Here's why it's unlikely this will be resolved before the convention...

[calteacherguy]

A majority of delegates are needed to win, and I think it's unlikely any of the "top three" will get a clear majority of delegates before the convention. Which means there is going to be some horse-trading going on, and which also means, in my view, Clinton's going to be at a disadvantage when the horse-trading starts.

Let me be blunt: It's gonna be two against one; change vs. the status quo.

Change will win this summer.

[skipos]

1. I agree that, if anything, it is two against one.

Fortunately, I support either of the two, but not the one.

[loveangelc]

2. Are candidates allowed to give someone else their delegates at a convention?

because I definitely see this happening with edwards --> obama.

[calteacherguy]

They are, although I believe the delgates can technically vote for whom they wish

delegates that go to the convention are strong, loyal supporters of the candidate the represent, and therefore extremely likely to follow their candidate's recommendation.

[chimpymustgo]

3. I think that's a STRONG reason for Edwards to stay in the race.

Change for the better. Change FOR the people.

[no name no slogan]

4. It'll be resolved by Feb 6

The party bigwigs deliberately set the process up so that we WOULD NOT have a brokered convention. This has been the case since the 1970s, after the ugly battles that took place in the 60s and 70s.

The last time we were even close to a brokered convention was in 1972, and still McGovern had a slim majority after he beat Humphrey in the relatively late California and New York primaries.

This race will be decided after Super Tuesday-- which is exactly how the DNC designed it.

[calteacherguy]

6. What if Hillary and Obama roughly split the Feb. 5 delegates?

[no name no slogan]

11. They won't

And even if they do, there are still a number of primaries after Feb 5. Also, the super delegates are still in play, and may be deciding factor.

It's highly unlikely there will be more than one major candidate left in the race after Feb. 5. The party has spent too much time and money trying to avoid the brokered conventions of the past. Every convention since 1984 has been little more than a coronation of a candidate, cleaned and sanitized for maximum prime time ratings.

The convention has turned into a pageant. There is little real "work" that goes on there, unless you count the staging and lighting.

This year will be no different.

[calteacherguy]

I think you may be surprised. nt

[no name no slogan]

14. I doubt it

The process is so hermetically sealed and so failsafed and foolproofed there's NO WAY there will be a brokered convention.

I've been watching and/or participating in political conventions since 1984. This year is not much different from any other.

The party elites will NEVER let a brokered convention happen. Take that as you may.

[Mike03]

5. Interesting. Thanks for this, and I hope you are right. NT

[William769]

7. Of course it's going to be two against one as it has been.

The bullies against the girl.

[calteacherguy]

8. That's what needs to be avoided during the debates.

Even the perception of that needs to be avoided. Once they are at the convention, it won't matter.

[William769]

9. I agree, but those two seem not to get it.

[calteacherguy]

10. I think they're smarter than you think. nt

[Mike03]

12. You think they are cognizant of this as a strategy?

I just want to understand your argument.

They must be cautious, if this is the case, don't you think?

[calteacherguy]

13. Yes and yes. nt

[wyldwolf]

15. the deal gets sealed by someone Feb. 5th