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In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]Douglas Carpenter
(20,226 posts)that the "centrist" of that time were proclaiming. Everyone who was politically aware at all at that time knew that the whole establishment party had proclaimed Mondale the nominee before the process even begin. When Hart made a surprise impressive second place showing in Iowa followed by a completely unpredicted win in New Hampshire - the establishment center of the party was completely caught by surprised. That is what made the 1984 nomination process open at all. It is not what the establishment center of that time had in mind. I don't know why it is considered such a bad thing to have an open democratic process in selecting a nominee. I don't know why it is considered such a good thing to consider the issue all settled years in advance. Who knows? - Maybe in 2016 the inevitability of Hillary will be disrupted too.