There have been contests in the modern system where, when voting ended, one Dem candidate had a tenuous or disputed delegate majority (1972, 1984).
But there hasn't been one where nobody ended up even close to a majority.
But there hasn't been one where nobody ended up even close to a majority.
Also, in both of these contests, when the primaries ended, the leading candidate had a very large lead, and no other single candidate was close to them.
McGovern ended up leading Humphrey by 1,000 delegates, Mondale led Hart by 700.
McGovern ended up leading Humphrey by 1,000 delegates, Mondale led Hart by 700.
Some elements of the Dem establishment tried to make problems for McGovern at the convention. There was an attempt to strip him of half his California delegates.
But he ended up prevailing in the end. His lead was just too big. (This is from Day 1 of the 1972 convention)
But he ended up prevailing in the end. His lead was just too big. (This is from Day 1 of the 1972 convention)
Mondale was the establishment favorite. So when he got a majority, party leaders urged the other candidates to quit.
Note they did this when he got a majority, not a plurality.
(That majority was dependent on superdelegates. But also, the second-place candidate was far behind)
Note they did this when he got a majority, not a plurality.
(That majority was dependent on superdelegates. But also, the second-place candidate was far behind)
