Democrats’ 2004 convention in Boston, Massachusetts. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
This thing between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton could get really ugly.
Here's the scenario: the race between them remains tight. They go to the convention in August where the nomination could depend on the votes of the 796 super delegates, who can ignore the wishes of the voters.
Experts worry it could send an awful message to the voters, of an old-school, corrupt system of smoke-filled rooms where the party bosses, instead of the voters, make the decision. Which is precisely what would happen.
But it won't happen if Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean has anything to say about it. Dean is hopeful the Democrats will have a nominee – either Clinton or Obama – in the middle of March or April. But if they don't, he says they're going to have to get the candidates together and make some kind of "arrangement." I wonder what that would be.
Dean says he doesn't think the party can afford to have a big fight at the convention and then go on to win the general election against the Republicans in the next 8 weeks.
Not to mention the fact that the Republicans nearly have their nominee, John McCain, sealed up.
A brokered convention hasn't happened in U.S. presidential politics in decades. They tend not to be pretty.
Here’s my question to you: What should the Democrats plan to do if neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama can win enough delegates to capture the nomination?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
David writes:
I'm 22, I live in Louisiana and in a couple of days I will cast my very first vote in our primary for Barack Obama. If this comes down to superdelegates and they do not pick whoever the majority of voters picked, it will be my very last vote.
Tracy from San Diego writes:
Obama and Clinton should make a tactical decision that insures Democrats will hold the White House for 16 years. Clinton (President), Obama (Vice President). After Hillary cleans up the mess left by Bush, Obama can run for President having gained the experience he lacks now.
Lesley from Vancouver writes:
Some Americans seem to be voting on emotion rather than intellect. The race has been a bit more like "American Idol" than a run for one of the most powerful positions in the world. If the superdelegates are "on the scene" and know the candidates on the job, why not let them add to the equation – assuming they can keep THEIR emotions in check!
Stephen writes:
The race already is ugly and will get worse. Howard Dean should have a meeting with Clinton and Obama and force them both to step down in favor of Al Gore!
Brad writes:
If the Democrats are smart, they would assess the national landscape to see who would more likely win the presidential race, and choose wisely.
Dave from Santa Cruz, California writes:
Jack, As far as I'm concerned, flip a coin. I'll take either of them over McCain or anyone who says we may be in Iraq for 100 years, wants to deny women the right to make their own choices concerning their bodies, and anyone that is willing to change our Constitution regarding marriage, etc., because they insist everyone live by their rules and only their rules.
Steve writes:
Jack, Our current president was selected by five Supreme Court justices. At least 800 Democratic superdelegates would be an improvement.