Trump's Call for Abortion 'Punishment' and a Likely Brokered Convention

Republican presidential candidates US Senator Ted Cruz and Donald J. Trump clap at CNN republican presidential debate at The Venetian, December 15, 2015, Las Vegas, Nevada

Donald Trump's latest comments on abortions (that women who get them deserve "some form of punishment") has many pro-choice advocates up in arms, even though he later recanted his statement.

Letitia "Tish" James, the new New York City Public Advocate and a Hillary Clinton campaign surrogate, said Donald Trump's suggestion is dangerous and regressive. "We refuse to go back into the closet."

Then, to switch gears, you've probably heard these phrases being tossed around in the news: we're heading toward a potential "contested convention" or "brokered convention."

What's the difference? Here's a simple explanation: if no candidate makes it to the convention with the majority of delegates, the July convention will be "contested."

A "brokered" convention is a little bit different. Before our modern primary system, the term used to refer to state party leaders actually brokering deals to gain delegate support. But that doesn't happen any more. What will happen is, if there's still no majority winner after the first round of votes at the convention, delegates will be able to vote again (after being approached by the candidates themselves, party officials, and other delegates).

Philip Bump, Washington Post political reporter, explains what would happen if the Republicans faced a "brokered" party convention and what it would take to get there.

→ More: NYC Public Advocate Tish James is organizing an "Emergency Call to Action" rally in response to Donald Trump's statements about abortion and women. It will take place today (Thursday, March 31st) at 4pm at Columbus Circle. See here for more details.