The Lost Convention

In a small way, even the unifying move of having Hillary Clinton call for Barack Obama; nomination by acclamation this afternoon was another little triumph for the Clintons.  It meant that the crucial moment of formal nomination was still at least in part about her. 

It simply added to the impression that Obama has lost control of this week. The primary purpose of a party convention these days is the promotion of the party's candidate. By that measure so far this convention has been a failure.  Giving two nights to the Clintons was always risky and though Hillary did her job last night, her very success made it more about her than Obama. Tonight Bill will presumably be even less magnanimous and more self-absorbed, blocking out the sunlight from Joe Biden's vice-presidential nominee's speech. 

Obama can get some of it back Thursday night, but this has not been the launchpad for his campaign that he could - and should - have expected.   

Comments

[pinkelephantdc]

I agree Obama has lost control and the focus in on the Clintons instead of the Democratic presidential nominee. Great reporting Gerard.

[Julie Thorsheim]

Both my husband and I have been glued to the TV for 3 evenings now, watching the entire Democratic National Convention. We are staunch Obama supporters. In contrast to the views expressed by Gerald Baker, we feel the convention has been very effective. We have not needed convincing, but we have learned more about the background of both Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden though videos and speeches. Both Clintons did admirably in making the case for why we need this team to lead America and to use soft power to re-establish good relationships with the other nations of our world. Michelle Obama also did a wonderful job of speaking and sharing her values and those of our future President--someone we desperately need to lead our country.

[Adam Carson]

you're a negativist !

[Clive]

The whole convention has been about Obama.

Day 1 - Michelle
Day 2 - Hillary
Day 3 - Bill and Joe

All talking about Obama, and with him making small appearances too.

It also shows how much you know as Bill was as magnanimous as possible (for Bill talking about anyone but himself).

Stop trying to make a story and report the news!!

[Calandra]

I watched the convention all four days. I was very effective. No control was lost no matter how much "media types" want to play into that notion. Great convention. Powerful message!

[John Paul Telhomme]

Gerry,
I read your epistle of Barack Obama and although I didn't like it, I thought it was funny in a strange way. Your analysis here and in fact the analysis I see quite often on this site leave me puzzled. What speeches have you been listening to? Or, have your judgment been impaired by the free drinks in Denver? Seriously! Obama is goaded to go to Europe and the Middle East to learn what he has said several times that he already knew and for you he is "The Messiah" simply because he manages to attract genuine interest. Now, according to you again, the convention is a failure because "even the unifying move of having Hillary Clinton call for Barack Obama; nomination by acclamation this afternoon was another little triumph for the Clintons." Maybe you should go to regular reporting or write non-fiction.

[John Paul Telhomme]

Your observation definitely says more about your understanding of democracy and the freedom of expression in general. In a family as large as the Democratic Party and in a forum like the DNC Convention, well-meaning people come to the realization very quickly that they have to rise to the level of statesmen. No one is going to be muzzled to conduct themselves in one way or another. I think Gerard Baker has seen too many Communist Party Conventions.