Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 01:30 PM Oct 2015

Who are the Democratic Super Delegates?

Most people have no idea, really. Let me see if I can explain the process a little bit. Delegates to the Democratic National Presidential Convention come in two varieties, Pledged and Unpledged. Most delegates are pledged delegates, who are committed to vote for a particular candidate in at least the first round of voting for who will become the nominee. These are generally elected at state conventions, based on the results of primary elections or caucus voting. For example, if a state sends 36 pledged delegates to the national convention, and the primary election or caucus is divided 66% and 33% between two candidates, the candidate with 66% of the vote will get 24 pledged delegates, while the other candidate will get 12.

Those are pledged delegates. At the convention, they are expected to vote according to the results in their state, at least for the first round of voting.

There are some other types of pledged delegates, including at-large delegates who are also elected at state conventions, as compared to district-level delegates.

Then, there are unpledged delegates, who are not required to vote based on primary or caucus votes. These are fewer in number than the pledged delegates, and are selected based on other criteria. For example, Democratic Members of Congress and Senators are automatically delegates to the national convention. Democratic Governors, too, are usually delegates. All of those are unpledged delegates and may vote as they choose, even on the first ballot. Another group of unpledged delegates are generally made up of a state's members of the Democratic National Committee. That number, like all of the delegates, is based on the state's population. There may be a few other unpledged delegates, as well, depending on the state.

Those unpledged delegates are what are popularly called "Super Delegates." Their votes for the nominee at the National Convention are not necessarily based on the primary votes in their state or their state's caucus results. They are independent of all that, and are automatically delegates to the National Convention.

That's why people are paying so much attention to endorsements in the primary campaign by Congress Members and Senators. Those people will all be Super Delegates at the convention. You may not know who your Democratic National Committee members are in your state, but you can look that up on your state's Democratic Party website. Their votes, too, are not dependent on election results, and some will endorse candidates and telegraph their vote before the convention.

For example, in Minnesota, which sends a total of 94 delegates to the convention, only 16 are Super Delegates, made up of the following:

16 Unpledged PLEO delegates:
7 Democratic National Committee members.
7 Members of Congress (2 Senators and 5 Representatives).
1 Governor.
1 Distinguished Party Leader (former Vice President Walter "Fritz" Mondale).

So, how important are these Super Delegates? Well, you need to know their numbers. There will be a total of 4483 voting delegates at the convention. Of those, only 714 will be unpledged PLEOs or Super Delegates. They have considerable influence, particularly if the other delegates are more or less equally divided. If there is much of a difference between the number of pledged delegates for the candidates, the Super Delegates have less impact.

Here's a cool website, where you can look up your own state and see how delegates are chosen and how many delegates your state sends to the convention:

http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P16/D

The more you know, the more you understand.

