There's no such thing as "superdelegates" and that term needs to be retired [View all]

[AGeddy]

Pledged delegates - chosen by the voters during the primary season, there are roughly 4000 of these.

Unpledged delegates - chosen by the voters in the most recent elections (these are representatives, senators, and governors who were all selected by the electorate as well). There are roughly 700 of these.


The only differences between the first group and the second group are:

1. When the voters selected them (primary season or most-recent general elections)
2. The second group doesn't get to vote unless the first group doesn't give one candidate at least 50%

Since the second group has LESS power than the first, it is kind of weird to call them "super" delegates.


Unpledged delegates were chosen by the electorate too!


Sanders, Klobuchar, Biden, and Warren are all unpledged delegates - by virtue of being current office holders or having won past federal elections.


"superdelegates" is a term that is meant to be inflammatory. People should stop using it.