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John Edwards believes that Hillary Clinton's “tenacity shows a real strength inside her” and thinks Barack Obama needs to show “more substance under the rhetoric”.
On the other hand, he says Mr Obama “really does want to bring about serious change and a different way of doing things”, while Mrs Clinton “um, still [has] a lot of the old politics”.
It was with such heroic equivocation that the former presidential candidate, who could have exercised profound influence before the Democratic primary in his native North Carolina last night, announced that his indecision was final.
Instead, Mr Edwards, the vice-presidential nominee four years ago, declared that he would not be endorsing either candidate.
He is a member of the elite of the elite, not merely one of the 795 super-delegates who could decide the outcome of this race, but a mega-delegate who could shape the views of the others.
In a contest that cries out for a big name such as his to tip the balance in the direction of one candidate or another, Mr Edwards is not alone in remaining quietly on the sidelines.
The Democratic party leadership on Capitol Hill — Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, and Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader — have been similarly stubborn in their neutrality.
Ms Pelosi is said to be leaning towards Mr Obama and has declared that it would be harmful to the party if the super-delegates overturned the will of voters.
This is seen as code for saying Mr Obama — who has an all-but insurmountable lead among elected delegates — should be handed the nomination.
But she has been more reticent on the subject since a group of wealthy, Clinton-supporting Democratic donors pointed out that what she said contradicted the entire purpose of super-delegates as a fail-safe mechanism for preventing voters from picking an unelectable candidate.
Ms Pelosi now says that as chairwoman of the Convention in August it is important to let the campaigns “work their way through this”.
Mr Reid agrees that the party should wait until the final primaries in South Dakota and Montana have taken place on June 3 before annointing a nominee. “It will end pretty soon after that,” he said in an interview published yesterday.
Significantly for a man whose son was chairman of the campaign for Mrs Clinton in Nevada, he takes the opposite view to Ms Pelosi about whether super-delegates can overturn the results of Democratic primaries and caucuses.
“They have the opportunity, the ability and the right to vote for whoever they want and I think that's what they should do,” he said.
Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is being criticised in some quarters for messing up the decision to ban delegates from the potentially critical states of Florida and Michigan.
Asked whether super-delegates should overturn the will of voters Mr Dean suggested that if the race is still close “they will do what they want anyway”. But he then rather spoilt this moment of clarity by saying that such a scenario was highly unlikely.
He also dismissed the idea of a Democratic elder intervening to stop a fight, which many believe is damaging the party. As a failed candidate himself in 2004 he added: “Only you know when it's time to leave.”
Al Gore, the former Vice-President whose stature has soared since losing the 2000 election to George Bush, said yesterday: “I haven't ruled out making an endorsement, but I haven't been moved to do so. They both have strengths and I'm simply listening and watching like a lot of people.”
Tad Devine, a Democratic consultant who advised John Kerry in 2004 but who is unaffiliated this year, suggested that it would be the remaining 250 or so uncommitted super-delegates who would decide the race.
“There isn't any one person, a heavy, a single individual who can come in and put an end to this process,” Mr Devine said. “That's not Al Gore. That's not Nancy Pelosi. They are not in a position to wave a magic wand. There will be nobody who is above it all to say the time has come to end the race.”
As Mr Gore is reported to have told friends recently: “No one wants to be an umpire.”
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which I think make him a much better candidate,,, And yes he will be our next president Do not underestimate the power of a nations people who want change! That will cross party lines
Kevin, Chicago, IL
Mrs. Clinton should be the nominee, she has the support of most white people, blue collar Republican and Democrats, Independents, Hispanics, Seniors, Women, Catholics and 12% of African Americans. Otherwise say good-buy to the white house in Nov. Unfortunately Nader will receive 19 votes from us.
alice , lebanon, USA
Hillary has done social work for the poor, in her youth and Obama actually used to come to her for advice. You won't know much unless you read her story at hillaryclinton.com or read more info. about what she stands for. Can't believe media.
Barack does not unite, he has been really nasty to her.
Maryl, hollywood, USA
It is quite interesting to read that any supporters of Hillary Clinton who say they will not vote for Barack Obama if her name is not on the ballad would not be looking for change, This is exactly what has been happening all along. All related to race.Prejudiced
Marie, Fort Wayne,IN., U.S.A.
Sherwanda - Even if you think she's the better candidate she has no chance of winning without completely destroying the party and with it our chances in November. Any true democrat would not want that. I am frankly appalled at Dean, Pelosi and Gore, et al. What a bunch of cowards they are.
angela, Los Angeles,
I live in Memphis, TN I'm a Clinton supporter. I believe she is the best candidate and has a good plan on how she plans to lead this country and aid some reconstruction to the damage that has been done. I believe Hillary prevail throughout this race. .
Sherwanda Hayes, Memphis, uniter state
What's Hilary's experience? First Lady. What did she administer? National Healthcare--see how well that went? She lied about her position on NAFTA and dodging bullets in Bosnia. She stood by her lying husband (I did not have sexual relations with Monica). Hilary lies and divides. Barack unites.
Linda, Seattle, USA
Mark, being first lady does NOT count as experience anymore then if she was married to a doctor and tried to say she had experience as a surgeon! Obama has more elected experience then Hillary "I am entitled cuz I'm married to a former President" Clinton. She is dishonest and behind in EVERYTHING
Avant Strangel, Boston, USA
Do you trust Clinton??? I don't! Neither as a person, a candidate and certainly not as a president!
