2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumSuper Delegates: GOP vs Dems
GOP's rules for super delegates are apparently much different than the Dems.
Each party sets it's own policy.
GOP has fewer super delegates, and they must vote for the candidate their state voted for in the primaries.
Apparently Dem Super Delegates are so much smarter than the people they represent, they can do whatever they want?
Assuming the DNC set the rules...
Dem system doesn't seem very democratic. Or am I missing something.
Here's an article
http://www.bustle.com/articles/141611-does-the-gop-have-superdelegates-the-republican-partys-nomination-rules-are-different-this-year
pat_k
(9,313 posts)They were apparently unhappy with the Carter/Mondale ticket.
And then they were unhappy with Mondale, so they added more.
Yep. Democrats don't trust democracy.
Bucky
(53,806 posts)Mondale was the establishment candidate that year. I remember that cause it was my first election cycle. But, yes, the superdelegate system was very much designed with the thought of counterbalancing a Carter-type insurgent again.
I think was also anti-Jackson in sentiment. Of course in 1988 & 1992 there really wasn't a single "establishment" candidate. I think the big wigs kept holding out for Cuomo to jump in. Odd years in the desert for us Dems.
pat_k
(9,313 posts)Thinking of those years really takes me back, all the way to the McGovern campaign. In 72 I was in my teens and remember being part of a babysitting and transport service that helped folks get to the polls.
(And I'm sure the fact that Carter's devastating loss was just two cycles after McGovern contributed to the panic, and impulse to institute more establishment control.)
I suspect the Republicans may do the same after this year!
Bucky
(53,806 posts)pat_k
(9,313 posts)Reminds me of so many details of the past 9 election cycles I haven't thought about in a long time. Thank you!
I know we're in deep trouble. Putting into context is helpful... and, as you say, paints a worrisome picture.
TexasTowelie
(111,325 posts)the flavor of the month candidate that is usually decided by low information voters.
The Democrats use superdelegates because it considers the candidates longer term involvement (yes, even if it means establishment) with the party. I sometimes wonder if Democrats would be professing the wisdom of the superdelegate system if a popular conservative from the GOP raided the party to win the nomination.