Note: Technically I'm at work so I'm not going to go hunting for a hundred links to add here.  We know the facts by now, this is an opinion piece.
Note #2: FYI- I am a woman. I'm all for a female Prez, just not this one.

And now for my rant: I'm sorry but I just have to get this out or I'll burst.  All we keep hearing is how "tough" Hillary is yet her and her supporters are so damned sensitive that you feel like you have to tip-toe around them all the time.

All I hear is "don't say this or that, you might upset them".  You can't even point out the OBVIOUS (that she's losing) or it will be seen as "pushing her out of the race".  So she's tough as nails and can hold her own but at the same time she's a poor woman being "bullied" out of the race by the boys and a "sexist" media?  Well, which one is it Hill?

My God!! If she's trying to break female sterotypes she's not doing a very good job of it.  I feel like I'm walking on eggshells with her. If I wanted that quality in a President I'd vote for my mother, for Pete's sake! My mother is highly skilled at blowing any and every comment out of proportion.

More ranting after the fold if you can bear it-

Warren Buffett, the "Oracle of Omaha" (or "Sage of Omaha", take your pick), has endorsed Barack Obama for President.

In Michigan, Barack explained that he wanted to give Michigan "something special" in order to make up for his previous lack of campaigning in the state. The choice of Michigan as the location for John Edwards's endorsement of Obama clearly played into general-election strategy. Assuming that Hillary eventually does endorse Obama, which state would be the most strategic choice? Let's take a look at all 50 states.

Dear Senator Webb...

As a constituent of Virginia, and as one of the many voters who helped put Barack Obama over the top here in Virginia, I ask you from the bottom of my heart, when you go on NBC's Meet The Press today, tell that irascible Russert that you whole-heartedly endorse Barack Obama, and that you're going to be out on the stump for him working to convince those blue-collar voters of Appalachia that, "He's the one to get it done!"  Look, I know its easy to play it safe...and sometimes, we just want to let others do for us, what we really should do ourself.  You're Born Fightin', so help us, the Democratic Party, stop fighting.  Only a true warrior like yourself can really help make this process slow down at a rapid pace.  So Senator Webb, if Russert asks a certain question about who you're going to support, don't be coy...be BOLD!

A true Northern Virginian.

Obama just got the endorsement of MD superdelegate Greg Pecoraro

"Over the past five months, we have watched an extraordinary and historic race for the Democratic Party’s Presidential Nomination. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have given our party a difficult choice between two outstanding candidates. It has been especially exciting for me to watch as so many people have registered to vote so that they could participate in this selection, and have turned out to vote in record numbers in primary elections across the nation.

"Today, I am very excited to join the large majority of Maryland Democrats who expressed their enthusiasm for Senator Obama’s candidacy in our state's presidential primary. Like them, I believe Barack Obama is the right leader for our time. With Barack Obama as our nominee and as our President, we have real hope that a new way of governing the nation is at hand.  I strongly believe that Senator Obama offers us the best opportunity we have had for many years to turn away from the politics of division and despair, and look towards an America of opportunity and progress.

Ever since John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama yesterday, one thing that Obama had to say in his introduction of JRE to the stage prior to his endorsement stuck with me.

We didn't have a chance to campaign here during the primary, And I felt bad about it... I felt guilty about not campaigning... and so, as a consequence, I decided that I would try to give you something special. I decided that on my first full day of campaigning in Michigan that I wouldn't be fooling around, that I wasn't gonna just do the same old thing...

Of course what followed was the introduction of John Edwards.

Well it was this quote that got me thinking about something. Some other incredibly earth shaking, potential last knock out blow endorsement.

Jump if you're interested...

The superdelegates continue to trickle in and Obama continues to widen his lead.  This morning US Congressman Jim McDermott (superdelegate) announced his support for Obama:

Congressman McDermott said, “I am proud to endorse Barack Obama today, because I believe he will bring us together to achieve the kind of change we need in this country moving forward.  As Democrats, we are fortunate to have two very talented public servants running to be the nominee of our party, and I have great respect for Senator Clinton. But I believe now is the time to unite behind Barack Obama so we can be in the strongest place possible to win in November.  Barack Obama has chosen to spend his career speaking out for those who need a voice and reaching across the aisle to bring change that matters in the lives of working families. I am confident that as president, Barack Obama will end the war in Iraq and bring our sons and daughters home, he will make universal health care a reality and he will restore our moral standing in the world.  Barack Obama won the race in my home state by an overwhelming margin and I am thankful that so many new voters have become engaged because of the kind of campaign he has run, and I am happy to support him today.”

