What's the point of the upcoming Party Conventions?

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-07-21 09:30pm

As the thread title asks, what's the point? We already know who the Democratic nominee is, so what's the point of this convention? We already know who the Republican presidential nominee is, so what's the point of that convention? Why are they such a big deal? Why is so much money and pomp and circumstance being lavished upon them? Why do I keep hearing about them on TV, along with endless dissertations upon the rigorous security measures being imposed upon entire cities and even states in order to protect these oh-so-important functions?

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2004-07-21 09:33pm

Once upon a time, the United States was a magical place, where the parties were not so corrupt, the candidates were unsure of until the big day, and peace and happiness reigned over the land.

The Conventions were magical, romantic affairs, conducted with the responsibility and restraint one would expect from the benevolent, kind rulers of this land. They served to unify parties and inform them of news from distant states, before distances shortened, as they are now wont to do.

Now, alas, there is only Tradition, and Tradition is followed more mindlessly than Religion.

Now, I hear you ask, when was this magical time before Partisanship, Corruption, and Vice?

When I find it, I will also have a bridge in NYC to sell you.

Knife · Post by **Knife** » 2004-07-21 09:39pm

Why are they such a big deal? Why is so much money and pomp and circumstance being lavished upon them? Why do I keep hearing about them on TV, along with endless dissertations upon the rigorous security measures being imposed upon entire cities and even states in order to protect these oh-so-important functions?

Same reason the 'Academy Awards' are still a big deal. All the big wigs go and talk big and pat each other on the back.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2004-07-21 09:41pm

Well, technically the conventions are a necessity, since that's where the candidates are officially nominated, but you're correct that all the lavishness isn't exactly necessary.

Personally, I think they're a good thing. They're great for firing up the base and they give the public a chance to see the leaders and key members of the parties come together and articulate their positions on the issues in one place.

BlkbrryTheGreat · Post by **BlkbrryTheGreat** » 2004-07-21 09:46pm

Its an opportunity for the members of each party to get drunk as shit and have a good time while someone else picks up the tab. Do you really think they're going to let something like that disappear just because it technically no longer serves any legitimate function?

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2004-07-21 09:46pm

Joe wrote:They're great for firing up the base and they give the public a chance to see the leaders and key members of the parties come together and articulate their positions on the issues in one place.

Expecting John Kerry and George W. Bush to articulate anything is somewhat like expecting water to flow uphill.

Grand Admiral Thrawn · Post by **Grand Admiral Thrawn** » 2004-07-21 09:57pm

[The Daily Show] The balloon lobby has both parties by the balls. [/The Daily Show]

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2004-07-21 09:58pm

SirNitram wrote:Once upon a time, the United States was a magical place, where the parties were not so corrupt, the candidates were unsure of until the big day, and peace and happiness reigned over the land.

The Conventions were magical, romantic affairs, conducted with the responsibility and restraint one would expect from the benevolent, kind rulers of this land. They served to unify parties and inform them of news from distant states, before distances shortened, as they are now wont to do.

Actually, before when the parties nominating process was more smoke filled backroom and less about the primaries that's why you had the conventions to formally announce it.

RedImperator · Post by **RedImperator** » 2004-07-21 10:20pm

Once upon a time, the nominations were actually done at the conventions. Until the middle of the 20th century, in fact, they were scenes of great drama as sometimes it took days to find a nominee with a majority. Occasionally, they just plain didn't, like in 1948 when the Dixiecrats stormed out of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Now the primaries are where the big drama is. They were put in place so the rank and file party members would decide who the nominee is, rather than a bunch of fatcats in a smoke filled back room. This has had the unfortunate side effect of making the loony wings of both parties disproportionately powerful, but that's another discussion. The conventions today serve as a way for the parties to assemble all the bigwigs in one place in front of the TV cameras and set the course for the party--they also vote on the party platform at the conventions, and those AREN'T always decided in advance.