Letter writers to Pelosi have given Democrats nearly $24 million since 1999

The Headline of the article "Letter writers to Pelosi have given Democrats nearly $24 million since 1999" sums up everything we want to CHANGE why should a Party, Washington and The White House be ruled by THE FEW!

I trust Nancy Pelosi will not be influenced by what is "BLACKMAIL"

Now we know why so many established Democratic politicians, especially those in Congress who benefit from these special interest donors, are supporting Hillary. They've learned how to play the game the way the Republicans do!

If Hillary has the cash from supporters to buy the Presidency then she doesn't need to worry about Obama or the DNC. Hillary is brilliant!

And the over 2,000,000 Obama supporters that already donated to his primary campaign will give many hundreds of millions to the party this year.

We ARE taking back the party

don't go too deep to the politics.

at least we want to have a president who loves USA.

go john, go hillary!

Hey superdelegates: a bunch of my REALLY rich supporters aren't gonna give you any more dough if you don't vote for me.

Thanks bunches!
Love Hillary

?

Booooooooooo ........ Hisssssssssssssssss!

Thanks for letting us know who is the candidate of the old ESTABLISHMENT.

I'm glad someone finally told Pelosi to shut up. She is such an ineffective leader. I am a Clinton supporter, but if that racist bigot obama is the nominee, I am voting for McCain.

It seems that it's still all about money. If I pay into the campaign, I can tell you how to vote. It sure looks like the old Military Industrial Complex is still in the business of politics. The candidate we elect will then be told by the money spenders how it's gonna be. We are a rich country. We are also a corrupt country. We don't really want to change anything about this system because the ones in power are using money to continue their agenda. So it goes...

Nancy Pelosi should NOT come out public and make statements that superdelegates MUST bind their vote to who ever is ahead in the delegate count. That is EXACTLY what Nancy Pelosi stated when interviwed on ABC News.

I AGREE with the democratic leaders who made large contributions to our party congressional races and senate races who wrote the letter to Pelosi. The republicans for a very long time had larger donors to underwrite Newt and other right wing republican victories in the 1980's and 1990's - even in the early 2000's with Bush.

We in the democratic party should be thankful for their help to be in the position we are in - majority in House and Senate - and a viable chance at the white house.

The Obama supporters MUST realize 2 things before they start with the criticism. First, the superdelgates MUST independently choose and not be told or forced by Pelosi to do anything different. The RULES are the RULES and MUST not be changed mid-stream. Secondly, both Obama and Hillary need these large donors to fund the congressional and senate races and overall democratic party work. Unfortunately, we must have the money to fund our campaign. So we must not attack our other democratic friends.

Wheater it is Hillary or Obama who wins the most votes of the Superdelgates = then so be it... BUT WE MUST NOT allow Pelosi to anyway influence their decision by making bias remarks. Remember, Pelosi is the House Leader and other superdelegates who work in the house may be intimidated to vote in a particular way that they may not have independently done otherwise. Let's all work together on this than just attack each other. These donors are friends of both Obama and Hillary and will support either candidate as long as things are fair and the RULES are abided by.

This story turns my stomach. It's rancid. It stinks to high heaven.

I daresay that my dribs and drabs of $25.00 this month; $50.00 that month have been much more difficult to fit into my budget than the bounty the party has received from some of this huge-wallet donors.

I won't be donating to the party for quite a while although I will continue with the little dribs and drabs I can afford to send to individual candidates.

I've donated to Obama and will do so again. I won't donate to Hillary and will have a long, hard decision on who to vote for if she is the Democratic nominee based on voiding the vote of the Democratic primaries.

Nancy Pelosi should not be worried about this threat; Senator Obama has demonstrated that he can raise far more than the Clintons can; without funding from special interests. The nation is tired of the way the Clintons are trying to strong-arm their way back into the White House. It's time for the Democratic party leaders to unite behind one candidate; the one ahead in delegates and popular votes, and end this by June.

My question is how can Clinton basically say that we can disenfranchise the entire nation, while simultaneously call for MI and FL delegations to count?

The purpose of the Superdelegate IS to be independant, not to be based upon the majority. Sometimes the majority gets a bit carried away... this is why we have a congress to pass laws rather than popular elections. This is why we have an electoral college rather than popular elections.

Just look at the patriot act, this was the result of a "popular" mass fear that even carried over to the house and senate, yet it turns out to be horrific. Even the War in Iraq was really a reaction to a popular demand for revenge. If we didn't have some sort of buffer, we'd probably have nuked them.

Boooo Hisss? Welcome to America - a controlled democracy that keeps the minority from being utterly destroyed and keeps the populous from brining the nation to dictatorship. It is the worst system .... except for everything else.

Once more we see how it really matters little which party you're talking about, it is just the nature of the beast to talk out of both sides of their mouths. This is really pretty simple - one person, one vote, unless you are on the short end of the stick in which case the super smart, super delegates are there to save us from ourselves; thank goodness. At present we have two that running that are so consumed with power {Hillary & McCain} they will sell their very souls to win the brass ring. Are they to blame or us the clowns that let them get away with it?

