I’ve seen a few reports of Democratic super-delegates switching sides–the most recent being of Rep. John Lewis. This strikes me as odd on two levels.
First, I’m not clear why all these people felt compelled to announce their allegiance in the first place. As super-delegates, their role is to settle a party nomination fight at the convention. In a sense they are referees charged with helping the party pick the “best” nominee. It seems to me they partially undermine their ability to objectively do this when they endorse a candidate early in the campaign.
But if you are going to side with a candidate–one with a viable shot to win the nomination–stick with that candidate. I’m scratching my head at these delegates currently switching from Clinton to Obama. What has fundamentally changed about either of these candidates since November? Nothing really, other than Obama becoming more popular.
Some people have rationalized such a switch on the grounds that the super-delegate should conform to the electoral wishes of his or her district. If that’s the case, then the super-delegate should have waited until after the local primary to announce his or her support.
When I see a public official who early on hopped aboard front-runner Clinton’s campaign, but is now switching to Obama, I can’t help but think we have a band wagon jumper in action.
Well, there’s always the buzz factor.
I think that most Democrats (super delegates included) swallowed the initial, Rupert Murdoch contrived “Clinton as the Inevitable nominee” crapola.
FOX News was the first to run the “Hillary’s going to be President” propaganda. Hillary and Murdoch’s friendship is well documented.
The reality was that most Democrats, and Liberals of course, are sick of lies and two-faced pandering politicians. The first sign was in Iowa as “the inevitable nominee” placed third behind Obama and Edwards.
With the Clinton name recognition, that should never have happened.
The Democratic party is wising up, and by default, Clinton is going down. The rest of the DLC pro war, anti-privacy, rubber stamp brigade will be soon to follow.
As for super delegates playing leap frog, I think many of them now realize that Netroots and the Dem Left are serious. And if they go against us they will be targeted for replacement.
If Hillary wins the majority of delegates (lol) that will be the will of the party and they should respect that. Likewise of Obama.
Personally, with Edwards unfortunately gone, I’ll be happy when there are no more Bush’s or Clinton’s either one in the White House. So that’s all I’m lookin’ for at the moment.
The moment Barack Obama gets the nomination, I’m throwing one hell of a party. No, not for him. For America.
Ending the Bush/Clinton Dynasty is more important in the long run than getting a Democrat in the Oval Office.
With a fresh start we can accomplish much. More of the same is more of the same.
America finds it’s self in a historic time of positive transition. Be happy at least for that. With the old chaff gone, the future is wide open. 😉
Regards,