Is it Time to Scrap the Conventions?

It's not news, it's just political theater

Last night, President Barack Obama delivered a 38-minute campaign speech to cap off the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.  Although a better orator than his opponent, Mitt Romney, compared to some of Obama's stirring speeches of past years, this one was a workman-like appeal for a second term.

The speech brought to an end a four-day extravaganza covered in minute detail by the media.

The event, however, was undeserving of so much attention.  Yes, some of the speakers like Bill Clinton were compelling but the entire convention – like its Republican counterpart – was contrived.  We didn't watch news, we watched theater.  Theatrical performances should be critiqued, but no one should confuse a fictional account for real-life.