I have not watched the Republican National Convention. Did I miss anything?
National conventions have undergone substantial evolution over the years. When I first became politically aware, they actually held some significance although most of the real decisions were made in the proverbial “smoke-filled rooms”. They might have been on the radio or televised but the action was always behind the scenes. As primary elections have assumed more significance the national conventions have increasingly appeared anticlimactic, performative, and superficial.
What little I have read in the media about the Republican convention could well have been written a week or a month ago except for brief passages referring to the assassination attempt. Sadly, I’m not sure those reporting and writing for the major media outlets are capable of reporting what happened rather than telling you what to think about what happened.
I can’t remember the last time I watched a convention – It’s likely I never have. I don’t find them very useful.
As I’ve said before I come from a very political family. I watched them faithfully for about 16 years. I gave up as primaries assumed more significance.
I didn’t watch it, but listened to 538’s coverage. It sounds like this was by far the most organized of Trump’s conventions with speakers designed with a purpose to target the median voter on the issues that voters say they care about. There was no accusation that the Dems stole the last election. The speeches appear to have been vetted.
Until last night . . . particularly with Tucker Carlson, not reading off a teleprompter, bringing the red meat, and Trump ad-libbing after his prepared speech was over. I’m guessing the media coverage of Trump’s speech will depend on which part they focus on.
I don’t know who watches the conventions or in what form they watch any of it (video clips). Back in the 80s with 4 TV channels, the networks covered at least some of each night and the parties tried to time events with that in mind.
Rarely watch political speeches. I have been a judge for dozens of speeches, debates with our high school debate team. They are much better. What I did used to do was read them since a number of newspapers used to publish the speeches. There is a site that puts up his campaign events in writing but they haven’t done this one yet. The ones I have read are rambling, unfocused word salad at times. The number he cites are usually kind of bizarre and exaggerations.
Anyway, at least he promised to cure cancer and Alzheimers both. Will have to read whole thing to see if we are all getting ponies too.
Steve
I suspect conventions will never quite die.
They serve another purpose quite distinct from picking Presidential candidates. Its a way to gather face-to-face nationwide office-holders, candidates, campaign staff, key party activists, party influencers ahead of the general campaign.
It’s a hit or miss mood on whether or not I watch a political convention. This year, though, I was curious how the RNC event would be structured under its new management. IMO, the convention was far more interesting than expected. The speeches were staggered in thematic groupings reflecting concerns of the average person – immigration, inflation, street crime, school choice, fentanyl abuse. Many testimonies were given by ordinary people, others by known congress members. Some were riveting, others poignant, most, however, carried messages of wanting policy and directional changes. Conspicuously absent were members of the Bush dynasty or current ranking republicans. Some analysts reported it felt like a “new” more invigorated party was present. A majority said it was the most unified any party had felt in many years – even a lifetime for younger observers. I looked at it as a slice of Americana not in the doldrums, not wanting to beat up on this country 24/7, people flamboyantly dressed up in patriotic colors and happy to be on the cusp of moving hopefully beyond the disappointing Biden years.
So, for me it was a positive, enjoyable convention to watch. I’m now looking forward to seeing what democrats can pull off in August.
Trump seems embarrassingly maudlin.
But we need just the same to tolerate his flaws to gain his leadership.
(Why the heck is Kid Rock mad all the time?)