The Democratic party may be heading for a quagmire - and for once, that word isn’t being used in connection with Iraq.

As we talked about earlier in the week, it’s very possible that Barack Obama could win more pledged delegates than Hillary Clinton, yet lose the nomination based on the votes of superdelegates.

Pledged delegates are won in primaries and cacucuses, while superdelegates are elected officials themselves and other party bigwigs.

The AP, CNN, CBS, other news sources and the candidates themselves differ on exactly how the delegates are currently split. But we know Hillary Clinton has more than Barack Obama. Right now.

We also know that these uber-votes aren’t final, and with some exceptions (Bill Clinton), most minds could change. The Barack Obama camp already claims it has stolen a few superdelegates from Hillary Clinton.

In any case, while superdelegates are in place to help the party steer towards strong, electable candidates, it’s always been a moot point.

Go to the DNC, cast a vote for the candidate that’s been chosen months ago, and enjoy the party. That’s the way it usually goes.

This year, the margin of victory could well be the superdelegates - all of the Democratic governors and members of Congress, members of the DNC, past presidents, vice presidents, Congressional leaders and so on - and if that happens, you can expect mass hysteria - and a bitter floor fight.

In other words, an uncertain outcome, and possibly an unmitigated disaster, but at the same time, great TV. And we thought Season Six of The West Wing was the closest to this scenario we’d ever see.

On The West Wing, Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits) got the Democratic nod after multiple rounds of voting at the national convention. Will life imitate art in the thrilling race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama?

As avid fans of The West Wing, we already consider actor Bradley Whitford and his character, Democratic White House staff member Josh Lyman (and later campaign manager), to be the same person.

Frequent camera shots of Brad at last night’s debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama merely reinforced that perception.

Call us crazy, but this guy looks like Chief of Staff potential for whoever wins the race for the White House. He must have learned something from getting Jed Bartlet and Matt Santos elected, right?