A Final Word on the RNC, DNC Conventions

Now that you have been Romneyized and Obamassaged we are ready to begin the Presidential campaign in earnest. Some thoughts on the Conventions: 

REPUBLICANS 

The Republican convention was very businesslike. Well organized, some but not a lot of emotion. Sort of like a stockholder's meeting with a few excitable share holders.  

Ann Romney was exquisite in portraying her husband as a human being, Paul Ryan did a great job selling the ticket with as few details as possible. 

Governor Romney  came across as the dedicated chairman looking to become CEO. The rest of the speakers showcased what the Republican Party may become in the future, but not what it is today. 

There were some heart tugging moments but nothing I saw was truly soul moving. Romney is a good and compassionate man but he is a business man. He will bring a business approach to the White House. In business there are winners and losers and if you happen to be on the wrong side of that equation that's business. 

The production was a bit sloppy, the staging was old school and parts of the broadcast looked like they were shot with a cell phone camera. Crowd shots  often revealed delegates that were mildly focused to disinterested. 

DEMOCRATS

The Democratic Convention was typical in most regards but in many cases deeply engaging. Speakers had a story to tell. The speeches were short and powerful. The examples were vivid and people could relate to them. They spoke to the delegates and the viewers as human beings not stock holders. 

Michelle Obama showcased her husband as a compassionate caring husband and father who struggles every day to divide the totality of his love between his family and his country. 

The keynote speaker,Mayor of San Antonio Julian Castro, showed the Democratic Party has a deep bench of highly competent, diverse  next generation talent. 

President Clinton was simply magnificent. Articulate, clear, specific he made the case for the situation President Obama inherited and set the stage for what must happen in the future. 

If you got through Vice President Biden's speech without a lump in throat or a tear in your eye, you must be among the more cynical among us. I don't think I have ever seen Joe Biden more focused. 

President Obama, as we have come to expect, capped off the convention with an electrifying speech charged with emotion. The message was we must move forward, missing were the details.   

The production of this convention seemed crisper, higher quality. Timing was good and the crowd shots often showed people deeply and emotionally engaged their political process. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Conventions were true microcosms of the campaigns. Totally different, almost diametrically opposed.  If you find yourself reading this feeling totally confused, it probably indicates three things. 

First, you are not at, or even near, the either end of conservative or liberal political spectrum. Second you're not alone. A lot of us are still not sure which way to go. And third you are in the group that will actually decides who wins this election. 

Up next the debates. Watch closely. 

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