Superdelegates Explained...Hopefully

Here's a crash course in Superdelegates and how they fit into the 2008 Democratic presidental nominee decision.


As the Democratic primary race heats up between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, the delegate estimate between the two remains extremely close. For the first time, Democratic superdelegates may decide their party's nominee.

Superdelegates are not required to indicate a preference for a candidate.

Candidates, however, can use their persuasive power to win over superdelegates' support.

[CNN.com]



The Lowdown

Superdelegates Are:

Democratic Party Leaders (former presidents, former congressional leaders)

Democratic Members of Congress

Democratic Governors

Plus a Small Number Chosen at State Party Conventions

(There are no Republican Superdelegates)




The Democratic party has:

3,253 DELEGATES

796 SUPERDELEGATES
--
4,049 TOTAL


To win the Democratic nomination, a candidate needs 2,025 out of 4,049 total number of delegates.

Because Obama and Clinton are neck-and-neck in pledged delegates, the superdelegate number could set a candidate over the top, reaching the number of delegates needed to win the party's nomination.


As of February 25, 2008...

*Obama leads in overall delegate count
*Clinton has support of more superdelegates


237 Superdelegates pledge support for Senator Clinton

181 Superdelegates pledge support for Senator Obama
--
318 Superdelegates are uncommitted



Much has happened just this week:

Senator Christopher Dodd has officially endorsed Senator Obama.

Congressman John Lewis has officially changed his pledge from Clinton to Obama.


That is huge for the candidate because the influence of the senator and congressman can be far reaching.


The WORST thing about the superdelegates deal is that if the nomination comes down to the superdelegate vote, and it's likely this year, we won't have a clear democratic nominee until the 2008 Democratic National Convention in AUGUST!


To see who your state superdelegates are and who they pledge for (if they have made a decision), click here.