A MODEST PROPOSAL: COMBINE THE TWO POLITICAL CONVENTIONS

A few weeks ago, as a part of a Four For Friday posting, I asked if political conventions have lost their appeal. My responseÖ Political conventions HAVE lost their appeal. No longer is there a debate to be drawn into or a drama to watch unfold. The last exciting thing to happen at a political conventionÖ George W. Bush's father shocked everyone with his choice of Dan Quayle as a running mate. Nowadays, we're subjected to watching a coronation.

I propose doing away with both the Republican and Democratic conventions altogether, and in their place put on one unifying convention where all of the candidates for the highest office in the land speak and debate one another right up until election day. The event I'm proposing would end with an announcement of who won, toped off by concession and acceptance speeches, followed by a grand ball on the floor of the convention hall whose attendees would be from all political groups as a sign of unification and a willingness to work together over the next four years.

What do you think? Why canít it work?

Great Idea! ...and your running for what office! :-)

Oh what fun: the one big convention could become a huge brawl!

It would definitely save special interest groups from having to go to two different cities to throw elaborate parties and spend a lot of money to influence important government officials. After all, they are courting both parties, so I think they would be up for it.