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Superdelegates may decide nominee

Published: March. 17, 2008 at 12:11 PM
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Former President Bill Clinton speaks at Dillard University in New Orleans during a campaign rally for his wife, Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, (D-NY), February 8, 2008. Louisiana Primary voters will cast their votes on February 9. (UPI Photo/A.J. Sisco) | Enlarge

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WASHINGTON, March 17 (UPI) -- Former President Bill Clinton is urging Democrats to "chill out" and let the voters decide who should be the party's U.S. presidential nominee.

In an interview Monday on ABC, Clinton said he sees Democrats as torn between his wife, Hillary, and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

"They('ve) got two candidates. They basically like them both, and they have different strengths," Clinton said. "And they have to decide which skill set is more important, No. 1, for the country's welfare in the long run, and which one is more likely to be elected."

Given the party's system of awarding primary delegates, Clinton said the odds are against Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama getting to the magic number of 2,025 before this summer's convention.

Instead, Clinton said the superdelegates will probably have to intervene.

"If Senator Obama wins the popular vote then the choice will be easier," Clinton said.