This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Democratic Rep. Patrice Arent wrote a thoughtful piece on her role and choices as a Utah superdelegate. I aim to write an equally thoughtful rebuttal. (First and foremost, I declare myself a Bernie Sanders supporter, since these type of disclaimers seem as necessary in this primary race as the "D" and "R" identifiers behind candidates' names.)
Essentially the superdelegate's role, as I understood from that op-ed, is that of local strategist, with some national implications tied to their decisions; an elected official who, based on his or her best judgment, picks candidates who stand the best chance of winning a national election. As logical as that may sound, I believe the choice made by half of Utah's superdelegates to support Hillary Clinton is not a logical one. At all.
Arent suggested that both candidates have energized Utah voters from every walk of life, but the caucus results speak loud and clear: The only candidate who truly energized Utah's Democratic caucus participants was Bernie Sanders. With over 77 percent of the vote (over 80 percent in a few counties), Sanders dominated in ways that made Clinton's campaign pine for their 2008 results, where they at least had 39 percent of the vote.
Now, based on the current numbers, one can understand what Arent is aiming for nationally. But as an advocate for the local party and its interests, her choice is at best shortsighted.
The aim of the party strategist should be two-fold: win national elections and build a strong local Democratic Party base, one that can affect local elections and policies. To this end, Arent seems to have given up on Utah Democrats being anything more than punching bags for the strong Republican majority we currently have.
Young voters — the party's future — spoke in plain terms about the type of people they wish to represent them. And independent voters — almost always disaffected and disgusted with Utah's political lopsidedness — came out to make a stand, one that local Democratic officials should be taking advantage of. Peter Corroon's message to those voters (via email) seems to validate this, even as it confirms half the superdelegates are going to vote for a candidate most young and independent voters find lacking.
It's not fair to say superdelegates shouldn't have an opinion about whom they wish to be the party's nominee. But Utah's status as a "red" state almost completely nullifies a superdelegate's position, so one has to wonder whom Arent and the others are working for here. Either Democratic candidate is poised to win the general election, so why not boost the local party by showing you hear the voices that came out? All the superdelegates did was confirm what most have come to believe; that the system is rigged, and the leaders of the party do not hear them or value the direction they wish to go.
Arent advises that, if we don't like this process, we should get more involved. Well, we did get involved — big time. Now we want to see that our party leaders heard our voices, and that's what will prompt us to get more involved, nationally and locally.
To compound the point on strategy, here's how the general election will play out in Utah, based on the caucuses: If Trump and Sanders win their respective parties' nominations, Sanders wins Utah. If it's Cruz and Sanders, who knows? Probably Cruz. If it's Trump vs. Clinton, it could go either way. Cruz vs. Clinton? Cruz will win. Easily. Either way, Sanders has the best chance to win our state for the Democratic Party.
If Sanders gets the nod, Utah superdelegates look smart supporting him, all while building the support and party base they need to start making a difference in local contests. And if Clinton gets the nomination? No political capital was spent on a candidate who has almost zero chance of winning here. No matter how you slice it, the Democratic Party could capitalize on renewed interest in the political process that was plainly evident on caucus day, courtesy of Sanders.
I respect that Arent and Utah's Democratic Party elite support Hillary Clinton, but their public advocacy of her is shortsighted. I can only speculate as to why, but it's hard to argue that it's for the best interests of the Utah Democratic Party, or for Utah.
Shawn McWhorter is an aspiring writer and full-time case manager for people with disabilities. He resides with his long-suffering girlfriend and daughter in Clearfield.