[6] A candidate mathematically clinches a nomination by securing a simple majority (i.e., more than 50 percent) of delegates through the primaries and caucuses prior to the convention.
[6] The shift in media usage from "front-runner" to "presumptive nominee" is considered a significant change for a campaign.
[6] In the modern era, it is the norm for the major political parties' nominees to be effectively determined well before the party conventions;[4] in the past, however, some conventions have begun with the outcome in doubt, requiring multiple rounds of balloting to select a nominee.
[7] Losing candidates, after withdrawing from the primary race, often "release" their delegates, who typically declare support for the presumptive nominee.
[8] A presumptive nominee typically will have already selected a vice presidential running mate before the convention—see veepstakes.