Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri Endorses Hillary Clinton
February 15, 2008
One black supporter of Clinton, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, said he remains committed to her. “There’s nothing going on right now that would cause me to” change, he said.
He said any suggestion that elected leaders should follow their voters “raises the age old political question. Are we elected to monitor where our constituents are … or are we to use our best judgment to do what’s in the best interests of our constituents.”
In an interview, Cleaver offered a glimpse of private conversations.
He said Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois had recently asked him “if it comes down to the last day and you’re the only superdelegate? … Do you want to go down in history as the one to prevent a black from winning the White House?
“I told him I’d think about it,” Cleaver concluded.
Jackson, an Obama supporter, confirmed the conversation, and said the dilemma may pose a career risk for some black politicians. “Many of these guys have offered their support to Mrs. Clinton, but Obama has won their districts. So you wake up without the carpet under your feet. You might find some young primary challenger placing you in a difficult position” in the future, he added.
Obama and Clinton are in a competitive race for convention delegates. Overall, he has 1,276 in The Associated Press count, and she has 1,220. It takes 2,025 to clinch the nomination.
But the overall totals mask two distinct trends.
Obama has won 1,112 delegates in primaries and caucuses, and Clinton has won 979 in the same contests in the AP count.
The former first lady leads in the superdelegate chase, 241-164.
This is the press release from 8/21/2007 from the Hilary Clinton website
Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II Endorses Clinton
Cleaver Will Serve as Co-Chair of Missouri Campaign, Faith Steering Committee
The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, and named him Co-Chair of Hillary’s Missouri campaign and a Co-Chair of her national Faith Steering Committee.
“Americans are ready for change, and Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver,” Congressman Cleaver said. “Hillary can restore America’s role as a moral leader at home and abroad.”
Cleaver is in his second term in Congress and serves on the exclusive Financial Services Committee and on the Speaker’s Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Cleaver is also an ordained Methodist Minister and still serves as Senior Pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City.
Prior to his election to Congress, Cleaver served two terms as Mayor of Kansas City, focusing on economic development and job creation. In recognition of his work, Cleaver’s peers chose him as President of the National Conference of Black Mayors for two terms.
Cleaver was first elected to public office in 1979 as a City Councilman in Kansas City. During his 12 year tenure, he served as Mayor Pro Tem and was an active Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee.
“Emanuel has dedicated his life to lifting others up and expanding opportunity for his constituents,” Clinton said. “I am delighted he will help lead our efforts in Missouri and across the country.”
Popularity: 30% [?]
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http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/04/02/black-clinton-backer-concerned-obama-win-could-hurt-race-relations/
It is this type of ignorance that has the nation divided. You are supporting a candidate who clearly is a LIAR and you think it is right because????
Sir, like Shelia Jackson Lee of Texas, your backward type of thinking is the reason you will be put out of office by your constituents.
You give new meaning to the word “NEGRO”…This is not about civil rights or educating other races about black white issues. It is about the best candidate for AMERICA as a whole with the choices given. We have many problems in this country; however I am proud to be an American who happens to be black. Hillary and Bill are responsible for a lot of the issues with our economy. Or have you forgotten Bill Clinton signed NAFTA!
Hillary has lied repeatedly and you stand there supporting her. I look forward to your being voted out of office like Shelia Jackson Lee of Texas.
Amazing, at the end of the day you are still an elected official that will be voted out. And to say that Hillary won in Michigan, how dare you Senator Obama was not on the ballot.
Sir, you are a disgrace to the race for AMERICA! I am a Black American not African American and proud to have the right to vote. I expect the people “we the people” put into office to do what we put you in office to do. Speak for the people. The People want Obama not a liar like Hillary. By the way the Missouri primary was won by OBAMA. Guilt by association will prevail.
Good luck in your next position maybe Hillary and Bill will have a spot for you in their next crooked venture.
sad to hear that jesse jackson jr. has completely forgotten what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamt about: judging a person by their character, not the color of their skin.
I guess it doesn’t matter why Mr. Cleaver supports Senator Clinton. It only matters that he may “prevent a black from winning the White House”
shame on you, jesse jackson jr.
I applaud Mr. Cleaver for standing up and committing to his judgment. He has proven that he not one of the Kool-aid drinkers and can think for himself. Bravo, Mr. Cleaver! You are a breath of fresh air.