Convention(al) Wisdom - 1

Yesterday marked the “official” start of the political season as the Republican National Convention was gaveled to order in Tampa, FL.  Due to “the storm called Isaac”, it was however quickly closed for the day…shortening the festivities and activities of the RNC and delegates by one day.  Next week the Democrats will have their “party party” as they re-affirm President Obama as their nominee for the office of President of the United States.

I intend to watch many of the speeches tonight or later on C-Span or PBS.  Likely, I will also do the same during the Democratic Convention and hope you will get involved in the process.

The primary purpose of these gatherings is to officially nominate their respective candidates.   As is found on the RNC Convention page:

Our republic only holds one national election in which we all share the responsibility of participating. Part of that shared responsibility involves educating ourselves about the positions of the presidential candidates and the parties they represent.While the pre-convention primary campaign educates us to a certain extent, the party conventions “kick off” the head-to-head campaign that will decide the future of our nation.To quote journalist Jim Lehrer, “The political conventions are among the few ‘shared’ national political events left.”

These conventions give us a chance to hear more about the nominee, their family and personal life and accomplishments and hopefully, their ideas for America’s future.  To my way of thinking it is “sales pitch extraordinaire” and, next to debates, the best way to make an informed choice for president! These can also be quite informative and fun.  OK, maybe not fun but do add an immeasurable insight into the party’s choice to head the greatest country in the world.

 In addition the convention has a few jobs to do…

(Again from the RNConvention page)
According to “Presidential Elections in the United States: A Primer,” prepared in April 2000 by the Library of Congress Congressional Research Service, “National conventions combine three important functions: nomination of candidates for the office of President and Vice President; formulation and adoption of a statement of party principles—the platform; and adoption of rules and procedures governing party activities, particularly the nomination process for presidential candidates in the next election cycle.”

The RNC Convention site has a lot of great general information about their conventions and conventions in general! Go take a look and learn a little more about our national traditions when selecting a president.  As I stated earlier, the Democrats hold their convention next week Sept. 4-6 in Charlotte, NC  The DNC Convention site also has a great slide show history of all previous conventions for all you history buffs.

It is my hope that you will take the time to watch BOTH Conventions and listen to their speakers.  

One of the more important documents that come out of each convention is their party platform which is essentially their view on the many issues that concern all Americans. Take the time to review each and compare.  I like to mark up my copy with red (dislike) and green (like) ink and then count them up and see where I disagree and agree.  In a later post I will provide links to both party platforms with a comparison on some of the issues. SO, go ahead, get past your preconceived notions and explore both sides of the aisle.  Learn more about our national political process so you can show off to your friends, family and co-workers. I promise I won’t tell : )

QUESTION: Do you plan to watch either (or both) conventions? Why or why not?
I’d also love to hear about the experience(s) of anyone who has actually attended a national convention.

Links

Main RNC Convention Site

RNC Convention Order of Business

RNC Convention Schedules