To endorse or not to endorse?
That's the question for the five remaining uncommitted superdelegates from North Carolina in the presidential primary contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Here's a roundup of them and our best guess on why they haven't decided yet.
U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre: Met with Clinton Thursday and his district went for her narrowly. Told AP that superdelegates should "let the process work." Translation: Does not want to be tied to Democratic nominee in conservative district.
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge: Met with Obama Thursday and his district went for him substantially. Repeatedly says he has no plans for endorsement. Translation: Does not want to be tied to Democratic nominee in conservative district.
Carol Peterson, Buncombe County commissioner: County voted for Obama by double-digits. Willing to wait until the Democratic convention. Obama and Clinton have both called her personally. Translation: Enjoying the attention.
David Parker, Statesville attorney: Impressed with Obama; interested in economy. Concerned about racial inequality. Does not think superdelegates have to follow the wishes of voters. Willing to wait until convention. Translation: Enjoying the attention.
Muriel Offerman, Democratic National Committee: Concerned about racially lopsided victory of Obama in North Carolina. Met Clinton, Obama several times. Says she won't decide until all states have voted. Translation: Will announce after June 3.
Comments
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 11, 2008 - 10:16am — FFC1304RBT sez that Republicans DONT HAVE Superdelegates! lolol...
D U H ! ! ! Brilliant deduction, Sherlock!
(WHY do you think that IS-IS?)
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 10, 2008 - 12:03pm — karegiI think it's valiantly democratic of them to resist the intense pressure that's on them.
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 4:29pm — ryanteaguebeckwith (author)Primary prods a few superdelegates, by Rob Christensen, May 8:
I don't think it's juvenile to say that she is enjoying the attention. Wouldn't you?
— RTB
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 3:41pm — captsfufpIt's the old Hobbesian v. Burkean dilemma: Do I vote my own conscience or do I vote the popular sentiment? Of course, in this case, you can define popular sentiment in terms of your district or your state (whichever way gives you "cover," I suppose).
I'd disagree about the Rep. Etheridge analysis to a certain extent, he's always been a "good Democrat" even in a so-called conservative district...Rep. McIntyre, on the other hand, is just a DINO, so he's voting for McCain anyway. He should ask Joe Lieberman for a ticket to St. Paul this fall and join the GOPers there...
And I don't think some of the non-elected superdelegates necessarily are just "enjoying the attention," I think some of them find this a very difficult decision, and until you actually are in a position to make this decision, it's just juvenile to characterize them as such. My guess would be that some "lean" Clinton but see that the popular sentiment, in NC at least, is towards Obama, and they don't want to wreck that process too much.
Just b/c we had our moment in the limelight here in NC doesn't mean we should demand that the process end now. Let WV, KY, SD, OR, and PR have their moment of presidential attention. I mean, c'mon...South Dakota! You think they've ever SEEN a presidential campaign? (EDIT: Okay, okay, I'm not going to count McGovern...) I know our American culture with a 24-hour newscycle demands everything happen NOW NOW NOW...but, jeebus, let's take a relax pill and let the process work. I'd actually like a contested convention in my lifetime, see how they used to do this thing old school...
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 1:52pm — Isaac136I'd tell ya what Republicans are made of, FFC, but then RTB would probably have to suspend my posting privileges. I will tell you, though, that a proper description would include asterixes, exclamation points, ampersands and dollar signs.
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 1:51pm — ryanteaguebeckwith (author)There are no Republican superdelegates.
— RTB
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 1:48pm — FFC1304What about the Republican SuperDelegates? Where are they?
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 10:05am — ryanteaguebeckwith (author)She's a DNC member. Technically, she doesn't represent anything other than the Democratic Party.
— RTB
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 10:04am — Isaac136Obviously, but one would think that the decision would have *something* to do with determinations made within the state one represents.
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 10:00am — ryanteaguebeckwith (author)There is no set criteria for how superdelegates decide.
— RTB
Re: The Hamlet Superdelegates
May 9, 2008 - 9:49am — Isaac136I don't understand Ms. Offerman's reasoning here. What possible difference does it make to a NC superdelegate what the other states decide? Is she seeking to represent the interests of another state?