Convention History
Thursday
After losing the nomination in the 1968 Democratic National Convention, George McGovern chaired a commission to significantly change the rules governing the selection of delegates. The "unit rule," which allowed for an entire state's delegate to be decided by a majority, was abandoned. This led the way to the modern Democratic National Convention, whereby nominees are selected through a complicated process that -- while it differs in each state -- remains a hallmark of the modern process of choosing the party's presidential nomination. In 1972, McGovern won the party's nomination under the same delegate selection rules he helped craft by leading the party's commission years earlier. Also important that year, Shirley Chisholm became the first African American to make a bid for the presidency with a major political party.
Wednesday
In addition to simplifying the party's name to the Democratic Party, the 1844 Democratic National Convention recommended the establishment of a national party organization. And so, four years later, the Convention formally established the Democratic National Committee (DNC), which is now the longest running political organization in the world. The Convention charged the DNC with the responsibility of promoting "the Democratic cause" between the conventions and preparing for the next Convention. The 1920 Democratic National Convention is notable in that the Democratic Party platform supported the right to vote for women. This stands in contrast to the Republican Convention, where the suffrage plank in the platform was rejected. Only months later, the 19th Amendment would be ratified in all the states, making it the first election that allowed women from all states to vote. Also at this Convention, Laura Clay became the first woman to receive a delegate vote for the nomination, though ultimately Governor James Cox became the nominee.
Tuesday
In 1908, the Chicago Cubs bested the Detroit Tigers in a rematch to take home the World Series championship, the United States flag bearer refused to dip the flag at the Summer Olympics and the Democratic National Convention came to Denver, Colorado. For the West, the event marked the first Convention by a major party in a western state. In addition, it was the first national political Convention to accredit women, with five women credentialed as delegates or alternate delegates. Held at the Denver Arena Auditorium, the delegates met and on the fourth day nominated the "The Great Commoner" William Jennings Bryan. His populist approach matched the town, the city of Denver was transformed and exactly 100 years later, the Convention would return.
Monday
The first Democratic National Convention, in 1832, led to the nomination of Martin Van Buren to be incumbent President Andrew Jackson's running mate when he received the two-thirds vote that had been required. This "two-thirds rule," which often required conventions to cast ballots dozens of times, remained in effect for more than 100 years (minus exceptions in 1835 and 1840). This original three-day event in Baltimore, Maryland began the Democratic Party tradition with a win, as President Jackson easily defeated Henry Clay of Kentucky. No party platform was issued, as that tradition did not start until 1840, when the Convention -- once again, in Baltimore -- nominated Van Buren for the presidency.
The effects of the nation's economic hardship are hitting Maryland hard. We're fighting every day to protect Maryland’s families during these tough economic times. We’re also working every day to make sure that government and its programs work for people.
