Superdelegates Could be Clinton's Final Hope of Keeping Afloat

On the early evening of Saturday, May 31, the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has reached a compromise on Florida and Michigan. Clinton’s fate now rests in the hands of the superdelegates.

The compromise recently reached by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in regards to Michigan and Florida has struck another damaging blow to Senator Hillary Clinton of New York’s hopes of securing the Democratic nomination let alone trying to win the US presidency. Ever since the start of the Democratic primary, the issue of Florida and Michigan has been on and off the headlines at best. Both states were stripped of their delegates for holding their primaries too early in violation of DNC rules. Clinton and her supporters had demanded that all of her delegates be counted. But, DNC Chair Howard Dean said in the past that while there will be a compromise reached the rules have to be respected. Dean said that the other forty-eight states need to be respected for following the rules. As Democratic co-frontrunner Senator Barack Obama of Illinois nears the finish line of the race, Clinton had once again brought up Florida and Michigan. Many have said that this was a sign of desperation. The ruling was as followed: the delegates from Florida and Michigan will be seated. However, each delegate will receive a half-vote. This ruling had dealt a blow for Clinton’s chances of getting the nomination. However, there is the indication that Clinton will not give up. Now, it may seem that Clinton’s “final hope” will rest on the hands of the uncommitted superdelegates. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that said they are working to end the race. Pelosi said that the undecided superdelegates must publicly endorse either Obama or Clinton soon. As another possible sign of desperation, Clinton had made one final plea to all of the superdelegates. She had sent letters to almost all of the 800 superdelegates saying that she is better suited to go up against presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona. Both Clinton and Obama have made their separate arguments to the superdelegates. Obama’s argument is that they should support the candidate who leads in the delegate count. Even with the compromise, Obama still leads in the delegate count. He has the majority of the pledged delegates. Clinton’s argument is that they should support the candidate who leads in the popular vote. Clinton maintains she still holds the popular vote. However, that is still up for debate. As the Democratic race nears a finish, it may ultimately be up to the superdelegates.