Conventions without the pretense

Doyle McManus

“Goodbye to traditional political conventions,” said Doyle McManus, “and good riddance.” The pandemic has made it impossible this year for Democrats and Republicans to stage the four nights of hoopla that precedes every presidential election. The conventions can finally be honest about being “slickly produced infomercials,” instead of the authentic gatherings of yore where political bosses and unruly armies of delegates chose presidential nominees. With the candidates and delegates at home, both parties can focus on producing a more watchable TV show. The Democrats, whose convention begins Monday, will seek to reintroduce presidential nominee Joe Biden to the voters with a glossy biopic that delves into his middle-class roots, his family tragedies, his decades in Congress, and his eight years as Barack Obama’s vice president. In his speech, Biden will try to dispel Trump’s claim that the 77-year-old is “mentally shot.” At their virtual convention, starting Aug. 24, Republicans will lay out plans for President Trump’s second term, including rebuilding the pandemic-ravaged economy while focusing on “radical elements” they say will control Biden. The spectacle of past conventions will be gone, “but the vast majority of voters won’t miss a thing.”