Super Delegates

@bobmnu (8157)
United States
March 12, 2008 1:52am CST
It seems that the Democratics are heading for a back room deal this year. According to some the process of the Super Delegates was established after the McGovern nomination because the party regulars felt that the people had made a mistake in the nomination process. With the Democratic primary process getting more and more vicious with different leaders attacking the candidates are we going to see a back room deal where someone other than the tow that were running getting the nomination? Some think that Al Gore will step in as the clean candidate and satisfy the party leaders?
1 response
jormins
@jormins (1223)
• United States
12 Mar 08
I think unless Obama fumbles on the goal line so to speak he will most likely be the nominee. He's ahead 155+ pledged delegates over Senator Clinton and as long as he wins the popular vote as well (I think he's up 700k right now) the Supers will put him over the top in the end it sounds like. Senator Clinton could win all the remaining states (which won't happen) and still be behind in both categories. If the Dem's try throwing Gore into the mix all they are doing is ensuring a McCain victory as they will anger Obama supporters and Clinton supporters. I think the Gore scenario is extremely unlikely. The Democrats should hope Obama comes from behind and wins in Penn as that should be enough to force Senator Clinton to drop out. If not its going to be a nasty 3 months for the Dem's.
bobmnu
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Super Delegates compose almost 20% of the total delegates. Even with the delegates that are pledged to him unless the state has a law they are free to switch their support and vote for someone else. Don't forget the party leadership is made up of Clinton supporters. Being the last president elected President Clinton appointed or was very influencial in getting them elected to the position. The other thing to consider is the big money donors support Senator Clinton and the Clintons are big fund raisers for the party. The party "rules" said that Michigan and Florida would lose their delegates if they changed their primary. They did and now they want to change the rules after the game has started. IF they do that then why not change the other rules so that Senator Clinton, or Senator Obama or VP Gore gets the nomination?
jormins
@jormins (1223)
• United States
12 Mar 08
I'm sure its possible but the Super Delegates are politicians to the core. If they pull any kind of action against what the people have voted they will alienate millions and millions of voters. Many of Clinton's Supers have already defected because of public pressure. I would not be surprised to see many Super's not supporting the popular candidate (such as Obama in Wyoming) will have a backlash when they go up for re-election. I've heard many prominent Supers on tv basically saying whoever has the most pledged delegates and popular vote (hopefully the same person has both) will get the support of the majority of the Supers. The Gore angle isn't impossible but I think its about as likely as Ron Paul coming from behind and taking the Rep Nomination from McCain.