Important question

[Casandra]

I realize I should know the answer to this, but frankly I don't!

Can anyone explain to me what these 'Super Delegates" are? I keep hearing so many are committed to Hillary and can't remember what has happened that should dictate this. Any help in understanding this question will be much appreciated

[MonkeyFunk]

1. superdelegates

are party bigwigs. Every member of congress is one, as well as governors and other assorted important people.

[ORDem]

2. Just think communist party

These SDs are the "anointed" ones, just as Communist party officials were in the Soviet Union. They are more special than the delegates elected by us, the people. They can vote for whomever they want simply by virtue of their special rights, just in case, we the people make the wrong choice. Aren't you glad to be a member of the "democratic" party? ;)

[MonkeyFunk]

10. oh please

hyperbole much?

When have superdelegates ever decided the nominee?

[mojowork_n]

3. Googled this link up, which includes lists of announced preferences

There are almost a thousand s-d's. 42 percent of the total number of delegates? Not sure if that's right, or not, but this site had a lot of info. No idea who's assembled the information, or what their agenda is:

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html

Hope that's helpful.

[MonkeyFunk]

4. No

superdelegates are around 19% of all delegates.

[Clintonista2]

5. I remember hearing that they made up 40%

I think it was wikipedia, so maybe that was false information.

[mojowork_n]

7. They used to make up less than 20%

Back when Jesse was running, in '88, but the percentage has gone up.

[MonkeyFunk]

9. Nope

there are 796 Superdelegates out of 4049 total delegates.

That's 19.6%

[Casandra]

6. Thanks so much

Actually, now I feel a bit sick!!!

Been voting since the day I turned 21 (and election day was on my birthday) and now I find out just how little my vote actually counted. Will continue to vote anyway, but with nose plugged.. I tell you, one never gets too old to learn something

[MonkeyFunk]

8. Why?

Has there ever been a case where superdelegates decided the nominee?