Countdown to Elections!
We're getting closer and closer to choosing our leader for the next four years - it'd be ideal to know what the f*ck is going on. We tried to filter out all the propaganda and bring you a summary well enough so you can impress your crush, parents and friends when you talk political.
The Big Three
Throughout an election period, there are about three main events that help a party choose their nominee and get the people aware about them. They usually follow their "Road to the White House" path about a year before elections, but of course try to get their names recognized prior to that.
National Conventions
National Conventions
The marble road to the White House would be nothing without a big ass party to celebrate. Primarily the Democratic and Republican parties throw their pep-rallies known as national conventions, the summer before elections. At these conventions, they pretty much know who they want to represent their party - both a president and vice president, and the platform (beliefs) the party stands on. Who doesn't love a good party?
Democratic National Convention
This took place in Philadelphia, PA where they officially announced the candidate that quite a few are not so excited about. Flip me over to find out some quick facts about the DNC!
2016 DNC Cheat Sheet
- Took place July 25-28 in Philadelphia, PA
- Hillary Clinton won the Democratic nomination, becoming the first female major party presidential candidate
- Senator of Virginia Tim Kaine won the VP nomination
- The Bernie or Bust revolution began
- The (at the time) chairwoman Debbie Schultz did not show up after Wikileaks leaked emails from the DNC showing favoritism towards Clinton over Sanders
Republican National Convention
This took place in Cleveland, Ohio where they officially announced the candidate they all seem to love so much! Flip me over to get the scoop on the RNC.
2016 RNC Cheat Sheet
- Took place July 18-21 in Cleveland, Ohio
- Donald Trump entered through blue smoke to the song "We Are the Champions" ... No, we're not kidding
- There was a lot of discussion about security issues of the country
- Attendees chanted USA over and over again to assure their patriotism
- Melania Trump "borrowed" lines from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention speech repeating it word by word.... Again, we're not joking
Primaries and Caucuses
Let's be real, these two events sound pretty damn political, so feel free to use these terms next time you want to talk politics, but remember to get the whole concept down first before things get awkward.
P&C's are like state elections. Primaries are held by most states and usually the party members of a state would vote anonymously to choose their desired candidate. In caucuses, party members meet up in small groups all throughout the states to choose their desired candidate.
Terms you've probably heard of:
- Iowa Caucus - the first caucus of the election term (around Feb 1)
- New Hampshire Primary - the first primary in the election period (usually after the Iowa Caucus)
- Super Tuesday - the first Tuesday in March where the most primaries and caucuses are held
Why are they important?
Each state gets to figure out how many delegates a candidate gets through the results of p&cs The candidates that win the most delegates usually end up being their party's nomination for president, which can either help or cause runners to drop the race if they're not doing well.
Debates
Don't be embarrassed to say that debates are the only political activity you engage in - we all do, and boy isn't it entertaining. Although only between Democrats and Republicans, there are 3 debates, all televised per election season, and the candidates' vice presidents meet once for their own debate. These debates are great opportunities for undecided voters to see candidates be put on the spot and questioned, tested for their knowledge of the country and running it, as well as agility in a fast-paced dog-eat-dog environment.
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