Prominent Clinton Backer Says He’ll Vote for Obama

[ProSense]

Prominent Clinton Backer Says He’ll Vote for Obama

By JEFF ZELENY and PATRICK HEALY
Published: February 15, 2008

MILWAUKEE – Representative John Lewis, an iconic figure from the Civil Rights era and one of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s most prominent black supporters, said Thursday night that he planned to cast his vote as a superdelegate for Senator Barack Obama in hopes of preventing a fight at the Democratic convention.

“In recent days, there is a sense of movement and a sense of spirit,” said Mr. Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who endorsed Mrs. Clinton last fall. “Something is happening in America and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap.”

Mr. Lewis, an elder statesman of the black civil rights establishment who carries great influence among other members of Congress and in the black community, disclosed his decision in an interview as the Service Employees International Union was on the brink of endorsing Mr. Obama. It also came as fresh signs emerged that Mrs. Clinton’s support was beginning to erode from some African American lawmakers who also serve as superdelegates. Representative David Scott of Georgia, who was among the first to defect, said he would not go against the will of voters in his district who overwhelmingly supported Mr. Obama last week.

The developments came on a day in which Mrs. Clinton set out anew to prove that the fight for the Democratic nomination was far from over. Campaigning in Ohio, she pursued a new strategy of biting attack lines against Mr. Obama, while adopting a newly populist tone as she courted blue-collar voters.

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[usregimechange]

1. I am hoping my local DNC super will do the same...

[sandnsea]

2. This is BIG

WOW. There are a few in TX and OH who I wish would follow his lead.

[MBS]

3. wonderful

and the best part if John Lewis' words, which are absolutely correct, and eloquent because of their truth. What encourages me about the present moment is not just Obama: it's the mood of the PEOPLE who are ready to lift themselves up and work for change.. Finally, our country seems ready to wake up from its long, long, dangerously long sleep. Even if it's almost too late, it gladdens my heart to see it finally happening. It's a profound difference from 2004, when people were still cowed and confused by fear.

[MarjorieG]

4. Everyone's hero, thank you John Lewis. Also, David Wilhelm.

"The man who served as national manager of former President Clinton's 1992 campaign endorsed Sen. Barack Obama on Wednesday. David Wilhelm, who led the campaign and later became chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Wilhelm said the Democrats could never win a contest about experience over Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican nominee, but could win — with Obama — an election that was framed around change." Previously neutral, he's trying to build support for change and away from Clinton.

Also Lincoln Chaffee, who long ago should have switched parties.

Love Hillary's new populist persona in Ohio, newly anti-corporate. Like every other lie and deception that mark her campaign.