Nancy Pelosi should NOT come out public and make statements that superdelegates MUST bind their vote to who ever is ahead in the delegate count. That is EXACTLY what Nancy Pelosi stated when interviwed on ABC News.

I AGREE with the democratic leaders who made large contributions to our party congressional races and senate races who wrote the letter to Pelosi. The republicans for a very long time had larger donors to underwrite Newt and other right wing republican victories in the 1980's and 1990's - even in the early 2000's with Bush.

We in the democratic party should be thankful for their help to be in the position we are in - majority in House and Senate - and a viable chance at the white house.

The Obama supporters MUST realize 2 things before they start with the criticism. First, the superdelgates MUST independently choose and not be told or forced by Pelosi to do anything different. The RULES are the RULES and MUST not be changed mid-stream. Secondly, both Obama and Hillary need these large donors to fund the congressional and senate races and overall democratic party work. Unfortunately, we must have the money to fund our campaign. So we must not attack our other democratic friends.

Wheater it is Hillary or Obama who wins the most votes of the Superdelgates = then so be it... BUT WE MUST NOT allow Pelosi to anyway influence their decision by making bias remarks. Remember, Pelosi is the House Leader and other superdelegates who work in the house may be intimidated to vote in a particular way that they may not have independently done otherwise. Let's all work together on this than just attack each other. These donors are friends of both Obama and Hillary and will support either candidate as long as things are fair and the RULES are abided by.

Have any of the Clinton supporters thought of an idea where big contributors get a delegate or two?

Or maybe we could have a fee to allow delegates to double their vote.

The supreme court ruled that money is speech, I guess some folks want it to be louder speech!

Sounds like what Hillary wants isn't an election but an auction. Let's put the Presidency on Ebay and sell it to the highest bidder!

I think Speaker made a mistake. She should not have publically commented superdeleages role. If every super delegate shall follow their constituent voters, then why Richardson endoses Obama? Richardson is a superdelegate and Clinton won New Mexican. If super delegate has no role in the final decision, then why we need such junky system? Even if she is right, in some sense, this issue shall not be brought up before voters end voting, before She is some way affecting the race.

The $24 million is dwarfed by the fund raising capacity of Obama. The letter writers can no longer sway the political landscape to fit their ambitions now that the nation has learned that $25-$50 donations can add up to hundreds of millions and we can strive for a better democracy and throw the elitists out.
Don't worry Nancy.

Jim

Does Pelosi want the Democratic Party to be the party of the donors or a party of the people?

Apparently those rich contributors expect a big return on their investment from Clinton, and not from Obama. Another good reason to vote for Obama.

Really stunning, these Clintonites who think they own the party, that the voters are just there to get them into power. Other than that we are nothing, idiots, useless. Obama has no problems raising money on his own from people who voted for him because of what he stands for--which IS NOT GROUP OF DONKEYS. These extortionists can keep their filthy dough. Twenty people? Twenty votes.

Steve... Who ever you are....

It is unfortunate that you are trying to send a "Doesn't Love the country message in such a simple way about Obama. We are not going for it. You can say it often, you can say it loudly, it doesn't make it true. We know the truth.

IF YOU loved the country you would want the best for all. That means standing by and ensuring the truth is out there, not some continual misrepresentation/distortion of the facts.

Speaking of Facts, I applaud Senator Pelosi, she is doing the right thing. There is more than Bill and Hillary's interest at stake for the party. There is an obvious issue of trust. A whole generation of people that will likely never trust the party again.

For the record, I like both candidates...(Still do), but reality is that there is a movement in play. Further, we have to be sensitive to it.

Its all planned.

IS that democracy we were faithing for that. If this the case so we will vote to Republican to respond to so-call Democrat or staying at home and wait another 4 years. Democracy supporter.

If the Clintons and big money Dems steal the nomination from the people...they are in the same league as Bush, Rove, and the rest of the dysfunctional Republican party. The Dem party will then fracture and loose all credibility for years to come. Many Dems will jump ship and go with McCain if our will as expressed in the polls is not honored.

just another example of the absolute corruption of the clinton campaign.

This is the most un-American thing imaginable. These donors who profess to love their country apparently so despise its ideals that they are willing to blackmail the Speaker when she attempts to enforce the rules. I certainly hope that Ms. Pelosi will not be influenced by.

Speaker Pelosi should tell these hooligans to go straight to hell! One after the other they should take a high dive in a low well with their $24 million lined pockets. Unfortunately for the Clintons and their ilk, this is not some third world "democracy" where one bribes their way into the presidency. Obama as activated the proletariat and by God and all the saints we shall carry him on our shoulders into the Whitehouse over the rotting political carcasses of Hillary Clinton and her fellow conspirators.

I'm so happy to see Obama supporters oppose superdelegate politics. Perhaps now they can have the New Mexico Gov crony vote the way his population majority voted since when he voted for Obama he was going against his state popular vote.

Obama is just another politician.

