Who Wins the Popular Vote?

Matt Lewis | March 20, 2008 8:32 AM

When the unpledged superdelegates finally decide for whom to vote, they will likely consider the following criteria: delegate count, popular votes, number of states won, quality of states won, electability (including who matches-up best against McCain), etc., and momentum (who finishes strongest).

Some of these are objective metrics -- but some are less easy to quantify.

It is interesting to note, however, that even the so-called "measurable" statistics are in dispute. For example, assuming neither Michigan or Florida are allowed to "re-vote," it is clear that those delegates will not be seated. But what about the votes? Should they count toward the popular vote???

Technically speaking, the DNC punished states by not seating their delegates. Completely ignoring the votes is one more step toward disenfranchisement.

"But Obama wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan!," you might say.

True enough. But he pulled his name off the ballot there, himself. The DNC didn't do that -- he did. Hillary obeyed the rules and did not campaign in Michigan -- but she did keep her name on the ballot -- something Obama chose not to do.

Assuming Hillary wins Pennsylvania, she can make a good argument that she won the popular vote, won the important swing-states, and has the most momentum. Again, her path to the nomination isn't an easy or obvious one, but it's still viable.