What is a brokered convention?

[HopeforChange]

I have heard we may come down to a brokered convention. Does anyone know what that means or how it works?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. Brokered is when nobody can get a majority, so deals are cut to pick a Nom

We will NOT have a brokered convention... it's all but impossible with two candidates.

It requires a big block for someone else in the mix that prevents anyone from getting 51%

(If, hypothetically, Edwards had 700 delegates, then maybe neither Clinton nor Obama could get 51% without a deal. But nobody other than the top two will have significant numbers of delegates.)

[stevenleser]

4. Correct, I should be careful in my terminology. But...

it is very possible that uncommitted superdelegates WILL choose the nominee. I think that as well could leave a very bad taste in people's mouths.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

10. True, but that would still be a normal convention, probably with a first ballot winner

[tekisui]

5. But it could come down to superdelegates, for sure.

And, it is mathematically possible for Edwards' small handful of delegates to prevent a 51%.

Is it possible for superdelegates to "sit out" the first round of voting, to force Brokering?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

12. It is a long shot, but yes, it's possible Edwards small block could make a difference

It is unlikely that Supers and elected "Uncommitted" delegates would hold back to thwart a first ballot victory, because whatever deals there are would be made before the convention.

Everyone will know exactly where we are before the convention, and will have planned accordingly.

[Araxen]

2. Nothing good is going to come out of a brokered convention

If a lawsuit results from it. The dems will have kissed the whitehouse goodbye, and in this day and age lawsuits are like candy sadly.

[Stand and Fight]

3. Apparently you've very little idea what the hell a brokered convention is...

If you do know what it involves, why in the hell do you think a lawsuit would stem from it?

[hobbit709]

6. What used to be called a smoke-filled backroom deal.

"Brokered" makes it sound more honest.

[H2O Man]

7. The decision would

be made on factors that do not include what the grass roots thinks is important. It's the "behind-closed-doors, good-ole-boy" politics that should be offensive to all of us.

[tekisui]

8. It is when all the delegates, pledged and super, vote on the 1st ballot.

Niether gets a majority.

At that point ALL the delegates are released and allowed to vote for whomever they chose. Deals are made and the delegates chose the Nominee. In theory, it could be anyone, whomever they feel could win.

[tekisui]

9. dupe.

[joshcryer]

11. A nightmare that Dean won't allow to happen.