logic doesn’t make sense. Tell that to Xzibit who just lost his baby(My condolesences to Xizibit and his family lost. A parent should never have to bury their child, especially a baby. Shame on you Concreteloop for not posting that, but continue to put another B&J post. I digress)that his child was destined by God to die before his even three months old. How is that love on God’s part? People kill me saying that. That’s what man made up so that when things go wrong, they can blame God or “destiny” for their problems. In the Bible does it not say that God hold us accountable for actions? If he already pre-destined what are life is going to be then how are we held accountable? This isn’t an attack by the way.
***RON PAUL 2008*** Dag, I wish it was possible.
REGISTER TO VOTE!!!!
According to Barack’s website he only needs 48 delegates to reach the magic number
@17 Look, smart ass, I knew that Puerto Rico was a commonwealth of the United States. I just didn’t know that gave them the right to vote in the primaries. You are a classic example why people are afraid to ask questions, people like you always try to bring them down for asking a question “they feel” they should already know the answer to. Hopefully you’ll never become or are a teacher. Anyways, I could have sworn I was talking to J. Dakar.
I just want it to be over!!! I can’t wait until November, this is one heck of a fight between the two candidates.
Whether Hillary knows or not…she is messing it up for Barack WHEN he wins the nomination. Way to look out for our best interests Hill. She is dividing the Democratic party and giving some Dem or on the line voters an all or nothing attitude. If they can’t get Hillary, then they’ll just go with McCain. To be honest, those are really just the ignorant folk that really just don’t want to see a black man in office. Then you got the ones who are scared and think that if Obama wins it all…it’ll be short lived…it’s so sad to think that we are so close and could lose it all because of IGNORANCE.
J. Dakar:
I sent this letter in repsonse to Liz Trotta’s remarks, just what else can be done???
Ms. Trotta and Fox News can air pretty much whatever they want (short of obscenity and indecency) because they have the freedom of speech under the First Amendment. Further, the FCC is prohibited by statute from censoring program content. As a result, stations and networks are free to air almost anything – even if it is false, misleading, or slanted. While there is a policy where the government can curtail speech, it comes into play only when that which is stated was intended to incite or produce “imminent lawless action” and would likely have that effect. Because Ms. Trotta’s statements would not likely result in that action being taken, her statements cannot be restricted. Even if that were not so, however, the FCC would still be prohibited from taking that action, and it would have to be other law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI.
Sincerely,
Mark Berlin
Policy Division (political office)
I understand it’s politics, and that this is a race and that the same thing may go on when it’s one Republican against one Democrat…but it is really just sad to see that day by day Hillarys desperation just gets stronger. I feel like whatever standards and morals she may have begun the race with has dwindled and all bets are off. To incite what she did (some may disagree), she put the idea of assassination into peoples minds, some of whom may not have come up with it on their own or who may get some ideas. That is just a low blow.
I’m sorry.. Shouldn’t a President know how many states there are in the United States of America? And a fine picture that is. It must be one of the many “fallen” heroes that he mentioned were there in the audience.
He’s an empty suit. Good luck with that.
OBAMA FOR PRESIDENCY….AND MIND YOU HILARY THE FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT IS AN AFRICAN WOMAN OVER THERE IN AFRICA SOMEWHERE….SO SINCE YOUR MIND ISN’T QUITE RIGHT AT THE MOMENT IT’S ALL GOOD!!! OBAMA IS FROM BOTH WORLDS BOTH BLACK AND WHITE HE IS A SPECTRUM OF VIEWS WE NEED HERE MORE THAN EVER TO UNITE ALL RACES TOGETHER!!!! OBAMA FOR PRESIDENCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Guys — we should all strive to support people who are running for office, by both volunteering for their campaigns and donating to their campaigns. and If you have leadership potential, even run for office! Together, as a community, we can run things – just get out there and garner support, and then ACTIVELY SUPPORT one another!!!
Ron hired some of his family — who cares! Now think about the $30M monthly that Obama has raised — do you not think that he daughters will forever be ‘taken care of’ either directly from the campaign’s donations, or indirectly by Mr. Obama’s friends? I’d hope that Sasha and Melia benefit from Obama’s success this past year.
Money gets passed around in politics — let’s work to become more knowledgable about this system (thanks to JDakar and Angel), and work (even as young people) to RUN that system, instead of purely letting it run us.
@ NOTBUYINGIT
I like you, you talk a lot of sense.
@32 sorry but I got a full-time and got time to be doing their jobs for them sorry.
#7: As #17 mentioned, Puerto Rico is a commonwealth and has autonomy similar to that of a state in the U.S.
Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico are not able to vote since it’s an unincorporated territory and not a state.
#28: That’s what’s up. I’m guessing you sent that to Fox? What about News Corp.?
@32 That was a joke so don’t get offended.LOL
Why is she still here?
@J. Dakar Thank You for having for answering my question without being arrogant like #17 I just didn’t know they were given that right seeing as you said U.S. citizen in Puerto Rico couldn’t vote down there. So thanks for clearing that up for me. I know I’m not the only one who wondering that but I was the only brave one enough to ask.
i think ya’ll shouldn t cling to obama just because you guys think he understands black people no i m not making a race statement
Barack Obama 08!! All The Way!!