These articles are so interesting. They are designed to keep this infighting so they can sell more news. A more unbiased article would mention all the donations from Oprah and other Obama supporters who have in one way or another helped Obama....... did I mention Rezco or excelon? How about countrywide and citigroup?
This is politics they all do it even the innocent boy that has a white mother from kansas and a black father from kenya

This tells you why you should vote for Obama. Hillary Clinton is running for the presidency for the big donors whose interests will precede those of the common American citizens. Bill Clinton was a sex offender; Hillary is a liar and the pair care nothing but their own ambitions. Look at how she lied about her story at Bosnia! Mis-spoke? Did she have another experience like that which she could possibly mix up with? All lies. Wake up, Americans! Clinton-Bush-Bush-Clinton sounds like a private empire. It is time a change!

First, this is blackmail. Second, if the Superdelgates exercised "independant judgment of who would be the best nominee" they would have to choose Obama anyway. Hilary can't win, especially now that her true colors are coming out on a regular basis. Give it up Hills. Its over!

Hey Steve,

It is good to see that at least some of the millions of dollars that Hillary and the RNC are spending to blackball Obama is working. Try making up you own mind and not listening to all of the Rhetoric. Grow up.

That only comes to about 3 million bucks a year, less than $150K a piece. Obama raised more than that in month...from more than a million voters. Now doesn't that take the cake. I'll bet those 20 (names please?) could form a club. They could call themselves the Pioneers..oh wait, that name is taken....by Republicans!!

You may take the Democratic party back as you say, but Obama is unelectable after the series of his anti-american activities has come to light. It wiil only get worse. So you really should ask yourself, what good is a party if the candidates that they offer are not electable? How successful can a candidate be who refuses to allow an election in Florida and Michigan? I am not a Hillary nor a McCain supporter, but if Obama is the nominee, then the Democratic party will once again fade into the lesser party for at least a generation. No party can have credibilty if it proposes anti american candidates.

It has been noted time and again that lower-income, blue collar workers overwhelmingly favor Hillary. Conversely, higher-income people generally favor Obama. So if the ESTABLISHMENT consists of low-income, blue collar workers, someone must have forgotten to tell them.

Who wouldn't want a government of the Clintons, by the Clintons and most assuredly for the Clintons and their investors?

ummm. yeah. you people need a history lesson.
large political action committees are made up of people. People who share a common cause (a special interest). The groups are saying hillary they support hillary, they want her to win. Same as you are saying, but they are saying it with their wallets, instead of their keyboards.

I think in a straight up vote, hillary wins. It is when you get into delegates and caucuses and party primary rules (like in MI and FL) we see who really knows how to play the politics game, his name is BO and he stinks.

With so many "accidents" happening to the friends, supporters, officials, etc... surrounding the Clintons in the 90's,would Obama really risk choosing Hillary as his vice president?

Well i see the Socialist are all out in force in here, lol. it's real cute to sit here and read this uh........insight into the democratic parties thinking. most of you seem to be hard WORKING citizens. but i've yet to hear anyone here who thinks that the socialist party "Democrats" who promise the poorest the moon if they vote for them. just who is going to pay for it all. not the poorest of course. You! the very people who want these gutter draggers in office. your running blinded to a new democrat world of wonder. they just haven't told you yet that they charge admission at the gate.

The American Presidency should not be FOR SALE. Hillary and her cronies need to simply go away..........far away.

nancy, we are with you. stand up for principles.

As an independent, I don't get to vote in either primary in my state. So, I'm stuck choosing between the stinkers nominated by the two 400 lb Gorilla parties. Or, I can cast my vote into the void and choose an alternative candidate. Ross Perot ran off when it looked like he might actually get enough votes to matter.

Sigh. But I agree with the earlier comment that this is a terrible political system ...except for all the other ones which are worse...

That is a very interesting point someone made below. Why isn't Richardson heeding the will of his constituents? Oh, and, Yay for disenfranchisement. Add my name to the list of letters being sent. I'm from Michigan and the democratic party has silenced my vote. They have lost my support.

Stevo - That is a brilliant way of viewing HRC's attempted hijacking. completely logical. If the supers overturn the will of the people, then NO ONEs vote will have mattered

Evie
Hillary is the establishment candidate because the Clintons have deep connections with power brokers in Washington. One can be an establishment figure and still convince the blue-collar electorate to vote for you. Blue collar workers don't have the time to gather the requisite information, filter through it and figure out which politician would most strongly represent them. It's similar to the evangelical support the Republican party got in the last two elections. The promise of conservative supreme court judges was waved in front of their eyes and they failed to see that Bush was always a pro-rich pro-establishment politician.

