Are Democrats Just Whiny?

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

06 Jun 2008 01:34 PM

Here is my disclaimer: This blog is for the politically challenged. It's for those who don't totally understand the election process and for those who aren't totally following the elections. I know I've left out details, but I've done so in the interest of simplicity. It is in response to a reader comment the other day:

Is it just me or does it seem like more policticians think they should fight the system when things don't go their way? Here's my question, Is Clinton doing more damage by not conceding now, so that Obama can start campaigning against McCain instead of fighting for the Democratic nomination? I will probably get slammed by Clinton supporters, but if the system is setup the way it is, why should it be changed because one did not win?

Frankly, I think that's a fair question but to answer it we have to look at how the president is actually elected.

As Miriam pointed out earlier, this is one of the rare contests in which we actually see primaries carried out in all states. This is because candidates are not actually competing for votes. They are competing for delegates. Generally, once it is clear that a candidate has enough support from his (or her) party's delegates, they stop campaigning or everyone else bows out and endorses the more popular candidate. (Like, for example, John McCain.) Delegates go to the National Convention and it is there, that they nominate the man (or woman) who will run for President. So technically, Obama is simply the presumptive nominee right now.

At this point, it has been announced that Hillary will concede to Obama and that she will endorse him. But why did she wait? I mentioned in another article that one reason she might have waited is to give herself the option of challenging the ruling in Florida and Michigan. This would've given her 71 more delegates and it would've increased the magical number that Obama needed to secure the nomination. Many feel that she was short changed in those two states. But that's a topic for a whole other blog. Come back soon and we'll talk about delegates, and superdelegates.

Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, and also writes about politics and the occassional movie review. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.

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Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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