Obama Superdelegate vows to side with majority of pledged delegates!!!

[Alhena]

On MSNBC tonight, Washington Congressman Adam Smith- an Obama superdelegate - pledged that he would vote for Hillary if she has a majority of pledged delegates. Host Dan Abrams is on an absolute crusade about this issue, and it's becoming increasingly clear that there is no way the Democratic establishment will be able to withstand the public pressure on this issue. And there's no real reason for them to- we've got two strong candidates this year, not some insurgent candidate with no potential broad appeal.

Superdelegates will not decide this race- bank on it. I've been worried about this issue, but it was clear on MSNBC that nobody is willing to defend giving superdelegates, in Abrams' words "the vote of 10,000 ordinary citizens."

[Alhena]

1. Dan Abrams just predicted that Smith's pledge would lead ...

to a nationwide movement of superdelegates making the same pledge Smith did.

I think he's right- there's just no way to defend using superdelegates.

[angie_love]

2. I think that will happen

The one with the most delegates (not super delegates) will win the nomination. The party will be fighting like crazy if this doesn't happen. People won't stand for it.

[tammywammy]

3. Agreed

[Alhena]

4. Yes - and Abrams' show made it clear that NO ONE

in any position of authority is going to stand up and defend superdelegates overriding the will of the people.

It's pretty clear which way the political/public relations winds are blowing on this issue.

[KennedyGuy]

5. Just remember..that works both ways

no freakouts if it goes Hills way.

[Alhena]

7. Absolutely- if she has more pledged delegates she should be

the nominee.

[BeatleBoot]

6. Great Website of Pledged Super Delegates

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html

Pledged Superdelegates

Clinton: 203
Obama: 113

[sandnsea]

8. Unless the Clintons get the MI & FL delegates seated

unfairly. Then I want our superdelegates to revolt.

[Thrill]

9. Why wouldn't Clinton supporters want to do it this way?

[teleharmonium]

10. what if it splits

Dan Abrams irritates the hell out of me, but I agree that they should come up with a new set of rules, vote on them, and if successful, implement them at the convention (which is possible) before the ballots for the Presidential nomination are cast.

But what about if the popular vote goes one way, and the number of pledged delegates goes the other ? What then ? I'm not sure if it is necessarily the best for the delegates to just go with the other delegates because they are delegates. We're called the Democratic party, maybe we should lean toward the popular vote being favored in such a split, or at least in the event of a tie in delegates, as opposed to people trying to influence delegates behind the scenes for a while and then going to a second ballot.

[Seabiscuit]

11. The 1982 introduction of Superdelegates was the wrong solution from the beginning.

It was designed to avoid another showdown of the type that occurred between Kennedy and Carter at the 1980 convention.

I'll take a showdown at a convention any day over the thoroughly undemocratic use of "council of elders" Superdelegates any day.