This opinion piece calls for a return to conventions complaining that the 2024 primaries are virtually set almost a year before the General Election. Read more>>>
More background: Today’s primary system arose from dissatisfaction with the convention of 1968. In 1968 the incumbent President Johnson ( eventually) withdrew from the race and candidate Robert Kennedy was assassinated. In April, well after most primaries were over, Mr. Humphrey entered the race. He was chosen over two anti-war candidates, Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern.
The 1972 Democratic primaries were the first “modern” election. The major change — electing delegates that represented the voters in each state resembled — is in place today. The 1980 Democratic primaries — Jimmy Carter v. Edward Kennedy — was the last time the candidate was undecided going into the convention.