Clinton's Black Allies Defecting

Dem leaders worried insiders could snatch nomination from popular vote

(NEWSER) - House Democrats who support Hillary Clinton appear to be rejecting calls to switch their support to Barack Obama if circumstances give the super delegates the deciding votes, the Hill reports. Despite charges that it would be anti-democratic to defy voters in their home states, many who talked to the Hill say they won't budge—with one member adding that the only way he wouldn’t vote for Clinton is if she died. More»

Meets with Edwards, seeks endorsement

(NEWSER) - Democratic contender Barack Obama secretly visited former campaign rival John Edwards yesterday, seeking his endorsement, according to the Chicago Tribune. The media usually travels everywhere with Obama, but he managed to shake his entourage in Chicago on a day when his campaign said all events were canceled because of bad weather in Wisconsin. Rival Hillary Clinton visited Edwards over a week ago. 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»

Island doesn't vote in primaries, but today its Democratic delegates are up for grabs

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is banking on a sizable victory today in Puerto Rico to bolster her argument that she’s received more votes than Barack Obama and is a stronger draw for Latinos. Key points to keep an eye on:

1. The second wave: While many Puerto Ricans sleep in, it's going to be clear by 1pm whether there will be a big turnout. And polls are open til 3pm.
2. The battle for San Juan: Puerto Rico's biggest urban district represents Obama's best chance, but Clinton has campaigned vigorously.

She stands to be more powerful than any loser in history

(NEWSER) - It doesn’t look like Hillary Clinton will be the Dem nominee this year, but she “may gain more leverage from losing than almost any other failed presidential candidate,” says Michael Tackett in a Chicago Tribune piece about what’s in store for the second-place finisher. Assuming she is a “vigorous campaigner” for Obama in the fall and repairs rifts, she'll soon look more like Ted Kennedy than John Kerry. More»