BREAKING NEWS: Dean, Pelosi, Reid set Friday deadline for superdelegates' choices, move to force end to Clinton bid

With the final primary concluded barely hours before, top Democratic Party leaders in Washington early this morning ratcheted up the pressure to force all remaining uncommitted superdelegates to make their choice of candidate known by Friday -- and thus end the now hopeless, onetime front-running campaign of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The joint statement was obviously pre-planned and timed for issue shortly after Clinton refused to concede the presidential nomination victory to Barack Obama, who's gained sufficient delegates to clinch the party's nomination.

Howard Dean, right, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, chairman of the Democratic Governors Assn., issued the brief statement for unity just minutes ago:

"The voters have spoken," they said, adding later, "Democrats must now turn our full attention to the general election. To that end, we are urging all remaining uncommitted superdelegates to make their decisions known by Friday of this week, so that our party can stand united."

The carefully worded statement, which does not urge the superdelegates to go one way or the other, is a clear step to force an end to the effort by Clinton, who said Tuesday she would take a few days to consider her options and protect the voices of the nearly 18 million voters who cast ballots for her in recent months. Her hand is now being forced by the Friday deadline.

The move is also a sly one politically, since it leaves Obama free of any appearance of forcing Clinton to quit and thus alienating her millions of supporters, whom the Illinois senator will badly need in the general election come Nov. 4.

In exit polls throughout the just-concluded primary season, an unusually high number of Clinton voters indicated they were likely to reject Obama and vote for the Republican Party's presumptive nominee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

A complete text of the Democratic Party leaders' joint statement is available by clicking the "read more" line below.

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo Credit: Associated Press / Manuel Bolce Ceneta

     Joint Statement by Democratic Leaders on the End of the Presidential Primary Process

"We have come to the end of an exciting primary and caucus process -- the voters have spoken.  As the Democratic leaders of the Senate, House of Representatives, the Governors and the Democratic National Committee we commend all of the participants of the 2008 primary process, especially Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, for making this such a transformational election. 

"Because of the enthusiasm our candidates have inspired, our party has brought record numbers of voters to the polls, gained millions of newly registered Democrats and now has advantages in states many thought were difficult to win.  We are grateful to the millions of Independents and Republicans who have crossed over to vote for a Democratic candidate for President.

"Democrats must now turn our full attention to the general election.  To that end, we are urging all remaining uncommitted superdelegates to make their decisions known by Friday of this week so that our party can stand united and begin our march toward reversing the eight years of failed Bush/McCain policies that have weakened our country.

"We once again congratulate all of the candidates for their leadership and dedication to providing this country with a New Direction. We look forward to working with them and with all Democrats to win the White House, congressional seats and state capitals so we can deliver the change the American people deserve and demand."

Comments

[Ryan]

I think I speak for a lot of Hillary supporters when I say that I can actually understand why people would vote for McCain instead of Obama. I can't believe I said that, because I am a pretty hardcore democrat. But I also feel that the democratic party has turned its back on most of its own supporters. The entire process was filled with back room decisions and deceit. I used to be proud of where the primary process was going. Now I'm just ashamed of what it turned it into. It wreaks of sexism. As soon as the debates ended senators began calling for Clinton to give up, when historically the same treatment has never been directed at past males with MUCH less support from voters. No matter what states she won, the media turned it into "rednecks voting for whitey."
The end result I have realized is that the democratic party is a sham.

[Healthsavings Accounts]

If the Dems could ever find one viable candidate they might actually gain some credibility.
Here they have Clinton who refuses to acknowledge her own defeat and Obama who refuses to set forth any specific (key word, specific) ideas for his so called change.
In the end, McCain will prevail, which is not to say we are really going to be any better off. Too bad Romney ran such a ramshod campaign as he would likely make the best president.

[Pete]

I am a white male, over 50, a veteran, and I voted for Barack Obama. I am a lifelong Democrat, too.

Our party is an umbrella party. The Republicans abandoned the center. So not only does our umrella cover the diverse interests of the left, as represented by Senator Obama, it covers the center as represented by Senator Clinton. Isn't it obvious? The party members have spoken. We have split right down the middle. We want them both.

If we surrender the center, the Repoublicans will just take it back. We want that center. So come on, fellow folks on the left! We can't do it wothout the center.

It's time to unite and go after McCain. That means, accept the runner-up as VP. Come on. Let's drop the petty nonsense. There's a real campaign to run now.

