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Superdelegates get campaign cash

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor February 14, 2008 03:54 PM

Many of the superdelegates who could well decide the Democratic presidential nominee have already been plied with campaign contributions by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, a new study shows.

"While it would be unseemly for the candidates to hand out thousands of dollars to primary voters, or to the delegates pledged to represent the will of those voters, elected officials serving as superdelegates have received about $890,000 from Obama and Clinton in the form of campaign contributions over the last three years," the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics reported today.

About half the 800 superdelegates -- elected officials, party leaders, and others -- have committed to either Clinton or Obama, though they can change their minds until the convention.

Obama's political action committee has doled out more than $694,000 to superdelegates since 2005, the study found, and of the 81 who had announced their support for Obama, 34 had received donations totaling $228,000.

Clinton's political action committee has distributed about $195,000 to superdelegates, and only 13 of the 109 who had announced for her have received money, totaling about $95,000.

270 comments so far...
  1. Oops - Backdoor Politics as Usual

    Obama didn't quite cover up his trail, ah?

    Posted by Frank T February 14, 08 07:03 PM
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  1. Democrat Candidates buying votes. I guess either of these two will do just about anything to get elected. Neither has the personal character to warrant holding the office of President

    Posted by Jon in Ca February 14, 08 07:51 PM
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  1. Why should there be such a thing as Super Delegates? It seems that such a system opens the door to corruption, doesn't it?

    Posted by M. Thau February 14, 08 08:00 PM
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  1. Now I know why I don't give my hard worked money to thesse people. Is there a law somewhere about buying your votes?

    Posted by Jenny Brumley February 14, 08 08:04 PM
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  1. ths seems insane. Is there even a semblance of {democracy} here?

    Posted by ANhonestperson February 14, 08 08:07 PM
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  1. "democratic" vote purchase?
    "one man one vote"?
    Vox populi...?

    Posted by Les February 14, 08 08:10 PM
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  1. I see no change, I see the same business as usual but in different clothing.

    Posted by David February 14, 08 08:13 PM
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  1. Wow, talk about a bias - payola is alive and well

    Posted by Ed Johnson February 14, 08 08:20 PM
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  1. Obama gave 228K to 34 people that have announced for him. That's an average of over $6700 per person. And Hillary gave 95K to 13 of those who announced for her. That's over $7300 per person. Wow. I'd have to have at least ten grand to vote for either of those clowns.

    Posted by wes February 14, 08 08:22 PM
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  1. This may be legal but it reeks with the smell of kickbacks and corruption. It makes McCain's campaign finance legislation look very good. Perhaps it needs updating.

    Posted by Barry February 14, 08 08:25 PM
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  1. So much for democracy in action. Maybe this is why Hillary's campaign is cash poor now! I wondered where her $150 million campaign fund went.

    Posted by Kenneth Roberts February 14, 08 08:29 PM
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  1. Let's call it BRIBES

    Posted by RC February 14, 08 08:33 PM
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  1. SO MUCH FOR ONE MAN ONE VOTE, TO SAY NOTHING ABOUT THE GRAFT...

    Posted by CJM February 14, 08 08:37 PM
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  1. Very unfair reporting and I'm not saying I'm for either. How could Hillary "dole out" funds since 2005 when she promised to remain just a Senator and was "not" considering running.

    Let's be fair and honest about this!

    Posted by Leslie Chase February 14, 08 08:41 PM
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  1. I see no change, I see the same business as usual but in different clothing.

    Posted by David February 14, 08 08:44 PM
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  1. Just as Samuel Tilden said in 1876 - "the Presidency will go to the highest bidder...might as well just throw hold a raffle and pick the candiates name from a hat to pick the winner."

    Posted by Nikki Oldaker February 14, 08 08:47 PM
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  1. How Hypocritical from someone like Obama who is calling for a "new kind of politics" and end for the Lobbyist and special interest money roles in campaigns. He is not any better and is giving out TRIPLE money than Clinton. This is shameful for the American democracy and Democratic party.

    Posted by Richard February 14, 08 08:52 PM
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  1. As usual the Democrats are demonstrating just how crooked and evil they are. They hide all of this by attacking everyone else, so you are so busy watching the other people you do not see what they are doing. Kind of like the bill that Obama got passed under the wire today giving 0.07% of our GNP to the United Nations for the poor. You know how many poor will get any part of that money. The Dems complain about the cost of the war in Iraq because they want that money to spend.

    Posted by rdavis February 14, 08 08:57 PM
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  1. Wow. Had no idea being a superdelegate could be so lucrative..... Guess you really can buy an election here!

    Posted by KJM February 14, 08 09:00 PM
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  1. Let's call it BRIBES

    Posted by RC February 14, 08 09:03 PM
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  1. Of course, it all makes sense now! Bribing for votes still exists! Some things haven't changed at all.

    Posted by Timstigator February 14, 08 09:07 PM
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  1. Wow,

    Politics as usual ---Obama for change --yeah right!! I am happy to see Ms. Clinton did not "dole out" as much as Mr. Obama.

    GO HILLARY

    Posted by Tim in California February 14, 08 09:10 PM
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  1. Just as Samuel Tilden said in 1876 - "the Presidency will go to the highest bidder...might as well just throw hold a raffle and pick the candiates name from a hat to pick the winner."

    Posted by Nikki Oldaker February 14, 08 09:13 PM
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  1. What a surprise, politicians are all the same, Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, and regardless of their rhetoric, a snake is a snake is snake....

    Posted by Fed up with the Feds February 14, 08 09:17 PM
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  1. s. american politics from the socialists ,we shouldn't be suprised.
    once we give them a licence they will steal and it's our fault for not fighting back wake up America.

