Meaning: The quote by Michael Beschloss, a prominent historian, captures the essence of the political conventions in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. It reflects the uncertainty and suspense that surrounded the selection of a presidential nominee at these conventions, particularly before the 1960s. The political conventions held by the major parties in the United States were pivotal events that culminated in the nomination of a candidate for the presidency. These gatherings were characterized by intense competition, backroom deals, and the influence of party elites, making them unpredictable and significant moments in American politics.

Throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries, political conventions were the primary means through which parties selected their presidential nominees. Delegates from each state would convene to deliberate and ultimately choose the candidate who would represent the party in the upcoming presidential election. The process was often protracted and filled with intrigue as various factions within the party vied for control and sought to advance their preferred candidate.

The quote alludes to the uncertainty that pervaded these conventions. Unlike the modern-day primary system, which provides a clearer indication of the eventual nominee, the outcome of earlier conventions was far less certain. Multiple rounds of voting and negotiations were common, and the nominee was often decided through a combination of delegate votes, party maneuvering, and last-minute alliances. This dynamic created an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation, where the final outcome remained uncertain until the convention reached its conclusion.

The 1960s marked a significant turning point in the nomination process, as the emergence of primaries and caucuses began to play a more prominent role in determining the presidential nominee. This shift gradually diminished the unpredictability of the conventions, as candidates started to secure their party's nomination through the results of these preliminary contests rather than relying solely on delegate support at the convention itself.

The transformation of the nomination process reflects broader changes in the American political landscape, including the increasing emphasis on popular participation and the diminishing influence of party insiders. While the conventions of the past were characterized by closed-door negotiations and elite control, the modern nomination process is more transparent and directly responsive to the preferences of party members and voters.

In essence, Beschloss's quote captures a bygone era in American politics when the outcome of a political convention held a level of suspense and unpredictability that is less common in today's political climate. It speaks to a time when the selection of a presidential nominee was a dramatic and uncertain process, shaped by intricate power dynamics and the maneuvering of competing factions within the party.

Ultimately, the quote serves as a reminder of the historical evolution of the American political system and the changing nature of presidential nominations. It illuminates the significance of the conventions as pivotal moments in the democratic process, where the fate of the nation's highest office hung in the balance, and the drama of uncertainty unfolded until the eventual revelation of the party's nominee.