Party conferences, such as the Democratic National Convention, portrayed in Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72, are important events in the American presidential election process. During these conventions, political parties formally nominate their candidate for president. Delegates from across the country gather to cast their votes based on the outcomes of state primaries and caucuses. The 1972 Democratic National Convention was particularly significant because it resulted in the nomination of George McGovern after a contentious primary season. In addition, the convention highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party, as evident in the intense debates over issues like the Vietnam War and candidate selection, which ultimately weakened McGovern’s campaign for the general election.

Delegates play a crucial role in the American presidential election process by representing voters’ preferences at a party’s national convention. They are selected during primaries and caucuses to support specific candidates based on the results in their state or district. At the convention, delegates formally cast their votes to nominate the party’s candidate for the general election. Some delegates are pledged to a specific candidate, while others, known as superdelegates (in the Democratic Party), have the freedom to vote as they choose.