    Posted by ben February 14, 08 09:21 PM
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  1. They are contributions from PACs, not the campaigns nor the candidates, you incompetent reporter! Why make this direct assertion in your very first sentence? Well, you did so to deliberately convey an clear distortion of the facts to many people who don't have critical reading skills. What a jerk, Baf-Foon Rhee.

    Posted by DrToketee February 14, 08 09:24 PM
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  1. How is this different from bribery?

    Posted by wj February 14, 08 09:27 PM
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  1. A vote for Obama is a vote for more of the same, as this study shows.

    Posted by Tom February 14, 08 09:36 PM
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  1. If that's not corruption, what is?

    Posted by Eddie February 14, 08 09:39 PM
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  1. This is simply amazing to me. How disgusting. Well, that casts Hillary in a better light. Her hands aren't clean, but she is only about 28% of what Obama has thrown at the super delegates.

    I am a republican who wants change too. I am excited about Obama. I want to vote for him. But it is crap like this that will probably just keep me home on election day.

    Washington is an absurdity. It is perversion of what it is supposed to be.

    Posted by Geoff February 14, 08 09:43 PM
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  1. And Republicans are the only dirty ones in the political arena....

    To all of those people who said the election was stolen from algore, see here, your own party, the dems, use the electoral process in primaries. They just call them superdelegates.

    So no matter how the popular vote goes, the superdelegates can change all of that and create another algore situation.

    Your vote does not matter to the dems, only the superdelegates does.

    Posted by Mike K February 14, 08 09:48 PM
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  1. Sounds like bribery to me. I thought that was illegal. Maybe Obama and Clinton should be arrested.

    Posted by William February 14, 08 09:51 PM
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  1. I'm surprised to see Mr. anti-lobbyist himself, Barack Obama, has spent three times as much money bribing superdelegates.

    Who knew "change" and "hope for america" was so expensive?

    Honestly, if this thing comes down to superdelegates tipping the scale against the popular vote, or controversies with delegates from Michigan and Florida being seated or not being seated, it will divide the Democratic party and turn off the much needed Independent voters in November.

    I didn't think there was a way for the Democrats to screw this one up, but it looks like they're proving that they're more than capable of it.

    Posted by John February 14, 08 09:56 PM
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  1. Democracy at it's best!

    Posted by Mac-101 February 14, 08 09:58 PM
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  1. this is disgusting! We need to take to the Democratic Party back...how did this Superdelegate business happen> My vote does not cont anymore.

    Posted by william February 14, 08 10:03 PM
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  1. Who save Elections are not bought and paid for! Democrats are as sleazy as Republicans, too bad neither party intends on confronting the FED... who's days are numbered once the American people fully understand how they have manipulated the sovereignty of the US and created the FED and INCOME TAX for one reason: Debt Slavery.

    Posted by Chris in Buffalo February 14, 08 10:06 PM
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  1. This whole "superdelegate" thing sounds like a pile of used food. How about the people voting? Why vote if it will be decided by them anyway? And why the HELL are the candidates PAYING them? If that doesn't sound like bribery, I don't know what does.GO OBAMA!

    Posted by steve smith February 14, 08 10:11 PM
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  1. WE NEED A CHANGE ALRIGHT!!!

    Buying votes right out inthe open! I am so sick of these people. Where the hell is my free lunch?? Why do the citizens
    fund these bafoons? Hillbilly and Chauncy Gardener, and Big Mac...All the same. Tell me how did the Clintons become multi millionairs after being elected president?

    What fools these sycophants ber!

    Posted by Wilbur Tibbetts February 14, 08 10:14 PM
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  1. This is government of the people, by the people, for the people? How is this different than a bribe?

    This is what's wrong with government throughout this country. It's all professional politicians doing favors for each other, and never do the needs and desires of "the people" come into play.

    This will continue, to the detriment of all in need, until everyone stops accepting this and - especially in the Democratic party - deluding themselves into thinking the politicians are dedicated to helping people.

    Posted by Wag The Dog February 14, 08 10:17 PM
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  1. There's where the corruption is.

    Posted by RML February 14, 08 10:22 PM
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  1. legal bribery...this is what our free democratic system has become

    Posted by Tony February 14, 08 10:25 PM
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  1. I would like to see the documentation that supports these statements - and the sources of these 'facts' should be stated in this article - otherwise it should be viewed as fiction.

    Posted by Darth Satan February 14, 08 10:35 PM
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  1. Oh Fantastic, paying for votes; I hear the sound track to Gomer Pyle in the background “surprise, surprise.” Here we go again and I wonder if our short memories are a blessing or our downfall.
    - Honestly, what self-respecting and empowered woman can respect another woman who would “stand by her man” for 25 years of documented affairs? What message of empowerment and self respect does it send to our young men and women? Exactly how is this a step forward for the cause of women's empowerment? For the cause of the sanctity of marriage? Is it now the case that our society ends up referencing the grand example of how it should be done at home, at work and while in office?
    - If we really owned the business, called the American Government” would we hire a senior executive that we knew couldn’t manage their own personal affairs and wasn’t willing to abide by full disclosure and accountability? Strange, how is it that you can’t get a job on Wall Street without disclosing your tax returns and investment holdings while it is the case that you can run for the highest political office and claim that the same information is private?
    - It is said that where there is smoke there is fire; why is it that it seems that at least once a year an individual close to the Clinton’s seems to end up in Jail or pass away under curious circumstances?
    - Would we really want a president that consistently refuses to sit for an open press interview?
    - What could we learn from Plato’s Republic in that we get the governmental representation we deserve or that we demand? I wonder what would happen if we took a lesson from the French and shut down our local towns, cities and state governmental offices and took a stand for what we would like to see happen for the next 25 and 50 years.

