CHICAGO — As the Democratic National Committee huddled ahead of a major vote to reform the presidential nominating process, members quarreled over whether the party should pass the rule change as some party leaders sought to hold onto their special delegate status.
The debate over what to do about unpledged delegates — members of Congress, governors, DNC members, and other party officials known as “superdelegates” — dominated the three-day gathering at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, notably located across the street from a towering Trump hotel.
As opposition forces mounted a last-ditch effort to tank the superdelegate reforms, most members expressed optimism that the measure, which was crafted by supporters of Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.,, would ultimately pass.
Since the 2016 contest stirred up confrontations between establishment Democrats and the booming Bernie Sanders wing, the party has twisted itself into knots attempting to find a compromise. DNC Chairman Tom Perez and most of the committee’s leadership back the changes.
Perez stressed Friday that the “critical” reforms are about “rebuilding trust” which gives the party more power. “When we have more power, we win elections,” Perez said.
But a letter from Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond, D-La., last week caused some DNC members to reevaluate the proposed changes to superdelegates.
Richmond’s letter to Perez and DNC members, urging them to strike down the reform because it would “disenfranchise elected officials” gave “lots of folks some pause,” said Leah Daughtry, CEO of the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
“We want our voice, we’ve earned the right to speak, and we’ve earned the right to be heard,” said Donna Brazile, who became the interim DNC chair during the tumultuous 2016 primary.
A number of those opposing the reform argue the change particularly takes aim at black DNC members, but not all see it that way. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she doesn’t have a problem with the superdelegate reform, and that she’ll support any outcome. Her primary focus is winning back the House and uniting the party. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., who also stopped by the meeting, isn’t bothered by the change either, saying she just hopes everyone leaves the summer meeting ready to move on from the past.
Wendy Davis, a superdelegate representing Georgia, argued unpledged delegates have never “inappropriately” influenced the presidential races.
“We make up the leadership of the national party, and we’re being asked to vote ourselves out of the most important decision we make, and I just think that’s not logical,” Davis said.
Still, most members appeared ready to back the reforms when it comes before the entire committee for a vote on Saturday. Reform supporters wore “Yes! For Unity” or “Yes to our future” stickers to broadcast their position. The changes would block superdelegates from casting a vote for any presidential candidate unless a second ballot is required at 2020 national convention.
Consideration of reforms to improve transparency on how the DNC manages its finances have been pushed to the party’s winter meeting.
“There’s energy behind us moving forward,” said Martha Laning, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. “There’s a large group of us who feel like our focus needs to be on electing people and this is a way we can create transparency and unity.”
Laning said she understands those who oppose weakening superdelegates’ sway in the process, saying the unpledged delegates have “never ever affected the vote” when nominating a presidential candidate.
But she said its time to “move forward so [Democrats] can eliminate that perception” that superdelegates tip the scales, or lock in a candidate before states are even able to hold their primaries or caucuses.
Still, some reformers admitted that the proposal if adopted changes little. Elected officials and party leaders will continue to endorse candidates ahead of their state contests during the primary election.
