One More Question for Democratic Superdelegate Bob Mulholland
Anthony
The whole concept of Superdelegates runs contrary to everything that made America what it is today. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the concept, superdelegates are elected officials — past or present — and party officials. Like superheroes they have extra power. Unlike superheroes there’s no reason for this extra power other than their position in the party. The issue I have with them (aside from the name) is not whether they are capable of making a good decision, but why their vote should count more than a regular voter. In the states where they live, they have the ability to vote just like every other member of the Democratic party. So why does their vote carry more weight? In America, the purpose of voting is to give everyone a voice. We aren’t supposed to have a king, queen or nobility. And yet, the superdelegate system gives the votes of certain people more weight than that of others. In my on-air interview with Democratic party insider and superdelegate Bob Mulholland, campaign advisor to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Bob said that he believed that these people are very capable and trustworthy. His point was that these officials have a lot invested in the party and in the country. To which I say, “So do the rest of the registered Democrats.” People already feel disconnected from the political process. Voting turn out is too low and voter registration does not include every citizen of this country. That’s because people feel like their vote doesn’t matter. Why vote when you feel like your vote won’t make a difference? The race for the Democratic nomination between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has brought to light the importance that these so called superdelegates can play in the nomination process. The superdelegates account for 20% of the delegate vote. If either candidate does not receive the necessary delegate count, then these superdelegates will be the deciding factor with no accountablilty to the voters. It’s a very real possibility that party insiders — not the people — will decide the nominee. The people need to become a part of the solution. I’d argue that this is the wrong time in history to minimalize the will of the people. Aren’t the Democrats the ones that always shout on behalf of the disenfranchised voter? Just how disenfranchised will the people feel if their district votes overwhelmingly for Obama and their elected official votes for Clinton? It’s not about rights. The Democrats have a right to run this show however they see fit. And were the right-wing Republicans the only ones discussing it I’d say let it rest. But the battle is taking place inside Party lines. Personally, I disagree with Bob Mulholland. I don’t think that this will all blow over. I believe it will only get bigger until changes are made. Mrs. Clinton’s been involved in the party for years — on her own and as the first lady. She’s deeply entrenched with the party and elected officials. She’s also got her husband — the former President of the United States Bill Clinton —  personally contacting superdelegates on her behalf. Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton’s campaigns have both made significant campaign contributions to elected officials over the last several years. Do you think this could sway the vote of any of the superdelegates? Of course. Everyone knows how it works. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. At the end of the day, the real question is who holds these superdelegates accountable? And so goes my final question for Bob Mulholland … When the final vote plays out will there be transperancy? Will the superdelegates be required to disclose who they voted for?
Posted on: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 9:49 pm 
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