‘They’re Both Electable’

Right. Based on the superdelegates because that's what it would take at this point.
Well, first of all, the delegate count is very close … I don't think that if either candidate wins we're going to alienate anybody. I certainly don't want to see any group, including African-Americans, feel alienated. If Senator Obama is the candidate I will be doing everything I can to support him, and I would hope that all Democrats, if Senator Clinton wins the process and wins the majority of delegates, that everyone would support her.

What did you weigh when you made your choice? Was it electability? Was it policies?
One thing about electability—it bothers me to hear discussion of electability. I think both of these candidates can and will beat John McCain regardless of who wins the nomination.

You don't buy the idea that she's more electable than Obama?
No, I don't think that way. I think she can beat John McCain and I think Senator Obama can beat John McCain, so when I looked at this decision it was not based on electability. They're both electable. I think it was a question of looking at two candidates who I highly supported. Torn decision, obviously. But two candidates who have similar policies, and I think Senator Clinton bringing a wealth of experience on both the domestic side and the foreign affairs side tipped it for me.

And you don't feel even a little shred of guilt or stress about giving it to the person who's behind?
No, I don't feel guilt. I made my decision, and I'm one in a number of thousands, and if everyone does that, we let the chips fall where they fall, and I think we'll get that much closer to seeing who our candidate is and getting behind that individual and making sure they win in November.

Are you actively engaged in trying to woo other undecided superdelegates?
No, I haven't spoken to any others about their decision.

How is the Clinton campaign advising you? Have they given you talking points?
They haven't asked me to speak to any media. There have been no talking points. Nothing.

What about the virtues of party unity? Isn't there a chance that coming out for Clinton at this point is further splitting the party and hurting chances for victory in November?
The quicker that we can reach a decision on a candidate, I think the quicker we can start making John McCain the focal point and his open endorsement of Bush administration policies. Nor do I think this process is going to cause a rift in the party.

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