Obama, with help from the members of the DNC, can wrap this thing up on April 23rd.
If it looks like this is going to be a long, divisive process, and I can certainly see it going in that direction, party leaders will have to consider all of their options. Here's one suggestion:
Use the super-delegates.
These super-delegates were created to make sure future nominating contests didn't disintegrate into party-busting brawls. If ever there was a time to bring in this stabilizing force and unify the party, this would be that time!
Follow me with your calculators below the fold!
CNN's estimates have Obama with 1,608 pledged and super-delegates
Obama has just won between 17-19 or Mississippi's 33 pledged delegates. This puts him at at least 1,625 pledged delegates
There are 350 or so super-delegates that have not declared for either Clinton or Obama.
If the remaining undecided super-delegates, and the Party, really want to end this thing decisively, and move on to the General Election, all Obama needs to do is win at least 50 pledged delegates in Pennsylvania.
A 68%-32% loss to Clinton in Pennsylvania would get him about 50 delegates, and bring his delegate total up to around 1,675.
If he manages to do that well in Pennsylvania (something I think we can all agree is within the realm of possibility) The remaining undecided super-delegates can call this thing:
1,675+350=2,025.
I don't think this will happen. I think this is going to drag on through Puerto Rico and perhaps beyond. We are, after all, Democrats; not members of an organized party.
ALTHOUGH - this may be what Dean was referring to when he said he'd like to see this wrapped up by April...
Just a thought.
Thoughts?