Dear Colin,Seeing as how Obama currently has the pledged delegate count, and a substantial popular vote count, isn't HRC disenfranchising voters in the Democratic primary by staying in?
Please take the time to listen, as I have, to the voices of our fellow citizens in Michigan and Florida.
A supporter from Marion, MI put it simply: "We want to have our voice heard! We want to vote!" Another in Delray Beach, FL reminded Americans of what we all believe, "Our votes should count. We went to the polls in good faith that our votes would count and our voices would be heard."
Tens of thousands of people in Michigan, Florida, and all over the country are standing up and speaking out, urging that we live up to our democratic ideals. In our hearts we know that voters everywhere deserve the chance to make their voices heard.
Hillary Clinton respects all voters and their right to participate in this historic contest. Their votes, along with all the others, will and should determine when this contest is at an end. It's the American way -- everybody counts in this country.
Oh wait, there are superdelegates. If there is a more perfect example of denying the people the right to choose their nominee, I have yet to find it. To give a bit of a backstory, the superdelegate idea was spawned in response to the Democratic nomination of Walter Mondale by popular vote in the 1984 presidential primary. Against Reagan in the general election, Mondale faired reasonably well in his home state of Minnesota as well as the District of Columbia. Unfortunately he lost every other state, and the overall electoral college 525-13.
In light of how most of the American public didn't agree with Democratic primary voters, they came up with the superdelegate system to ensure another Mondale wouldn't be nominated. Taking the electoral responsibility away from the people, and giving it to the superdelegates (comprised of Democratic politicians and party leaders) is the embodiment of disenfranchisement.
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