Super delegates hold the power in 2008
6:15 p.m. Monday, February 25, 2008
The back and forth between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama is a reminder that it is a tough fight to be the Democratic nominee for president.
That nomination requires delegates and especially super-delegates.
49 News political analyst Dr. Loran Smith explains the important role super-delegates play in the 2008 presidential elections.
“This election, they've suddenly become very, very important,” said Smith.
The delegates are who will choose which gets their party’s nomination. Across the country, Obama and Clinton have about the same number of delegates. This leads to a delegate tug-of-war.
“Unless one candidate really takes a huge step forward, you're seeing what's happening,” said Smith.
And, only one thing will make or break one candidate's minor lead over another.
“The balance of power rests with super-delegates,” said Smith.
In the Kansas Democratic race for the nomination there are 32 delegates and 9 super-delegates.
The regular delegates must vote the way the rest of the state votes. Most of the state voted for Obama so the majority of the regular delegates will vote for him.
The nine super-delegates can vote however they choose, and that is what makes them powerful. They are elected officials and party leaders who each have their own vote, like the governor, the chairman of the Kansas Democrats.
Because Clinton and Obama remain neck-and-neck, super-delegates have more power this year.
All of the delegates, including the super-delegates, will choose the nominees at their party’s nominating conventions later this year.
The Democratic National Convention will be held August 25- 28, and the Republican National Convention is set for September 1-4.
Coming soon, local, young television talent will shine on 49 News Kidcasts. Check back to see local kids, 4th through 8th grade, give the weather on TV.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)