This lifelong Republican will vote for Obama over McCain, but after 8 years of a dishonest president, I cannot possibly vote someone as dishonest and underhanded as Senator Clinton. True patriots stand up for what they believe in, and Obama has done just that, with respect Rev. Wright, Iraq, and many other issues. Republicans For Obama 08

With so many "accidents" happening to the friends, supporters, officials, etc... surrounding the Clintons in the 90's,would Obama really risk choosing Hillary as his vice president?

hey Why aren't we talking about the new comments obama's racist advisor spewed? Seems like he's got a problem with Jews and italians

What Obama supporters and Clinton supporters want is irrelevant. The superdelegates were created to make an independent decision, based on who THEY think can win in November. With both candidates in a dead heat, and neither one capable of reaching the 2025 delegate number, we will most likely HAVE to wait until the convention in August. Do we really want a weak candidate to go against McCain? Who knows what scandal will unfold between now and then to weaken Obama or Clinton. I don't want either candidate to drop out until we find out which is the strongest!

Democrat Barack Obama said Thursday a firmer government hand is needed on Wall Street and a $30 billion stimulus is needed to rescue homeowners and the jobless. See what i mean, Working Americans. The socialist NEED your money to buy all those , Homeowners and Jobless Votes!!!!!! lol

At least, the story makes it clear that Hillary doesn't represent the elite few indulgent liberal wealthy in the Democratic party. Her supporters really want the people to speak – but very very quietly in the back.

Certainly, reinforces my negative impression of her. What matters is winning and playing the game. Now, that is a fresh vision of a new future.

I can see why a democrat might vote for an actually competent, centrist, person of the past - Mccain.

hey Why aren't we talking about the new comments obama's racist advisor spewed? Seems like he's got a problem with Jews and italians

I love Nancy Pelosi, I live in her district (San Francisco) but from everything I've read about the intentions of the party in creating the super delegates, her statements were not accurate. There would be no point in even having super delegates if they were simply under the gun to replicate the existing results. And, that is the case, should they look at the popular vote, the pledged delegates, the number of states won or what?

In fact, they are supposed to look at ALL those things and exercise their independent judgement. Their purpose is to balance the fact that almost all state Democratic primaries and caucuses allow non-Democratic party members to vote and that they do not have a "winner take all" system like the Republicans. The super delegates were created to make sure the Party doesn't lose control of of it's own nomination.

This election has shown that it can be a very cumbersome arrangement that probably needs to be overhauled, but Obama supporters shouldn't be so outraged - the all inclusiveness and proportional representation of the Democratic primaries have worked in his favor. If the Democrats had closed primaries and a winner take all delegate count Obama may actually have already lost.

This year's primary election may move the Democratic party back to a less open process in order to dispense with the super delegates, but, in the meantime, that is the system that is in place and Nancy Pelosi was incorrect in stating that the purpose of the super delegates was to simply certify the popular vote.

Well i see the Facists are all out in force in here, lol. it's real cute to sit here and read this uh........insight into the republician parties thinking. most of you seem to be hard WORKING business owners. but i've yet to hear anyone here who thinks that the fasists party "Republicians" who promise the rich the moon if they vote for them. just who is going to pay for it all. not the rich of course. You! the very people who want these gutter draggers in office. your running blinded to a new republician world of wonder. they just haven't told you yet that they charge admission at the gate. (Hint - It's your children's lives)

You may take the Democratic party back as you say, but Clinton is unelectable after the series of her anti-american activities has come to light. It wiil only get worse. So you really should ask yourself, what good is a party if the candidates that they offer are not electable? How successful can a candidate be who refuses to allow an election in Florida and Michigan? I am not a Obama nor a McCain supporter, but if Clinton is the nominee, then the Democratic party will once again fade into the lesser party for at least a generation. No party can have credibilty if it proposes an anti-american liar.

>>>>>>9.) I'm glad someone finally told Pelosi to shut up. She is such an ineffective leader. I am a Clinton supporter, but if that racist bigot obama is the nominee, I am voting for McCain.
Posted by james March 27, 08 04:33 PM

hmmmm...I think it's interesting that everyone EXCEPT Nancy Pelosi is allowed to give their opinion about how Superdelegates should vote. Did she say anything wrong? No, she simply said she thinks that the Superdelegates shouldn't overturn the will of the people. If Hillary had the popular vote lead or pledged delegate lead she'd be saying the EXACT same thing. Hillary has even mentioned several times now that even the PLEDGED delegates can vote for anyone they want and aren't required to vote for whim they were "assigned"

And would everyone read up on the US some....we are a REPUBLIC not a democuracy. True we are a democratic republic because we elect our officials but we are a republic none the less. Stop talking about us being a democuracy because it's simply not the case. The pledge of allegance say "and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands." You've been saying it since you were kids and you still don't get it?

The American people have given MUCH MUCH more to the Democrats. Do you want to support the few or the many?

Don't let the Democrats sell out to big business like the reFUDlicans have done.

You had better pay attention to by Senator Bayh said - look at the states Clinton won and then look t the states that Obama won - Clinton wins the electoral vote. Now for those of you that don't know, which is evident by some of your comments, the electoral vote is what wins the presidency. The overwhelming majority of the states that Obama has won will NOT be states that will end up in the Democrat column. Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Wyoming, and at least six others will be Republican states - regardless of how the economy is doing. So if you take those states away from him, as far as potential electoral votes go, Obama will lose in a landslide to McCain. Weekend talks shows had the current projected electoral count, and Clinton won the presidency, Obama lost against McCain.

