About National Conventions, Gustav and Sarah Palin

Once upon a time political conventions were a vital part of the American political process. That was where the two dominant political parties, first the Democrats followed closely by the Republicans, actually named their candidates for President and Vice President, and very often no one actually knew who the final selection would be until the count took place on the floor of the convention. Whether or not that was the best way to select a candidate is now a moot point, for now we have this endless string of state-bystate primaries electing the Presidential candidates. The custom has developed in both parties that the Presidential nominee selects his Vice Presidential running mate. So ... the conventions have been relegated to the job of firing up the troops for the battle ahead. Each party brings in the faithful from all over the country to rev them up. But more than that, the conventions have become a massive media event ... drawing more than 10,000 reporters, and beyond that conventions are huge television events (and now, internet shows) reaching millions of voters. This year the Democrats had a Hollywood-produced event that introduced their candidates with all the drama they could muster - even including Chinese Olympics style fireworks - and I think it fair to say the Democrat faithful WERE fired up. But when the Republicans gathered, hurricane Gustav roared toward New Orleans, and the GOP - rightfully, I think-- scaled back to do only the legally required agenda, and dispensed with the showmanship, I contend the Republicans do not need the showmanship this year. John McCain has Sarah Palin as his running mate, and that is all that is needed to get all America fired up.

This is Gordon Sawyer and may the wind always be at your back.