67 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Who are the Democratic Super Delegates? (Original Post) MineralMan Oct 2015 OP
The more you know, the more you understand. Live and Learn Oct 2015 #1
That's the system used by the Democratic Party. MineralMan Oct 2015 #2
I am a member. All it actually takes is a donation. Live and Learn Oct 2015 #4
Superdelegates are a buffer Yupster Oct 2015 #13
Would you really want DONALD TRUMP as our nominee for president? Hortensis Oct 2015 #36
An absolutly disgusting falsehood and hardly worthy of a reply. nt Live and Learn Oct 2015 #38
Pure unfettered and unsupportable delusional nonsense from the Say Anything Gang. TheKentuckian Oct 2015 #39
Now, now. I only said "a very large portion." You have to admit Hortensis Oct 2015 #40
Anger doesn't translate to rudderless and no I've not seen these votes that just as easily flog to T TheKentuckian Oct 2015 #41
Here's another in fewer words, Kentuckian. Hortensis Oct 2015 #43
What does that have to do with Sanders supporters flipping to Trump or any Republican TheKentuckian Oct 2015 #49
I never said they'd flip. I said thank goodness Trump decided Hortensis Oct 2015 #50
Are we being overrun by Republican trolls here? INdemo Oct 2015 #51
In a word.. workinclasszero Oct 2015 #53
Classic MM whatchamacallit Oct 2015 #5
You can change it, but you have to work your way up to MineralMan Oct 2015 #8
Yeah, we all got time for that whatchamacallit Oct 2015 #10
Yah, good luck with that, too. MineralMan Oct 2015 #21
Trash thread. BernieFan57 Oct 2015 #42
You must have read a lot of my posts in the past MineralMan Oct 2015 #47
A buffer against what? Why is a buffer needed at all? arcane1 Oct 2015 #30
Its purpose was to make the convention less subject to control by party leaders. still_one Oct 2015 #31
I can't really answer that question. MineralMan Oct 2015 #32
How is it rigged? jeez workinclasszero Oct 2015 #52
It favors establishment democrats and no that is not very democratic. nt Live and Learn Oct 2015 #59
Right because networking workinclasszero Oct 2015 #60
What the hell? When did I imply I could just snap my fingers? Live and Learn Oct 2015 #61
"thwarting the will of the people" workinclasszero Oct 2015 #62
Seriously, you admit it. "You damn right I'm trying like hell to 'thwart the will of the people'" Live and Learn Oct 2015 #63
Some delegates are more equal than other delegates. Tierra_y_Libertad Oct 2015 #3
Each delegate has just one vote in every round of MineralMan Oct 2015 #6
I'm going to butt in here... quickesst Oct 2015 #34
Thanks. I'm trying to provide information. MineralMan Oct 2015 #35
I know quickesst Oct 2015 #37
This sort of crap needs to go pinebox Oct 2015 #7
It is what it is. MineralMan Oct 2015 #9
There has to be a mechanism in place. DemocratSinceBirth Oct 2015 #11
It used to happen all the time Yupster Oct 2015 #15
I don't believe it has happened in our lifetime... DemocratSinceBirth Oct 2015 #17
Most famous were in 1860 and 1924 Yupster Oct 2015 #19
Wasn't around for that. DemocratSinceBirth Oct 2015 #20
There is. they have another vote, until MineralMan Oct 2015 #23
I remember in 1980 when Ted Kennedy wanted delegates released on the first ballot. DemocratSinceBirth Oct 2015 #24
I would vote for Carter again in a flash. MineralMan Oct 2015 #27
I wonder how this board would have reacted. DemocratSinceBirth Oct 2015 #28
I don't know. That was another time. MineralMan Oct 2015 #29
No pinebox Oct 2015 #12
I would have no problem in eliminating the Electoral College as long there is a run off ... DemocratSinceBirth Oct 2015 #14
So vote whatchamacallit Oct 2015 #16
Yes. Vote. That's always my advice. MineralMan Oct 2015 #25
The only thing hard to understand is why you find it necessary or worthwhile whatchamacallit Oct 2015 #33
Actually it is, but I'm not just encouraging DUers to vote. MineralMan Oct 2015 #48
panic sets in wyldwolf Oct 2015 #18
Not endorcements, superdelegates. And yes, they matter but they can be overcome. Live and Learn Oct 2015 #22
Yes, they do matter. MineralMan Oct 2015 #26
Yes they matter mcar Oct 2015 #44
I learned something new today mcar Oct 2015 #45
Glad to help! MineralMan Oct 2015 #46
Yes thanks for the info MM workinclasszero Oct 2015 #54
As I said, the more we know, the more we understand. MineralMan Oct 2015 #55
I hope you continue with this workinclasszero Oct 2015 #56
I'll do my best to do that. MineralMan Oct 2015 #57
If Hillary gets the nomination by amassing super delegates, but Bernie wins the actual vote - djean111 Oct 2015 #58
Yup Art_from_Ark Oct 2015 #65
That will not occur. MineralMan Oct 2015 #66
Good article Gothmog Oct 2015 #64
Thanks for the info. Posts like yours is why I keep coming here. SunSeeker Oct 2015 #67

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
1. The more you know, the more you understand.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 01:47 PM
Oct 2015

Sadly, what one learns is that the system is rigged and inherently unfair.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
2. That's the system used by the Democratic Party.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 01:52 PM
Oct 2015

I didn't invent it. The superdelegates make up less than 20% of the delegates. They are there to be a buffer at the convention, and most are elected Democrats holding office at this time.

You say it's rigged and unfair. I have no comment on that. That is the system that will be used, so it's important to understand it.

The Republicans have a similar system, although I don't know its details, due to lack of interest. Whether one does or doesn't like the system, it is how the nominee is selected. It's what we have to work with.

