I think political conventions, especially the most recent ones, have been sort of useless. Truth be told, I have always had a little bit of a problem with them, stemming from early childhood, when my favorite afternoon children’s TV shows were pre-empted by days of convention coverage. Boring speeches by old people. It all seemed to take forever. I won’t tell you which administration was in power, but I can say that TV was a fairly young technology.
At least in the old days, party conventions were necessary for delegates to agree on a presidential nominee, so there was some suspense involved. They weren’t the long infomercials they have turned into. By necessity this year, conventions will be decidedly unconventional, as we won’t see thousands of sign-carriers crammed into a big hall. Mr. Eastwood really would have to talk to an empty chair. Instead we will have the virtual version.
I do think it’s kind of a relief in a way, though we will all drown in media “hit pieces” that are much more hyperbolic than usual. On the other hand, we need to relieve boredom, as this summer includes life without the Olympics.
The road to November will be definitely less-traveled, but the destination remains the same. At this writing, Joe Biden has not picked his running mate yet. Above all else, she (how many times have we said THAT?) will need to be not just smart and aligned with his views but a spare President, able to take the wheel if something happens to him.
And it’s not just about him and her. With all the talent in his party, Mr. Biden should not be hesitant to drop a few names as to who the members of his cabinet might be – for no other reason than to convey to the opposition that it’s facing not just two people but a team.
In my own opinion, should Mr. Biden win, there may be a need for a whole new cabinet secretary to head an agency called the Department of Undo.
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