Brokered Conventions

As we come closer to the end of the primaries people are beginning to hypothesize about a brokered convention. Many of us have heard about them, but what are they and how do they work. On both sides of the isle a candidate needs a simple majority to win the nomination of their party. But when no candidate gets that magic number, what happens? First, the convention (Republican National Convention or Democratic National Convention) holds their vote regardless of the count going into the convention. Since Super-Delegates are not required to vote for anyone in particular they can change their minds right up to the second they vote. This can alter the estimated count and even cause a simple majority to happen. On the Democrat side 15% of the total delegates are Super-Delegates while on the Republican side it’s about 6-7%. But, if after the first vote there is no simple majority, all bound delegates (those who must vote the way they are assigned during a primary) are released from their requirements and may vote whichever way they wish as well. After a period of time a second vote is taken. If a simple majority is found, the nominee is named. If no simple majority exists they have a short break to deliberate on the candidates and then vote again. This can happen an infinite number of times until a majority is found. Some people think brokered conventions are bad for their nominee in the general election, but a quick look at history shows that some of the greatest presidents in history have come from a brokered convention. Presidents Harrison, Harding, Hayes, and Abraham Lincoln to name just a few. So what do you think? Is a brokered convention the best way to go? Is there a better system? Does a brokered convention hurt, help, or have no effect on a presidential nominee?
Massreform is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 and what we do is made possible by the tax-deductible donations of people like you, who value education. Please take the time to share our site and make a donation. Every dollar goes towards educating people about their government.