The Super Duper Woo Factor
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
I spoke with several super delegates today, and their heads are spinning. Super delegates are the folks in the Democratic Party who very well may be the ones to determine their party's presidential candidate. The super delegate system was put in place basically to ensure that in a case like this year where the race seems to be continuing down to the wire, the party will have its say.
Back in 1984, Walter Mondale used super delegates, meaning the party, to brush back the insurgent campaign of Gary Hart. This time around, the Clinton campaign has been working over time to woo the super delegates.
Jason Rea is a college student from Wisconsin. He will cast his first vote in a presidential election in November. But he has already had breakfast with Chelsea Clinton. Nancy DiNardo is the party chairperson for the state of Connecticut. She has received calls from Madeline Albright and from Hillary Clinton herself.
Both say they are neutral for now. But, what does one say when a former president calls? Let me get back to you on that one.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.