Here's the solution to the Superdelegate problem **Obama supporters please read**

[Alhena]

what needs to happen is for some of the hundreds of uncommitted superdelegates to sign a public pledge that on June 7, 2008, after the last caucus (Puerto Rico) is completed, they will commit to support whichever candidate has the most delegates (not including superdelegates of course).

Right now there is something like 100 superdelegates separating Hillary from Obama, and if 100 uncommitted superdelegates signed this pledge, then this would, in effect, instantly allow Obama to make up the difference between him and Hillary. Because he will only need the superdelegates if he is ahead in regular delegates- he's not going to try an undemocratic power play.

If a small number of prominent Democratic superdelegates sign this pledge, it will put pressure on other uncommitted superdelegates to do likewise. We Obama supporters could compile lists of superdelegates in our respective states and start letter-writing campaigns to pressure them. It will be very difficult for the Democratic establishment to be seen as acting against us on this issue- we just want the votes to count. What we should NOT do is just sit back and let the smoke-filled room settle things.

[rateyes]

1. There's going to be a lot of arm twisting and deal making

with superdelegates. They won't voluntarily give up their leverage in the back door negotiations.

[Alhena]

3. Many won't but some of good faith will do so, and the public praise

which they receive will cause many other politicians to join them. I expect it will be mainly the public official superdelegates who commit to this - the party hacks hoping to become ambassador to Tahiti won't go along with it.

Imagine a public press conference in which 10 Democratic members of the House of Representative get together and announce their intention to support the voters. The pundits and commentators who have been rightly denouncing the superdelegate system will hail them as heroes, and they will get a lot of great press for back home. Suddenly other politicians will feel guilty for not commiting to this pledge and they will join in.

I honestly think this is a realistic scenario.

[Pirate Smile]

2. The Obama campaign said they don't want people contacting the super-delegates.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

4. I agree with that.

If one of the candidates is way ahead in the vote and delegates it would be stupid for the SDs to thwart the will of Democratic voters and jeopardize our chances in the general.

[Alhena]

5. I expect this idea will occur to some of them on their own ...

and if not, then I respectfully disagree with the Obama campaign on this. This is about whether my vote counts or not. I have an interest in that apart from my support for the Obama campaign.

And besides, Obama himself didn't say that- maybe this idea hasn't occurred to the campaign.