Political conventions a carnival of democracy

By Teddy Woodward

It was a hot July afternoon at the Convention Hall that fateful day in 1948. It was inside the Democratic National Convention when Minneapolis’s own mayor Hubert H. Humphrey addressed his party and demanded that Democrats “get out of the shadow of states’ rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.” Turmoil ensued and Humphrey’s unprecedented proposal resulted in southern delegates walking out of the convention.

Alas, conventions these days just aren’t like they used to be. They lack the drama and suspense of years past when political conventions were unscripted, and believe it or not, actually productive. Historically, the Democratic and Republican conventions were used to decide on a presidential candidate and draft the official party platform. These conventions were the inspiration for the oft-referred to imagery of “smoke-filled rooms.” Every four years, party insiders came together and argued amongst themselves behind closed doors.

These days, the national conventions are more like theatrical productions or political pageants. All the important decisions are made beforehand. In essence, these conventions provide each party with a week in the spotlight and give the American public a chance to see the candidates speak at length instead of seeing condensed clips on the evening news. They are also a chance for critics to protest, supporters to show their excitement and party activists and journalists from across the country to come together to party, talk and kick off the fall election. With the Republican National Convention opening in St. Paul today, everyone from art museums to restaurants is getting in on the action.

Meanwhile, political activists have descended by the thousands. “It’s like an all-class reunion,” said Tom Webb, a reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press who was formerly the newspaper’s Washington correspondent. If you’re in politics, “Everyone you’ve ever worked with is at this.”

According to Webb, the political parties use the national conventions as an opportunity to put forth the best image they possibly can for their party. Last week, the Democrats were in Denver. We heard the Clintons make a whole-hearted attempt to bring their supporters to Obama, allaying some doubt that Hilary wasn’t completely behind him. Many of us heard Michelle Obama speak for the first time in length, and vice presidential candidate Joe Biden as well. The Democratic Convention may not have fostered discussion on the party platform, but it answered some questions and gave people a chance to see what Obama is all about.

The Republicans will attempt a similar feat this week in St. Paul. They will have to respond to Obama’s allegations that McCain is “90 percent Bush,” as well as put his vice presidential pick, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, on display and give her a chance to tell America what she believes in.

The Democratic and Republican national conventions may not rival prime time TV in shocking twists, but it wouldn’t hurt to switch off your favorite show and focus on politics for a couple of days every time we have one of these pesky elections.