Superdelegates call on their constituents for guidance

Submitted by Conor Kenny on

By Avelino Maestas

As more and more states hold their primary elections and caucuses in the Democratic presidential nominating contest, we've seen the importance of superdelegates grow. These individuals will undoubtedly help decide the nomination, and they're now the focus of intense scrutiny: for who will the vote, and why?

Since we joined with our partners to begin the Superdelegate Transparency Project, we've seen a number of proposals on how superdelegates can follow the "will of the people." DemConWatch characterizes one group of supers who will vote for the "pledged delegate leader" the Pelosi Club, after Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Representatives of Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign have said she would lead in the popular vote by the time the August convention roles around, implying she would have the most legitimate support.

And while DNC rules give superdelegates unlimited freedom to vote their conscience, at least two supers are appealing directly to their constituency: college students. Lauren Wolfe and Awais Khaleel, president and vice-president (respectively) of the College Democrats of America, have recorded a YouTube video seeking direction in how they should vote:

Wolfe is a superdelegate from Michigan (classified as a DNC member), and we should note that Michigan's delegation will not be seated at the August convention under the current rules. Perhaps the "college vote" will be used as a bargaining chip in deciding the fate of delegates from Florida and Michigan?

Khaleel, meanwhile, is slated on the Wisconsin delegation. Voters in Wisconsin chose Barack Obama by almost 200,000 votes: 646,851 to 453,954. We've therefore classified Khaleel as "leaning Obama."

Arguments over whether there should be criteria when superdelegates make endorsements not-withstanding, Lauren and Awais' plea to their constituency -- using new media -- is another example of citizen participation changing the dynamics of politics in this country.

Of course, Congresspedia is an excellent place to get started if you'd like to participate! Whether you want more information on the candidates and issues, can post new information on legislation or members of congress, or want to track the superdelegates with us, there are plenty of ways to make your voice heard.

Superdelegates 2008

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Comments

hfreedom replied on

Seems to me the Super Delegates are afraid of the Clinton machine after the way they went after Richardson and now their latest defector. They know that with the Clintons, your either with them or they will try to destroy you. This morning on CNN the spokesmand for Hillary said, no big deal on the jump to Obama by Mr Andrews, Super Delegates come and go! So, what's the hold up? By now, it seems the delegaes know the difference between the 2 candidates---and, that's why they can't make a move toward Obama. We the common peopledon't know better. We aren't waiting to see Obama get attacked to see how he reacts. We just know he has courage to stand up for what's right and not give in to polls. He knows he could 'pull the wool over the eyee' of the listeners if he was as manipulating as the Clintons. But, instead he tells the truth. If Hillary's lying, embellishing, negative aura and rhetoric aren't enough to convince the Super Delegates she's just another Bush, they aren't that Super.