Dean to superdelegates: Do as I say, not as I do

DENVER -- Late last week Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean demanded that undecided superdelegates make up their minds soon on whether to support Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton for president.

His intended message: voters in late states should have the final say in who will become the Democratic presidential nominee and not a group of party insider.

But in truth Dean's message was "do what I say, not as I do".

That is because, as party chair, Dean is himself a superdelegate. Not only does he have a vote, he has the power to appoint members to a committee that will decide whether Michigan or Florida delegates will be seated at the convention -- a move that would help Clinton.

Many superdelegates have expressed their unwillingness to pick either candidate. They fear that choosing one over the other could alienate supporters. Some have also said that the feel a little uneasy that their vote is on par with thousands of other voters who are represented by a regular delegate.

To them, Dean's statement might not move them to making a decision. But it is not like Dean will be motivated by his own words either.