Barack Obama was greeted on Capitol Hill on Thursday by throngs of eager House members who lined up to shake hands with the man they believe will be the Democratic nominee for president.
Obama made a surprise visit to the House floor after meeting in a Capitol Hill town house with some of the remaining members of Congress who have yet to commit to either candidate. Obama is trying to close Clinton’s shrinking superdelegate lead, which Thursday stood at about 13, down from 97 on Feb. 10.
In the House, 64 members are uncommitted, and 17 senators have not sided with either candidate.
Lawmakers believe the race has tipped in Obama’s favor following his big win in North Carolina and near tie in Indiana on Tuesday.
“Everyone in the Democratic caucus expects Barack Obama to be the Democratic nominee,” said Alabama Rep. Artur Davis, an Obama backer. “That was not the case on Monday but it is the case today.”
Obama slapped backs, gave hugs, and even signed an autograph for a House member during his 45-minute floor visit. He talked with some of the critical uncommitted members, including House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland and Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio.
Obama said his goal is “to bring the party together as soon as possible.” He said he was not campaigning on the House floor — a violation of the rules.
“He wasn’t negotiating deals on the floor,” Texas Democrat and Obama backer Al Green said. “He’s letting people know he’s accessible and that he will be accessible as president.”
Later in the day, Obama held a second meeting near the Capitol with another batch of uncommitted superdelegates.
Many of the undecided members face tough re-election prospects and have been reluctant to pick sides. Instead, some are planning to wait until June 3 to announce their allegiance or are hoping Clinton will drop out before then.
