A Democratic Front-runner: Do the Math

Party still has a fight on their hands in the nomination of a presidential candidate

labor commissioner and vice chairman of the Georgia Democratic National Committee. At the end of the day, most say they prefer the excitement and increased involvement from a broader range of people. “The conventional wisdom was that Super Tuesday would determine the nominee,” says Thurmond, a superdelegate who endorsed Clinton.

Essentially, the Democratic nominee becomes the head of the party. In light of that, Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is still moving ahead with fundraising and the nominee’s ceremony, Taylor says. Typically, at this point in campaigning, the respective nominee would be working with the DNC on the message, the theme of the convention, and on speakers. “They’d be starting up their general election campaign,” Taylor says. Instead, “we’re still running a primary while McCain has started his general election run. But there’s not as much excitement on that side. Clinton or Obama are always in the news, good or bad. We’re getting all this free media absent John McCain.”

“Beyond the convention, you set the stage for building democratic parties that have been in hibernation for many years. You’re planting seeds that will bear fruit for many years to come,” Thurmond adds.

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