He was followed by Congressman Henry Waxman and Congressman Howard Berman.  Both are California superdelegates:

"Senator Obama's vision for change has inspired tens of millions of Americans," Chairman Waxman said.  "And he's also proved that he has the experience, judgment, integrity, and toughness to bring real reform to Washington. Our nation faces big challenges.  We need to bring our troops safely home from Iraq.  We need to solve global warming and finally enact universal health care legislation.  And we need to create new jobs and strengthen our middle class. Senator Obama is the leader we need both here and around the world. He will be an extraordinary President, and I look forward to working with him to make his vision for change the new reality in Washington."

"Barack Obama has laid out a foreign policy vision driven by principle and conviction, and he understands that our moral authority and our safety as a nation go hand in hand," Chairman Berman said. "I spoke with him about a number of foreign policy issues that most concern me.  He assured me that he shares my views. The moment President Obama takes office, we'll send a powerful message to the world that America is back and ready to lead again—that we haven't abandoned the values that made us the light of the world, and neither should anyone else."

Communications Workers of America President, DNC member, and superdelegate Larry Cohen got on board:

I’m convinced that Senator Obama’s message of hope and ‘change we can believe in’ has resonated across our country. He is building a broad base of support, inspiring new voters to join in the political process and demonstrating great appeal to all those who are looking for positive leadership to move us beyond politics-as-usual in Washington.

The Democratic unity theme continued as the United Steelworkers Union weighed in with an Obama endorsement this morning, having previously backed John Edwards.

As a result of the Edwards endorsement, Obama began picking up former Edwards delegates, including the eight listed below.  Hat tip to ourhispanicvoices for the list:

EDWARDS DELEGATES FOR OBAMA
CNN finally listed names

1. Joshua Denton (NH)

2. Mike Evatt (SC)

3. Lauren Bilton (SC)

4. Daniel Boan Kershaw(SC)

5. Machelle Crum (IA)

6. Christine Brennan-Bond (SC)

7. Robert Groce (SC)

8. Susan Smith (SC)

note:  John Moylan is an alternate delegate for Edwards, if he's needed he has backed Obama.

Obama +1 Addition in NC: NC Officials have said Obama will gain an extra delegate and Clinton will lose one due to numbers becoming official and he over performing in an area.

All told, Obama picked up 13 votes and Clinton loses one vote.  He's in cruise control at this point.

On a final note, for those interested in becoming a community organizer for Obama, today is the last day to apply for the Obama Organizing Fellowship. Applications are due by 11:59 PM EDT.

OBAMA +13
CLINTON -1

Numbers thread for those just getting to the KOS late, for West-Coast folks who wish to discuss, overseas folks who wish to discuss, and anyone who may have missed the official numbers today.... and everyone else.  New Open Thread since original has fallen off the board.

The Rec List :), thanks guys, my third appearance.  Although this one was nothing more than a numbers regurgitation... too easy :) Cross-posted on my site too.  I've been slacking on my site but will be getting it back rocking.  Also looking for some front page regular guest posters.  Contact me through my email link on my site if interested.

The fantastic recommended diary Obama to Pull a Big Switcharoo (w/poll) <updated>Made me think about the intelligence within the top of the Obama campaign, bot the candidate and top advisors.  So much so that a comment I made got so big it really needed to be put in its own diary.

If you think you are smart, there's some ridiculous trivvial bull just beyond the jump.  If you think otherwise, then you might be in for a bit of learnin'.  If you think George Bush may be a great President, I've got a way for us to get in on that free money for "fixing Iraq" scam.  If you think George Bush might be our greatest President, quick, the terrrrist are coming, hide in here!!!

Cross-Posted from HotFlashReport.com.

Yesterday, despite having 2 Democratic candidates who are pro-choice, NARAL Pro-Choice America decided to endorse Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton.

