Superdelegates are generally elected officials who are selected by their political party to attend conventions. The superdelegates are free to support any candidate for nomination, which may or may not be the candidate who won their state's primary elections.IHT.com: Some Key Terms... (August 25, 2008)
The superdelegate system was instituted after the victory of George McGovern in the 1972 Democratic primary -- a popular primary sweep that led to a resounding defeat in the general election, against Richard Nixon. The system is designed to prevent candidates who may popular among Democratic voters but who are at odds with the party system, from gaining the nomination.
Pledged Delegates vs Superdelegate
- Pledged delegates are chosen by voters at primaries and caucuses
- Superdelegates are generally elected officials and party mainstays, chosen by the Democratic National Committee.
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Superdelegates Satire and Humor
- YouTube: The Hour: Super Delegates sketch (Time: 1:54)
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References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Approximately 820 superdelegates will vote at the 2008 Democratic ConventionIHT.com: Some Key Terms... (August 25, 2008)
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Fact:
The Republican Party does not use superdelegates but they do have approximately 120 "unbound delegates"IHT.com: Some Key Terms... (August 25, 2008)
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Fact:
Bill Clinton will vote as a superdelegate
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Fact:
Joe Lieberman, who caucuses with the GOP, was stripped of his superdelegate status
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Fact:
Eliot Spitzer is a superdelegate pledged to Hillary Clinton
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Fact:
The 2008 Democratic Convention will be August 25-28, 2008 in Denver, Colorado