If we want this country to truly change and get back to more ethical values and actions, Obama is our only choice.
Let's all unite behind him and give him the tools he needs to govern with wisdom.
Whittlesey, Bowdoinham, USA
Hillary critizises Obama for being in the elite. However, newpaper articles reported that Hillary and Bill made over $106million in books, speaking engagements, etc. Hillary's grand children are set for life. My grandchildren will need to work for a living. That's working class!
Alfonso Polanco, Brooklyn, USA
I think both our candidates have done a good job so far, but Obama has consistantly shown more leadership and greater interest to bring everyone together and to produce improvements for our country. The Clintons are very much about benefitting themselves and backing much of the George Bush in ways.
Matthew, Ossining, USA
It's a tough call for the super delegates. The "People" are all but certain to pick Obama over Clinton. However polls suggest if that happens he will lose the presidential race because Clinton supporters will either switch to Republican or simply not vote.
Peter J Hedge, Victoria, Canad
Obama has shown enough resilience, determination and character to bring about a true change in America and the world. Having gone through the thick and thin of both formidable campaign machineries of the Clintons and the republicans so far...John Macain will be a walk over come November.
mathias alagbo, BRADFORD, United Kingdom
I support Senator Hillary Clinton for President.
After seeing Obama give Senator Clinton "the finger" during his speech after his losing PA, there is no way that I can support him as the nominee.
Dorothy, Sacramento, USA
I can appreciate the experience vs. change and eloquence vs. administrative comments. However, in most companies great leaders hire managers to help with administration. Obama has shown tremendous leadership by outpacing...THE CLINTONS..he is no lightweight and smart enough to hire good people.
Daniel, Ashland, Oregon, USA
Thank goodness for Super Delegates like John Edwards who are not trying to sway the voter's will by switching sides and declaring a favorite the night before the primary. I have zero respect for the Super Delegate in Indiana who did just that. Hillary Clinton won Indiana. All the way Hillary!
Cynthia, Goshen, USA
Mrs clinton sure has experience because she is 60 and Obama 46 but I'd rather vote for Obama. I think we have never had a black US president and that would be the best way to show that US is a democratic country.
ANTENOR Gems, PAP, Haiti
I think that Hillary is qualified and capable, but she has shown her true colors in the campaign and they are self serving and reek of Republican rhetoric rather than ethics and truth. She is no more a working class Joe than George Bush, and is trying to play the American public. Obama=change.
Brian Bayliss, Winchester, VA, USA
This is Clinton politics, they will stop at nothing to get what they want. Just old time politics and this is what has to change
Joe Alexander, Lexington, USA
I don't think Obama is ready to lead this country. I would not support him in the G.E. However, I would support Hillary Clinton. This country is in a big mess right now and I do not feel confident with a rookie at the helm at all right now. I'd vote Clinton in November no problem but,not Obama.
Mark, Oklahoma City, U.S.A.
Obama is leading so for the time being he is the acting nominee ... if this goes up to end the he will be full nominee
Markley, Wichita,
How can someone justify Hillary nomination? Let us use common sense
There is no way Hillary will be nominated
Carl Mush, Dakota,
HILLARY CLINTON all the way!!! Obama says he wants "change," but states he will delegate all the responsibilty and decisionmaking -- sounds like a bad change to me. Otherwise, he never describes his agenda at all. He is inexperienced and too young for the job.
Nancy , Dinan, France
Hilary wants continuity. Obama wants change. It says something about people on who they vote for. What do you want...change or continuity? Is America broken? Does it need fixing? This is the fundamental divider...some think change must happen, others can think of nothing worse.
AT, Sydney, Australia
The fact is even if Clinton wins 100% of the remaining primaries, she would only lead Obama in pledged delegates by about 50 and I think Hillary's most staunch supports would agree that's an unlikely scenario. I think its time for people to start thinking about the party and not the person.
Todd, Denver, USA
Hillary has my vote all the way to the White House!!!! Go Hillary!!!!!! What a proud moment for Chelsea and Bill. Hillary doesn't have the money , the media dalring status of B.O. or the blessings of Oprah. But, she has the grit and determination to see her dream come true. Godspeed Hillary!!!
Marty, Irving, USA
I live in Barbados so completely 'ain't gonna affect me' but I have to say this is one for the history books, it's exciting!
I do believe that Clinton is the best candidate, she shows she is strong and more experienced, I think Obama's acting ability shouldn't make him president of the United States
Joe, Christ Church, Barbados
To me, Obama is a very good speacher while Hillary Clinton is a very strong, experienced and good administrator. If I were an american, no doubt I would vote for her.
junes marta pariz, Maringá, Brasil
I have my favorite and I hope she wins. But I like both of them. My ideal situation would be a Clinton/Obama ticket with Obama running and winning in 8 years. This ticket would pretty much guarantee 16 years in the White House. I can't wait for this convention! One for the history books!
Cynthia Curry-Gilmore, Tujunga, USA
The problem is that in 8 years Chelsea Clinton could be electable and then Barack will have to wait 8 more years.
ivan, japan, tokyo