Clinton's Black Superdelegates Under Pressure

The heat on Hillary Clinton’s black superdelegates is rising, and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver has called on Barack Obama to speak out against “ugly" pressure from his supporters. The Missouri congressman said Clinton’s African-American backers are being "bludgeoned verbally" and told, “You’re not black if you’re not supporting Barack Obama," the Kansas City Star reports.

Cleaver said he doesn’t think Obama himself is to blame, "but I think he’s probably aware of it by now.” He said he hasn't been a target, but he's heard reports of threats of political retaliation and "Uncle Tom" smears. Another House member, Diane Watson of California, told Politico she's gotten threatening mail but will not switch. (More Barack Obama stories.)