    Posted by Bill Cook February 14, 08 10:40 PM
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  1. Looks like OBAMA may have the edge here

    Posted by jackJR February 14, 08 10:46 PM
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  1. it would seem to me that paying for a vote is unethical and illegal.
    however I am not a judge nor a congressman so, if its ok with them
    than Ill take 50k for my vote.

    Posted by anthony February 14, 08 10:49 PM
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  1. I'm an Obama supporter, and I find this action by both candidates to be really disappointing and disturbing. Although I realize that it's typical for established politicians to help downticket candidates through leadership PACs, it is very unseemly when those downticket Dems are also superdelegates.

    This is yet one more reason why the Democratic party needs to seriously overhaul their nomination system. It's bad enough that no matter who winds up as the nominee will be stained by this nonsensical process.

    Posted by Mike February 14, 08 10:52 PM
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  1. What is wrong with this picture?

    Posted by Padrick February 14, 08 11:02 PM
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  1. What a bunch of bullshit!

    I am sick of all politicians. Vote out anyone in office.

    No more incumbents. One time and you are out.

    What a bunch of crap. How can we expect the average "Joe" to have an impact?

    Money talks. This is something the Republicans would do.

    Posted by Mark O February 14, 08 11:09 PM
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  1. Aha! Mr. Clean and Different Barack Obama not only has been plying superdelegates with campaign cash, this "upstart, spontaneous" campaign of his was actually secretly up and running in 2005, adeptly playing old style politics when he was planning a "newstyle" way of doing political business.

    Can you spell D-U-P-L-I-C-I-T-Y, or H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E? Or maybe POLITICS AS USUAL? But I doubt the truth will give any pause to the Obamorons so intent on his candidacy.

    Posted by Randolph Phillips February 14, 08 11:12 PM
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  1. You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. There is nothing wrong with Hillary or Obama making campaign contributions to these elected officials. Their intentions are pure and that is what matters. They are not trying to influence the super delegates. They are helping those individuals out.

    Posted by alicia February 14, 08 11:19 PM
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  1. Tell me how these liberals--these change agents--these wonders are so awesome.

    What a joke! Now you now why this conservative cop made a 12 song music CD that smacks these hypocrites! @

    www.conservativemucionline.com

    Posted by Lance Truscott Morrison February 14, 08 11:22 PM
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  1. this is an unbelievable corruption of the democratic process. Even for the democrats, money talks...nothing has changed since the 18th century when cash was traded for favors on the Senate floor.

    Posted by John Bourland February 14, 08 11:26 PM
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  1. Incredible ... party nominees buying votes.
    Who would have thunk it?

    Posted by DJG February 14, 08 11:32 PM
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  1. How can this be legal? What kind of a corrupt system have they put in place? I can't think of any reason payments to superdelegates could be justified. It is nothing more than bribery. This is a joke!

    Posted by J Carlson February 14, 08 11:35 PM
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  1. Like I've been saying for days

    Follow the money.........money corrupts.

    The fix is in

    Posted by naragonl February 14, 08 11:39 PM
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  1. Are we buying votes here?

    Posted by Don February 14, 08 11:46 PM
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  1. shocking, you mean they might be buying votes..........in america, I can't believe that.

    Posted by anthony February 14, 08 11:50 PM
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  1. No politician turns down a blank envelope with cash. "Show me the money"

    Posted by Allen "The Money Machine" February 14, 08 11:54 PM
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  1. Shouldn't this be illegal?

    Posted by david r dingel February 14, 08 11:56 PM
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  1. Money and politics!!! Who'd a thunk it? Wasn't McCain/Feingold supposed to eliminate corruptive cash from the process?

    Posted by Ron CURRY February 15, 08 12:01 AM
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  1. excellent. If true that's a great sign. It means he knows how to play the game and get things done.

    It means he will not be a Jimmy Carter. Washington ate Jimmy alive.

    No matter how good you are... you got to know how to work it. If you know how to work it... you know how to get to the point where you can stop it.

    Thank you. This made me happy.

    I'll point this out to all the people who keep fretting he is too goody goody to know how to work in the system. I know a number of democrat undecided voters who will think higher of Obama for this information.

    Thank you again!

    Posted by lila February 15, 08 12:06 AM
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  1. How the hell do you become a super delegate?

    maximusinaustin

    Posted by maximusinaustin February 15, 08 12:09 AM
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  1. Remind me to mention this story to the next Democrat who touts the "purity" of their party and its candidates. This is the ultimate "special interest group" story.

    Yessir, the U.S. government, the best government money can buy!

    Posted by Rich Wargo February 15, 08 12:19 AM
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  1. Looks like Obama has out thought the invincible machine (and started doing it some time ago.) The old Daley machine in Chicago knows all about "walking around money."

    Posted by MITmike February 15, 08 12:32 AM
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  1. Give me a break! Stop the coruption and let the voters decide. Superdelegates are an insult to the average voter and they need to be removed from the equation. If Hillary wins the primary because of her dirty dealings with superdelegates, I will vote for mickey mouse in the general election. Hail Mickey.

    Posted by Mean mister mustard February 15, 08 12:36 AM
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  1. I question the timing of the release of this information.

    Stacy Harris
    Publisher/Editor
    Stacy's Music Row Report
    www.countrymusicreport.com

    Posted by Stacy Harris February 15, 08 12:39 AM
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  1. The Democratic Culture of Corruption in grand display.

    Posted by Birdseye February 15, 08 12:46 AM
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  1. Seems like someone intent on changing the way of politics is sure good at some old school politickin'. Not that there's anything wrong with cutting checks to other campaigns, but some of the deity's supporters might be interested in seeing how their "small dollar" donations are greasing superdelegate campaigns.

