Democrats changing superdelegate rules; a Sanders win

[pnwmom]

http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/democrats-changing-superdelegate-rules-a-sanders-win/

On Saturday, after a lengthy debate during the Democratic Party’s rules committee — as Occupy protesters marched outside — the Sanders and Clinton delegates agreed to create a “unity” commission. The commission will be charged with developing rules that would reduce the number of superdelegates by two-thirds. It will also give Sanders, Clinton and the Democratic National Committee each the responsibility of picking members for the commission.

“This is a tremendous victory for Senator Sanders’ fight to democratize the Democratic Party and reform the Democratic nominating process,” Jeff Weaver, Sanders’ campaign manager, said in a statement. “We were pleased to work with the Clinton campaign to enact this historic commission.”

[ismnotwasm]

1. Interesting

Sanders and his team argued that the superdelegates should be bound by popular votes. The Sanders camp contended throughout the primary season that superdelgates are an example of the “rigged” system, even though Sanders was not a member of the Democratic Party until he launched his presidential campaign.

Addressing this sore point with Sanders followers is an attempt by the Clinton forces to smooth over and repair and unify the Democratic family in advance of the kickoff opening of the convention on Monday, where Sanders is scheduled to give a keynote address.

This is a gracious compromise, since Hillary won the popular vote---Given that Weaver helped design the super-delagate structure, he must have felt it's time has passed--- sorry for this error as was pointed out-THAT was Ted Devine

Now, if we can get rid of caucuses!

[BlueCaliDem]

2. "Given that Weaver helped design the super-delagate structure" I believe it was Tad Devine. eom

[ismnotwasm]

4. Whoops!

Sorry about that!

[pnwmom]

3. They are a state decision so I don't think they can get rid of caucuses, but I read somewhere else

that the commission studying superdelegates will also be studying caucus rules to see what needs to be fixed.

[ismnotwasm]

6. Yeah I know

Washington as you know was one of the states where Bernie won the caucus, but lost the primary and the popular vote--that is so annoying, no matter if the situation would have been reversed, it's annoying. To say the least.

[still_one]

8. I wish they would get rid of the caucus, it is inherently unfair for those who cannot be there in

person.

Also, any SD changes do not apply to 2016.

[JaneyVee]

7. Democratize the Democratic Party?

The person with more delegates wins. How is that not already democratic?

[still_one]

9. Exactly, not to also point out Hillary got the most votes also

There are good reasons for Super Delegates. SD will go with the nominee who has won the most pledged delegates.

They reduce the risk for chaos and an orderly Convention.

[JaneyVee]

11. If you get rid of superdels you must get rid of open primaries and caucuses.

[ismnotwasm]

10. The super-delagates were in place so the system wouldn't be gamed, right?

But they were never truly in issue here, as Hillary had a clear projected win for months. Are they talking about the potential for SD abuse?

On edit: I see this is a formation of a commission to examine the structure, it will be interesting to see what they come up with.

[Qutzupalotl]

12. This is a positive development.

I can see the wisdom in retaining some superdelegates, so we don't wind up with a Trump-like candidate. But we had too many, and most declared before the first vote. FAR too many were lobbyists. Better that they be elected officials.