National Political Conventions

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National Political Conventions

Introduction

Party convention is a prominent political tradition in the United States. Both Democratic and Republican parties use it as a method of nominating their presidential candidate during an election year (Bardes 256). Many critics of the practice repeatedly question its relevance in the present era, and many people continue share their opinion in support or against the practice. Kiki McLean’s article titled “A tradition with a purpose and promise” and Mark McKinnon’s “Four day of Speeches? No, Thanks” are some editorials that present the most critical views on American political conventions.

McKinnon is of the opinion that political conventions are not necessary in modern times. He says that it is a waste of time, and financial resources to hold such events when the nominees are already preselected (McKinnon). McLean, on the other hand, supports the tradition, saying that the costs incurred during conventions are far much less compared to the benefits the people would gain in the democratic process (McLean).

Both articles present valid and beneficial opinions concerning conventions. “A tradition with purpose and promise” especially, made an effective impact in my opinion of political conventions. In my opinion, for purposes of promoting democracy in United States, political conventions are necessary to ensure social inclusion of all kinds of people.

Comparing the articles

Previously, before reading the articles of McLean and McKinnon on political conventions, I had little regard for conventions. I believed the events were boring to watch and pointless. As a result, I had no constructive opinion in conventions. After reading the article and reminiscing on the ideas shared by the writers, I have come to understand that conventions are important for citizens to, whole heartedly, participate in their preferred political orientation and exercise their authority in a democratic manner.

Both articles present relevant opinions in their own way. According to Kiki McLean, American political convention still bears an important meaning in democracy. Despite the fact that it is a tradition that started in the 1800s, still serves a critical function in the live of the present day Americans. Americans should give less thought on the age of the tradition, but pay more attention to the purpose it serves to every American citizen.

The cost of carrying out the conventions may seem to be expensive, but the democratic benefits accruing from such events cannot be overemphasized. The speeches at the conventions always serve as a harmonizing factor among the people. Times have changed, and so has the convention tradition evolved, over time, to incorporate current issues (McLean). Like McLean, I believe in the changes the democratic convention made during Obama’s election in 2008. The party took the initiative ensure that as many people as possible participate in the process by holding conventions in streets to increase public participation. Most people usually have negative opinions about conventions because they do not feel as part of them. If you personally go to people, one would be surprised by the numbers of people willing to be involved. My mother, aged 68, for instance, got a request to give assistance in this year’s elections. She said that she probably would never have participated had she not been asked to assist. It is the simple things of reaching out to people that make them get involved.

I also agree with the argument of Mark McKinnon that most of the conventions have been autonomous and boring. Being confined in a hall for some days, hearing speeches and not looking forward to any surprising nomination results may not appeal to some people (McKinnon). I couldn’t agree with him more that everything points at the urgent need to change approach used to conduct the conventions. The only changes some people have seen are in insignificant matters such as design of podiums, music or entertainment.

Effectiveness of the articles

The article that effectively helped me develop an opinion on political conventions is McLean’s “A tradition with purpose and promise”. Participation in American conventions is largely by the old, rich and social elites. Many times young people, the poor and less educated do not get a chance to participate. Parties must expand their scope and reach out to more Americans by using appropriate venues and talking about important social issues. Conventions are not only about speakers, a party or a candidate trying to woo people for their votes. The article highlights how political conventions, in an attempt to incorporate modern changes, have involved people from all classes, income and education status (McLean). It is not only about days spent in convention halls, speeches to influence votes or new displays. The conventions severe a greater purpose and promise to the public.

I noted some shortcomings of McKinnon’s article “Four days of speeches? No, Thanks”. The article seems to be mostly focusing on the traditional culture of convention. He has not put into consideration the changes and efforts parties are making to change the way they conduct conventions.

Conclusion

Political conventions have always been there. Whether they are relevant or not in modern times, is subject to a person’s opinion. From the foregoing, I believe, and I am of the opinion that conventions are necessary. If there is a problem in the approach used to conduct the convention, then more creative and innovative ways to increase public participation need to be applied. Conventions may be an old American political tradition, but that does not make it obsolete or unimportant in modern times.

Work cited

Bardes, Barbara A “American government and politics today: The essentials, 2011-2012” Boston, MA : Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

McKinnon, Mark. “Four day of Speeches? No, Thanks” New York Times 26 August 2012. Web. 16 November 2012 <http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/08/26/do-party-conventions-matter-anymore/get-rid-of-the-party-conventions>

McLean, Kiki. “A Tradition with Purpose and Promise.” New York Times. 26 August 2012. Web 16 November 2012 < http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/08/26/do-party-conventions-matter-anymore/political-conventions-are-a-tradition-with-purpose-and-promise>