Conventional

Be careful Denver. Over the past three days there have been a good 40,000 reported cases of Obamania. Symptoms include an unnecessary repetition of the phrase, "change we can believe in," wearing of funny hats, and exuberant, unrhythmic dancing to overplayed anthems from the 90s. Next week, St. Paul, Minnesota is expected to have a massive outbreak of McCainingitis.

Party conventions are always interesting as a spectacle, but a little anti-climactic when it comes to drama (well, almost). Technically, all of the delegates are suppose to vote to nominate the presidential candidate. By the time the convention happens though, we already know who the candidate is and it becomes more of a great big feel good party before the real work starts. Of course, this year's Democratic convention is a little different. When they do the roll-call voting tonight, a certain someone's name could still show up more frequently than the party might like. That could be awkwardly entertaining.

The Republican convention is bound to be pretty cut and dry. Lots of talk about values, security, and this guy. They were advised to tone down the glitz this year. But don't worry, there will be a balloon drop. Can't have a convention without one of those.

Despite the lack of surprises, the conventions give a good chance to get a feel for who a candidate is, and how others in their party perceive them. And if you are really the political type, it gives you a chance to throw a 4 day party in which you too can awkwardly dance in your apartment and chant your candidate's slogans until the neighbors pound on the ceiling. Who says politics have to be boring?
posted by -jw-