KNOCK IT OFF, or it is YOU PEOPLE who will destoy our party with your bickering. We on the left will get what we want, all we have to do is cooperate with the center, i.e. Senator Clinton.

[RK]

Both Hillary and Obama were viable Democratic candidates, and this in no way is meant to offend those who reasonably thought Hillary was the better.

As a 50 year old white male lucky enough to have a high income, I'd like to thank the special group of Hillary fanatics who pledge to vote for McCain: though I know Obama has more integrity than McCain and would be better for the country as a whole, because of their positions on taxes, a win by McCain will save me hundreds of thousands of dollars. It will also result in a Supreme Court that overturns Roe v Wade. Don't agree, but no womb here. Won't affect me.

So in 2010, as I put in a new swimming pool, I'll say thank you for deluding yourselves that the primaries were unfair. As I vacation in Europe, I'll say thank you for being angry and vindictive. As I build a guest cottage for my relatives, I'll say thank you for putting blind heroine worship ahead of the future of your country.

[Daddymix]

I sounds like the Clinton supporters are bigoted and racisit. Again i say that Obama and Clinton are so close on the issues, but because Clinton didn't win you all will vote for McCain. The only difference is that Obabma is a Black Man. The man ran an exceptional campaign. Clinton ran a terrible campaign. But she should be the one to run the country?
We are Democrats. Are all of you cry babies Democrats?
PEACE!

[anshilary]

It is said, Obama cannot put Hillary on the ticket because it goes against the theme of "change in washington".

Therefore, to be consistent, I suggest his campaign state that, upon the Senator's ascension to the Presidency in January 2009, he will call for the resignation of Howard Dean of the DNC, Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker, and Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader.

[CHANGE]

Congratulations to Sen. Obama and his wife, children, campaign staff and the millions upon millions upon millions that voted for change! If Sen. Obama were dragging out the contest as Hillary and Bill are doing now, they would have demanded that he quit immediately. Why don't someone tell her that she is hurting the Democratic Party. Why does she keep doing this? It is sad to watch. She has lied about the popular vote! She did not win the popular vote. Her lies, mismanagement and ever-changing campaign theme are her own misdoings. She can only blame herself. And, the life of me I don't get why she treats Sen. Obama so coldly. What did he ever do to her? He respects her at every turn loudly and clearly. And, she returns with a "thump" moaning statement about him.

Hillary needs to end this soon and get behind Sen. Obama for the presidency and the good of the country.

[Thomas Freeman]

I do not support Barack Obama. I have and continue to support Hillary Clinton. If she is on the ticket WITH Barack (Barry) Obama, I'll vote for him, otherwise I will simply do a write-in name for President... I won't vote for McCain either, but I'll stay true to my principles and out of the nasty treatment by the MSM and the Obamabots, I refuse to vote for him simply because he will have the nomination. It will be the first time I have not voted for the Democratic nominee in all my years voting.

[DNC man]

Hillary Clinton's behavior...AND that of some of her supporters demonstrate that they have NEVER had the best interest of the Democratic Party at heart. In fact, they have demonstrated that they are fast becoming the angry bitter ENEMY of the DP.

We need to isolate HER and her extreme psycotic followers.

The Clintons have tarnished the DP with their sick twisted POWER ADDICTION at all cost. They both need to spend some money on mental help.

What a terrifying thought to have those two back in the White House. She refuses to to what the people want (now), WHY in the world do her few supporters think she would listen to them once she is swimming in Power.

She is like a drunk who won't leave the party after everyone has left, there she is, in the middle of the dance floor all alone, arms out stretched, twirling around head back staring up at the Disco ball...in her own little world thinking she is the bell of the ball.

Everyones left Hillary...but you.

[OWL (Older White Lady)]

While at this point, Sen. Clinton's concession is a formality, it should still take place. Her speech last night indicates, at least to me, that she still thinks she can somehow change the outcome. It was ungracious, to say the least, and graceless in it's lack of acknowledgement that Sen. Obama has won a hard-fought primary. I find it very difficult to understand Clinton supporters who, in their disappointment, would vote for Sen. McCain. His stands are the opposite of hers on most issues, while Obama's stands are similar. Do they want to wreck the economy and prolong a senseless war just because they're angry? I can hardly believe that. One benefit to the end of the primary process: we'll get Geraldine Ferraro off the air. Her borderline racist remarks did as much for Clinton as her husband's questionable financial dealings did for Walter Mondale. With friends like these...

