Jason Rae: Superdelegate Swaying Post-Endorsement
Prior to my endorsement about three weeks ago, my phone was ringing constantly. I was getting calls from voters in Wisconsin and across the country who were encouraging me to support this candidate or that candidate. I was getting calls from the campaign staff who just wanted to check in to see how things were going and if I was ready to make an endorsement. And then I was getting calls from the candidates and their surrogates, such as President Clinton and Senator John Kerry.
However, now that I picked the person I intend to vote for at the national convention, all that has stopped. And that isn’t a bad thing by any means. When I was on-air with Anderson in February, he told me that they would “drop me like a hot potato” and they did. But trust me, I‘m not complaining. For me this has been an exciting opportunity along the way to talk to leaders within our party and to learn from some of the best political minds about how the process works.
For me on a very personal level, its good to have had things quiet down for a bit. I needed to get back to my studying for a little bit, so that midterms wouldn’t be too rocky. And I think this just goes to help illustrate the point I have been trying to make all along: super delegates are not party insiders in a backroom. Superdelegates are regular party activists, like myself, who make room for politics in our free time.
We are a diverse group of individuals who care about the party but are also busy being students, working full-time, having a family, etc. Sure, we may have gotten an extra call or two, but in the end, we are activists like yourself who care deeply about the direction of the party and the country.
– Jason Rae, Democratic Superdelegate
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Filed under: Jason Rae • Raw Politics |
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Actually, you made the best choice for our country when you decided to support Obama who made a sobering and superb speech today on race. Wow! The man is real talent, a real leader, the likes of which this country has not seen in decades. Never before did I think it was necessary to Thank a "super delegate," but let me say, THANKS for getting behind Obama. I just signed up for his campaign a few minutes ago.
Jason, thanks for sharing your experience. I only hope your vote represents the will of the people and shows us that our vote still counts for something!
Hey – Superdelegates:
Today, Barack gave an historic speech on race.
Now, Hillary owes us a speech on genocide.
Back in 1994, for 100 days, over 800,000 blacks were butchered to death during the Rwanda Genocide. Bill did nothing.
Thousands of black women, young and old, were raped and mutilated. Hillary said nothing.
So many bodies were dumped in the Kagera River that it ran red with blood and narrow parts clogged with bloated & hacked body parts. Clinton denied it was genocide.
Let's hear it, Hillary.
As an executive officer in my local democratic committee, I have been told on numerous occasions that it will not set well with low, moderate and middle class democrats for a bunch of rich Clinton clones to determine our democratic candidate for president based upon nothing but a debt owed. The Clintons should not exert unreasonable pressure upon the Superdemocrats, if the democratic party wants to win in November. The die has been cast. Neither candidate will have the neccessary delegates to win the nomination going into the convention.Let us live with our fate. Without the Clintons' attempt to turn the campaign into a "fairy tale," the democrats can make this country better than it has been in the last eight years. Racial comments by non-candidates should not determine the outcome of our upcoming election for President.
Supers aren't just party activists, there are politians too.
We hope you help this elect someone with honesty and integrity and who can lead our and your generation and all generations for a better future, without war and without division and without priveleges for the few...
Go Obama 08..
You really dont know Obama well Not enough to trust him. Watch his people, It alarms me. So vote Hillary !
Superdelegates should vote according to thier consious. They are free to vote as anyone else. I am getting sick of people wo thinks that the superdelegates should vote in the same line as thier district or state voted.
Others think that superdelegates should not change the will of the people, if that is the case then why we need them in the first place. Peolpe chill out and let them do thier jobs.
Jason,
You made your choice. Don't think about what others have said or whatthey want you to do. Frankly, we can all agree to disagree. Alot of superdelegates will make a decision and wont be favorable to all..
But I have followed your story and thanks for believing in CHANGE..
OBAMA '08! YES WE CAN!
CNN tends to not post my comments so I hope this one finds it's way through the fog. . .
Jason,
Thank you for supporting Senator Obama.
On policy I think that he and Senator Clinton have a very similar platform. However Obama has an understanding of some of the underlying issues we face as a nation.
As witnessed by his speech today, although there are many policy improvments that need to be made in education, finance, and foreign relations; there are also very imporatnt internal wounds from our history which must be dealth with head on. Race relations and the inequality of the distribution of wealth are primary factors in our crime rate in this country, our inability to be competative in a global marketplace, and a host of other issues.
Until we can come together as a nation of people of all colors, we will not be able to cross these hurdles.
Senator Obama is the only one who can deal with these issues due to his unique background and his intense ability to inspire the best in people.
He doesn't sell false hopes, as he admits that the road ahead will be long and weary, but with him leading the way I think today's democrats and the next generation can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and know it is a goal worth stiving toward.
Thank you again.
Jason:
I enjoyed watching your interviews on television. I know you made a good decision. Remember... do not vote for whom looks good but for whom do good. I hope you made your decision taking into consideration the economy. If the economy is good everything else can be accomplish.
Obama is the right man for the job...get beyond your hang-ups, folks!
Boo Hoo. You said "Yes' to becoming a superdelegate. You either want to play with the big dogs or you don't.
XTina: One change Sen. Obama made that was brilliant joining with a Republican senator to pass a bill that would allow our veterans in Vet. Hospitals not to have to pay for extras, like phone calls, etc. Do your homework.
Jason, your decision was a sound one. The "powers-that-be" are trying hard to destroy Sen. Obama by equating the comments of people he knows with his.
