Media Can't Agree on Superdelegate Count

Tally varies as superdelegates hedge their bets
By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 11, 2008 6:23 PM CDT
Media Can't Agree on Superdelegate Count
Chart shows breakdown of Democratic superdelegates; 1c x 1 1/4 inches; 46.5 mm x 31.8 mm   (AP Photo)

Media can't settle on a superdelegate count these days because many of the mucky-mucks refuse to name a candidate, Politico reports. Current figures all have Clinton leading Obama—and she needs the votes badly—but media estimates vary from 256-225 to 221-209. “This is an art rather than a science," the New York Times’ political editor said.

Some big-name media, including NBC, refer to the campaigns for figures, relying on an honor system. But the AP tabulator won't ring up the candidates. "They’re always going to be a little higher than what our count would be," he said. Two novices have started a site, Democratic Convention Watch, relying on non-campaign sources, including readers' tips, to keep count. One said he emailed the candidates “but I’ve never heard anything back.” (More superdelegates stories.)

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