If you can spare $20.00 donate to Obama, he will still need money to campaign against McCain.
Now
Clinton is running because she believes OBAMA will be assasinated…. If he is then she can step right up…. Her comment about Kennedy being shot in CA was very CLEAR… She should just own up to it… Its fukkked up and she know what she meant when she said it… I still love Bill but Hill has got to go????
Yay Obama!
She continues to run because she is trying to bully her way into the VP spot. I honestly believe Obama should appoint her as his running mate. He can let her take care of the smear campaigns against John McCain.
I’m proud of Obama. Even though I wanted Hillary to win, I know Obama gonna wip McCains ASS. That’s all that matters. I’ll be happy to vote for him. Some people say that I’m hoppin on the Ban-Waggon but I call it putting the Republicans out of office. So no matter what happens everybody needs to get out and vote.
The way i see it (all the way from London, Britain), Hillary Clinton now needs to sit her ass down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We all know why she is staying in; the longer she stays in, the more divided the democratic party will appear, the less likely Obama is to winning in November, and the easier it will be to campaign again McCain in 2012 than it will be against Obama.
I mean really, this is the kick of a dying horse. Even if Florida and Michigan are counted, Obama is only 52 delegates away from getting the nomination. For his part, no delegates can be stripped off…only gained and he will get to 2026 before Hillbilly does. Rules are rules Hillary. Come back and sing another day cos this show is over!
She continues to run because its her right to do so. Stop baggering her about it. She will ride it until the wheel comes off, and I say good for her. She’s not hurting anybody and besides its HER RIGHT! Stop trying to push her out! She’s invested millions of dollars in this and she won’t leave until the bitter end. I respect her persistence even if I didn’t vote for her and I don’t respect some of the things she’s said on the campaign trail.
@46 How can you say she’s not hurting anyone when she is directly the cause of the division within the Democratic party?
@46 amen!!!!!
she should go to the convention.
iAM I the only one who thinks obama looks exactly like the peanut man who is the mascot for planter’s peanuts?
go home and raise chelsea, hilary!!!!!
@Notbuyingit
I totally agree with you. Roman replied to your question in the most arrogant fashion. I am glad Darkar went a little further in explaining as I didn’t know the complete depth of Puerto Rico voting rights (And I am an avid reader).
Never be afraid to ask questions. It is a form of learning and/or expanding your konwledge.
@Roman,
Never feel you’re brighter than someone because you know more than they do on a particular subject. You may find that – that same person will have more intelligence on a different topic, and make you feel foolish.
@51 Thanks. You made a good point.
@50 Chelsea is grown and out of the house, only thing she can do is keep an eye on Bill because we all know what he’s going to do with no supervision. LOL!!!!
HOPE OBAMA WINS N NOVEMEBER BUT I DOUBT IT!!!
Like the person from Essence said, well done, now sit down. Gosh!
Come on, America, make the right decision, for us around the world.
OBAMA 08!
why does it matter if hilary sits down or not?either way,the outcome is already known.let the woman do what she wants!
I applaud Hillary for staying in it till the end. It shows her passion. I am interested to see if she ACTUALLY supports Obama as fervently as she has supported her own campaign….for one because she said she would, and two because it makes a unified Democratic party.
Just for racial recognition: As blacks we’ve voted for white candidates for years. Obama is a great candidate regardless his nationality BUT seriously…our country is considering a BLACK MAN for President….why would his plight be easy? This is an incredible moment in our Nation’s History. We’ll tell our grandkids about this. Makes me proud.
May God Bless America
May God Have Mercy on America
Go Obama
Nobody can change God’s plan, if Hillary was suppose or “entitled” to the nomination like she claims she would have won by Super Tuesday like she thought.
Whatever at Edward Lewis, he only backing Obama now cause it’s almost impossible for Hillary to win, and he wants his magazine to have the first interview.
Barack Obama 08′
I support Hillary and I agree w/ most of her reasons for finishing the race. I am an Obama supporter and although she thinks that she is the best canidate to run against McCain, the rest of the country needs to agree. What both Obama and Hillary have done are broken racical and sexual barriers and I hope to see that their efforts cause for a change in politics in this country.
*screaming at the top of my lungs* OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hillary needs to STFD because the more she talks the more people run away from her. She’s not going to win regardless, but she’s just waiting for something ‘bad’ to happen to Obama. Please, she is just an Evil woman. We all know what her ass meant.
ANYWAYS….Obama may win for the running of the Democrats but John Mccain is going to win overall. I’m Independent..but I vote Republican. I’m not agaisn’t Obama because it will be great for and African American male to be president. Shit, I’ll be hella glad. BUT the former Hillary supporters are NOT going to vote for Obama. They will vote Mccain because he is a slight Democrat and white. He’s Republican but some of his beliefs are Democratic. We CLEARLY see that Obama is the better one running for the Democrats, but the white people that don’t want a black president vote Hillary. So if Hillary doesn’t win, they will vote Mccain. Point Blank. I would vote Obama but I’m not a Democrat, I don’t believe in abortion and same sex marrige.