National Nominating Conventions

  • NNCs create party unity by having major party leaders and their supporters at one place
    • Shows that all of party leadership and core supporters are backing the candidate
  • Creates a TV spectacle that kickstarts momentum for the candidate’s campaign against the opposing party
  • Allows for the candidate profile to be vouched for by other notable figures
  • Gives a chance for the candidate to address the whole nation about their campaign platform

Process

  • State delegates cast votes for whoever won the state during the primary process
  • In most recent conventions the party already knows who the nominee will be

Formal roles

  • Nomination of President, VP
  • Mark beginning of presidential campaign

Informal roles

  • Win over swing voters
  • Unite party membership, former rivals line up to endorse and congratulate the winner
  • Gives momentum to candidates via publicity, chance to explain their main policy themes