Brokered convention

A brokered convention is a gathering to nominate a candidate for a political party, usually for president, whereby the candidate is selected by delegates during a convention rather than being predetermined months beforehand. The word "brokered" suggests some discussions or compromise by delegates as part of the selection process, as in putting two of the candidates on the same ticket as nominees for president and vice president.

Technically the term "brokered" refers to a commitment by a majority of delegates, shortly before the convention begins, to vote for a particular candidate, in order to avoid an ugly floor fight during the convention.