The will of the people or best judgement?

Which do you think will win out?

The Obama campaign is claiming that automatic delegates must follow the lead of pledged delegates and switch their vote to Sen. Obama. This is false and unfounded - and it is contradicted by Sen. Obama's top strategist, David Axelrod, who said, "These are elected officials from across the country and they're supposed to exercise their judgment as to what would be best for the party. And as they look at this, they need to decide who would be the strongest candidate for the party." This view is echoed by other prominent Democratic leaders, including House Majority Whip James Clyburn and DNC Chairman Howard Dean, who has said of automatic delegates, "Their role is to exercise their best judgment in the interests of the nation and of the Democratic Party."

Comments: 6

Kay & Snowy Cat Mar 7, 2008, 2:27pm EST

Gosh Patti, you are really spitting out those articles, great! I do believe that Americans have a tremendous sense of fair play. Super-delegates, shouldn't exist at all, but should vote for the candidate dictated by the clear will of the voters. Anything else reeks of seedy backroom dealings--not good for the democratic party. I also firmly believe that Florida/Michigan delegates need to be seated, to make this process completely fair and honest

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Sue * Mar 7, 2008, 3:05pm EST

I am also against Super delegates, but I think the decision of the voters should be respected.

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James C. Mar 7, 2008, 6:20pm EST

Depends on just how the rest of the primaries go. I can see it going either way. I don't care for the super delegate thing myself but it is intended to keep emotion from causing a huge mistake for the party. These are the parties primaries, not the peoples. The parties call the shots, set the rules and nominate their candidate, not the candidate of the people. Like the song says, I don't like it but I guess things happen that way!

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Alan D. Mar 7, 2008, 9:37pm EST

Totally agree with you James. These parties are like private organization. They don't owe us anything, really. Any group of people can go form their party and decide on the procedure of how they elect their leader. That said, if the people who vote for you are not happy they will go elsewhere. That is the only reason they listen to the people. But in a situation like this they can go with who they feel it the best person. Now, as I 'member', if I don't like it, I will be looking elsewhere.
But thanks for bringing the point that these parties set their rules!

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Alan D. Mar 7, 2008, 9:41pm EST

Wanted to add, Im conflicted on this. Sometimes I think they should go with the will of the people, sometimes I think they should select the best person because that is what this election is about right? Both choices might have terrible consequences. The choice of the people might be a bust, it's possible. The best person (best judgment) might alienated voters. This is a tough thing and I don't want to be Howard Dean for a day!

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Ian F. Mar 9, 2008, 1:32am EST

HMMMM. Wish I had a comment on this but I dont.
cause no matter what I say, it is what it is.

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The will of the people or best judgement?

Comments: 6

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