The Political Chase

Media and Pollsters Will End Clinton’s Candidacy if Superdelegates Will Not

The polling firm Rasmussen has decided it will no longer track the Democratic race, but instead will focus on the general election and Hillary will not be included in its surveys. When the media and the polling firms start abandoning a candidate, it doesn’t matter what kind of argument the candidate makes — their candidacy is doomed.

If the superdelegates won’t end the Democratic race, the external forces will.

Obama has had an increase in the rate of endorsements by superdelegates since Tuesday’s election, but it is by no means a tidal wave. So, what’s behind that? I believe most of the congressional superdelegates are scared to death of the Clintons and the vengeance they will endure from the Clinton political machine if they formally abandon Hillary. And their fear-motivated silence is ultimately damaging the party in many ways — some not quite so obvious.

We know the Clinton’s have damaged the party’s base and there is considerable evidence to suggest it could cost Democrats the White House in the general election. But the White House is not the only potential area of impact. Many congressional candidates, especially those that are not incumbents, are suffering significantly from the protracted race and associated negativity.

The media, and especially the polling firms, have no reason to share superdelegates’ concerns. If Hillary’s campaign doesn’t fit their business models, they’ll pull the plug as evidenced by Rasmussen. External forces ending the race may take longer, but at least there is some type of intervention beginning.

It’s unfortunate that our supposed leaders in Congress will not take a decisive step for the good of their party and more importantly their constituents.

Meanwhile, Rasmussen’s daily tracking poll has Obama leading at 47 percent to John McCain’s 44 percent. It is the fourth straight day that Obama has lead by at least one-point over McCain.