ABSTRACT
The drama of the convention can be used to argue that the two-thirds rule was unfair, undemocratic, and thwarted the will of the electorate. In the beginning, conventions were viewed as occasions for party leaders and delegates to come together to seek out the best man for the presidency. Perhaps it is inevitable that the party conventions in the United States must be circus grounds with acrobatic performers providing light television entertainment for a casual public. The Republican party never adopted a two-thirds rule, although attempts were made to do so. The same drama can also be summoned up to argue that the two-thirds rule forced deliberation and more careful and thoughtful consideration by the delegates and that, accordingly, on the final count wisdom and clear thinking triumphed, and the better man was nominated.