[Avonrea]

Never have I seen such a poor loser as Hillary. I guess her mom didn't teach her about the basics back in Park Ridge, IL because graciousness is not part of her makeup. After her loss last night I won't be surprised at anything she or Bill cook up.

[challenge]

AMERICA does not need the Clintons to be VP to Sen. Obama. I would be extremely upset. His message is about change and NOT about accommodating 2 super maniac egos! The scandals from the 90s would be revisited: blue stain dress, endless list of mistresses.

We are turning the page. AMERICA, this is our MOMENT. Let history bring the country together, let's unite behind Sen. Barack Obama!

Peace.

[UniteTheParty]

If she is against the war in Iraq, wants healthcare for every American, would like to see every child live up to their potential, and would like to prevent a 3rd Bush term - as she says in her speeches - she needs to stop pouting and support the Democratic Presidential nominee - Senator Barack Obama.

If she were truly willing to do whatever it takes to unite the Democratic Party and reclaim the Whitehouse, she would not use the people that voted for her as leverage for ANYTHING. She would tell them to cast their vote for Senator Barack Obama, so that their voices can still be heard. Instead, she is quietly basking in the divisiveness and happily listening to them say that they will write her name on the ballot in November, sit at home, or vote for McCain.

This is classic, Clinton entitlement and I hope that she does not end up anywhere near the ticket. The only thing that she is showing concern for is her desire to be in control.

[Frank Jackson]

Hillary Clinton stands as one of the great embarrassments to the American people. She is classless. Her failure to admit defeat goes against everything we teach our children about playing by the rules and accepting the outcome graciously. There is no reason to fear her or her blind supporters. It's time to ignore them and move onto an even more difficult battle with McCain, with or without Hillary's supporters.

[Michael]

Hillary is Nuts! Barack better not give her the VP. That would be like putting a bulz eye on his back for her uneducated women supports. He needs to remain calm, show he can wield power & wait for Clinton to exit stage right. Her support will dissapate fast once that happens. He's the one with the power & potential jobs. Her supporters will forget about her FAST.

[Dana Coley]

The continuing Clinton-bashing by Obama partisans in comments here and elsewhere is not making it any easier for Clinton Democrats (that is, half the Party) to support him. I'm just sayin'.

[DoTheMath]

Many of the posts here confirm how irresponsible it is for Senator Clinton to continue to mislead her supporters with fuzzy math and emotional manipulation. I could almost understand her stretching the truth when she still had a chance. I thought it was dishonest but that she was driven by a motivation that, to her, seemed more important than the facts she was distorting.

What's her motivation now? She's turning her supporters against her party's nominee, the candidate who shares her positions on the overwhelming majority of the important issues facing our country.

In contrast, John McCain, the candidate she is helping with her current behavior, has taken positions opposite to hers on almost every important issue. McCain isn't just against universal health care; he's in favor of privatizing (code for eliminating) the paltry health care and retirement safety nets we already have.

Yet Clinton is turning her supporters against the one chance we have to defeat McCain. If you don't believe me, read the posts here. Listen to the speech she gave last night.

Then, listen to the speech Obama gave last night. And ask yourself what is really motivating Hillary Clinton.

[Tokyorose]

It speaks VOLUMES about that group when they say "I'll Vote for McCain instead"

You go right ahead and do that...THAT is why Hillary Cling-ON has lost. You will be responsible for an extreme RIGH WING Supreme court. Just like that hollow brains that voted for George Bush a SECOND time...then claimed they didn't (once the disaster mood set in)

If you can't have your way..."let's burn the house down"

Seek help,adults don't behave like that.

[entwight]

This is beginning to look like Connecticut in 2006.

Young, inexperienced upstart challenges a genuine Party icon who's earned the right to the Democratic nomination over two decades.

Bill Clinton was very much in tune with Lieberman throughout his administration. So were Democrats, who nominated Lieberman as VP in 2000.

The Democrats left Lieberman behind for a loony left wing nobody. Now, they've done the same thing to Hillary.

It's time for Hillary to join the Independent Democrat movement. Or to rally Clinton Democrats as a movement.

Hillary for President, as a Clinton Democrat, in 2008.

