Senator Obama speech in Richmond last night pts. 1-4

After a line of victories, Barack Obama celebrated in Richmond, Virgina - a state who votes along with Maryland, and Washington D.C. During this celebration, Sen. Obama, delivered yet another enlightening and igniting speeches. Critics call his words, just words - could he be too positive for politics? Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt.3 Pt.4 (My personal favorite) I will post Senator Hillary Clinton's speech in Richmond, VA soon, as well. But it should be noted, that she didn't even mention Obama's name - nor did she acknowledge him by name. It was more about John McCain, but enlightening nontheless. Until then.

A Race to the Finish

Supporters indicate a big day for Obama.

Senator Obama swept the race to be the Democratic nominee in Washington (state), Nebraska, Louisiana, and the U.S. Virgin Islands yesterday, tightening his already snug race with Senator Clinton. The count for delegates stands at 1,139 for Senator Clinton and 1,106 for Senator Obama. 2,025 delegates are needed to win the nomination. The skinny jean-like tight race has brought some attention to the more than likely fact that a winner will not be announced until the Democratic Convention in late August. It also allows both candidates to focus on "superdelegates" which are elected officials and party leaders who will vote at the convention. Even more important, there are 796 of them, with the race being this close, even a portion of 796 is imperative to the two candidates. Both campaigns of the candidates are already focusing on the superdelegates by having big names in the world of government make phone calls to them. On the list for the people making the calls for the candidates are Madeline Albright (former Secretary of State under President Clinton I), President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton [all in support of Hillary] as Tom Daschle, Gov. Janet Napolitano, and Senator John Kerry are among those making calls for Barack. Disheartening News for Obama Despite his recent surge in gaining support and votes across the country, the New York Times took a survey of these "superdelegates" about a week ago and the results were a bit lopsided, 204 pledged support for Sen. Clinton to only 99 for Sen. Obama. Although other surveys depicted Obama with more support than the New York Times indicated, I'm not quite sure if it is close to 204. "Superdelegates" include all Democratic governors and members of Congress, as well as officials and other prominent members of the party. Some said they were grappling with how to use their power if it comes into play, especially if their judgment does not match the will of a majority of voters - which might cause them to lose their own popularity and, in a way, disregarding the voice of the American people. Some Quotes from MSNBC about the issue of "Superdelegates"

• “My strong belief is that if we end up with the most states and the most pledged delegates from the most voters in the country, that it would be problematic for the political insiders to overturn the judgment of the voters." -Senator Obama
• “I think it is also important for superdelegates to think about who will be in the strongest position to defeat John McCain in November and who will be in the strongest position to ensure that we are broadening the base, bringing people who historically have not gotten involved in politics into the fold.” - Senator Obama

• “Superdelegates are, by design, supposed to exercise independent judgment, but, of course, if Senator Obama and his campaign continue to push this position, which is really contrary to what the definition of a superdelegate has historically been, I will look forward to receiving the support of Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry.” - Senator Clinton

Many "superdelegates" said they would stay neutral as long as possible, hoping to be spared a decision. But, they said, they are prepared to step in and try to push the party to a decision as soon as the primaries are completed.

• “Once the primary season is over, I am hoping we will have a nominee. If those of us who are uncommitted can help bring that about, then I think we should try to do that.” Senator Cardin (D-MD)
• “I will not go through the summer, I can tell you that, without endorsing a candidate, I am not a big believer in smoke-filled rooms.” Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
• “My personal opinion is it would be a mistake and disastrous either way for the superdelegates — insiders, establishment politicians — to come along and overturn the expressed view of those pledged delegates,” Senator John Kerry (D-MA)

It's obvious that as Sen. Obama is streaking and making a run at taking the lead and eventual victory over Sen. Clinton when it comes to delegates, he might not be as fortunate if/when it comes down to superdelegates. I understand what they're saying though, it's sort of like, if the people choose one candidate by a narrow margin, why should we have so-called "superdelegates" overturn our voices? With that said, after a line of victories yesterday for Senator Obama, he had a great speech in Richmond, VA - whose primary will be held on Tuesday along with Maryland, and Washington D.C. In the speech, he spoke about an issue I haven't heard too many candidates speak about -- education - maybe that's why it hit me as hard as it did. Nonetheless, it was a goodie, I will post it separately. Until Then.