Sen. Harkin - Superdelegate who is leaning toward Obama

[powergirl]

This is what happens when you belittle caucus states - or any other state for that matter. Karma's a bitch.

"Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin said Hillary Clinton's criticism of the Iowa caucuses and Barack Obama's advantage among independent voters would weigh on his decision, should he declare his support for one or the other.

"Harkin has said he will remain uncommitted at least until after the final state nominating contests are held on June 3.


"But in a Des Moines Register interview, he said the candidates' views on keeping the caucuses in their traditional leadoff position and their performance among independent voters are especially important to him.

"Clinton and some of her campaign aides sought to diminish the impact of the caucuses after her close third-place finish in January behind Obama and former Sen. John Edwards. "Iowa doesn't have the best track record in determining whom the party nominates," Clinton said. She also referred to the contests as having "disenfranchised" voters who could not attend.

"I was not happy with those statements," Harkin said. "I happen to think there's a great value in caucuses for organizing."

CUT

"A Des Moines Register poll in February showed Obama handily beating McCain in Iowa, in part by winning a majority of the independent vote. McCain was shown narrowly beating Clinton by winning an equally narrow majority of independents."

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080407/NEWS09/804070314


:applause:

[Debi]

1. Harkin's wife is a Clinton supporter and campaigned for her throughout the state n/t

[powergirl]

4. I know, that is why this is so stunning

Why is Clinton talking trash about caucus states then??? That is an insult to her friends.

[nebula]

2. Hillary continues her brilliant strategy of pissing off the SDs

[John Q. Citizen]

14. I know, what's with that?

[nebula]

15. She doesn't think before talking

there seems to be no connection between the brain and the yapper.

[Khaotic]

16. lol

[williesgirl]

3. It's her own words that are killing her all the time, not ours! rec'd

[grantcart]

5. from the article

Iowa is expected to be a general election battleground state this year. In 2000, Democrat Al Gore carried the state by roughly 4,000 votes. In 2004, Republican President Bush carried Iowa by roughly 10,000 votes. Since then, independents have been trending Democratic. Far more independents changed their registration to participate in January's Democratic caucuses than in the GOP caucuses.

"They, I think, obviously are going to be the deciding factor in this election, and I think we have to pay attention to independents in Iowa," Harkin said.

A Des Moines Register poll in February showed Obama handily beating McCain in Iowa, in part by winning a majority of the independent vote. McCain was shown narrowly beating Clinton by winning an equally narrow majority of independents.

[easy_b94]

WOW!!!! All Obama has to do is stay close in PA and win NC that will be it.

[easy_b94]

6. :P

[Ian_rd]

7. Lean on Obama

When you're not strong
And he'll be your friend
He'll help you carryyyyyyy oooooooon!

Woooo! GoBama!

[BumRushDaShow]

8. Time for Harkin to get off the fence!

Just do it!

[4themind]

9. "Not only are we going to Pennsylvania, Tom harkin..."

YEEEarrgHH

[roguevalley]

10. my state is a caucus state. it went Obama and the turnout was huge

too bad she can't be happy that dems are excited and turning out. I knew her remarks belittling would resonate. people love and are proud of their state. what part of that can't she get?

[Yael]

11. Thats gonna leave a mark

:woohoo:

[Scurrilous]

12. K & R

:thumbsup:

[Khaotic]

13. Harkin

From my personal Iowan insight, I think Harkin will definately choose Obama.

Reasons:

1) Harkin is a true progressive, like Obama (whether Hillary fans want to believe it or not)

2) Harkin endorsed Dean in '04 and Obama embraces the Dean 50-state strategy

3) Harkin and Obama have voted the same on most every issue

4) Harkin and Big Eddie see eye to eye on most issues. Harkin is on Ed's show often. Ed attends the Harkin Steak Fry almost every year. Ed is for Obama, so will Harkin.

Bottomline, Harkin isn't committed yet because he doesn't want to piss off Hillary supporters here in Iowa, not that there's that many of them here anyway.

He'll go Obama and most know it.