[Sandy]

I am still waiting for Obama's Resume. I have not seen one..
I just keep hearing the word CHAAANge....but no resume of what he has done..how is it all other candidates got a pass but him? Could there be a little reverse discrimination?
Sounds like racism to me..you know...hate...
racism against whites?

[bottomfisher67]

We put Nancy "Botox" Pelosi in office to get something done. She has been a TOTAL FAILURE, country going wrong direction under her leadership.

Hillary's ego is about to derail the Democratic Party.

I have had it with the DemoCrap and I am going to vote for McCain, just like Harriet Christian.

Harriet has become my hero:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KACQuZVAE3s

[Alin petruescu]

I am a Clinton Supporter, and I am AMAZED to see all these Clinton HATERS?!? First of ALL she won the popular vote, and after all this Obama Church Clinton Haters Contraversy I would rather VOTE REPUBLICAN then approving Obamas HATE.

First tim eit happen it kind of washed away, BUT the second time it happen was CLEARLY a RACIST campaign against Hillary and WHITES! I WONDER what would the country would say if that was a WHITE church and those were WIHTE people dancing in the backround discrminating against BLACKS?!?

Just as Bush gets blamefor anything GOOD or BAD that happened to this country, so is Obama should be held responsible for ALL that HATERED that came out of his church!! C-MON PEOPLE he was a member fo that church for 20 YEARS!! Who wants a president that came from a backround of HATERS, and people that discriminate against the opposite RACE?!?

I am aware that he quit that church, but for me I can NOT dare to give him a chance, and end up with a president that is PREGIDOUS!

[Rex Range]

MANY OF US WERE DONE INDULGING THIS SELF-INDULGENT, POWER-MAD POLITICIAN AND HER FELLOW BULLYING, CHEATING, POOR-SPORT, SORE-LOSER MACHINISTS MONTHS AGO. NOW IT'S TIME THE REST OF THE NATION JOINED US. AND TO THE UNBELIEVABLY WRONGHEADED HILL SHILL CRYBABIES BLAMING THE MEDIA FOR HURTING THEIR FALSE MESSIAH-ESS: PRETTY ROUGH BEING HIT WITH 1/10 OF 1% OF WHAT EVERY REPUBLICAN HAS ENDURED IN THE DEMOCRATIC-MARKETING LIBERAL MEDIA EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR THE PAST 50 YEARS...ISN'T IT! YOU ALL RODE A PRO-CLINTON WAVE FOR A DECADE OR SO, BUT FOX NEWS, INTERNET NEWS AND TALK RADIO EXERTED A GRAVITATIONAL PULL THAT FORCED ALL NEWS OUTLETS (WELL, EXCEPT FOR CBS) TO COVER THE NEWS MORE HONESTLY AND COMPLETELY...AND IN THAT HARSH LIGHT OF DAY THEY ACTUALLY DID SOME OBJECTIVE REPORTING ON THE CORRUPT CLINTON MACHINE...AND THAT DOOMED THE MACHINE TO THE FATE IT DESERVED ALL ALONG. GET USED TO IT. AND GOOD RIDDANCE TO BOTH YOU AND YOUR BELOVED MACHINE.

[PC]

In just one year . Remember the election in 2006?
Thought you might like to read the following:
A little over a year and a half ago:

1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 ½ year high;

2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;

3) The unemployment rate was 4.5%.

Since voting in The New Congress in 2006 we have seen:

1) Consumer confidence plummet;

2) The cost of regular gasoline soar to over $3.50 a gallon;

3) Unemployment is up to 5% (a 10% increase);

4) American households have seen $2.3 trillion in equity value evaporate
(stock and mu tual fund losses);

5) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $1.2 trillion dollars;

6) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.

America voted for change in 2006, and we got it!

Remember it's Congress that makes law not the President. He has to work with what's handed to him.

Quote of the Day........'My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the
history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it.'
-- Barack Obama

[Ga'tor]

Regardless of who is ultimately the DNC selectee, in their own words the Primary election was flawed. Now if the Democrat hierarchy states this, by what kind of reasoning would anyone want these people leading the country? Take a close look at the whole pirmary and any reasonable person has to come to the conclusion that the entire DNC party is flawed in a major way.
To be sure the Republicans have their own problems but, in no way compares to the disaster of the Democrats. I'm no great fan of John McCaine, but faced with a choice of a candidate who spent 20 years studying the black Marxist Bible of Liberation Theology or HRC a government rules all, avowed socilist, I'll take Johnny Mac hands down.

Just a thought...