Donn

whoa now i see my last comment hasn't made it to the screen. i see which way this blogger is leaning.

Democrat Barack Obama said Thursday a firmer government hand is needed on Wall Street and a $30 billion stimulus is needed to rescue homeowners and the jobless. Better get your wallets out WORKING people, seems obama has some homeowners and jobless votes to buy!!! lol

To Donn - Obama now has the lead again over Clinton against McCain. I believe you managed to find the only weekend where Clinton was in the lead. (Mainly due to the republicans false support her, since she would be easier to defeat than Obama.)

I'm glad you will suppport Obama now!

Come on over - We're the people over here smiling, not the ones yelling and pointing.

I'm not sure what "Jay" has against "WORKING" people. I'm sure many of us could use a little extra money in our wallets so we can buy american products and get this economy back on track after the Bush's raping of america.

We're not all billionaires like the ReFUDlicans.

Perhaps you should learn about WORKING people, Jay, we're the average american voter.

The Clintons are so despicable as are their wealthy donors. Obviously if these people have this much money to give to politicians, they have made it on the backs of the working class who are struggling to make ends meet. It is this group of people that Sen. Obama is trying to disenfranchise in order to give the American public their voice back in Government. Shame on the Clintons and their followers who cannot understand the principles of our founding fathers, 'Democracy for the people and by the people."

Everyone has an opinion so here's mine. Obama won't do a darn thing for most of Americans. If people want to vote for a guy whose sat and listened to sermons on killing whites and other racist stuff, so be it. Clinton is probably the strongest most intelligent candidate but the sexist society we live in would rather vote for any male, regardless of his "lack of record" and attack Hillary for what, deception of a spouse? Obama hasn't anything to offer to anyone except himself...another book? Oh, please. This guy needs to get over himself. Frankly, if he gets on the ticket, I agree, the votes will shift to McCain. Most everyone I know honestly feels the same way and makes the same promise. I don't know a single person who has any faith in this junior senator. I hope people learn a bit more before they cast their vote to this guy. The world is watching.

Maybe time for Obama to run independent. Sersly DNC is a joke, it is going to be hard for Obama to change which such dirty politics running down DNC's throat.

Since when is it "blackmail" and "extortion" and "threatening" for political donors to contact their recipients and inform them of the conditions under which they will or will not continue their financial support?

Is this kind of ridiculous idea an example of Messiah Obama's "new kind of politics"? You Obama whiners are silly and stupid.

Thank you, Nancy Pelosi for sticking to your original suggestion concerning the superdeligates. I'm proud to have someone like you representing the people of the United States. The Clinton's should really stop using the logistical moves they are using on the American public to gain the Presidency as well as applying unnecessary pressure on Pelosi.. Shame ......on you Hillary Clinton, your leadership style isn't something I'd want my dog to know about. I'm concerned because you haven't/nor aren't setting a very good examine before your daughter, and the children in America. Hillary, you're one of the reasons why America needs a CHANGE. Please take a seat and be quiet.

Nancy, keep doing what you are doing. Hillary, America doesn't need another leader like you

Ladies and Gentlemen it is without question that Barack Obama will be the Democratic party nominee. He won more votes, more pledged delegates, more states. You cannot simply move the goaI posts any longer just ask Bobby Bowden or Nancy Pelosi. I for one appreciate the tempering Senator Obama has received from Billary’s “kitchen sink, Tonya Harding” strategies. Senator Obama will be stronger for having risen above her divisiveness and our candidate will thus be prepared for the Karl Roves and their fear be afraid be very afraid techniques. The Democrats lost the House of Representatives, the Senate and of course the White House. Do we really want more of those results for our country?

John McCain a.k.a. Senator “McWar” cannot create more make believe boogeymen; the American people are now on to that b.s..

I fought in Iraq in the All Americans 82nd Airborne and join the now legions of my comrades opposed to the war which has cost 4000+ of my comrades in arms their lives and maimed another 25,000+. How much does a trillion and counting cost each American family? I ask any citizen who doubts the price of this war to visit the nearest Veterans hospital to them. The one I visit for therapy has a plaque on it that states The price of freedom is clearly evident here. The price for Iraq is way too high for a war which we should not be in. No WMD, No ties to Al Qaeda Etc. Etc. I pray that our country is really prepared to show courage and turn the page away from the dismal George W. cowboy with no guts or sense years and put our great nation on a better path.

Vote Barack Obama America!

This whole thing has become a messy joke and makes Democrats and the entire DNC a jukebox singing a different tune each time, and continously manipulated by amateur D.Js. Why would anyone change the rules in the middle of the game? We better sit up before another Bush wins this election. Enough of this pettiness and the research of fine prints to attack one another.

A few questions though: Is the Revd. Wright, J. running for office? Why does it matter so much what the idiot says about anything in a country where free speech is a protected right?

