Mayor Nutter on "Face the Nation"

I was home this Sunday morning and Mayor Nutter was on "Face the Nation" so I watched. These are my rough notes. Keep in mind that it is not intended to be an actual transcript. As always, my apologies in advance for any errors or misconceptions.

Face the Nation, with Bill Schieffer 3/30.

Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico (Obama supporter), Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia (Clinton supporter)

BR: At the end of June 3rd, after primaries, we need to come together to support candidate. Do not agree with those who say HRC needs to drop out.

BS: How would you go about doing that (party unity)?

BR: You don’t want the big shots in the party to determine the nominee. It should be the voters. Maybe some of the major party leaders find ways that some of the superdelegates can have discussions. We don’t want the nominee weakened. John McCain out campaigning while we are fighting. The Democratic campaign has just gotten much too negative.

BS: You have endorsed Sen. Obama. Someone called you Judas Iscariot. Why are the Clinton people taking it so hard that you endorsed OBama?

BR: I barely know Jim Carville. Loyalty to the party more than personal loyalty. Owe the Clintons a lot. Very loyal to Pres. Clinton but doesn’t mean I will be in lockstep with everything they do for the rest of my life. I ran against Sen. Clinton for the presidency. Obama has something that brings people together. Felt that I should rise above personal loyalty to look at what is best for the country.

BS: Did you lead the Clintons to believe you would endorse HRC?

BR: I was undecided for about 3 months. I was on the verge a couple of times for going for Sen. Clinton. But I didn’t because I felt the campaign had gotten too rancorous. Clintons would get hundreds of their supports to contact me; Obama called me personally. Obama can bring people together. Attended rallies where people are full of hope and enthusiasm.

BS: Has Obama done enough to distance himself from comments of his pastor?

BR: One of the reasons I was attracted to Obama is that he faces things directly. Obama faced the race issue directly with the American people. His speech on race reinforced my decision that this was the right decision. Think of this man as a symbol of America, can rise above problems that come before his campaign, lead and be honest and candid.

BS: Introduces Michael Nutter. Do you believe Barack Obama has put enough distance between himself and his pastor?

MN: That is for the American people to decide. I listened to the speech Obama made here in Philadelphia. The comments Wright made were very damaging and most Americans reject that kind of hate filled language.

BS: If he had been your pastor would you have been satisfied?

MN: My pastor would not make statements like that and if he did I would talk with him but I could not stay in a church that made statements like that.

BS: Advice for Obama

MN: Should focus on issues relating to cities. A week or so ago we had to shut down part of I-95 because of a lack of investment in the infrastructure. I’m trying to get a community conversation going on. HRC has responded to that call but waiting for a response from Sen. Obama.

BS: [name] wrote an op-ed. Both good candidates. Should have a Clinton/Obama or Obama/ Clinton ticket.

MN: Would not presume to make a decision for Sen. Clinton. Picking a vp not like picking your best buddy in 3rd grade. Decision best made by candidate and candidate’s advisors. Still have a great election to take place herein PA and in many other states and territories. People excited and enthused about the race and want their votes to be counted and have an impact.

BS: What do you think of all of these superdelegates?

MN: Superdelegates didn’t just drop out of the sky. Their main responsibility is to exercise judgment and discretion.

BS: As an African American mayor in a primarily African American city, assume Obama will get many votes.

MN: Clinton gets many votes too.

BS: If Clinton wins by superdelegates will African Americans be upset?

MN: We cannot let this election come down to race. You have to play this out to the conclusion. Neither Clinton nor Obama can get the required number of delegates. Let’s let the voters decide.

Campaign Round Table

Joe Trippi and John Dickinson

JT: Richardson, putting country above personal loyalty. Also the whole thing about rancor coming out of Clinton campaign.

JD: Richardson first said HRC should drop out. Now backing off.

JT: Every time one side says other should drop out, it’s over, the other side benefits.

BS: HRC in till the bitter end.

JT: If she doesn’t win in Indiana and NC, if she doesn win on May 6 she may drop out.

JD: if superdelegates start lining up behind Obama then she will have to drop out.

BS: Maybe she’s not all that worried about cutting up Obama because 2012 down the road.

JT: The problem is they need to keep this up then others will start to wonder if you are not just tearing Obama down but keeping door open until 2012 party will shut her down.

JD: Florida and Michigan, Clinton says Obama not negotiating. Not a do over

BS: Rev. Wright

JD: Polls show it hasn’t really scratched Obama. A little time bomb in there. May show up later

JT: This one is not over. There are signs that this a bigger problem over the long haul.

BS: what does he do about it.

JT: have to win over white voters again. Important in PA and NC. Right now it looks like he’s put it behind him but needs to keep moving on economic issues.

JD: needs to keep working on patriotism. Has to talk about love of country.

BS: Finally today, I like the speech John McCain made on foreign policy last week. [long quote]