Superdelegates = Superbullshit

[scumbucket77]

If I was a young person out there today voting for the very first time this election nothing would make me feel more disallusioned or disconnected from the voting process than the policy of having "superdelegates" possibly determine the outcome. Unlike most party delegates a superdelegate is seated not based on the party primaries or caucuses but soley on their status as current or formerly elected office holders or party officials. What makes matters even worse is they are free to support the candidate of their choosing despite the popular vote or clear will of the people. In the 2008 Democratic National Convention superdelegates will make up exactly one-fifth of the total number of delegates in a very close and already contested race. What this says to me is that no matter who I vote for the nomination for president from the Democratic party will most likely be decided not by the people but by a few elite and influential Washington insiders. Considering that rallying the youth vote has been a major staple of each candidates campaign and the Democratic party in general I think that the DNC can ill afford to bite the hand that feeds and if they truly wish to attract young voters they should most definitely revisit this policy and if not realize that future elections may suffer the consequences.

[ChrisJones]

I'm trying not to pay attention to the media. But it is hard considering they are up to date on various breaking stories. ROAR

If the majority of the people vote for something, the democrats, of all parties, should acknowledge that. If Hillary tries to take that to court, then she is basically saying fuck you to democracy and the american people.

[thebigother]

Oh c'mon. It's not liker everybody didn't already know it's a huge sham.

[codebluecary]

Just do a write in ballot,vote for Mickey Mouse!!!

[jonhomeowner]

Superdelegates = supernotgoingtohappen.

The democratic party is smarter than that. They will go along with the will of their voters, rather than suffer their wrath.

[scumbucket77]

Superdelegates = supernotgoingtohappen.

The democratic party is smarter than that. They will go along with the will of their voters, rather than suffer their wrath.

You would like to think so and if it was any other candidate that was fighting for political survival I would be more confident in the dems doing the right thing however the phrase "never under estimate the Clintons" is almost a cliche. Now this morning I understand the Clinton campaign has pretty much all but convinced the governors of Florida and Michigan to include their delegates in the overall count, which was forbidden due to the dates of their primary being changed, that according to DNC rules. Obama wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan for that reason which seems to stack the deck in the Clintons favor even more. Let the shady backroom deals begin.

[scumbucket77]

Oh c'mon. It's not liker everybody didn't already know it's a huge sham.

The older, wiser, more seasoned voters might feel this way however the whole point of this thread is the youth vote and the hypocracy involved. We shove down their throats how important being involved in the electoral process is and how every vote counts yet when it comes right down to it no matter who they vote for select washington insiders can still swing the election in the direction of the candidate they choose. Classic example of saying one thing but doing another.

[thebigother]

That's kind of moot considering that usually the youth vote is minimal at best. Given how low voter turn out is among the younger demographic, I'd say it's pretty safe to assume they already know that their vote doesn't count for much.

[jonhomeowner]

That's kind of moot considering that usually the youth vote is minimal at best.
It hasn't been this time.

[jonhomeowner]

You would like to think so and if it was any other candidate that was fighting for political survival I would be more confident in the dems doing the right thing however the phrase "never under estimate the Clintons" is almost a cliche.

Sure, but after the 2000 election whereas the candidate who won the popular vote didn't actually end up becoming President - pissing everybody off in the process - I think they know better.

Now this morning I understand the Clinton campaign has pretty much all but convinced the governors of Florida and Michigan to include their delegates in the overall count, which was forbidden due to the dates of their primary being changed, that according to DNC rules. Obama wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan for that reason which seems to stack the deck in the Clintons favor even more. Let the shady backroom deals begin.
You have no clue what you're talking about. It has almost NOTHING to do with the governors of those states, but the party itself. The party has to decide to allow them.

[scumbucket77]

Sure, but after the 2000 election whereas the candidate who won the popular vote didn't actually end up becoming President - pissing everybody off in the process - I think they know better.


You have no clue what you're talking about. It has almost NOTHING to do with the governors of those states, but the party itself. The party has to decide to allow them.

During an interview I watched this morning on CNN they seemed to lead me to believe that yes the DNC has the final say but the governors have to officially request the delegates be added before the party can act. I could be mistaken, it was 5:30 in the morning and I hadn't had my caffine fix yet.

[ChrisJones]

They are hyping it up. The super delegates do what their constituents do. They always have. It's their job. The news wants you to believe in some conspiracy and the conservatives want you to believe Clinton will cheat. Both of these ideas undermine democracy and the truth. They are both theories that infiltrate you and affect your vote. Don't be a sucker. The super delegates will do what they do. There's not much room for error.

[sr113]

Super delegates were created after voters nominated Walter Mondale, who had ZERO chance of winning. If super delegates have to step in and nominate the candidate that has the best chance to beat McCain, that is why they exist. Their allegance is to their party, and their view is that they don't care who goes to the white house, as long as they are a Democrat.

[jonhomeowner]

Super delegates were created after voters nominated Walter Mondale, who had ZERO chance of winning. If super delegates have to step in and nominate the candidate that has the best chance to beat McCain, that is why they exist. Their allegance is to their party, and their view is that they don't care who goes to the white house, as long as they are a Democrat.
Their allegiance is to the people. If they don't have allegiance to the people, then the party loses.

[thebigother]

I think they should scrap the delegates all together and just use the popular vote to determine the winner.

[jonhomeowner]

I think they should scrap the delegates all together and just use the popular vote to determine the winner.
I think you're confused.

That's what the delegates do.

[thebigother]

Maybe I am confused then. I keep reading in the newspaper about Hillary having more of the popular vote, but Obama having a higher delegate count. Or maybe that's not what the paper is saying and I'm confused about that too.

[jonhomeowner]

Maybe I am confused then. I keep reading in the newspaper about Hillary having more of the popular vote, but Obama having a higher delegate count. Or maybe that's not what the paper is saying and I'm confused about that too.
It would be impossible for him to have more delegates and for her to have a higher popular vote. Delegates in the democratic primary are EXPLICITLY tied to the popular vote per state.

The Republican race, on the other hand, is simply winner-take-all (just like the general election for President is), so it is realistic that one person could have more delegates but a lower popular vote.

[codebluecary]

All politicians are like used car salesmen,tell people what they want to hear and sell them a load of crap!!!

[jonhomeowner]

All politicians are like used car salesmen,tell people what they want to hear and sell them a load of crap!!!
That's what you think.

[ChrisJones]

All politicians are like used car salesmen,tell people what they want to hear and sell them a load of crap!!!

Well voters don't choose politicians. Politicians choose voters. Some are bad and some are good. It depends on perspective really. Once you really get into politics you start leaning towards some over others. Then it becomes hard to make generalized statements about them as people. It is always fun to say things like "fuck politics" and "fucking bureaucrats" often but only when referring to specific situations or people. Anyways, I'm into politics, so I usually like elaboration on statements like yours, but not this time. Your attitude reflects that of many a frustrated person watching nightly news thinks. "Just what the fuck is going on in DC? Change the channel, let's watch American Idol."

[thebigother]

Usually when I watch the news I think "This is embaressing."