(Danville, California)
OK, last week I blasted the Democrats for this bizarre concoction of "Super Delegates" and how it potentially undermines the will of the people. 
The GOP has no such delegates. But lest you think I believe the Republican system is without flaws, guess again.
The GOP has no such delegates. But lest you think I believe the Republican system is without flaws, guess again.
At least Democrats have proportional voting. If a candidates gets 55% of the popular vote, generally speaking they get 55% of the delegates (not counting the unelected "Super Delegates, which can skew the whole thing).
But Republicans have something equally as bizarre and undemocratic. Its called the "Winner Take All" primary system. 
John McCain used it for a sustained knock out punch. Without it, we might still have a "barn burner" of a race like the Democrats. The fact that we don't is kind of sad.
John McCain used it for a sustained knock out punch. Without it, we might still have a "barn burner" of a race like the Democrats. The fact that we don't is kind of sad.
For example, 13 states plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico have a winner take all system for Republicans. That meant 637 delegates for McCain, even in some races that we squeakers! Kansas was the only "winner take all" state Mike Huckabee won for 36 delegates. Mitt Romney did not win any of these states.
If McCain's votes had been handed out proportionally, Huckabee and Romney would likely still be in this contest and McCain would still be about 350 votes short of the nomination. 
For example, Florida awarded all 57 delegates to McCain, even though the results on election night were McCain 36%, Romney 31% and Rudy Giuliani 15% (he might still be in too).
For example, Florida awarded all 57 delegates to McCain, even though the results on election night were McCain 36%, Romney 31% and Rudy Giuliani 15% (he might still be in too).
In Missouri its even more stark: McCain 33%, Huckabee 31.5% and Romney 29.3%. But based on a very narrow win, McCain took home all 58 Missouri delegates.
So both parties are guilty of a shoddy process. Democrats violate the "will of the people" while Republicans have a system that essentially violates the principle of "one person, one vote."
To many outside observers, it gives the impression that the system is "fixed" especially in favor of those currently holding power who make these silly rules. Turnoff affects turnout! No wonder voter turnout is often under 50%
Here's hoping both major parties fix their broken, unfair rules!
Tuesday Barack Obama is scheduled to give a speech in Philadelphia regarding race relations. In it he may talk about his controversial Pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. I'll have some commentary on that tomorrow.
Check in at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com
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