For those who were following the Democratic primaries — especially those energized and excited about the Bernie Sanders campaign — it was difficult not to feel overwhelmed and disappointed with the party’s superdelegate process. The process, which at times was confusing, frustrating and left observers feeling helpless, could probably use a bit of an overhaul to make it more closely reflect the actual will of voters. Thanks to Hillary’s support from superdelegates early in the campaign, Sanders began with an uphill battle that became more steep and desolate, although he continues to soldier on.
If you feel that the superdelegate process is ridiculous, you aren’t alone, Politico reports. Tulsi Gabbard, a representative from Hawaii, believes the party needs to overhaul its system and do away with the superdelegate process. She made a Facebook post along with a petition looking to reform the process.
“Whether you are a Bernie Sanders supporter or a Hillary Clinton supporter, we should all agree that unelected party officials and lobbyists should not have a say in who the presidential nominee of our party is. That should be left up to the voters. If you agree, please add your name to our petition supporting an end to superdelegates today.”
The process, which bears a striking resemblance to the often-confusing Electoral College system used in the Presidential elections, helped to ensure that Clinton was the candidate in the eyes of many. Clinton seemed like the party’s pick since the start, and while there is nothing wrong with that, it could have skewed opinions about how viable any of her opposition could be when faced with nearly-unanimous support from these superdelegates. And she isn’t the first to work to end superdelegates. Main voted to remove them starting in the 2020 election this past May.
(Via Politico)