Flossi & Buck in the Spotlight

The longest political convention in U.S. history was the 1924 Democratic National Convention, which is often referred to as the "Klanbake" due to the influence of the Ku Klux Klan on the proceedings.

The convention lasted for an unprecedented 16 days, from June 24 to July 9, 1924.

It was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The convention required a record 103 ballots to finally select a presidential nominee, making it the longest and one of the most contentious conventions in U.S. history.

The 1924 Democratic Convention was marked by deep divisions within the party, particularly between the urban, progressive wing (which supported candidates like Al Smith) and the rural, conservative wing (which supported William Gibbs McAdoo). Issues like Prohibition, immigration, and the influence of the Ku Klux Klan further exacerbated the divide.

The Ku Klux Klan, which was at the height of its power during this period, played a significant role in the convention. Its influence, particularly in the debates over whether to condemn the organization by name in the party platform, was a major factor ins length and contentiousness.

After 103 ballots, the convention finally nominated John W. Davis, a compromise candidate who was a former Congressman and U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Davis was seen as a conservative choice who could unite the party but ultimately lost the general election to Republican incumbent Calvin Coolidge.