However, for the purpose of this thesis the presidential campaign of 1936 began with the June nominating conventions. At those times the candidates were selected. (Although there was never any doubt as to whom the Democrats would choose.) After the conventions the public had its first opportunity to weigh one nominee against the other. The conventions were the first big political shows. They also offered the country the official platforms upon the principles of which the candidates were supposed to stand. In short, with the conventions the big fight was on.