If Clinton continues to lose, can her Super Delegates go elsewhere?

[RiverStone]

Current Delegate Count

Clinton: 169 - 56%
Obama: 66 - 22%
Edwards: 47 - 16%
Richardson 1 - 96%

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/

The above figures represents each candidate's break down of pledged delegates and super delegates to date. How can Clinton be in the lead when she came in 3rd in Iowa? It's called pledged delegates and Clinton with her history and connections already locked up more than any other candidate (pre-Iowa).

Of course, these "commitments" occurred under an assumption that Clinton's lead and nomination were practically assured. Obama changed that in a hurry. As it stands, Clinton's percentage of delegates does not reflect the will of the Democrats who already voted. Just how "locked up" are those delegates for Clinton anyway?

QUESTION: If Obama (or Edwards) ends up decisively beating Clinton in the primaries ahead, can she cut lose her delegates? Or would they cling tight in the hopes of influencing the party platform at the Dem Convention this August?

Thanks DUers for your delegate wisdom. :hi:

[book_worm]

1. Sure. They can change their minds.

[FlyingSquirrel]

2. (and usually do.)

[Yael]

3. Yep. Right up until the convention I was told.

[Uncle Sinister]

4. even in the middle of the convention...

no reason SD's can't flip on a 2nd or 3rd ballot

[Yael]

5. Thanks!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

6. What those above me said!

They're not carved in stone yet and often do change their minds.

[Blackhatjack]

7. They don't sign anything to commit, and change their preferences at any time.

That is why Super Delegates are not committed delegates in the sense that delegates are committed as a result of a primary or caucus.