Do Political Party Conventions Serve a Purpose Anymore?

What's the purpose of a party convention? Does anybody watch them, and are any decisions of substance made at them? Why did the Democrats avoid an 'open convention' this year, and what might have happened had they not? Jeff is joined by Professor Eric Sands to discuss the history, role, and evolution of party conventions in America, from attempts to democratize the electoral process to supposed impediments to it - all the way to today's low-ratings PR event. #elections #conventions #politicalparties #democrats #republicans #gop #2024elections Host: Jeff Sikkenga Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea