The total number of delegates required to nominate a Democratic candidate is 2,025. To date, neither candidate has reached this number. If the number is not reached by the date of the final primary (June 3, 2008) then the contest must continue to the Democratic convention. During the convention, delegates and superdelegates can vote on as many ballots as necessary to determine the winner. The controversy concerning the popular votes and delegates from Michigan and Florida must also be resolved prior to the convention.
Just as with the presidential election of 2000, President Bush could not become president until he received the 270 electoral votes. No Democrat considered him the presumptive victor. To ask either democratic candidate to withdraw before either one reaches the required tally does a disservice to the entire process. Both candidates and their supporters have waged a very good campaign but if neither one can “close the deal” before the convention it is up to the delegates and super delegates to decide. Let us continue.
Joe Bialek
Cleveland, Ohio
[email protected]