superdelegate

Definition

Party insiders who get convention votes regardless of primary results, because democracy works better when regular voters' choices are diluted by unelected officials. They're the Democratic Party's electoral training wheels, theoretically preventing voters from making 'wrong' choices.

Example Usage

Despite losing several early primaries, the establishment candidate maintained delegate lead thanks to superdelegates who pledged support before voting even began.

Origin

Created by the Democratic Party in 1982 after reforms were blamed for nominating candidates who lost general elections

Fun Fact

After 2016 controversy, Democrats reduced superdelegate power, admitting the optics of overriding voters were bad even if they wanted to keep doing it.

Source: Party nomination terminology

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