Obama Poised To Take Lead In Delegate Race

Would Mark Major Milestone For Democratic Hopeful, But Clinton Vows Fight Isn't Over

(CBS/AP)  Barack Obama was poised to reach a major milestone Tuesday in the Kentucky and Oregon primaries - a majority of the pledged delegates offered in the Democratic presidential contest - even as Hillary Rodham Clinton soldiered on despite her dwindling hopes.

Clinton vowed to continue the fight through the last primaries in early June as she campaigned Monday across Kentucky, a state she was expected to win by a wide margin.

Obama was favored in Oregon, where supporters delivered the largest crowd of his campaign on Sunday in Portland.

Regardless of who prevails in those states, Obama was assured that he would be able to claim the largest share of pledged delegates who could be won in the long slog of primaries and caucuses since the snows of January.

The Illnois senator's campaign is touting the pledged delegate milestone as a big step toward ending the epic nomination battle with Clinton.

Taking a majority among the pledged delegates could help Obama's case with undecided superdelegates - the party insiders and elected officials who are not tied to primary or caucus results - to pick up the pace of their endorsements. Superdelegate support is crucial because neither candidate will have enough delegates from the remaining primaries to clinch the nomination without them.

Including superdelegates, Obama had 1,909 delegates to Clinton's 1,714 in the latest CBS News count as he goes into Tuesday's primaries, in which 103 delegates are at stake in the two states. By early Wednesday, Obama could be less than 75 delegates short of the total 2,026 needed to nominate a candidate at the party's national convention in Denver in late August.

Republican John McCain has already been targeting Obama in his campaign speeches as his likely opponent in the November election.

On Monday, McCain accused Obama of inexperience and reckless judgment for saying Iran does not pose the same serious threat to the United States as the Soviet Union did in its day.

Obama called for "tough, disciplined and direct diplomacy. That's what Kennedy did; that's what Reagan did."

Obama's "words sound strong, but he is playing defense, and you'd think he wouldn't want to be doing that, especially against John McCain," said CBS News correspondent Dean Reynolds.

"As we near victory in one contest, the next challenge is already heating up," Obama campaign manager David Plouffe wrote in a memo to supporters Monday. "President Bush and Senator McCain have begun coordinating their attacks on Barack Obama in an effort to extend their failed policies for a third term."

Obama has been increasingly presenting himself as the nominee as he looks ahead to the battleground swing states in the general election. On Tuesday night, he planned to hold a rally in Iowa, where he won the leadoff caucuses in early January to emerge as the front-runner.

CBS News estimates that Obama has won 1,606 pledged delegates - leaving him just 21 short of a majority of the 3,253 pledged delegates up for grabs. He is sure to cover the gap in Tuesday's primaries even if he does not win either state, because the delegates are allocated proportionately.

Of the 800 superdelegates, about a quarter of them have not declared support for either candidate. On Monday, Obama picked up six more superdelegates. Clinton added none.

Obama, seeking to become the U.S.'s first black president, won the endorsement of Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the longest-serving senator in history and a former member of the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan and one-time opponent of civil rights legislation.

Nationally, Obama holds his largest lead yet over Clinton in the Gallup Poll, 55 percent to her 39 percent. The poll, released Monday, was conducted among 1,261 Democratic voters and has a 3 percentage point margin of error. Back in mid-January, Clinton held a 20 percentage point lead in the Gallup Poll.

Clinton has mounting campaign debts and has been unable to muster much support from uncommitted superdelegates. But she vowed there was "no way that this is going to end anytime soon" as she campaigned Monday in Kentucky.

The New York senator soldiered on through event after event, ending her night Monday in Louisville before a crowd of several hundred, her voice raspy from the stage.

"There are a lot of people who wanted to end this election before you had a chance to vote," she said, husband and former President Bill Clinton at her side. "I'm ready to go to bat for you if you'll come out and vote for me."

Clinton has "changed her tone" after days of sounding more conciliatory towards Obama, reported CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod. Now, he said, Clinton is "back to pressing her case hard."

She argued at one stop that she is the "more progressive candidate" and dismissed Obama's large crowds, like the record rally by an estimated 75,000 in Portland on Sunday.

Clinton said Obama, who has refused to debate her since before the Pennsylvania primary last month, would "rather just talk to giant crowds than have questions asked."

Obama campaigned Monday in Montana, where voters will join those from South Dakota on June 3 in dropping the curtain on the 2008 primary and caucus season.

The Illinois senator rarely mentions Clinton now, except to praise her "magnificent" campaign - praise he can now afford to give his rival. He is tangling almost solely with McCain in a prelude to the general campaign for the November election.

Obama sought Monday to exploit McCain's ties to lobbyists, drawing a contrast between the Arizona senator's reputation as a reformer and his relationship to special interests in his campaign.

McCain recently adopted conflict-of-interest guidelines that led to the departures of several campaign aides due to their links to lobbyists.

"The fact is, John McCain's campaign is being run by Washington lobbyists and paid for by their money," Obama argued in Billings, Montana. "I'm not in this race to continue the special interest-driven politics of the last eight years. I'm in this race to end it."

