HALPERIN'S TAKE: What do the superdelegates really care about?
They are courted around the clock. Based on discussions with Democrats across the country, including campaign strategists and superdelegates themselves, here are the factors that will matter.
(Based on reader reaction, another list – weighting the factors' relative importance – will be published here soon.)
Elected delegate totals.
Popular vote totals.
Number of states won.
Number of big states won.
Purple State strength.
Perceived coattails.
Perceived motivational effect on the Republican base.
Support for a 50-state strategy.
Performance in head-to-head polls with McCain.
Nancy Pelosi's views.
Al Gore's views.
(Bill) Clinton Fatigue.
(Hillary) Clinton Fatigue.
Rev. Wright.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of the known.
Candidate favorable/unfavorable ratings.
Exit poll results (especially those involving race and gender).
Rural county primary returns.
The margin in Pennsylvania.
A spring winning streak.
Ability to win Reagan Democrats.
Ability to win independents.
Candidate policies.
Opposition to the Iraq War.
Pressure from family members.
Pleas and bullying from the campaigns.
Wanting to be with the winner.
Wanting to believe again.
Desire for a summer vacation.
