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Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008
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Obama ahead in delegate count

WASHINGTON: Barack Obama inched ahead of rival Hillary Clinton for the first time on Monday in the quest for support from Democratic delegates who will choose the party’s presidential nominee, according to a tracking website.

The independent site RealClearPolitics.com has Mr. Obama leading Ms. Clinton in the delegate count 1,137 to 1,134 ahead of the November 4 presidential election.

This includes pledged “superdelegates” — party luminaries, usually top elected officials and former officials. So far, 213 have pledged support for Ms. Clinton and 139 for Mr. Obama.

Of the 796 superdelegates, 444 remain uncommitted. However, under party rules even the pledged superdelegates can change candidates if they please.

Analysts say the superdelegates are likely to throw their support behind the candidate who seems to be winning in the run-up to the national Democratic party convention in late August, to avoid a divided conference.


Wins Grammy


It was a day of triumphs for Mr. Obama — beating both the Clintons in style.

He won the Award for “best spoken word album” for the audio version of his book, “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream”.

He pipped the former U.S. President, Bill Clinton for the prize, just hours after winning the Maine Democratic caucuses defeating Hillary Clinton. Mr. Clinton had been considered for the audio version of his book “Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World.”

It was Mr. Obama’s second Grammy. His first win came two years ago for the audio edition of “Dreams From My Father.” — Agencies