Published February 21, 2008
I wonder how long it will take before the Democratic Party admits that super-delegates are not that great, nor productive, of an idea.
Because the race for Democratic presidential nominee is a close one, voters are growing more and more concerned that the 800 or so super-delegates will decide the winner.
My issue with super-delegates potentially having so much power this election is that their existence is based on the idea that former and current elected officials are more equipped to select the best candidate for the party.
Super-delegates are the result of the fiasco known as George McGovern's 1972 presidential bid. Apparently, the "powers that be" in the Democratic Party did not have faith that the majority or "regular voters" could select a nominee who could win in the big dance.
The last thing American voters need is a cloud of suspicion surrounding another presidential election. I think two in a row is more than enough. This year the Democratic Party is inevitably going to make history. As an African-American woman, I am excited to see the possibility of a bona fide African-American nominee and a woman presidential nominee.
Many years ago, people would not have been able to imagine this happening. In fact, several years ago, most of us would not have been able to dream this up. We only thought the country was ready for African-American and/or women presidents on television and film. Now we get to see life imitating art.
Because this nominee will mean so much to so many people, I hope with all of my heart that there will be no asterisk by the winner's name. No implications that Hillary Clinton won the nomination thanks to backroom deals or favors owed to her once presidential husband; no whispers of Barack Obama buying votes by making promises of things to come to super-delegates if he becomes president.
In 2004, I worked very hard with voter registration and education. I saw the hope that people had when they decided they would vote to make changes in our current administration. After Bush was re-elected, it was difficult for me to convince people that despite the results, their votes did matter.
How can you tell someone to vote and that being a part of the election process is important if they witness elected officials overstepping the people's voice and selecting a nominee?
In theory, having the people who are to represent us select a nominee should be OK. The issue is that they do not have to vote according to their constituents' wishes and that is a problem.If we elect officials to represent our best interest, maybe we should put pressure on them to vote with the people they represent.
I am concerned that if super-delegates select the nominee, there will be a democratic backlash. But in all honesty, maybe that's not so bad. Maybe the disheartened Democrats who refuse to become Republican will help establish another party that will present us with the multiple options we deserve.
There are two powerhouse political powers in America, but those parties are several parties within a party. Maybe we can have parties that are more aligned with our views instead of having to settle for just left or right. Yes, I know there are several political parties in America, but when it comes to presidential bids, they are limited.
Super-delegate and former Al Gore campaign manager Donna Brazil said on CNN, "If 795 of my colleagues decide this election, I will quit the Democratic Party. I feel very strongly about this."
I have a feeling that if the super-delegates decide the election, she will not be the only one looking for a new political home.
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