McCain, in Savannah, Georgia, dared Obama to follow his lead on the guidelines.

"We have enacted the most comprehensive and most transparent policy concerning lobbyist activities, and I challenge Senator Obama to adopt a similar policy."

Although Obama does not take money from federal lobbyists and political action committees, he does accept cash from state lobbyists and corporate executives interested in issues before Congress. He has had unpaid advisers with federal lobbying clients, and some of his campaign officials were lobbyists before.

McCain on Monday continued his theme that Obama is naive about international issues, accusing him of recklessness for saying Iran does not pose the same serious threat to the U.S. as the Soviet Union did in its day.

"Such a statement betrays the depth of Senator Obama's inexperience and reckless judgment. These are very serious deficiencies for an American president to possess," McCain said in an appearance on Obama's home turf of Chicago.

He was referring to comments Obama made Sunday: "Iran, Cuba, Venezuela - these countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union. They don't pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us. And yet we were willing to talk to the Soviet Union at the time when they were saying, `We're going to wipe you off the planet."'

McCain listed the dangers he sees from Iran: It provides deadly explosive devices used to kill U.S. soldiers in Iraq, sponsors insurgents in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East and is committed to the destruction of Israel.

Responding to McCain, Obama told a rally in Montana, "Let me be absolutely clear: Iran is a grave threat." But the Soviet Union posed an added threat, he said. "The Soviet Union had thousands of nuclear weapons, and Iran doesn't have one."

Obama returned to the theme during a noisy rally before more than 7,000 backers in Bozeman, Montana.

"He and I are in a big argument right now because I said we should talk not just to our friends, but we should talk to our enemies," said Obama. "He wants to pursue the same failed policies of George Bush, talking tough and not getting anything done. We've got to change our foreign policy."

[sjc_1]

Candidate Actual pledged delegates
(2,803 of 3,253 total)

Barack Obama 1,440
Hillary Clinton 1,363

[david1737]

Bush talks with Saudis Oil hits record high.

We the People can''t afford anther 4 years of the same policy.

Vote Democrat 2008.

[pepperwood2]

Sources with direct knowledge of the conversation between Sen. Clinton and Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., prior to the Governor''s endorsement of Obama say she told him flatly, "He cannot win, Bill. He cannot win."

Don''t you see, Bill - It''s not fair, I''m the Queen Bee & It''s suppose to be all about me. THIS is a VAST LEFT WING CONSPIRACY. I''m just warming up. I''m in it to win it. I flatly dare you to support him. I don''t get mad I get even. Just so you know The feminists are all behind me and we will stop at nothing to further divide the Democratic Party just to keep that boy from winning the presidential election. Make sure you send me the Money, Tide, & Tithes.

Richardson, who served in President Clinton''s cabinet, disagreed.

[rizabove]

America is definitely uniting!!!!!! Clinton WILL support Obama also, good for her.

[rizabove]

America is definitely uniting!!!!!! Clinton WILL support Obama also, good for her.

[abbe91]

Does this guy know anything about the Middle East ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr6Va7PEBg8

Anything more than the average American knows ...

[sjc_1]

Candidate Actual pledged delegates
(2,803 of 3,253 total)

Barack Obama 1,440
Hillary Clinton 1,363

There are super delegates and the not pledged delegates from caucuses. The caucus states really just elect delegates, not candidates. Maybe we should have consistent primary election rules and not have caucuses, this IS the 21st century.

[bajaan]

The next president of the United States: Barack Obama

[bajaan]

Clinton is a loser

[Lai K W]

The pledged delegates that BO gets are not at all glorious and trustworthy. The caucus goers, mostly Left-wing liberals in caucus states that BO won do not reflect the opinions of Democrats in those states in general election.

The results from the two states which held both primaries and caucuses, Texas and Washington, strongly support this view.

The BO fanatics had made a mockery of democracy:

Texa Primary
Candidate Votes Vote % P.Deleg
Clinton 1,459,814 51% 65
Obama 1,358,785 47% 61
4 points win to Clinton in primary

Texa Caucus
Candidate Votes Vote % P.Deleg
Obama 23,918 56% 38
Clinton 18,620 44% 29
12 points loss to Clinton in caucus

Comparison of Washington Caucus and Primary:

Washington
Candidate Votes Vote % P.Deleg
Obama 21,629 68% 59
Clinton 9,992 31% 31
37 points win of Obama incaucas

Washington Primary
Candidate Votes Vote % P.Deleg
Obama 339,166 51%
Clinton 303,151 46%
6 points win of Obama in primary

Comparison of Alaska and Virginia

Alaska
Candidate Votes Vote % P.Deleg
Obama 6,674 75% 9
Clinton 2,194 25% 4
A win of 4480 votes
A win of 5 pledged delegates

West Virginia
Candidate Votes Vote % P.Deleg
Clinton 239,298 67% 20
Obama 91,747 26% 8
A win of 147551 votes
A win of 12 pledged delegates

It is just like the animal farm in George Orwell.
All votes are equal: just some votes are more equal than the others.