So much of this experience crap! If you cannot remember clearly that you almost got shot in broad day light then perhaps you wouldn't remember anything meaning to say when they wake you up at 3 am.Someone prompt my memory, did we ever have a Madame Sec. Clinton or ambassador Clinton in the U.S history? So where did the Clinton's foreign experience come from?

It's okay. I've lost all appetite for either Democrat. I was all gung ho before, but that was two months ago. I might just stay home or even go McCain (depending upon his choice for vice president).

Like cmitch (#70), everyone, as in "all," I talk to -- no, not read in the polls published by the media with their own agenda, but actual people -- share the same sentiment.

Maybe a Democrat in 4 years, but not now.

Does this prove to us all to follow the money, who runs this United States of America? Nancy Pelosi stand strong and I hope others whom we (the people)elected will stand strong for America and the political process.

Hey "Blackmail" ninny, how do you think old Nancy-Pancy got into power? She owes a lot to some really wonderful people. To turn her back on those who have given her their support is a backstabber in my book. Down right two faced.

People that amass fortunes have every right to advance women in politics. It’s above board, fully vetted and happens to be the good part of how our political system works. Theses are smart people who “make” money rather than wheel and deal for a piece of front lawn.

They should not be bound by which way the sea grass bends in the shifting tide of mass hysteria. To act out of fear or hate it is a weak position, easily broken. Please grow up and quit being a sexist. Thank you.

ted kennedy, john kerry and bill richardson have not followed the will of their states. the other delegates can do what they want. OBAMA is having a free ride with cnn,abc and other major nte works. HE SAT IN CHURCH FOR OVER 20YRS AND LISTEN TO REV WRIGHT PREACH HATE IN THIS COUNTRY. IF HE DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO HIDE, PLEASE LET THE PRIMARY RUN ITS CAUSE. AND IF HE IS GIVEN THE DEM NOMINATION, YOU ALL CAN CROWN MR. MCCAIN THE NEXT PRESIDENT AFTER THE CONVENTION. I'LL VOTE REPUBLICAN IF OBAMA IS THE NOMINEE.

Clinton: "Look over there! He's a bad man!"
Obama: "Look over here! We've got work to do!"
McCain: "Where are those damn glasses of mine!?"

These heavy hitters should be ashamed of themselves, trying to bully the speaker of the house. This only further proves the Clinton's and their supporters are willing to stop at nothing to steal this nomination, even if it means throwing around empty threats; they'll cut the baby in half before they give it up. Speaker Pelosi should call their bluff and hold her ground. If not, she should tell them where they can stick their money, Obama has raised nearly twice as much as the Clinton's without them. These big shots should not be allowed to use their wealth and power to buy Senator Clinton the presidency, subverting the will of the people in favor of the powerful and connected. This story will only further drive up Senator Clinton's rising negatives, so in the end these threats will backfire. Speaker Pelosi is less likely now change her position; to be seen as backing down. Will the Clintonistas now threaten and insult anyone within the Demoncartic party who endorses Obama or disagrees with them; this is destructive and divisive. Governor Richardson was correct, they do feel a sense of entitlement to the presidency.

This article just made my switch to Obama so much easier.

If the Clintons get the nomination, I will never support the DNC again.

I don't understand the irrational enthusiasm/support given to Obama by people. HIs solution to every domestic issue is to raise taxes. What kind of solution is that? Aren't we paying enough tax already?

I, too, will vote for McCain, should the nomination go to Sen. Obama. Sorry, in these times we need some experience in issues involving foreign policy. I don't care for the war in Iraq, never have, but to follow the policy proferred by Sen. Obama would set up a power vacuum in the middle east that can only exacerbate the lousy, criminal job done by the current adminstration. McCain and Clinton differ in basic philosphies when it comes to the economy, but the volatile global is more pressing at this time.

This is organized Crime plain and simple. Do what we say or we'll break your financial legs.

Funny how everything people said about Hillary is becoming true:

OLD establishment candidate (CHECK)

Liar (CHECK)

DIVISIVE (DOUBLE CHECK)

Calculating (CHECK)

Spoiled Elitist Brat (CHECK)

But hey...Obama's pastor said something stupid so lets blame Obama since we really have nothing of substance on him to attack right?

Good ol' American "sense-makin' "

So, the 20 people that gave 24MM (and, 10 times more to Hilary than Barack) get to override the views, feelings, and/or choice for a candidate? And, here's a funny thought: Barack has still raised more despite that $500k number...

AND CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MISPEAKING AND LYING? I just want a clear answer from someone!

Look at this: Yesterday for lunch I had pizza... today, I had a turkey sandwich.

Today, when I got home from work, my wife asked me what I had for lunch. I said "pizza". Then, said... no wait, that was yesterday. Today, I had a turkey sandwich - I MISPOKE.

Imagine that I had answered "Chinese". (but, I've not had Chinese in over 6 months -OR- better yet, I've NEVER eaten Chinese). THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FLAT OUT LIE!

Am I wrong?

Sounds like trying to buy votes. As if the money gives them the right to run our country. I don't like it.