This action flies in the face of sanity in that the pro-choice movement is seen as stabbing its friends in the back...a friend named Hillary Clinton.

Their action created a firestorm last night on the NARAL Blog and many others have come forward to disagree vehemently with NARAL's ill-chosen action.

Abortion providers have alot to thank the Clintons for, as the Clinton administration did everything in their power to protect abortion rights and use their Justice Department under Janet Reno to protect the lives of providers.

If this is ups some where else let me know and I'll remove.

According to SC Politics Today 6 of  the 8 Edwards delegates have moved to Senator Obama.

The head of John Edwards South Carolina presidential campaign told CNN that at least six of the eight delegates Edwards won in S.C. are ready to vote for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama at the Democratic presidential convention.

Columbia attorney John Moylan appeared on the cable news channel this morning.

Edwards endorsed the campaign of his former rival last night.

Edwards' delegates are free to vote for whichever candidate they choose, but delegate Robert Groce said he would choose Obama.

Delegate Count for the day (will be updated as new information comes in):

Super Delegates:

Obama +4
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
Larry Cohen, the president of the Communication Workers of America and a super-delegate from D.C.
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA)
Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA)

Pledged Delegates:

Obama +9:

Gained from Edwards' Delegates:  
(1) - NH:  Joshua Denton
(6) - SC:  Daniel Boan, Christine Brennan-Bond, Robert Groce, Susan Smith, Mike Evatt and Lauren Bilton
(1) - IA:  Machelle Crum

Obama +1; Clinton -1 from North Carolina Canvass results

Endorsements:

Obama:  
United Steelworkers Union

Short but sweet.

Pittsburgh – The United Steelworkers today issued the following statement of endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President:

"When the presidential primary contests began last year, our Union felt strongly that because of Senator John Edwards’s deep commitment to working people and because of our shared beliefs, he deserved our strong endorsement.  His belief that unfair trade policies must be changed, his commitment to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) to restore workers’ rights to freely choose workplace representation, and his proposal for universal health care were widely shared by our members.

"Today, by virtue of a unanimous vote of our International Executive Board, we find ourselves once again in agreement with Senator Edwards, this time with his decision last evening to endorse Senator Barack Obama.  And thus today, the United Steelworkers enthusiastically endorses Senator Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States.

I know, I know, not enough substance for a diary but there's no open thread topping the front page right now. At least give me credit for not using BREAKING!!!

Wednesday night Barack Obama gave us a glimpse of what to expect from him once he is in the White House and, it proves that we are in for some big, not-what-we-think-is-right surprises.

We, the involved, informed and intelligent citizens of the United States, are going to have to get used to the FACT that our next President will NOT be heeding our well-considered, thoughtfully-debated advice. He will NOT be acquiescing to our net-roots opinions. He will NOT be following the course of action that we think is right.

...And thank freakin GOD!

Wow! That's all I can say after hearing John Edwards' great speech casting his support behind Barack Obama and Barack following up with a great speech of his own!

That crowd in Grand Rapids, Michigan was incredible! I've watched many of Obama's rallies(and I was even part of the crowd of 17,000+ at his rally in Grand Forks, North Dakota at the ND Democratic Convention), but that crowd today had more energy than any I can remember. I'm proud of my home state for turning out to show such great support for the next President of the United States!

I've seen plenty of links to videos of the speeches, but I haven't seen one for the transcript. As a result I'm writing this short diary mainly for the purpose of providing a link to the transcript of both speeches. Enjoy reading these historic words over and over again!

Here's the link to the transcript from washingtonpost.com:  

Edwards Endorses Obama for President

Surprised I don't see any video up yet.  So, here's one great American introducing another.  

Part I:

Part II:

I was this close to predicting an Edwards endorsement right after West Virginia -- I just expect big news from the Obama campaign after a rough voting day.  Like Teddy after New Hampshire.  But now, it's also floodgates time.  So, who's going to be the next big endorsement?  Webb?  Gore?  Clinton?

John Edwards' speech was one of the most sexist, condescending, patronizing speeches I have ever heard in my life...

Wow! People talk about being "Fired Up and Ready to Go" at Obama rallies, but I must say I never imagined seeing what I just saw in Grand Rapids, in the heart of conservative West Michigan.

An endorsement from John Edwards.