Superdelegate

Definition

A superdelegate is a party leader or elected official in the Democratic Party who is not bound by primary or caucus results when selecting delegates for the national convention. This unique position allows superdelegates to vote for any candidate they choose, providing a level of flexibility and influence that can be critical in closely contested elections. Superdelegates serve as a mechanism to ensure that experienced party members can help guide the selection of a nominee, often based on their perceptions of electability and party unity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Superdelegates were introduced by the Democratic Party after the 1980s to prevent a repeat of the chaotic convention in 1968 and to ensure that experienced leaders had a say in the nomination process.
2. Unlike regular delegates, superdelegates are not elected through primaries or caucuses; they are typically current or former elected officials and party leaders.
3. The role of superdelegates can significantly influence the outcome of a nomination race, especially when the primary results are close.
4. In recent elections, there has been criticism regarding the existence of superdelegates, with some arguing that they undermine the democratic process by allowing established party figures to override the will of voters.
5. The Democratic National Committee has made changes to the role and voting power of superdelegates, particularly in response to calls for reform after the contentious 2016 primary.

Review Questions

• How do superdelegates influence the Democratic primary process compared to regular delegates?
  • Superdelegates hold significant influence in the Democratic primary process as they are not bound by the outcomes of state primaries or caucuses. Unlike regular delegates who must vote in accordance with their state's results, superdelegates can choose any candidate they prefer, which can sway the overall delegate count. This flexibility allows party leaders and elected officials to support candidates they believe would be more electable in a general election, potentially altering the dynamics of the nomination race.
• Discuss the criticisms surrounding superdelegates and their role in Democratic conventions.
  • Critics argue that superdelegates undermine democratic principles by allowing influential party members to potentially override the choices made by grassroots voters during primaries. This concern was highlighted during the 2016 primary when many felt that superdelegates favored Hillary Clinton despite Bernie Sanders' strong grassroots support. The debate over superdelegates has led to discussions about reforming their role to better reflect the preferences of rank-and-file Democrats while balancing the need for experienced leadership in candidate selection.
• Evaluate how changes in the role of superdelegates might affect future Democratic primaries and party unity.
  • Changes in the role of superdelegates could have significant implications for future Democratic primaries by either increasing voter engagement or creating factionalism within the party. If superdelegates are further restricted in their ability to influence outcomes, it may lead to candidates who better reflect grassroots sentiments gaining momentum. Conversely, if they retain considerable power, it may lead to divisions among party members who feel their votes do not carry equal weight. Ultimately, finding a balance between respecting voter choice and ensuring experienced leadership will be crucial for maintaining party unity and effectiveness in general elections.

Related terms

delegate: A delegate is an individual chosen to represent a group at a political convention, often selected through primary elections or caucuses.

primary election: A primary election is an election in which registered party members vote to select their party's candidate for the general election.

caucus: A caucus is a meeting of members of a political party to discuss and decide on candidates or policy decisions.