You want to change it? Become a member of the Democratic National Committee. They're the ones who created the system. Good luck with that. Seriously. It takes years of dedicated work within the Democratic Party to become a member. Amateurs need not apply.

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
4. I am a member. All it actually takes is a donation.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 01:58 PM
Oct 2015

And I never claimed you invented it. I simply claimed it is rigged and inherently unfair. It is.

Yupster

(14,308 posts)
13. Superdelegates are a buffer
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:19 PM
Oct 2015

to make sure the establishment has a say in case the unwashed pick someone they don't like.

For instance, Bernie needs to be ahead by a lot of delegates going to the convention to overcome the Superdelegates who will just appear to vote against him.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
36. Would you really want DONALD TRUMP as our nominee for president?
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 10:16 AM
Oct 2015

We should thank heaven and earth that Trump's whim was to run for the GOP nomination, instead of ours -- a whim, and no doubt the shooting-fish-in-a-barrel vulnerability to manipulation of all those right-wing reactionaries.

If Trump ran and Bernie did not, a very large portion of Bernie's angry followers would have backed Trump (plus other angry protest voters who don't like Bernie).

Fortunately, the superdelegate system would probably have been able to prevent an unelectable Trump from becoming our nominee, no matter how irresponsible and resentful the mood. That's the good part of why professional party operatives are included. Completely "unrigged" is uncontrollable, and that can be dangerous to our national health.

The superdelegate system should be improved; but FWIW, as I pointed out on another thread, the superdelegate votes have so far gone along with the choices of the rest of the conventions.

TheKentuckian

(24,949 posts)
39. Pure unfettered and unsupportable delusional nonsense from the Say Anything Gang.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 11:00 AM
Oct 2015

No falsehood beyond expression as certain fact to score cheap political points on the internet or to defend the indefensible.

TRUMP would be the candidate of Sanders supporters? Fucking extreme nonsense.

Perhaps projection from the Say Anything Gang of how they would have to consider The Donald if Clinton was unavailable or knocked out.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
40. Now, now. I only said "a very large portion." You have to admit
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 11:18 AM
Oct 2015

the support of many is based more on anger, and even "he'll get me mine," than true commitment to his principles. Or maybe you don't, but literally thousands of posts here make that clear to dispassionate views.

This is mirrored on the right, except that Trump has been tremendously successful without even bothering to espouse any principles.

TheKentuckian

(24,949 posts)
41. Anger doesn't translate to rudderless and no I've not seen these votes that just as easily flog to T
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 11:47 AM
Oct 2015

No, the reality is you are projecting, this comes from within you not honest observation.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
50. I never said they'd flip. I said thank goodness Trump decided
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:34 PM
Oct 2015

for the GOP label, not ours, so he's not our embarrassment and spoiler. And speculated about what would have happened if he were the ONLY protest candidate our antiestablishment barn-burners had available.

Bye.

INdemo

(6,994 posts)
51. Are we being overrun by Republican trolls here?
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:40 PM
Oct 2015

did you lose your way looking for the Repuke site?

whatchamacallit

(15,558 posts)
5. Classic MM
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 01:59 PM
Oct 2015
You want to change it? Become a member of the Democratic National Committee. They're the ones who created the system. Good luck with that. Seriously. It takes years of dedicated work within the Democratic Party to become a member. Amateurs need not apply.


Translation: You want to change it? Forget it, you can't.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
8. You can change it, but you have to work your way up to
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:02 PM
Oct 2015

become a member of the DNC. Clearly, that can be done, since there are people who have done that. It has nothing to do with me. I'm just a precinct chair and delegate to district conventions. That's it. That's enough for me, really, and I have no aspirations beyond that in terms of Democratic Party activity.

If you want to change it, get involved and work your way up the ladder. That's how it works. I have nothing to do with that. I'm just providing information.

whatchamacallit

(15,558 posts)
10. Yeah, we all got time for that
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:05 PM
Oct 2015

Last edited Sat Oct 10, 2015, 03:05 PM - Edit history (3)


Also, fuck the DNC. It's clear that organization needs to be torched and rebuilt out of the ashes.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
21. Yah, good luck with that, too.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 07:36 PM
Oct 2015

What's your plan for replacing the DNC? Did you want somebody else to figure it out? You may not have time to build influence in the party. I'm 70 years old. I don't have time for anything. I'm telling you what the system IS. You figure out what to do about that. This could easily be my last election. Please don't tell me you don't have time to do anything. Thanks.

