Posted by: McQ on Monday, August 25, 2008 People on a whole, are just beginning to pay more attention to the November election. This week - with the Democratic convention - signals the "official" start of the election drama (even though it's really been underway for almost 2 years). Voters will take a look at both candidates and depending on their perceptions, juxtaposed with what they perceive as their priorities, pull the lever for one of them. I have to wonder what those not yet caught up in the hype of the election or the super-hype associated with Obama are going to see when they view the Dem convention. I wonder if they'll be blinded by the glitter (and glittering generalities) or will be able to see through all of that? Conventions are shows and America does love its spectacles. I just wonder, given the serious cult of celebrity we seem to have in this country, whether the voting public will see through the stagecraft and propaganda of each convention's presentation and be able to drill into the specifics that apply to their list of priorities and how they address them. Of course conventions really aren't about that if you think about it. They are designed, anymore, to anoint the chosen one - and that's true of both party conventions, not just the Dems. They are used to build party unity, present a positive image, and rally the base while, the parties hope, presenting a spectacle which appeals to voters. In fact, unlike days of old, there are no real decisions being made there. Those were made within the primary system prior to the convention. Even the choice of a running mate is something done prior to the actual convention. So the conventions are reduced to spectacle. An important spectacle because of how their purpose has evolved from deciding on the party's candidates to more of a cheerleading momentum building event, but a spectacle nonetheless. Since they're no longer where candidates are chosen, they're graded more on the "effect" they have on the electorate. That effect, if positive or negative, can certainly color the voter's choice. So for that reason, they aren't without risk. Think back at some notable conventions and the tone they set - the Dem convention of '68 for instance. So these shows we'll see in the next couple of weeks should be understood for what they are. Get out the popcorn and enjoy. But understand that everything that is said and done is going to be carefully scripted and stagemanaged to convince you that a vote for their guy is a good thing while the other guy is dangerous. Each will attempt to define what is "good for America" and what is "bad for America". And each will also claim to understand and speak for the American people. Neither, of course, does. And that is probably the most important point to remember while you enjoy these quintessential American spectacles. |
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