    Posted by Mike Lee February 15, 08 12:50 AM
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  1. Wow, Obaba has put up $694,000 since 2005. Where did he get the money in 2005, 2006 and 2007?

    Posted by willow February 15, 08 12:53 AM
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  1. Why would this suprise us? The Democrats are such sleazy politicians. No morals means no values. I'm sick of it!!

    Posted by Chukkal February 15, 08 12:56 AM
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  1. and what happens to a super-delegate's campaign coffer when they retire from politix?...it becomes their personal bank account...sad - very sad

    Posted by nate paulson February 15, 08 01:01 AM
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  1. More of the same old ways from Obama who is suposed to represent change. He's just a politician like all the others! Wake up America!!!!

    Posted by Realist February 15, 08 01:08 AM
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  1. Who says You can't Buy votes?--LOL
    Tell that too the Democrats! They invented it!
    Wonder who got The Pasma screen TV ($10,000)--new car---morgtage paid?

    Posted by F. Mulder February 15, 08 01:15 AM
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  1. What does this mean? Are the campaigns giving money for votes?

    Posted by Confused Charlie February 15, 08 01:19 AM
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  1. This could be a way cool method to rake in a personal fortune. First you get your law, wall
    street or banking firm to donate mega bucks to a campaign. Then you get yourself appointed
    a Superdelegate, and put the payback from either Clinton or Obama in your own pocket! Super!
    With the courts, congress, and media all being in on the scam, and the elitists retaining control
    of our Republic who's to care? We call it "Recycling the Green". The rest of us can just shut up,
    sit down, and be quiet.

    Posted by CharlestonVoice February 15, 08 01:23 AM
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  1. More of the same old ways from Obama who is suposed to represent change. He's just a politician like all the others! Wake up America!!!!

    Posted by Realist February 15, 08 01:26 AM
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  1. A bribe is a bribe is a bribe. Color it however you like, they are buying votes and that it bribery. These kinds of so-called contributions should be outlawed.

    Posted by BC February 15, 08 01:29 AM
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  1. Surprise, hardly not. Politicians make up the laws that govern their own world. May God have mercy upon the soul that votes their conscience, for they will be broke at the end of the convention.

    Posted by Kevin Naughton February 15, 08 01:32 AM
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  1. This about as sleazy as it gets, buying delegate votes. So much for campaign finance reform. This should be illegal!

    Posted by Kirt February 15, 08 01:36 AM
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  1. This could be a way cool method to rake in a personal fortune. First you get your law, wall
    street or banking firm to donate mega bucks to a campaign. Then you get yourself appointed
    a Superdelegate, and put the payback from either Clinton or Obama in your own pocket! Super!
    With the courts, congress, and media all being in on the scam, and the elitists retaining control
    of our Republic who's to care? We call it "Recycling the Green". The rest of us can just shut up,
    sit down, and be quiet.

    Posted by CharlestonVoice February 15, 08 01:39 AM
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  1. the speculation, spin. propanganda,ect
    believe nothing you hear and 1/2 what you see !

    Posted by gary February 15, 08 01:43 AM
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  1. I'm amazed that this isn't illegal some how.

    Posted by Clinton hating Democrat in Berkeley February 15, 08 01:46 AM
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  1. Interesting that Obama states that he won't allow lobbyists to influence him once he becomes president. However he is willing to "pay off" superdelegates to garner favor. If the media would take a deeper look at this guy instead of providing the public with "softball" coverage everyone would see he is the socialistic solution hoped for by those on the far left.

    Posted by Pravda February 15, 08 01:50 AM
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  1. This is corrupt politics at its most base. It subverts the foundational premise of the American political system, that the people elect those in office, not a special elete, now known as superdelegates. And now these politically elete superdelegates are being bought with money. They're not even bothering with the pretext of a necessary over-riding philosophical concern of some kind. What "checks and balances" are in place in our system to correct for this? Will the Judiciary step in, in some form? The Supreme Court? Or do we all just pooh-pooh it along with the Media, and say, "That's what Democrats do because they understand democracy so much better than we do. If the Republicans really understood democracy, they'd do the same thing, wouldn't they?"

    Posted by joe February 15, 08 01:58 AM
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  1. Hillary - can I spend the night in the Lincoln bedroom with Chealsea (and make Bill wach us) if I get to be a Super Delegate? Obama can I aks you a few questions soes I can get to be as smart as yous is. Me and my hommies will smoke some smokasses with you if we can be one of those Super Delegates. Cannzz we broh?

    Posted by Matt in Abilene February 15, 08 03:18 AM
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  1. Funny that dems. have always complained that the GOP is driven by big money, smoke-filled back rooms, etc. - what do you have to say for yourselves now?

    Posted by JMD February 15, 08 03:22 AM
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  1. Yeah, but Hillary has more than twice the PAC money suport and contributionrs thatnJohn McCain, the next biggest PAC money campaign has. Obama has over 350,00 grassroots supporters contributing meager sums and the popular vote, he has repeatedly campaigned to change the nature of campaigning in America, while the others are mum or mumble some agreement so as not to look bad.

    Posted by Ka Eaton February 15, 08 03:26 AM
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  1. Hillary shouldn't be so darn cheap... yet she still leads among super delegates. Party politics costs money, and Barack is a wise investor if you ask me.

    Posted by Steven R February 15, 08 03:29 AM
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  1. Looks like super delegates are the best delegates money can buy.
    What a joke these Democrats are!

    Posted by gilbi February 15, 08 03:33 AM
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  1. The best government money can buy!!!

