"Super Delegates"

The neck-and-neck race between Hillary Clinton and Obama has brought this little known aspect of the Democratic primary to the front pages. In spite of this coverage I believe that most people do not know what "superdelegates" are or what their role is.

Primaries work like the electoral college- when you vote, you are voting for representatives to cast a vote for you candidate at the party's convention. The traditions and rules of the GOP keep most of these delegates "pledged" (meaning they will respect the wishes of the voters). The Democrats, however, have a different system.

Of all the delegates that attend the DNC, 20% of them are "superdelegates." These delegates are unpledged and can support any candidate they want. Superdelegates are made up of "party leader(s) and elected official(s)" [pursuant to Rule 9.A of the Democratic Party].

So what? What's the big deal? Why post about this on your blog?

The Democrats style themselves as the saviors of the middle class; the party of the "little people"; the party for freedom, etc. They were the ones crying bloody murder about hanging chads, disenfranchisement due to faulty (or confusing) voting machines... To them, every vote must count and the will of the people is paramount...

Except when it comes to Democrats selecting a presidential candidate.

There is a very possible scenario that might play out in August where the candidate that has won the most primaries and caucuses does not become the presidential nominee due to the votes of these "superdelegates." Essentially, Democratic party leaders and holders of public offices will say to the democrat voters, "Hush children, we know what's best for you," as they over-ride the will of the people that make up their party!

These are people who donate money to keep these guys in office! Will of The People indeed...

The hypocrisy is alarming. Many liberals want to do away with the electoral college because it is "un-democratic," but they will stand for such a blatant oligarchy (the rule of a few elites) within their own party??? Sadly, I believe this is because most voters (in this case I single out democrats, but I believe this of both parties) are simply just clueless.

If a political party treats its own members in such a manner, how will it treat the nation-at-large if elected to the highest positions in government???