Topic: Brokered Convention

Former DNC Chair Donna Brazile had a volatile reaction on Fox News when asked about Ronna McDaniel's comments regarding a potentially rigged brokered convention. Brazile told Republicans to "stay the hell out of our race" and accused McDaniel of using "Russian talking points." The hosts critique Brazile's history, including her 2016 resignation over leaking debate questions to the Clinton campaign.

The New York Times reported that a vast majority of interviewed superdelegates are prepared to block Bernie Sanders at the convention if he fails to secure a majority. Current DNC rules, influenced by Sanders after the 2016 election, moved superdelegates to the second round of voting. This setup increases the likelihood of a brokered convention, a scenario not seen since the 1952 nomination of Adlai Stevenson.

Media outlets are discussing the possibility of a brokered Democratic convention if Bernie Sanders fails to secure a majority of delegates. Under new rules, superdelegates—referred to by some as "party elders"—cannot vote on the first ballot but would become decisive in subsequent rounds of voting.

Nate Silver suggests Michael Bloomberg's campaign strategy is focused on facilitating a brokered convention rather than winning early states. On Fox News, a guest compared Hillary Clinton to "herpes" because she won't go away, prompting an immediate apology from the network. The hosts interpret this defensive reaction as a sign that Clinton may be planning a late entry into the race.

Civil rights attorney Robert Patillo outlines a scenario where Hillary Clinton enters the 2020 race if the early primaries result in a four-way split between Buttigieg, Sanders, Biden, and Warren. The theory suggests that a splintered party would require a "uniting figure" with high name recognition and an established fundraising apparatus. The hosts discuss the possibility of a brokered convention leading to a Clinton nomination.

Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton appeared on the BBC to promote their book "Gutsy Women," where Hillary refused to definitively rule out a 2020 presidential run. Analysis of her verb tense usage suggests she is still considering a candidacy, despite missing several filing deadlines. The discussion explores the possibility of a brokered Democratic convention where Clinton could be introduced as a consensus candidate.

Ted Cruz appears with Sean Hannity at CPAC to discuss the possibility of a brokered convention. Cruz warns that if the "Washington establishment" attempts to drop in a chosen candidate against the will of the voters, it will result in a "manifest revolt."

The hosts provide a detailed explanation of how a brokered or contested convention works. They describe how delegates are pledged to candidates and how, if no candidate secures a majority on the first ballot, the convention becomes "wide open." This process allows for backroom deals and the potential for the party establishment to install a nominee other than the popular vote leader.

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to discuss his strategy for a brokered convention. Paul explained that if no candidate reaches 1,144 delegates on the first ballot, delegates become "uncommitted" and can vote their conscience. Paul also defended his decision to refuse Secret Service protection, calling it a form of "welfare" that costs taxpayers $50,000 per day.

Political analysts suggest the 2012 GOP primary could result in a brokered convention, potentially opening the door for Jeb Bush. The hosts argue the media benefits financially from a prolonged election cycle and encourages the drama.