 

BernieFan57

(80 posts)
42. Trash thread.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 11:50 AM
Oct 2015

I just learned how to do that.

Every post by this member is preachy and obvious and, well, laughable.

Lemme try: "How government works:" There are three branches of government, the executive, judicial, and legislative. It is important to know these things.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
47. You must have read a lot of my posts in the past
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:12 PM
Oct 2015

few day's then, to discover what "every post by this member" were like. I suppose I should feel flattered that you went to so much trouble, but then you describe all of my posts as "preachy and obvious," not to mention "laughable."

Now, you may know how superdelegates are selected and what percentage of convention delegates are superdelegates. If so, congratulations on your knowledge. Others, however, do not know that information, so I wrote this OP for them.

I don't suppose you'll be seeing this, since you have trashed this thread. That's OK. It wasn't written for you, I guess.

still_one

(91,965 posts)
31. Its purpose was to make the convention less subject to control by party leaders.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 08:00 PM
Oct 2015

"After the 1968 Democratic National Convention, the Democratic Party made changes in its delegate selection process, based on the work of the McGovern-Fraser Commission. The purpose of the changes was to make the composition of the convention less subject to control by party leaders and more responsive to the votes cast during the campaign for the nomination.

Some Democrats believed that these changes had unduly diminished the role of party leaders and elected officials, weakening the Democratic tickets of George McGovern and Jimmy Carter. The party appointed a commission chaired by Jim Hunt, the then-Governor of North Carolina, to address this issue. In 1982, the Hunt Commission recommended and the Democratic National Committee adopted a rule that set aside some delegate slots for Democratic members of Congress and for state party chairs and vice chairs.[6] Under the original Hunt plan, superdelegates were 30% of all delegates, but when it was finally implemented for the 1984 election, they were 14%. The number has steadily increased, and today they are approximately 20%.[7]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superdelegate

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
32. I can't really answer that question.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 08:01 PM
Oct 2015

I had nothing to do wit setting up the system, nor do I have any way to change it. I'm simply describing the system that is in place. It is that system that will determine who will be on television ballot as the Democratic nominee.

I cannot change it neither can you. So we have to use it. The mechanisms for doing that are there. So, let's use them to move in the direction we want to go.

It's hard to believe that people don't understand the reality. Some even say they won't vote if things don't go their way. How stupid is that? Think about it.

 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
52. How is it rigged? jeez
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:41 PM
Oct 2015

Its the democratic party process, it favors democrats ***SHOCKER***!

If you don't like it, make your own party, which will favor your candidates so I can sit around on my couch and moan about how it is "rigged"!

LOL!

 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
60. Right because networking
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 02:26 PM
Oct 2015

and helping your friends and family never comes up outside of political parties.

Anyone is free to join and change the process but if you expect to snap your fingers and make it happen this election cycle, you are late.

Where were the Bernie backers four years ago? Eight years ago?

Won't be any political revolutions lead by people sitting on their sofa watching the NFL all day LOL

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
61. What the hell? When did I imply I could just snap my fingers?
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 02:35 PM
Oct 2015

I have been working against it every election cycle. But, I really shouldn't have to. It never should have become this way.

I can't believe anyone has the audacity to defend a system that is inherently unfair and allows for candidates against the will of the people in the party.

Don't worry though, we are working hard against it this time just as we did last time. And the numbers will prevail in the end.

I think I will just start handing out some of these arrogant posts supporting thwarting the will of the people and handing them out to the people.

 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
62. "thwarting the will of the people"
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 02:49 PM
Oct 2015

What people are we talking about exactly?

I work for a living and I'm sad to report that almost all of my co-workers are faithful republican voters who regularly watch fox "news" listen to hate radio and hear the same hateful lies every Sunday from their dominunist prosperity preacher and they believe every lie they tell them!

I see people driving old worn out wrecks with pro republican, pro NRA, anti democratic garbage all over their bumpers all the damn time!

I'm afraid the "will of the people" is way farther to the right than you think!

You damn right I'm trying like hell to "thwart the will of the people" and I sure as **** ain't gonna throw away my vote on somebody like Bernie Sanders who ain't got a shot in hell of ever getting elected president but he can pave the way for a demagogue like Trump or Cruz to get elected!

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
63. Seriously, you admit it. "You damn right I'm trying like hell to 'thwart the will of the people'"
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 02:57 PM
Oct 2015

Well I am damn determined to stop you in that quest.

After that is done, perhaps you will move to a country that doesn't use democracy to select its dictator and live happily ever after.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
6. Each delegate has just one vote in every round of
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 01:59 PM
Oct 2015

voting for the nominee. To that extent, they are all equal. How they vote depends on whether they are pledged or unpledged delegates. Most delegates are pledge to vote according to the results of their state's primaries or caucuses, at least on the first round. The superdelegates are independent and may vote as they choose.

I'm not sure it's about equality. It's just the system that's in place. But every delegate has one vote. That's it.

quickesst

(6,280 posts)
34. I'm going to butt in here...
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 10:48 PM
Oct 2015

....again to congratulate you on your efforts to bring some logic, and common sense to this site, even if it is not well received by some here. Correction. Make that many. I for one, appreciate it. Thanks MM.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
35. Thanks. I'm trying to provide information.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 09:50 AM
Oct 2015

I can't see how that can be mistaken for anything else in this thread.

quickesst

(6,280 posts)
37. I know
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 10:17 AM
Oct 2015

It baffles me that seemingly intelligent people mistake your efforts for some sort of hidden agenda over information that can be attained by anyone willing to look for it. It's neither pro or con anything. Just information.

 

pinebox

(5,761 posts)
7. This sort of crap needs to go
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:00 PM
Oct 2015

This is why people think their votes don't matter. The whole system is rigged.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
9. It is what it is.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:04 PM
Oct 2015

Is it rigged? We all still vote and our votes get counted and are part of the process, as I described above. You want a voice? Show up at your primary election or caucus. Don't show up, and you have no voice. It's really up to you, isn't it?

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
11. There has to be a mechanism in place.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:09 PM
Oct 2015

There has to be a mechanism in place when none of the candidates have a majority of delegates.

Yupster

(14,308 posts)
15. It used to happen all the time
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:21 PM
Oct 2015

The convention would vote until someone got a majority.

Sometime it took a compromise candidate to work it out.

A deadlocked convention would sure be exciting, but I think the establishment would stop it from happening.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
17. I don't believe it has happened in our lifetime...
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:23 PM
Oct 2015

Even in 84 when Hart had roughly the same amount of votes and delegates as Mondale.

Yupster

(14,308 posts)
19. Most famous were in 1860 and 1924
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:36 PM
Oct 2015

In 1924 it went over 100 ballots and 16 days before both contenders dropped out and Democrats chose compromise candidate John Davis.

In 1860, the convention broke up and ended up nominating two candidates, a northern Democrat Stephen Douglas, and a Southern Democrat, John Breckinridge. That split led to Lincoln's election with less than 40 %.

Douglas died soon after. Breckinridge went south and became a Confederate general.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
23. There is. they have another vote, until
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 07:38 PM
Oct 2015

there is a majority. Candidates below a certain percentage of votes are no longer on the ballot. When there are just two, there will be a majority fir one of them.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
24. I remember in 1980 when Ted Kennedy wanted delegates released on the first ballot.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 07:40 PM
Oct 2015

It failed and even if they were released they would have voted for the candidate they were already pledged to (Carter) because they are chosen for their loyalty.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
28. I wonder how this board would have reacted.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 07:48 PM
Oct 2015

He ran well to Carter's left. He supported national health care and wage and price controls to curb inflation.

 

pinebox

(5,761 posts)
12. No
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:15 PM
Oct 2015

Because in the end, your vote means diddly. Literally. Super delegates, the electoral college, all that crap, it all has to go and until it does, we'll be owned by money and the uber rich whose votes matter more than anybody else's. You want equality? Let's talk about it in our electoral cycle.

