Superdelegates lined up for Barack Obama

Barack Obama has picked up more superdelegates reducing the total needed to 33. And reportedly dozens more are lined up to endorse either today or tomorrow. These superdelegates, if they come through, together with the pledged delegates that Obama will pick up later today in Montana and South Dakota should put him over the top.

If this happens, Hillary Clinton has two choices. She can release her delegates and supporters and unite them behind Barack. Or she can continue to fight for superdelegates, and even pledged delegates, throughout the summer to the convention in August. Most analysts will agree that if she chooses the latter it possibly could endanger the Democrats chances. By August there will be precious little time to organize the mass effort needed to win in November.

There are conflicting reports as to whether Clinton will concede or not.

The new superdelegates that have joined Obama are House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) , Rep. Jim Spratt (D-SC), Edwards pledged delegate Tim Moore of South Carolina, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI-13), Florida Edwards delegate Fred K. McDowell, State Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Michigan DNC Member Debbie Dingell , Michigan DNC Member Rick Wiener and Michigan superdelegate Joyce Lalonde.

Here is House Majority Whip James Clyburn's statement.

“Today the primary process draws to a close," said House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-SC, in a statement this morning. "From the beginning, I have made it clear that I would put the Democratic Party’s best interest first and remain publicly neutral as this process ran its course, but it is now time to make my preference known. Today I am pledging my delegate vote to Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States."

Clyburn has been officially neutral until yesterday, though he has publicly expressed disappointment at the way Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, and her husband conducted themselves during her campaign.

In addition to praising the "levels of energy and excitement that I have not witnessed since the 1960’s," the highest-ranking African-American in Congress also trotted out an electability argument about Obama, perhaps to contrast with Clinton's argument that she is more electable.

“Recent surveys indicate that Senator Obama is by far the most preferred presidential candidate among Democrats and independents," Clyburn said, "and I believe he is the most electable candidate that Democrats can offer. He will be able to dramatically change the electoral map for Democrats which will in turn expand our majorities here in Congress, and help elect more Democrats at the state and local levels. Furthermore, I believe that Senator Obama is the Democrat who can unite our people, help heal our nation’s wounds, improve our standing on the world stage, and steer our country in a new direction. What is especially exciting about Senator Obama’s candidacy is its attraction to young and independent voters. Our Party cannot hope to continue our recent successes if we don’t continue to attract new voters. Senator Obama has demonstrated the ability to draw a new map for Democrats by putting traditionally red states like Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina, and swing states like New Mexico, Missouri and Iowa in play."