Political Wire

SubscribeSign in
  • Front Page
  • Trending
  • Polling Dashboard
  • Trial Balloon
  • Books
  • Membership
    • Subscribe
    • Sign In
  • Sign In
  • Contact Us
Theme
Text size

How Donald Trump Broke Political Science

March 10, 2016 · 3:05 pm ET · 13 Comments

This piece is only available to Political Wire members.

In the 1970s, smoke-filled back rooms were replaced by primaries and caucuses as the method for choosing presidential nominees. The Democrats kicked off the process after a chaotic and violent convention in 1968 and the Republicans soon followed.

Join now to continue reading.

Members get exclusive analysis, bonus features and no advertising. Learn more.

If you’re already a member, sign in to your account.

2016 Campaign, Members Donald Trump

← PreviousObama Approval Hits 3-Year HighNext →Predicting March 15 Results
Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

More about Taegan Goddard →

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was
    Eight moments in political history. Put them on a timeline.
    Play →
  • Yea or Nay?
    Five senators. Three bills. Can you guess how they all voted?
    Play →
  • Split Decision
    Nine Justices. One case. How did they rule?
    Play →
  • Pollster
    Do you have your finger on the pulse of America?
    Play →
  • Daily Trivia
    Four questions a day.
    Play →

A new game every day.

Your Account

Members

For the full experience, sign in.

Become a Member

  • Join Political Wire
  • Gift a Membership

Members Only

  • 2026 Election Overview
  • Republicans Aren’t Buying Their Own Spin
  • Jon Ossoff Makes a Promise Clinton and Obama Also Made
  • The GOP’s Closing Argument Is About Democrats
  • Weekly News Quiz

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was →
  • Yea or Nay? →
  • Split Decision →
  • Pollster →
  • Daily Trivia →

Word of the Day Political Dictionary

Separate but Equal

“Separate but equal” was the infamous justification for the decision in Plessy v Ferguson, the case that formally legalized segregation.

Read the definition →

Yesterday’s Word of the Day: Chicago-style politics

Show me a random term

Copyright © 2026 · Goddard Media LLC

Political Wire® is a registered trademark of Goddard Media LLC

Also from Goddard Media: Political Dictionary · Political Job Hunt · Electoral Vote Map

Privacy PolicyCorrections PolicyContact