[pepperwood2]

Sources with direct knowledge of the conversation between Sen. Clinton and Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., prior to the Governor''''s endorsement of Obama say she told him flatly, "He cannot win, Bill. He cannot win."

Don''t you see, Bill - It''s not fair, I''m the Queen Bee & It''s suppose to be all about me. I''m just warming up. Show me more of your money. I''m in it to win it. I flatly dare you to support him. I don''t get mad I get even. Just so you know The feminists are all behind me and we will stop at nothing to further divide the Democratic Party just to keep Obama from winning the presidential election. So Sad, but what did we expect.

Richardson, who served in President Clinton''s cabinet, disagreed.

[pepperwood2]

Sources with direct knowledge of the conversation between Sen. Clinton and Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., prior to the Governor''''s endorsement of Obama say she told him flatly, "He cannot win, Bill. He cannot win."

Don''t you see, Bill - It''s not fair, I''m the Queen Bee & It''s suppose to be all about me. I''m just warming up. Show me more of your money. I''m in it to win it. I flatly dare you to support him. I don''t get mad I get even. Just so you know The feminists are all behind me and we will stop at nothing to further divide the Democratic Party just to keep Obama from winning the presidential election. So Sad, but what did we expect.

Richardson, who served in President Clinton''s cabinet, disagreed.

[eroosevelt08]

Many Obama supporters have changed their minds after Rezko, Wrignt and the vetting process.


Once the first vote is over at the Democratic Convention, then the delegates are free to vote for the candidate who looks like she can win in the November election.

Senator Clinton has a very real chance to win the nomination.

She already has the most votes when all the voters are counted.

Regardless of what officals have done in Michigan and Florida, the millions of people who voted have done nothng wrong and their votes shold count.

[eroosevelt08]

Many Obama supporters have changed their minds after Rezko, Wrignt and the vetting process.


Once the first vote is over at the Democratic Convention, then the delegates are free to vote for the candidate who looks like she can win in the November election.

Senator Clinton has a very real chance to win the nomination.

She already has the most votes when all the voters are counted.

Regardless of what officals have done in Michigan and Florida, the millions of people who voted have done nothng wrong and their votes shold count.

[jone775]

Woohooooo! Go Obama! Down with hate! Down with fear! Go Obama, all the way to the White House!!

[lindaredtail]

I think Barack Obama is about to wrap up the nomination.

[credibility2]

Obama is prematurely and arrogantly trying to declare victory. It is up to the delegates and super-delegates to make this decision. He doesn''t have a comfortable margin to claim any victory. MI and FL will change the dynamics as will the outcomes of the remaining contests. It ain''t over ''til it''s over.

[gretagreen]

Dear Fellow Democrats. Regardless of who the Democratic nominee will be, WE MUST UNITE. The next president will make very important choices. Obama and Hillary are inches apart; but they are both miles apart from McCain. THE NEXT PRESIDENT COULD APPOINT AS MANY AS THREE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES. These are appointments for LIFE, and they will radically affect us. The Supreme Court is who has given us women rights and who has given Blacks rights (as well as allowing us freedom of choice and basic civil rights). If you do not believe me, find out for yourself what these new appointments will mean to you. Please do not get mad if your candidate does not win. Instead, think. Think about what your vote will mean to you, your children, each other, and the planet. VOTE DEMOCRATIC. We cannot withstand another four years with McBush!

[riptide213]

Dear Citizens,

Thank you for giving America an optimistic chance.

Since you conclusively decided during the recent election campaign, I am very pleased to accept your nomination for President of the United States.

Thank you for this altruistic opportunity for me to turn words into deeds. Repeatedly citizens have made me aware of their understandable hankering for reform.

Your trepidations about government have been understood, loud and clear.

I am eager to bring tangible momentum to Washington and make positive contributions to our country and work with everyone for a less narcissistic government.

As promised, my message is one of hope and change.

I may not be perfect and could make some mistakes, but please accept that fact I am only human. I am conscientious and energetically ready to accept this challenge.

I look forward to starting in January 2009. If there are any issues we need worked prior to Election Day, please let me know. I will be the Peoples President.

Again, thank you.

Sincerely,

[riptide213]

Dear Citizens,

Thank you for giving America an optimistic chance.

Since you conclusively decided during the recent election campaign, I am very pleased to accept your nomination for President of the United States.

Thank you for this altruistic opportunity for me to turn words into deeds. Repeatedly citizens have made me aware of their understandable hankering for reform.

Your trepidations about government have been understood, loud and clear.

I am eager to bring tangible momentum to Washington and make positive contributions to our country and work with everyone for a less narcissistic government.

As promised, my message is one of hope and change.

I may not be perfect and could make some mistakes, but please accept that fact I am only human. I am conscientious and energetically ready to accept this challenge.

I look forward to starting in January 2009. If there are any issues we need worked prior to Election Day, please let me know. I will be the Peoples President.

Again, thank you.

Sincerely,