2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: The "Democratic" Party has lost its soul. [View all]4lbs
(6,855 posts)In 2008, Clinton won more states than Obama, but Obama had more delegates because he won more of the bigger states, and states that had large minority populations. That resulted in him having a delegate lead going into the convention, before the superdelegates were added. However, it wasn't enough to reach the 2400 required (actually 2383). So, the majority of the superdelegates went to him to put him over the top.
Seem familiar? In 2016, Sanders may win a sizable number of small states, with large white populations, but Clinton may win the large states and those with large minority populations.
Just like in 2008, the superdelegates will pledge to the candidate that wins large states and has the support of minorities. Clinton will have the delegate lead going in to the convention. Just like in 2008, the leader won't have enough to win the nomination outright, and the superdelegates will decide the last 5% needed.
When were superdelegates created and first used? In the 1984 primaries.
Why were they created? Because Ted Kennedy dared to primary Carter in 1980.