    Posted by Nibor Llehctim February 15, 08 03:37 AM
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  1. Funny that dems. have always complained that the GOP is driven by big money, smoke-filled back rooms, etc. - what do you have to say for yourselves now?

    Posted by JMD February 15, 08 03:54 AM
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  1. How funny - I love seeing how the DEMs elect their leaders......either the peoples vote count or they do not. But hey - when you have a guy like Obama who has offered nothing real other than hope to solve the problems confronting us....and who admits to being a drug user...not a one time - I did not inhale ...but flaunting his usage is telling us all what double standards we set for him. If this was any other politician who would not even be in politics. But he is the great black hope - but honestly - there are real black politician who would do much better but did not have the fairytale story - which I commend and I have the highest regard for the achievements Obama has made in his life - but what message are we really sending to our kids. Drug usage is ok as long as you do not get caught. heck you might even become president. how many kids got arrested and have criminal records for what Obama has publically promoted and laugh at.

    Posted by david February 15, 08 03:58 AM
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  1. Democracy in action. Gotta love the system.

    Posted by Average Joe February 15, 08 04:19 AM
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  1. cant buy me love.... cant buy me love.................. treason

    Posted by liberty February 15, 08 04:29 AM
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  1. First!

    Posted by Christian February 15, 08 04:38 AM
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  1. This is REAL creepy

    Posted by BJ Malone February 15, 08 04:41 AM
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  1. How funny - I love seeing how the DEMs elect their leaders......either the peoples vote count or they do not. But hey - when you have a guy like Obama who has offered nothing real other than hope to solve the problems confronting us....and who admits to being a drug user...not a one time - I did not inhale ...but flaunting his usage is telling us all what double standards we set for him. If this was any other politician who would not even be in politics. But he is the great black hope - but honestly - there are real black politician who would do much better but did not have the fairytale story - which I commend and I have the highest regard for the achievements Obama has made in his life - but what message are we really sending to our kids. Drug usage is ok as long as you do not get caught. heck you might even become president. how many kids got arrested and have criminal records for what Obama has publically promoted and laugh at.

    Posted by david February 15, 08 04:48 AM
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  1. I CANT BELEIVE THAT CANIDATES CAN BUY VOTES AND THAT IS ABOVE BOARD WHAT IS THIS COUNTRY COMING TO

    Posted by JOAN February 15, 08 05:05 AM
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  1. Typical! Why would the average citizen think the democrats would just vote for the candidate. The average guy votes and thinks his vote will count. In reality the super morons carry the power and the candidate buys the votes needed to secure the win.

    Sounds like the Daley run Chicago of the 60"s and other demo areas. Take Detroit area for instance where a few hundred thousand "votes" are cast by dead people or ones who have moved from the area.

    Right on Demos. Keep it up because we know that is what you do. Must be that union shop training. You know where the union bosses live in multi-level

    mansions and the blue collar guy has to pay a lot of dues but he/she lives in a row house.

    Like Yakov Smironoff, the comedian, said WHAT A COUNTRY!

    Posted by Circle 8 February 15, 08 05:36 AM
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  1. Ahhhhhhh, the best politicians money can buy......just what this country needs

    Posted by n_igma February 15, 08 05:40 AM
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  1. This is just sooooooo wrong!

    Posted by bjack February 15, 08 05:45 AM
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  1. the truth is disgusting....as is most often the case with politicians
    obama bought his, hillary earned hers..........check out Ron Paul

    Posted by rusty February 15, 08 05:53 AM
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  1. This is the first time that I am SICK of our system, completely and without remorse. We complain about the corruption in Russia, about the disjoint systems in Africa and the spoils involving elections in the Middle East. This aspect MUST be stopped NOW and at ANY COST. I am an INDEPENDENT after 30 years as a loyal Republican and then a more recent 15 years as a "change-of-heart" Democrat. Finally, I have given up on OUR PARTY SYSTEM! We have the technology to pursue and develope an absolute democratic system for free people, a system where each vote is a factor in selection our leaders in ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. We must prevent the DIVISIVE NATURE OF OUR TWO-PARTY SYSTEM AND THE MELTDOWN THAT IS BEFORE US!!!!!!!

    Posted by Dr. Louis Bush February 15, 08 05:56 AM
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  1. Where is the main street media? Isn't this a problem that needs 'the light of day'?

    Posted by ELS February 15, 08 05:59 AM
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  1. How Unamerican!

    Posted by cadpipe February 15, 08 06:03 AM
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  1. WHAT ELSE ARE THEY GOING TO GET BESIDES CASH? A POSITION IN THE GOVERNMENT? AMBASADOR TO SPAIN????

    Posted by George February 15, 08 06:12 AM
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  1. The next thing to check is how much money has been given by George Soros to the Obama Candidates, Soros is a very large supporter of Obama, probably feels he has him in his pocket. Soros is probably alos dropping funds in the hands of the superdelegates he wants to keep in the Obama camp. Cheapest buy there is for Delegates to the Dem convention

    Posted by John Burke February 15, 08 06:15 AM
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  1. Wow, it sure shows that we have the best congress money can buy!

    Posted by Bob, Florida February 15, 08 06:20 AM
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  1. Nothings changes. Still buying votes! Shame.............

    Posted by Dave Nadeau February 15, 08 06:26 AM
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  1. Hillary always was cheap! I felt sorry for her when she had to return the White House furniture!

    Posted by Kay Rossell February 15, 08 06:40 AM
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  1. That's crazy, most of these so-called super delegates all have plenty of money of their own. No wonder the budget is so tight.

    Posted by Gloria February 15, 08 06:43 AM
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  1. These payments to Super delegates are nothing but BRIBES! Why do we as American's allow this to happen?

