Democrat Superdelegates Willing to Overturn Primary Delegate Count to Stop Bernie
The Democratic Party still has a 'superdelegate' system.
New York Times interviews with several Democrat superdelegates revealed that the party elites are willing and prepared to block a Bernie Sanders nomination if they have the ability.
The superdelegates only enter into play if the Democrat nomination process goes to a second ballot at the party's convention in Milwaukee. For that to happen, no candidate could possess an outright majority of (pledged) delegates on the first ballot.
In such a case, superdelegates could plausibly prove instrumental in deciding the nomination.
Bernie Sanders has gone on the record stating that the Democrat candidate who possesses the most delegates at the convention-even if they're not an outright majority- should be the nominee. Every other Democrat candidate, with the exception of Tulsi Gabbard, has declined to back such a proposition.
Superdelegates interviewed by the Times seemed relatively unapologetic about the prospect of overturning the will of a plurality of Democrat voters and handing the nomination to a candidate with less popular votes and delegates.
"Bernie wants to redefine the rules and just say he just needs a plurality," said Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York Democrat Party. "I don't think we buy that. I don't think the mainstream of the Democratic Party buys that. If he doesn't have a majority, it stands to reason that he may not become the nominee."
The Times interviewed 93 superdelegates, finding consensus behind such a controversial proposition.
Superdelegates lost their right to participate in the first nominating ballot for the presidential primary after the 2016 election. Many Democrats were incensed at their undemocratic role in the nominating process, especially in light of their overwhelming allegiance to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primary.
Superdelegates are composed of party donors, elected officials, and other elite Democrats granted the powerful position by the DNC.
It's worth noting that primary season talk of contested conventions, be it in the Republican or Democrat Party, rarely materializes. Hope of a contested convention is usually limited to a pipe dream that party segments resort to when it becomes too obvious that their preferred candidate is not going to be selected by voters.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Evan James
Liz Cheney, daughter of Dick, was one of ten GOP House members to vote "yes" on President Donald Trump's unprecedented second impeachment. Then when some were calling on Cheney to resign over her disgraceful vote, Dan Crenshaw, who voted against impeachment, quickly came to her defense and announced his "full support" for her.
"Let's get some truth on the record: @Liz_Cheney has a hell of a lot more backbone than most, & is a principled leader with a fierce intellect," Crenshaw tweeted Wednesday afternoon. "She will continue to be a much needed leader in the conference, with my full support."
"We can disagree without tearing each other apart," he added.
Let's get some truth on the record: @Liz_Cheney has a hell of a lot more backbone than most, & is a principled leader with a fierce intellect. She will continue to be a much needed leader in the conference, with my full support.
We can disagree without tearing eachother apart. https://t.co/yMLary1kLj
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) January 13, 2021
Crenshaw himself was then roundly criticized in the replies to his tweet.
The people of Wyoming can do better than Liz Cheney, like the people of Texas can do better than you
— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) January 13, 2021
I wish SNL never mocked you, because then you'd just be some un-known RINO, but unfortunately they made you a star.
— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) January 13, 2021
Really thought you were the man. Much respect for your service and sacrifice, but if you are part of the GOP trying to purge the party of Trumpism. Count me out. I can't handle more Romney n McCain candidates
— Andrew Sean (@aehoosierdaddy) January 13, 2021
So sad. Turns out your just another politician. You're right about disagreeing. You'll see it at the ballot box next election how we can peacefully disagree.
— Rhonda Mc (Parler @rkmcsp) (@rkm_64) January 13, 2021
Cheney's vote comes as no surprise. Big League Politics reported on her recent statement in support of Trump's second impeachment, part of which read: "There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution. I will vote to impeach the President." For this CNN laughably called her the "conscience of Republicans."
Read More: No, Liz Cheney is Not the Future of the GOP
As the old saying goes, "birds of a feather flock together." Dan Crenshaw and Liz Cheney most certainly do not represent the future of the GOP.