WaPo: Superdelegates won’t save Hillary Clinton from Bernie Sanders

Washington Post ^ | February 18, 2016 | Chris Cillizza

[Zakeet]

"Superdelegates help Clinton expand her lead despite NH loss," reads the headline of a piece that moved across the Associated Press wire on Thursday.

Despite losing New Hampshire by 22 points to Bernie Sanders, the story notes, Hillary Clinton has actually widened her delegate lead over the senator from Vermont -- winning 87 superdelegates since Feb. 9 to Sanders's 11. Overall, according to the AP's count, Clinton has a 481-to-55 delegate edge, even though among delegates allocated by the first two votes in Iowa and New Hampshire, Sanders leads 36 to 32.

[Snip]

That Clinton is winning the lion's share of these folks should come as no surprise. She is the unquestioned establishment candidate in the race. Always has been. Always will be. I wouldn't be surprised if she wins 90 percent (or more) of the available superdelegates. But, the idea -- being forwarded quietly by some Clinton allies -- that her strength among superdelegates makes it impossible for Sanders to be the nominee simply doesn't hold water.

[Snip]

But, let's say it happens that among delegates allocated by actual votes Sanders and Clinton are neck and neck at the end of primary season. I don't think at that point that Clinton's massive superdelegate margin will matter for much of anything. Can you imagine the message the Democratic Party would be sending if it puts down the challenge of a liberal outsider via elected officials and other graybeards of the party?

[Iron Munro]

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