Opinion: Superdelegates vs. Academy Voters

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Who are they, and how do you get in? Find out:

	Democratic superdelegates	Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Number	800 or so	6,500-plus
Prominent members	All Democratic senators, governors, and representatives.	Tom Hanks is Vice President
Dates back to…	early 1980s	1927
What’s the point?	To bring party leaders back to the nominating process	‘To advance the arts and sciences of motion pictures,’ according to their website.
Why do they matter?	They’ll pick the Democratic nominee for president if no one has a clear lead among regular delegates.	They choose who wins the Oscars.

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Last time anybody cared	1952, when party bosses gave Adlai Stevenson the edge for the nomination.	Maybe 2005, when they picked the overrated ‘Crash’ for a surprise Best Picture. But it’s arguable whether they’ve ever mattered to anyone outside the industry.
Lobbied by	Obama has John Kerry calling on his behalf; Clinton has her husband, daughter, and even close friends of the superdelegates.	Studios can’t lobby voters directly, and ads are strictly regulated, but lobbying is pervasive.
How to become one	Be a high-ranking elected Democratic officeholder or a longtime party activist.	Be nominated by a member for your contributions to the industry, or through a competitive process, then wait for an invitation.
Which way are they leaning?	Many remain uncommitted, but Clinton has the lead among those who are decided.	Early bets are on ‘No Country for Old Men,’ but ‘Atonement’ won the Golden Globe
How long do they have to choose?	They can wait till August, but some predict they’ll pick before the convention, if need be.	Already voted.