Please read what was said before deciding the Clinton's are buying the election. The donors want the super-delegates to be independent... they are not threatening to hold back money if they vote for Obama. If you want the super-delegate rules suspended now...then count Florida and Michigan... and disenfranchise the caucus votes as they don't represent the popular vote. I'm all for the popular bote being the only vote if all states counted and if the caucus vote was suspended

If I've done my math correctly and the superdelegates from each state (or territory) were required to vote the same way as the majority in their state process voted, then Clinton would actually be ahead of Obama by nearly the same margin that he currently enjoys. So why in the world are these Clinton supporters giving Pelosi a hard time? They should be giving her high fives for a solution that would stand a better chance of determining a candidate before the convention than any other idea out there. Good idea Nancy!

So, those rich guys are behind Hillary??

The founding fathers warned us of this. When the government no longer
works for the best interests of the constituency, it is not only your right but
your duty to change it to more closely reflect the desires of the electorate.

This government has been repeatedly suborned by the money and powered
manipulators from Lincoln, through Nixon and Bush. Now the money
interests want to hijack the Democrats too.

Come the TRUE revolution, don't waste bullets shooting the establishment
bastards; use a rope, it's recyclable and reusable.

The gall of these deep pocket fat cats to publicly attempt to blackmail Ms. Pelosi just shows how influential these people are to Hillary Clinton.
These people are trying to make sure that Hillary will be able to keep the BACK ROOM promises she has made to them.
That she did not come out publicly and speak out against this type of financial blackmail shows her to be someone of whose integrity should be very carefully examined.
She lies about facts that can easily be checked as if the people whom she is asking to put her in our highest office are dumb and will just take whatever she says as the truth.
She lied
She lied about North Ireland,she lied about NAFTA,she lied about Canada and NAFTA,and now this Tuzla lie is the craziest lie of all.

Hillary and her wealthy cohorts are destroying the Democratic Party. What is the leadership waiting for? What are the super-delegates waiting for? Time to man-up and line up behind Obama!

Here is a couple of interesting articles:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3628100.ece

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004303769_clinpublicans25.html

Pelosi has shown good judgment and she needn’t be concerned about the implied threat from this group of extortionists. We have already seen the power of the grassroots that has out raised their candidate. The attention of this grassroots will next go to Congress and the Senate.

Isn't this a form a extortion? i guess this is the way of the future, we need to pay homage to the rich so they can get their way.

They will lose a lot more then 24 mill if they mess with this race! I know 100% of Hillary Clinton supporters who even now are not giving a penny until those Florida & Michigan delegates are seated. They end this early and they will have a mass exit by over half of there party! We just might become a 3 party nation over this! It is that serious! Hillary Clinton was to be this party nominee and everyone knew it. If this is not run in a way in which every single Democrat who wants a vote and a delegate to choose this years nominee you will see most Florida and Michigan and Hillary supporters not be there with either money or votes! How many Obama supporters are only Obama supporters and not other Democratic interest? How many Hillary Clinton supporters also support all other Democartic Party interest?

Is it a coincidence that those people who are *now* coming out in support of the unpledged delegates voting "with the will of the people" almost all seem to be Barack Obama supporters?

What most people seem to forget here is that the structure of having unpledged delegates - for good or for bad - is *purposefully intended* to provide a certain weight to the opinions of those who have experience outside of the voting booth.

They are the ones who have seen what the real job of politics is, day in and day out, they are the ones who know the system - also for good or for bad - and perhaps have a better idea of the realities of getting things to happen in government. And they also have a special perspective on what it takes to win a national election.

Now, IF the Democratic Party were to change their primary election structure and procedure - great! If they think that an overhaul would more effectively and fairly represent the will of the people or be more effective at selecting appropriate and electable candidates for the general election - more power to them!!

BUT - that is not how it is NOW.

Doesn't it strike any of the Obama supporters as just a bit fishy that there are *suddenly* calls to "change the system" right in the middle of the game?

And let there be no mistake: Saying that the unpledged delegates should not make a conscientious decision but rather simply go along with current statistics - as appealing and "democratic" as it may sound – is asking to change the rules in the middle of the game.

IF this system were as poor, inefficient, ineffective, biased, purchased, unfair, unrepresentational, and generally incompatible with the ideals of the Democratic Party as these people are NOW (by default) claiming it is...why wasn't there a groundswell of support for changing it *prior* to the primaries going into full swing??

I mean - let's be honest with ourselves now - hasn't the Democratic Party as a whole been "campaigning" against the Administration for over a year now? Or do you think it has it been totally unaware that there would be primary elections in 2008, the strength and momentum of which could finally propel a Democratic candidate back into the White House??

Obviously the Democratic Party as a whole has been preparing for the 2008 general elections for months if not years.

So I beg you - ask yourself, if this system of "superdelegates" voting their conscience and having their weighted - not overriding - opinions added to those of the mainstream voters was acceptable before - why is it suddenly unacceptable now?

Another sentiment I want to echo is the reason why Pelosi should not be coming out on this issue.

