The US election race is officially entering its next stage with the first of two national conventions getting underway. 1News explains what happens at these important stops on the road to the White House.
Former US President Donald Trump is preparing for one of the biggest events on his country’s election calendar this week, as the Republican National Convention begins in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Their Democrat opponents are poised to hold their own national convention next month.
These events are where each party formally selects their nominee for president. They are usually a rubber-stamping exercise, with the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees determined well in advance.
But with growing questions over President Joe Biden’s ability to carry on in the role in recent weeks and an assassination attempt on Trump two days ago, interest in these conventions is the highest it’s been in some time.
So, what happens at these events? How is each candidate officially nominated? And can there be a last-minute change in who the presidential nominee is?
Some of the biggest questions surrounding the attack such as the identity of the shooter and their motivations remain unclear. (Source: 1News)
Making it official
National Conventions are where candidates officially become their party’s presidential nominee.
Convention delegates cast their votes for their preferred candidate, with each state announcing its delegate votes during a roll call. The delegates are representatives selected through primaries and caucuses earlier in the year.
The candidate with the majority of delegate votes is formally nominated and usually delivers an acceptance speech at the convention.
If no candidate holds a majority of delegates heading into the convention, a nominee is chosen through one or more rounds of voting at the event.
However, both Donald Trump and Joe Biden are going into their respective conventions with a majority of pledged delegates.
Trump is expected to formally accept the Republican nomination on Friday (NZT). It will be the third time he has done so.
Could the Democrats choose someone other than Biden?
They’re calling for the 81-year-old to be replaced with another candidate. (Source: 1News)
While the Republicans have been united in who they want to front their battle to take back the White House, the same can’t be said for the Democrats lately.
Several prominent Democrat voices have come forward since Joe Biden’s disastrous TV debate with Donald Trump to suggest the President step aside. Biden has been very firm in ignoring those suggestions.
Biden won all but one primary and caucus vote this year. (American Samoa decided to cast more ballots for Baltimore resident Jason Palmer.)
The delegates pledged to Biden are not legally bound to vote for him at the Democratic National Convention.
Democrat rules say delegates “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them”.
It would be highly unusual for a majority of delegates to cast their votes for a candidate they’re not pledged to.
What else happens at one of these conventions?
A couple of other important events take place at the national conventions.
The presidential nominee usually selects a vice-presidential running mate, who is also formally nominated and confirmed by delegates.
While everyone knows Biden is sticking with his current VP, Kamala Harris, Trump is yet to publicly reveal his pick.
Convention delegates also approve the party’s platform, which details its stance on certain issues. The Republicans have released their policy platform, while the Democrats have revealed a draft version of their plans.
Finally, the conventions are generally used to build some good old-fashioned hype ahead of the election campaign proper.
Speakers expected at the Republican National Convention this week include senators, TV personalities, and members of the Trump family, such as Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump.
The Republicans have also revealed daily themes for their convention: Make America Wealthy Once Again, Make America Safe Once Again, Make America Strong Once Again, and finally, Make America Great Once Again.
The Democratic National Convention is due to take place in Chicago from August 19-22.
SHARE ME