Part of a series of primary elections designed to produce a major-party (Democrat and Republican) nominee for US president. A certain number of delegates are alloted based on how many votes a candidate receives - the formula varies from state&to state, often devised in "smoke-filled rooms" that primaries were designed to replace. Some states hold conventions or caucuses to allot their delegates - a practice that is even closer to the smoke-filled room; maybe it's a smoke and mirrors room.