We’ve partnered with Politico for an eight-part series titled “Conventional Wisdom,” telling the stories behind some of the most memorable political conventions in U.S. history — and how they have impacted today’s political climate.
How It Started (1831): Conventional Wisdom
In 1831, a radical third party had a new idea for selecting a presidential candidate, and it’s still in use today: the national nominating convention.
The Split (1860): Conventional Wisdom
Some issues are too fundamental for a party to withstand, and the consequences can last for a generation.
The Modern Primary (1912): Conventional Wisdom
In 2016, some Bernie Sanders supporters have said the delegate process isn’t fair. In 1912, a battle over the primary process transformed American politics.
A Broken Party (1924): Conventional Wisdom
Immigration has been a defining issue in a campaign before, and the consequences transformed the Democratic Party.
The Outsider Republican (1964): Conventional Wisdom
Donald Trump’s candidacy isn’t the first time the Republican Party has been split by an outsider declaring war on the establishment elite.
The Mess In Chicago (1968): Conventional Wisdom
There are important lessons to be learned from the Democrats’ 1968 Chicago convention.
The Power of the Delegate (1976): Conventional Wisdom
In 1976, Ronald Reagan found owning the soul of a party isn’t the same as taking home its nomination.
The Speech (2004): Conventional Wisdom
Sometimes the most important speech at the convention isn’t delivered by the nominee.