Viewpoint: Political Conventions

In our last issue, Donald L. Fowler and Matthew Spalding debated whether political conventions are still needed. Fowler argued to keep but reform them; Spalding wrote that these archaic events should be abandoned. Here is a sample of your thoughts.

I thought the conventions were OK until I found out the taxpayers are kicking in about $70 million to help the Democrats and Republicans put their shows on. That is like not being invited to the party but still having to pay for it. One more reason not to trust government with your money.

Palmer J. Holden
Ames, Iowa

Conventions serve no useful purpose but as a forum for speeches long enough to have some real content. But held when they are, there is little in the speeches except [verbiage aimed at] sweeping in the maximum number of niche supporters to build the necessary majority. Caucuses have to go, too. I'm aware that the United States is a republic, not a democracy, but the caucus system is not representative of either the average [citizens] or a fair cross section of the population. And to not even count many citizens' votes in the process of selecting the nonrepresentative delegates is a crime!

Thomas Karasek
Longview, Wash.

National political conventions merely prolong the agony of boredom on issues already settled. And I approve of this message.

Chuck Jervis
Bartow, Fla.

In this day and age with instant news media coverage at our state primaries, with national polls coming out daily and our regular doses of political headlines and statistics on the evening TV and in the morning newspaper, the national convention has absolutely lost its purpose. I watched a movie last night rather than listening to one party cruelly bashing the other and sitting through hours of more political rhetoric. I agree with Matthew Spalding; the convention has become a very expensive coronation ceremony that is no longer necessary or affordable.

John Remensnyder
Flat Rock, N.C.

I remember the feelings I had listening to the radio reports from both the Republican and Democrat conventions in 1948 (the year of DeweyTruman). I was working on a barn during those days and lying in front of the radio at night. The reports seemed to pass on the flavor of the action. In those days, the announcers did not have to be talking heads and avoided trying to be the star, in contrast to our wonderful TV talking heads. I have quit watching conventions in recent years. Everything is programmed out so we know the results before the convention. The conventions are monumental wastes of money. Of course, they do provide a few wannabes a chance to be on national TV.

J. R. Brown
Columbia, Mo.

Matthew Spalding has the right analysis on political conventions. The so-called news coverage has completely eclipsed the real news. I am completely frustrated at trying to view the news only to see some politician spouting hot air (causing global warming).

Kenneth P. McCarty
Bellevue, Wash.

National political conventions as they are now scripted and staged serve no meaningful news purpose. Many Americans receive their information about politics and especially election activity from the Internet, television, newsmagazines, and newspapers. Conventions as we see them today are "feel good" gatherings conducted partially at public expense and give the media something to do for two weeks. Convention participants should save their and our money and get on with governance. And reporters should stick to reporting real news instead of analyzing every word spoken by anyone and what participants are thinking, wearing, etc.

Raymond J. Colombo
Abingdon, Md.

Yes, political conventions are old, in need of reform, but don't discard them entirely. At least the conventions bring together the party faithful who really care and could make a decision as to the best candidate if no decision had been made earlier. The lack of extensive balloting, fewer platform "fights," and no backroom "deals" are a reflection of a better-educated populace aided by more extensive media coverage of candidates and issues. That would be an indication we shouldn't desire the "good old days" of political bosses and manipulation of the public opinion.

Philip L. Stone
Perry, Iowa

Political conventions have become a clone of megachurches: fun for those who love being part of a mob scene where no useful purpose is planned or possible.

William Croyle
Santa Barbara, Calif.

We do not need or want the conventions. They, along with TV ads, routinely spin ambiguous statements attacking the opponent's character, as they spend obscene quantities of money from PACs and lobbyists seeking favors.

Glenn Waldschmidt
Pittsburgh