I hope that people will see through this attempt to destroy a decent man. Wright, and all the other people who spew hate and bile are responsible to themselves and their God. Sen. Obama is not at fault because he knows them. We all have crazies in our lives, that doesn't mean we are the same as them.
Blaming Obama for his ex-pastor's comments is like blaming all Catholics for the crimes of pedophile priests.
Also, I suspect that the Clintons are the ones who opened the ugly can of worms and the media can't stop themselves.
What more does Sen. Obama have to say? Mea culpa? Get on his knees and beg forgiveness for SOMEONE ELSE'S WORDS?!
Are there any fair minded people out there who can see past this, to what it really is? An attack meant to destroy a good man.
Jason, Obama can't beat McCain. Hillary has a good chance. By voting for Obama superdelegates are giving the November election to the Republicans on a silver platter. They will eat him up alive on many issues. Face it Hillary's ske;\letons have been out for years and people still trust her. Think about it. Republicans can't get back in the White House.
And Jason, once again, in your youth, you have shown us why the current system is not working. You picked the person that you intend to vote for. But it's not just your vote - you may usurp what, 10,000, other individual votes? That, frankly, is not your perogative to do.
Let me share an example: Many years ago, the Representative from Congressional district at the time voted his "conscious" when he voted to impeach Clinton. However, his continuency – those he represented – felt differently and expressed same. When it came time for re-election, he lost. He failed to do what his constituency requested of him. His vote was but one of his constituency and he disregarded our voices for his sole voice.
In essence, you may be doing the same. While you are very much entitled to your opinion - you cannot disregard that of all those in your district. At the very least, I hope this primary season - with the debacles in Florida and Michigan and having the nominee come down to Super Delegates – brings about a much needed change and modern approach to how votes ought to be counted and recognized.
I do find irony in the fact that the party who was disenfranchised in 2000 and 2004 is the one doing the disenfranchising now. Some day we may actually learn from the mistakes of others.
At the very least, thank you for being so involved at such a young age. Good luck in your future ... and with your immediate future of your mid-terms.
In the Democratic party, not everyones vote is equal..
The topic of this post is very misleading. He did not SWAY...waht part of the article indicates he swayed?!?!?1
Yeah the superdelegates shouldnt even be an issue at this point of the race! They were only intended for brokered conventions! It wasnt until the only lead that Hillary had in superdelegates when Super delegates came into the forefront! OH DARN that cant be right the media is biased and is treating Hillary unfair! *rolls eyes*
The title is misleading. He doesnt say anything about swaying or changing his mind. Guess CNN.com will do anything to get you to read a story.
Jason,
The days of people voting along party lines have long been over, except for politicians, delegates, and those who are considered "super". Maybe someday the Democratic Party will recognize the importance and value of the individual and independent voter. Until then, the DNC keeps hurting their candidates chances of winning the Presidency.
Jason, I commend your involvement in the election process but the whole "super delegate" concept is still irritating. When you say that you have picked the person that you intend to vote for it implies that you are not necessarily voting as a representative of the popular vote of your area. You are voting your choice which carries more weight than my, or any other voter's, choice.
I'm sure that you spent a lot of time studying the candidates and the issues and made your decision fairly. But how do voters know that all superdelegates are going to take this responsibility as seriously as you have? When you mention the phonecalls etc. from candidates and their supporters, it makes one wonder what deals, offers, bribes, who knows what, are being worked to get the superdelegate's vote.
Jason, I'm glad to hear that finally you'll have some "quiet" time. Everything you've experienced in this campaign–meeting the people, talking with them and shaking their hands, learning the political process, making an endorsement, being part of history, etc. - all this you've done at such a young age. What many blessings you had! I'm happy for you that you had this opportunity. Thank you for caring about our country the way you do. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington
jason –
what are some of the accomplishments Obama has achieved in Illinois ?
What has he done to bring about "change" as a Sen. that shows voters he can do it on a national level?
Has he ever once said "Congress already has too much of the peoples' money – I'm voting against taking more of it from them"?
What's your take on his habit of voting of "present" instead of "yea" or "nay" on an issue?
Why do you think Obama won't address these questions?
God Bless you on your studies.
Anyway, hope you will make a better judgement by not endorsing Barrack Hussein Obama. He's a liar and a manipulator. Sorry, I
hate to say this but base on his poor judgement of choosing friends, like Tony Rezko, Farrakhan, Khalidi, William Ayers and wife Bernadet and now J. Wright! I think there's nothing but an excuse for Barrack
Hussein Obama to denounce this people now and I think he should
be held responsible. America deserve better that is truly an American.
Hillary 2008!
Thanks.
I think the 12 million dollars being spent in Michigan to count votes would much better serve the state by bailing out some of the home foreclosures, the states were well aware of the results for moving the Primaries up and should not be compensated for doing so.
Jason,
Glad things have settled down for you. Maybe now you can get back to a somewhat normal life until these elections are over. But I bet you haven't heard the last of the candidates or their people. I bet some will call trying to persuade you to vote a different way. Good luck with that!!
Cynthia, Covington, Ga.
All and all, do you believe delegates or super delegates are important? If yes, why? I'm not putting you on the spot or anything, but since you've been one.....uh......what do you think? It seems to me , it's a promotion on the canidates part. I don't really understand delegates. The states , I know, have a speaker. The delegates don't speak. Is that right? I'm confussed.