    Corruption right out in the open for all to see and we just all turn away. I am disgusted. WE NEED TO CHANGE THIS SYSTEM!

    Posted by Andrew Timmons February 15, 08 06:48 AM
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  1. Booo.. Shame on both of you. I still support Obama in this race. Hey Obama, you do not need to buy these people off- If they overturn the popular vote, the American people will rise to the occasion.

    Posted by Joe February 15, 08 06:51 AM
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  1. Lol. Yeah, the Dems will fight to keep special interests and big money from politics Lol!

    Posted by Steve February 15, 08 07:02 AM
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  1. boy, it's a good thing McCain/Finegold took all the money out of politics so the politicions can stay honest.

    Posted by greg February 15, 08 07:08 AM
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  1. America has the politicians money can buy

    Posted by Charles Costello February 15, 08 07:26 AM
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  1. Normally this would be called bribery, but what's new? This is very typical of the US government, if you can't bribe them, bomb them !!

    Posted by charlie February 15, 08 07:30 AM
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  1. I would think a lot more money goes to Super's then reported.

    Posted by Jim Penn February 15, 08 07:33 AM
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  1. This is totally slimey. It's a bribe. If it's legal, the law MUST be changed. If it's illegal, there should be arrests made.

    Posted by Jeff S February 15, 08 07:48 AM
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  1. Consistent with being in the Progressive, Communist, Democrat party, you buy your votes from superdelegates instead of following the vote of your individual members. This party has done more to disenfranchise voters, on the right and left, than any other in the history of this country. This is almost likened to the elections in Iran, Russia or any other country ruled by the few. They concentrate the power at the top and tell the little people that they feel your pain as they shake you down. Thanks Howard Dean, George Soros et. al. for caring so much as to tell FL and MI dems. that their delegates will not be seated. You know what is good for the people, if we would only listen and be good sheep.

    Posted by ValricoJoe February 15, 08 07:51 AM
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  1. We have a system that is does not work because it’s populated by a selfish people. All of us are more concerned with our cable working and the temperature of the moment, as it regards to our comfort, then we are about an eternal truth, personal values or our own character - so how can we react to the world with a cognitive understanding of cause and effect.

    So we stand stunned as the people around us are bought and sold through the acceptable methods of the day. With the world's media empires stirring the soup, the porridge is only too artificially flavored, just like everything else.

    Posted by Richard David February 15, 08 07:55 AM
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  1. It should be illegal! This is the Democracy we want to impose on other nations....

    Posted by Shemp February 15, 08 07:58 AM
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  1. No surprise here! Nothing like being bought and paid for. Whatever it takes to win and to hell with the legal voters. Why should be bother?

    Posted by AM February 15, 08 08:01 AM
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  1. The entire idea that the democratic primary is set up to keep the will of the actual democratic voters from having sway over who wins the nomination is disgusting. Add to it that those delegates who are no more than political playersin the party mechanism can parley their primary support into large chunks of cash is abominable.

    Posted by Hunter Hill February 15, 08 08:07 AM
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  1. Why would anyone think this should be acceptable?

    Posted by Ken Thomas February 15, 08 08:10 AM
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  1. The Democratic party is a private party. If they choose to select their canidate based on cash contributions (bribes) then that is their business. In the general election in will have the right to choose the canidate who, I feel, bribed the least number of people to get where they are.

    Posted by Josh February 15, 08 08:19 AM
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  1. I'm confused. This story can't be true. McCain Feingold took all the money out of politics. REMEMBER? It took the money out because all that money was a CORRUPTING influence. REMEMBER? There was too much money around. The "good men and women" in Congress were being corrupted by all that evil money. So what are we to think, with this story? It's bad enough that the PEOPLE don't have the final say in all of this. Now ,we come to find, not only do these unaccountable "PIGS", right out of Orwells' Animal Farm, weild more power than they should have in the selection process, but, if you believe McCain Feingold, they've ALREADY BEEN CORRUPTED. Our system is broken. Our "leaders" only "lead" where the money tells them to go. There's a reason there are TERM LIMITS on the Presidency. There are plenty of reasons for them for the Congress as well. ALL POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPT. All of them

    Posted by Timothy L. Pennell February 15, 08 08:23 AM
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  1. Wow! What a way to secure a nomination! Just buy your votes. Get real. These superdelegates' votes should not be purchased. I see problems brewing for the nominee when the debates begin.

    Posted by susan February 15, 08 08:27 AM
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  1. By the people,for the people -gone

    Posted by anthony February 15, 08 08:30 AM
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  1. AND THIS IS LEGAL??? Just another pathetic liberal move. God help us all!

    Posted by Gail February 15, 08 08:36 AM
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  1. What the heck is this!!! This seems incredibly corrupt! Do the Republicans do this??? Is there a reasonable explanation for this???

    Posted by HolyCorrupticus February 15, 08 08:41 AM
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  1. Why is it legal for this type of "cash giving to super delegates "to transpire?
    It would seem that this should be punishable bribery.

    Posted by Gramma February 15, 08 08:47 AM
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  1. How do superdelegates spend the cash? What are their expenses? The story leaves a lot of unanaswered questions.

    Posted by Don February 15, 08 08:59 AM
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  1. So, superdelegates decide who they vote for based on a payoff? Wow, so it's not representative of the people, a pesky little ideal of the Founding Fathers, no, it's representative of the top down payoff, an ideal found in say the mafia. Oh yeah, they claim not to be swayed by payoffs, but by their ideals. If that's the case, then why muddy the waters by receiving "contributions." It's super to be a superdelegate, man with bonuses and all they're raking it in. Where can I sign up?

