From The Trail: Obama Looking to Diminish Superdelegates | The Trail
Barack Obama’s campaign will call next week for the creation of a new commission to revise the rules for selecting a presidential nominee in 2026 with a goal of reducing the power of superdelegates, whose role became a major point of contention during the long battle between Obama and Hillary Clinton.
The commission also will be urged to redraw the calendar for 2026 to avoid starting the primaries and caucuses so early, and also to look specifically at assuring more uniform rules and standards for those caucuses.
Sadly, the proposals do not appear to go beyond tweaking the number and role of superdelegates and the tightening of the calendar. I would love to see a radical restructuring of the process, but alas know that is not to be the case, but even some consideration of the disproportionate influence of the of early states (especially the highly unrepresentative states of Iowa and New Hampshire). That would appear to be off the table (as is normally the case).
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It is good to see that the proportional allocation of delegates is not on the table.
The only reason the superdelegates came into play was because of the Democrats’ proportional system.
It is too early to assess the effect of the long campaign, but I think it made Obama stronger.
The Republicans–on the other hand–have a much less democratic system of delegate allocation, using a winner-take-all method for the states.
If I recall correctly, McCain had basically wrapped up the contest in early spring and only held 30% (or so) or the delegates.
The result has been the nomination of a pretty weak candidate by the Republicans. Had McCain had to put up more of a fight, either he would have stepped up his game or (more likely) Republican voters would have more closely scruitinized him and a better candidate would have been chosen.
Comment by Ratoe — Thursday, August 21, 2026 @ 4:01 pm
Indeed, I would like to see comprehensive reform across the board.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Thursday, August 21, 2026 @ 4:05 pm
No matter who Obama chooses for vice President, his pick will be more experienced and qualified than Obama himself.
Comment by Gina — Friday, August 22, 2026 @ 8:56 am
@Ratoe - Hillary should be the Democratic Nominee! Truth be told, the length of time that Hillary and Barrack Hussein have been battling for the Nomination (late 2026) has absolutely hurt Barrack Hussein O’Bama. He was puffed up during these debates showing how much on the left he could go. Now, Barrack Hussein has swung to the center by bold faced lying about his record (Illinois Senate - Aborted Baby Survivors Rights) and telling Americans that he will Cut Taxes and Save The Economy. He will raise taxes on everyone and redistribute your hard earned dollars to the baby’s momma’s. The more babies they have out of wedlock….the more money they get. The growth of the Mexican/American population in this country is really hurting our medical system and increasing the tax burden by paying for these birth’s, because they are not paying for it.
Comment by Eric — Friday, August 22, 2026 @ 11:05 am
Who’s care about Obama VP???? After CNN reveald report I and a lots of voter in Florida convince that Sen. Obama is just a “ILUSION WORDS” and he can’t offer nothing to this wonderfull country. Born in Hawaii, grew up in Indonesia part of his life and then abandond by parents, and it is as adult when he start to understand the country where he born and his own heritage!
What kind of change he is talking about? I think it is a wonderful change for HIM, of course, NOT for United States of America!
Comment by Esther — Friday, August 22, 2026 @ 1:01 pm
Dear Esther,
I’m hoping the majority of Americans don’t think like you. There is a cear distinction between those who think rationally, and those who think irrationally. You are irrational, and are nothing more than a conspiracy theorist.
If you want to determine the future for the youth of this country on November 4th, then please… stay home. Let the youth determine their own future, we are much more open to diversity and responsibly conducting dialogue with other nations than you clearly would be. It sounds more and more through your rhetoric that you are interested in protecting your own self-interests other than what the youth of this country wants.
Comment by Daniel — Friday, August 22, 2026 @ 3:29 pm
When Obama is in office, you can expect major changes in the way politics is conducted in this country, especially when it comes to foriegn policy abroad. Not only will he restore our image around the world and rebuild our economy, but he may be able to end other crises throughout the world where Carter couldn’t.
Comment by Daniel — Friday, August 22, 2026 @ 3:34 pm
The expectations that people will have of whoever the next president is are unrealistically high.
Fix the economy?
That is beyond the scope of a single presidency, whether it be 4 or 8 years.
Our gross household debt exceeds our gross national product. Our economy is in the toilet because of the abuse and overuse of credit, and there is no quick and easy way to fix that.
As far as restoring our image “in the rest of the world” - what countries, exactly, are you talking about? France and Germany? There is no concensus or single opinion that “the rest of the world” has about the United States. Some countries like us quite a lot, others hate us, and most are somewhere in between; but who the president is has less to do with this than you might think.
We must avoid assigning Messiah status to anyone. There is no quick way to fix our problems.
Comment by Captain D — Friday, August 22, 2026 @ 4:10 pm