History Was Made. . .But Not Set in Stone

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

04 Jun 2008 04:56 AM

Last night the primaries for the last two remaining states, Montana and South Dakota, were split with Senator Clinton and it all came down to those ever popular super delegates. So for the first time ever in the history of the United States, the Democratic Party will embrace a black candidate as its Presidential Nominee.

Delegates vs Popular Vote

This is where things get tricky because Clinton isn't actually conceding anything yet. But I'm getting ahead of myself. In the most technical sense of the word, Obama isn't anything but the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party. As Hillary pointed out, she technically got more votes. But what you need is delegate votes and Obama has them.

Confused? This is a major issue in our political process and it leaves many voters feeling as if their vote doesn't count. After all, to most of us, it seems to make sense that if more people vote for a person, that person should win.

Clinton--the Voice of Unity?

Clinton or her campaign strategist, is very, very smart. I might even go so far as to say that he is brilliant. Note that she went home to New York last night rather than staying on the campaign trail. Many saw this as a concession of defeat. Hillary, however, says that she's not conceding the nomination, she's not admitting defeat and that it's not over. She pointed out that she did actually receive more votes than Obama. Very diplomatically she said she would be making no decisions at this time and will meet with party leaders over the next few days.

While rumors are swirling about an Obama/Clinton ticket, the non-committal comments last night were quite strategic. Now she can go back to party leaders and challenge the system where she felt short changed, or she can gracefully accept an invitation from Obama to become the Veep. Again, that's the topic for another blog. Obama's campaign spokesperson said that they are not thinking about a running mate at this point.

What Clinton did convey, and convey very strongly was that she is interested in making sure that McCain is defeated in the fall.

So to recap: Obama has the delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination. Clinton has left the door open to become the Veep or to challenge party rules. So technically, it's over but it's not all at the same time. These next few days and weeks will be interesting.

Related Articles:

Are We Nearing the End?

Is America Ready for a Black President?

Perpetual Election Mode

Politics: The Taboo Topic

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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Andrea Hermitt (5472) 04 Jun 2008 06:16 AM

I don't think anything that can happen next will surprise me.

Valorie Delp (49340) 04 Jun 2008 06:39 AM

LOL So true!

Chantalle Altland (3159) 04 Jun 2008 09:08 AM

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?

Valorie Delp (49340) 04 Jun 2008 09:12 AM

I'll answer that in another blog! ;-) But I'll give you a hint: that is not the reason she would contest Obama's nomination--simply because she didn't win. And she's not technically contesting anything yet. . .not conceding, not contesting. . .not anything. ;-) She also has said many times that she wants to do what will get a Democrat in the white house. . .and beat McCain and she posits herself as unifying the party. . .whoever that might be. Anyhow, that's all I'll say for now. . .you'll have to read the rest later!