    Posted by JD February 15, 08 09:03 AM
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  1. Consistent with being in the Progressive, Communist, Democrat party, you buy your votes from superdelegates instead of following the vote of your individual members. This party has done more to disenfranchise voters, on the right and left, than any other in the history of this country. This is almost likened to the elections in Iran, Russia or any other country ruled by the few. They concentrate the power at the top and tell the little people that they feel your pain as they shake you down. Thanks Howard Dean, George Soros et. al. for caring so much as to tell FL and MI dems. that their delegates will not be seated. You know what is good for the people, if we would only listen and be good sheep.

    Posted by ValricoJoe February 15, 08 09:07 AM
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  1. This proves that our voting system is nothing but a sham when the will of the people through their right to vote can be overruled by super gelegates.

    Posted by Chris S. February 15, 08 09:12 AM
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  1. Why am I not surprised!

    Posted by Martin Shinedling February 15, 08 09:15 AM
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  1. So it comes down to the same old story,,money talks, count me in.have Clinton and obama each send me a check. I will cast my vote for the highest bidder , It,s time we let the people decide 1 on1 The popular vote is the only way our vote really means something then...

    Posted by EdwardJ Lemmon February 15, 08 09:23 AM
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  1. This stinks. Sounds like superdelegate bribery to me.

    Posted by Bryan Kee February 15, 08 09:27 AM
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  1. And to think that the theme of the campain for both Obama and Clinton is change. Now we see that the only thing that has changed is money. From those who want to be elected to those who can get them elected them. Nothing changes in Washington D.C. It Party on as usual; lie to the public and buy your votes. I find this discussing in our elected politicions.

    Posted by George February 15, 08 09:30 AM
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  1. It is always nice to see how our elected officals can be bought off!!

    Posted by Brian Mooney February 15, 08 09:35 AM
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  1. If this isn't flat out bribery, then what is it?

    Posted by Barry Gregory February 15, 08 09:38 AM
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  1. This just begs for graft. No wonder the average voter no longer trusts the process and primary voter turn out is so low. Does the Republican party also do this?

    Posted by Todd Hiday February 15, 08 09:43 AM
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  1. And to think that the theme of the campain for both Obama and Clinton is change. Now we see that the only thing that has changed is money. From those who want to be elected to those who can get them elected them. Nothing changes in Washington D.C. It Party on as usual; lie to the public and buy your votes. I find this discussing in our elected politicions.

    Posted by George February 15, 08 09:47 AM
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  1. I guess that the democrats have found a way to fix the election after all! The democratic voters should be thankful that the process of nominating a candidate has been lifted from their shoulders and given to a handful of insiders... Is this the same thing as buying votes?

    Posted by Insight February 15, 08 09:54 AM
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  1. Hummm. That would make both Obama and Clinton defacto Special Interest Groups, wouldn't it?

    Posted by Ken February 15, 08 09:59 AM
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  1. It is unclear to me the actual meaning of the article. Does this mean that some superdelagates have been paid as much as $20,000.00 for their one vote? Does it mean that some have been paid nothing? Does it mean that this is in violation of election laws? ( It certainly violates 'my' voting law ) What is the basis the candidate uses to determine why a superdelegate should receive payment?

    thank you
    joe leonard
    781 848 7435

    Posted by joe leonard February 15, 08 10:03 AM
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  1. I changed to the Democratic Party affiliation for the first time. I’m a 28 year old white male. I understand that these superdelegates are a check-and-balance to make sure that the Delegate is electable. In my humble opinion both of the front runners are electable. Barring some unforeseen catastrophe, I believe that it would be in the Democratic Party’s best interest to make sure these superdelegates cast their votes however the public votes.

    I am sick of the “elite” deciding what is best for us. That is why I changed party affiliations. If our decision is overturned it’ll really be a slap in our face.

    I personally voted for Oboma, I am sick of the Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush, era. I am concerned with the reports of “Black Superdelegates Shift to Obama” report by ABC. These superdelegates need to stay above the fray and realize that their responsibility is to respect the wishes of the voters. If this becomes a Black vs. Woman issue it’ll be a disaster for the Democratic Party. This may actually cause a backlash among other superdelegates and the states that remain in the primary.

    Posted by Matt Dansereau February 15, 08 10:18 AM
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  1. I guess this the CHANGE Obama is talking about.

    Posted by Walt February 15, 08 10:21 AM
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  1. only in America, do the bars and liquor stores have to be closed on election day, so the voters won't be bribed into voting for a certain canidate. but the canidates themselves can pay for votes with thousands upon thousands of dollars, that they have received from donars. i would say that they should be ashamed, but we all know that the democreats have no shame. just wait till hillary goes after the delagates from fla. and wis. we already have seen what they tried in vegas. i still cannot believe that dems would vote for either of these canidates. and don't get me wrong, i am still tring to figure out who i can write in, because i can't vote for mccain either. BOY, IF THIS IS THE BEST WE CAN DO,, WE ARE REALLY IN TROUBLE.........GOD BLESS AMERICA,....WE REALLY NEED IT......LEE

    Posted by H. Lee Vence February 15, 08 10:30 AM
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  1. Superhacks! Thats what they are! Using the system for their own gains. Selling our votes. This circus has been going on for 2 years now and November is still in the distance. Lets limit this whole process to 90 days. I'd also like to see some limit on who was qualified to vote, like maybe an IQ of 90 or more and how about disqualifing anyone on the dole since they will vote for anyone who promises more.

    I know, I'm just dreaming.

    God help this Nation!

    Joe - Cranesville, Pa.

    Posted by Joe Sims February 15, 08 10:41 AM
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  1. Well, by 2040 whites will be in the minority in the US and then they will get all the special privileges reserved for minorities in the DNC.

