The Delegate Fight: 2012

[Beet]

If the straw polls don't matter, why do candidates compete for them? They should just focus on getting their delegates elected at each step of the process, instead of courting voters. I believe that was how Barry Goldwater captured the 1964 Republican nomination.

[Beet]

If the straw polls don't matter, why do candidates compete for them? They should just focus on getting their delegates elected at each step of the process, instead of courting voters. I believe that was how Barry Goldwater captured the 1964 Republican nomination.

Because delegates are completely meaningless except in the exceedingly unlikely situation that no candidate has a majority. It's all about perception; the candidate who is perceived to have the best chance of winning will win. Straw polls are part of said perception.

Except that's exactly how it's shaping up so far as I predicted it might just before Iowa.

"Perception" is an amorphous thing; it can shatter in one day, as Mitt Romney found out. Not something to hang one's hopes on by any means.

I think there's somewhat of a myth out there that primaries are a form of democracy, when that's not necessarily true; especially for the GOP. It is really a battle for control of a private organization, the person who gets the most votes or is the most popular doesn't necessarily win.

[Beet]

Ron Paul claims 16 of 19 delegates in Massachusetts:

"Paul national campaign chairman Jesse Benton told The Daily Caller that Paul supporters occupy 16 of 19 delegate slots filled in congressional district selection processes.

“They are bound to Romney but support Ron,” said Benton. The effect of this coup isn’t immediately clear.

..

Policymic reports that at Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District’s caucus this Saturday, Romney supporters “made emotional, often angry, and desperate pleas for party unity.”

“An older woman specifically called out the Ron Paul supporters, accusing them of undermining the democratic process,” according to Policymic."

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2012/04/29/ron-paul-supported-by-16-massachusetts-delegates-says-campaign/#ixzz1tUhuXCPT"

[Beet]

What if the bound delegates abstain? Does the candidate need only a majority of the delegates that voted, or a majority of all delegates present?

[Beet]

They won't do a roll-call vote, they'll have Romney "nominated by acclamation" and cut the audio from the floor.

Ah, those sneaky bastards. Always out to undermine democracy.