With the already familiar primary circuit a mainstay in the minds of voters and the still-large field of candidates yet to be winnowed, strategists have been looking to the Super Tuesday votes of more than 20 states to finally crown unofficial nominees.
But that's mathematically impossible, according to number crunchers.
In the Democratic race, with 1,700 delegate votes up for grabs, even if one candidate wins every state, the take won't be near that. The two strong leading candidates will likely split the votes, as Democrats award their delegates proportionally — not winner-take- all. This math leaves Democrats without the 50 percent support required at the convention. To see what happens to Republican numbers, read more.
Republicans have more than 1,000 delegate votes at stake, though to secure an untouchable status, a candidate would have to win most of those states. This is tricky given that candidates' support tends to break along demographic lines, with no one emerging yet as a solid national pick. Republican candidates will have to appeal nationally in order to hope to fare well on Super Tuesday.
The Feb. 5 Super Tuesday contests would have been the earliest date in modern history that a candidate would have emerged as a presumptive nominee. Are you glad the race is still so dynamic? Or are you ready for the general election already?
Temperley London
Alviero Martini
Dress for Less
Yikes! Math (not to mention that picture) scares me!!!
1That baby is terrifying! I'm excited about all of this election math. It means that my vote in Virginia's Feb. 12 primary will actually count.
2I am glad that the race won't be over on Feb. 5th! I think there are many people who are "still undecided", and the longer they have to make this important decision the better.
3OMG, I feel so bad for LMAO about that baby!
4That baby is not cute....but I love that button! I am so psyched about Super Tuesday. I can't wait to vote!
5I agree, it's good to know that my vote counts.
My friend is trying to convince everyone she knows to get out and vote, she's wearing a silver "vote" necklace, adding "please vote in 2008" to her email signatures, and generally reminding friends and family that every one counts.
I think it's great that people have a passion for it (even if we can't figure out the math ourselves!)
6Creepy baby...........staring at me....
7I love how this election is turning out. It's got people out who don't normally vote and it's got more people excited about politics.
8Can't wait to vote in the primary on Super Tuesday.
Remember- check and see if your state has closed primaries and check and see what their registration deadlines are.
I don't get to vote until after Super Tuesday, so I'm glad to know that my vote counts!
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