Abstract
Some contend the relevance of presidential nominating conventions has faded in recent decades as fewer voters watch and reach voting decisions during the conventions. We evaluate these trends empirically and consider the historical evolution of conventions to argue that, while they do not garner the attention they once did, conventions can still have a consequential effect on the outcomes of presidential elections, especially in competitive cycles.
About the authors
Costas Panagopoulos is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Electoral Politics and Democracy and the graduate program in Elections and Campaign Management at Fordham University.
Kyle Endres is research fellow at the Center for Electoral Politics and Democracy at Fordham University and Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Government at The University of Texas at Austin.
©2015 by De Gruyter