It is not a matter of her having a right to an opinion. It is a matter of the influence that her position has over her colleagues who have to work with her day in and day out in the daily (ok, weekly) business of running our country.

For the same reason that we abolished prayer being led in class - it is not a matter of whether people have a right to believe something and make personal decisions to act in a manner based on that belief - it is about peers and even superiors who wield power and influence over those people who would sincerely like to follow their conscience.

If you think that mentioning contributions is "wrong" (which again, as has been pointed out, is how the system works - Obama most certainly did NOT reach the position of prominence he has since attained without money and backers) - then think about the implications of a person in power "implying" to her colleagues what they need to do.

That could be construed as blackmail just as much or more so than the other.

I urge supporters of both Obama and Clinton to look beyond the headlines - as one poster pointed out, almost every headline and article I have read in the last several months has virtually been DESIGNED to foment bitter attacks and infighting among Democrats. Almost every article in the press has been biased in at least one regard or another.

Isn't the more appropriate question here - why are we letting ourselves fall for this? Why aren't we holding the press up to a higher standard??

.

Ms Pelosi did not rewrite any laws, she expressed her opinion. She, like the rest of the commentators on this forum, is entitled to her suggestions. For the "Letter writers" to threaten withholding of donations because of her expressing herself is fine and it exposes their vested (special?) interest in Clinton.

As we have seen with G. W. Bush and all of his cronies, power and wealth corrupts. However, there are a few people with an innate integrity that can handle both the power and money and make positive change happen. The person that I will put my faith and belief in is Barack Obama. I am not so naive as to think that he will not make mistakes, however I trust his considered judgement as a human being to do the best thing for the majority versus the special interests.

They donated 10 times more money to Clinton's campaign than Obama's....

Maybe these people belong to special interest groups that Obama refuses to take large donations from because he knows they use their money to bully and control.

How can we say the superdelegates are voting "independently" if there is this massive exchange of funds?

Hillary wants to buy the presidency. She is behaving like the Republicans, hiding behind the RULES which say selected (not elected) representatives within the DNC can subvert the will of the people. And I think I speak for many Obama supporters when I say that if the superdelegates decide who wins the nomination, it is clearly against the spirit of the Democratic Party, which ought to stand for rule by the people, not by monied interest groups. I will not vote for a selected nominee. Doesn't anybody see that this is the same subversion of core democratic values that happened in 2000 when the Florida Supreme Court selected George W Bush?

If Hillary can't even win the popular vote in the Democratic primary, it is highly unlikely that she will be able to earn enough votes in the actual presidential campaign. This is all too clear: Obama supporters are showing up in greater numbers than Hillary supporters. In November, she won't have superdelegates to fall back on to save her. If not for values and truth, at least accept the REALITY that Hillary's chances to be president are NIL.

Hey Jay,

We "socialists" are just trying to keep the rest of us from becoming " Gutter Draggers". If we leave it up to the chosen few we will all end up wallowing in poverty. The only way to keep America afloat is to give your neighbor a hand up.

What happened, "We the people of the United States of America in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and serve the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." We the people is not Clinton and her rich friends.

It's time the senior, Democratic heavyweights get off the sideline before the Hillary fractures any sense of party unity in the Congress. Hillary's already said she looks forward to taking the fight for nomination to the convention despite polls showing McCain will pick up votes from a divided party.

Has anyone done the math? What Nancy Pelosi suggests (superdelegates follow the will of their state [or territory] primary/caucus voters) would actually reverse the standing of the two Democratic candidates and place Clinton ahead of Obama in the delegate count by about the same margin as he leads her today. No surprise, given that Clinton has won more states with larger populations while Obama has tended to win in the more sparsely populated states. With ten more states to go, this is a solution which could actually result in our candidate being ordained prior to the convention. I'd like that. But Ted Kennedy and Bill Richardson probably wouldn't.

Don't run my previous comment. I was looking at a winner takes all delegates scenario + superdelegates.

Have the names of these big contributors that wrote the letter been identified?

All i have to say is that the very people on here that voted an arkansas lawyer as a senator from new york, have now seen what the clinton true colors are. both big bill and her have said and done whatever it took to get what they wanted. neither have changed and never will. and ANDREA. giving someone a hand up is for each of us to decide on our own. not the socialist taking it out of my pay check and telling me to like it.........and LOYAL AMERICAN. I see that you seem to have a dislike for Business Owners. maybe you should have taken advantage of all those grants and programs from the government.... maybe you too could own a business. get it right you the working class are now and will continue to pay for the democrats votes!

economy back on track after the Bush's raping of america.

And WORKING PERSON said...I'm sure many of us could use a little extra money in our wallets so we can buy american products and get this economy back on track after the Bush's raping of america. lol get your facts together . BUSH? And just how did bush take your money????? with a democrat congress and senate, he just slipped those bills right on through without anybody noticing??????? lol and working person how is obama going to put money in your pocket when he wants 30 billon to "Help" homeowers and jobless persons?? and hillary and her health care , which she has already said will be taken from every WORKING PERSON regardless if they wanted it or not.??????? get your head out of the sand.