BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

Americans have flocked to the polls during the nomination process in record numbers.  Each of us believing that our individual votes count for something, that we have a real voice in the process.  But, let’s not forget we do not live in a democracy.  Our forefathers set us up as a Republic.  Hence, we have delegates and the electoral college.

The voters, you and I, get to cast a single vote for our preference of candidate.  Those votes are assembled according to where we live and where we vote producing a delegate.  Those delegates then attend state conventions, where they may or may not live up to our expectations.  While most will follow the trend set in the districts they represent, it is not a given. 

The state delegates will move on to the national convention to cast votes for our national candidates.  Now, the delegate votes may or may not reflect the votes that you and I cast.  We hope they will follow our lead, but there is no guarantee in most cases.

So, let’s assume (oh, my!) that our state delegates do as we have asked.  And, let’s say that the nomination is left up to the Super Delegates because the state delegates can’t come up with a clear majority nominee… or maybe the Super Delegates don’t like the choice of the state delegates.  The Super Delegates then have the power to determine who the national candidate will be.

So, whatever happened to the citizen voter who spent hours, days, maybe months working for his or her candidate?  What happened to my vote?  Is it all an illusion of democracy?

Well, the bottom line is simple.  If the state delegates don’t follow the lead of the voters and the Super Delegates don’t follow the lead of the state delegates, where does that leave you and me?  I suggest that it leaves us at home in November on election day, disenfranchised and disillusioned.  And, in January?  Well, that places another Republican in the White House.