Obama Claims Super Tuesday Delegate Win

Let primary process continue, he urges party faithful

(NEWSER) - Former President Bill Clinton told California Democrats to "chill out" and let the long, bruising battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination continue. "We are going to win this election if we just chill out and let everybody have their say," Clinton told the state Democratic convention in San Jose yesterday. He said it would strengthen the Democratic Party to allow the rest of the states to vote. More»

Clinton's attack plan worked; Obama must respond

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton scored her dramatic comeback in last night's primaries by getting tough—even nasty—with her opponent, Josh Marshall writes on TPM, and the question is now whether Barack Obama has it in him to fight that kind of fight. "Can he take this back to Hillary Clinton, demonstrate his ability to take punches and punch back?" If Obama wants to win this, Ben Smith writes on Politico, “he’ll need to shove her off the stage.” More»

John Lewis may switch vote; another House member already has

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is starting to lose the support of prominent black leaders—and superdelegates— who previously backed her. Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who carries great influence in Congress, says he's now tilting toward Barack Obama. Another Georgia Democrat, David Scott, already switched, the AP reports. “Something is happening in America," Lewis said, "and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap.” More»

Move intended to molify supporters

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton’s delegates will be counted in Denver, the Atlantic Monthly’s Marc Ambinder reports, as her supporters near an agreement with Barack Obama’s. Reports of tensions over the issue are exaggerated, advisers on both sides tell Ambinder. Both sides agree that overlooking Clinton could anger her supporters, as would a delegate count below the 1,896.5 she earned in the primaries. More»

Dem finally clinches the nomination—now the real work begins

(NEWSER) - It wasn’t easy, but a bruised Barack Obama has finally wrapped up the Democratic nomination. The Guardian’s Michael Tomasky knows what he needs to do next:

• Redefine himself. Obama has a lot of time now to remind us why he inspired people in the first place.
• Define John McCain. The honeymoon should be over for the GOP nominee; Obama can attack him pointedly on Bush, Iraq, and his growing array of flip-flops.