DemocratSinceBirth

(99,705 posts)
14. I would have no problem in eliminating the Electoral College as long there is a run off ...
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 02:19 PM
Oct 2015

I would have no problem in eliminating the Electoral College as long there is a run off if no candidate garners a majority of the votes, ditto for super delegates.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
25. Yes. Vote. That's always my advice.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 07:42 PM
Oct 2015

Even better, bring others to vote with you. GET OUT THE VOTE!

How hard is that to understand? For Pete's sake...

whatchamacallit

(15,558 posts)
33. The only thing hard to understand is why you find it necessary or worthwhile
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 09:17 PM
Oct 2015

to admonish DUers to vote. It goes without saying.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
48. Actually it is, but I'm not just encouraging DUers to vote.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:19 PM
Oct 2015

I'm encouraging them to get out the vote, also. That's what I do. I believe that GOTV activism is the most important thing any of us can do. You might disagree with that, but I've seen what happens when Democratic turnout is low. We get Nixons and Reagans and Bushes. That hasn't worked out very well at all.

So, every election, you'll find me posting GOTV OPs on DU. 2016 won't be any different. I'll post such things many times in 2016, for the primaries and for the general election. While they may fall on deaf ears in some cases, they'll also encourage some DUers to double down on their efforts to increase turnout. That's my goal.

And then there are those DUers, always in a minority, who don't vote at all, or who throw away their votes on third party candidates who cannot possibly win. I'll be posting about that, too, next year. You can count on it.

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
22. Not endorcements, superdelegates. And yes, they matter but they can be overcome.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 07:38 PM
Oct 2015

And yes, they can change their minds like Hillary and some of her supporters constantly do..

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
26. Yes, they do matter.
Sat Oct 10, 2015, 07:44 PM
Oct 2015

Anyone actually in real-life politics recognizes that. They matter very much.

mcar

(42,210 posts)
44. Yes they matter
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:03 PM
Oct 2015

It's why candidates track such endorsements. People can diss or ignore them all they want but they still matter.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
55. As I said, the more we know, the more we understand.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:50 PM
Oct 2015

In my lifetime, I've learned more about how we elect people than I can relate on DU. It's a complex process, and one that most people have no clue about. That's something else I've learned.

We need to know more about how things work, because that can help us make them work the way we want. That's why I'm active in my local Democratic Party organization. I get to participate in every stage of the election process. I find that rewarding, personally.

 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
56. I hope you continue with this
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:53 PM
Oct 2015

as the process moves forward, especially the convention.

I would like to understand whats going on there from start to finish.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
57. I'll do my best to do that.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 12:57 PM
Oct 2015

As we move into primary election season, I'll have more to say about how our nominee selection process actually works. The information is out there, but most people don't have the time to go dig it out, and the news media doesn't cover the actual process as thoroughly as they used to, sadly.

I remember watching presidential nominating conventions on TV over the years. There's far less coverage than there used to be, but I remember people explaining how the political conventions worked from the time I was very young. As an adult, I've been to many district and state conventions as a delegate, and the process is pretty much the same at all of them.

What's really interesting is that becoming a delegate at those more local conventions is pretty easy. I recommend it to everyone who is interested.

 

djean111

(14,255 posts)
58. If Hillary gets the nomination by amassing super delegates, but Bernie wins the actual vote -
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 01:04 PM
Oct 2015

then I, and my family, are outta here. And, I believe, a lot of other people will just say fuck it, what's the point.
I am not voting for that.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
66. That will not occur.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 07:52 PM
Oct 2015

If you understand how this works, you'll see how very unlikely that is. All 50 states send delegates, including red states. New Hampshire and Iowa do not a primary season make. All states select delegates in their primaries or caucuses. Look at all states, not just the ones favorable to your favorite candidate.

That link in the OP will show you every state and its delegate count. It will also tell you when primaries are held. Go do the math. Look at polling in all states and the numbers. I can assure you that the campaigns are doing that.

Gothmog

(144,005 posts)
64. Good article
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 03:05 PM
Oct 2015

I have the handout from the Texas State Democratic Party that is consistent with this article.

SunSeeker

(51,378 posts)
67. Thanks for the info. Posts like yours is why I keep coming here.
Sun Oct 11, 2015, 11:06 PM
Oct 2015

Despite the rudeness of what is supposed to be a Dem-friendly site.

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»2016 Postmortem»Who are the Democratic Su...