Uncommitted Superdelegate Reveals Why He's Waiting

by Devon Mills

Like many Democrats, David McDonald has a decision to make. Unlike many Democrats, however, he doesn't have to make that decision anytime soon.

McDonald is one of Washington State's 17 superdelegates, and one of eight superdelegates who have not yet committed to a candidate.

So why the wait?

"I have not pledged because it was evident [the race between Obama and Clinton] was apt to be close," McDonald said Wednesday while speaking to a journalism class at the University of Washington. He said he prefers to remain uncommitted so he can use his vote to help the party decide on a nominee if the race remains tight.

McDonald explained that while some superdelegates choose to endorse a candidate, they are not technically bound to vote for that person. Rather than pledging his delegate based on personal preference, he said, a superdelegate considers the interests of the party as a whole and focuses on what will bring the best result in November: a Democrat in the White House.

When asked if Obama's win in Washington's caucuses last Saturday will sway his vote, McDonald replied, "Obviously I am going to be affected by how this state went ... but I will look at the broader picture."

It seems those attempting to court McDonald's vote on behalf of Obama and Clinton have had little success. He said Rep. Adam Smith (D - WA) called him on behalf of the Obama campaign, but didn't do much to influence his vote: "He asked what I was thinking, and I told him."

Clinton herself has met with McDonald for a "courtesy chart," and Obama has offered to speak with him. McDonald, however, is looking ahead to see what will happen in upcoming caucuses and primaries.

"It looks to me if Clinton cannot make very strong wins in Texas and Ohio, then her campaign will peter out," he said. "If she wins strong, it will keep going."

"I don't think we're going to step in while the process is in motion," McDonald said, referring to other uncommitted superdelegates.

A superdelegate since 1992 and active participant in the election process since the 1970s, McDonald has had enough political experience to know when to sit back and wait for the right time to make a move.

"I have been in a hotly contested convention ... it got ugly," he said. "Nobody who's been there thinks it would be fun. But if called upon, we will bite the bullet and make a decision."

Comments

[Notapathetic]

I agree. My only caveat is that it is vital that there is no underhanded activity and not even the appearance of sleaze. If one of the campaigns appears to have strongarmed or manipulated the nomination we can kiss the general election goodbye. Enough people will be mad enough to vote Nader or Bloomberg or McCain or abstain completely. We can also wave goodbye to the House and Senate and hunker down for a long period of war and poverty as the Republicans rule.

[Hawise]

I hope that in the long run the superdelegates weigh through the results and vote for the one that Democrats have chosen. This will be hard in some states where independants and disaffected Republicans can vote in the Democratic party but ultimately the process, for all the hoopla, is about choosing the Democratic candidate. The party faithful, the ones who work the lines and drive in the seniors, the people who organize and develop every year and not just election years should be able to stand up and say that this is MY party's candidate.
The superdelegates need to use their votes for those proud enough to put the D next to their names for their Mayors, Governors and Presidents.