    So, while white men are still hated in the DNC today they only need to wait a mere 32 more years to be welcome with open arms again.

    Let's not look at the "nature of the person's character, but the color of his skin." Isn't that what MLK said. Oh darn! I think I got it backward. but who cares. Most dems can't read this anyway.

    Posted by ole white man February 15, 08 10:50 AM
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  1. Gee, I thought campaign finance reform was supposed to take care of this kind of shady crap. I guess it's OK and no big deal if a donkey is handing cash under the table.

    Posted by rhondles February 15, 08 10:54 AM
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  1. This is un-democratic that a candidate could pay (bribe) for their nomination.

    Posted by Danny February 15, 08 10:58 AM
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  1. OH GOD, another horrid example of the sickness
    of the Amerian political system.

    I didn't know. I can't stand it.

    Posted by Meredith Audrey lMClairer February 15, 08 11:03 AM
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  1. I am not sure the the everyday stooges who thought the elected a President knew of this "special" group who could sell their vote to the highest bidder. And we call this a Democracy; looks like a third world country to me!

    Posted by Jim Stewart February 15, 08 11:34 AM
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  1. Talking about buying votes!

    That is BLATENT!!!

    Posted by Bill Martin February 15, 08 11:37 AM
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  1. Politicians are disgusting greedy deceitful jerks who are only out for their own agendas, not their constituents.

    Posted by Elizabeth February 15, 08 12:06 PM
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  1. Excuse me, Mr./Mrs. Superdelegate, here is your bribe...er, (cough, cough), CAMPAIGN contribution for voting for me (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more, say no more).

    Posted by bb February 15, 08 12:17 PM
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  1. The Democratic Party is allowed to pick its candidate any way it chooses. They hold primaries / caucuses to find out what the voters think, but if the Party wanted to set the rules so that it ignored the voters, legally it could do that too.

    This distribution of funds is not bribery. The candidates are demonstrating their support for down-ticket races. Bribery would be giving the superdelegates yachts or tickets to Hannah Montana concerts. Campaign contributions are not cash in their pockets. Campaign contributions are a way for Clinton and Obama to show those who support their candidacies that the support goes both ways.

    Posted by Erica Peters February 15, 08 12:25 PM
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  1. Won't really matter that much in the end. 1. This is a legal practice. Rep. believe it or not have something similar. 2. One of these two will win the presidency. I know there are alot of Republicans trolling around here, however, face the facts. our country is at an all time low, needing new direction. It won't matter if the Republican runner is better than the Democratic one. People are willing to do anything now for change.

    Posted by JJ Pagac February 15, 08 12:32 PM
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  1. This article is misleading. The contributions were given out over a period of 3 YEARS. Obama and Clinton weren't even thinking about running for President in that time span. This articles makes it seem like all these contributions are recent.

    Posted by Marcus Jones February 15, 08 12:34 PM
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  1. So this is changing business as usual in Washington? Oops! I guess this information was never suppossed to get out. Well the cat's out of the bag now!

    Posted by j February 15, 08 12:34 PM
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  1. I see nothing wrong here. Most posters want to act like this is an immoral abomination when, in reality, this is simply how the game of politics is played. The outrage expressed sounds disingenuous. Both the Democratic and Republican parties have a right to choose their nominee in any way they see fit. There are no party rules prohibiting contributions of this nature, and voters need to understand what game they are participating in when it comes to the primary/caucus process. It is much different than the General Election.

    Posted by j February 15, 08 12:35 PM
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  1. BRIBES!

    It's time citizens stand up and vote all these jokers out.!.. the only problem with that is there isn't any alternate candidate to vote for. :(

    I am soooooo FED UP with the corruption and waste in Washington!

    Posted by Karen February 15, 08 12:37 PM
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  1. Hey boneheads… I just wanted to point out that is very typical campaign strategy…IN BOTH PARTIES. It is not uncommon for politicians to make contributions to their future supporters’ campaigns. This article simply highlights Clinton and Obama since they’ve been raking up the dough and the spotlight. I’m sure if someone took the time to dig, they’d find the same dirt on McCain (definitely Romney). Come on …for years Bush has made contributions to his political “friends”.

    Posted by Mark February 15, 08 12:40 PM
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  1. I want to be a superdelegate, I need some extra cash.

    Posted by Sam B February 15, 08 12:44 PM
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  1. Buy your way into the White House as normal - it will be interesting to see who the next president will reward for getting there. Last time is was big business and oil.

    Posted by FairAndBalanced February 15, 08 12:48 PM
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  1. This is a non-issue and a little misleading. Read the supporting article linked in the main one. http://www.capitaleye.org/inside.asp?ID=336 "Hillary Clinton received a $4,200 contribution from Obama"

    This is how politicians support each other. They campaign for each other and support each other financially. Heck, Obama even donated money to Hillary's senate re-election campaign. Some politicians are better fund-raisers than others. And this is one way of, ostensibly, helping their political party. They spread the wealth for either altruistic or selfish motives depending on how cynical you are. And yes, Republicans do the same. John McCain has helped tons of other individuals campaign which is one reason why he has so many endorsements. He's been consistent in helping other within the party when they needed help. Of course, there's nothing really wrong with this. Parties are organization to help support each other through finances and campaign support.

    However, this is another reason why Democrats need to remove super delegates from the nomination equation.

    Posted by Shawn February 15, 08 12:48 PM
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  1. Buy your way into the White House as normal - it will be interesting to see who the next president will reward for getting there. Last time is was big business and oil.

    Posted by FairAndBalanced February 15, 08 12:52 PM
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  1. This is going to make the five days of Rodney King riots look like a picnic. Coast-to-coast riots in the streets. 40 years of knee jerk pulling the voting lever for Democrats and