July 27, 2004
Biding My Time
In the past, the parties' national conventions have passed with almost no notice from me. Now, since practically every political blogger is covering the Democratic National Convention, I can't get away from it. As far as political events go, this has to be one of the biggest wastes of time. If you enjoy reading or hearing lots of speeches, I guess it's mildly interesting, but there's no actual news being made. Even so, it's being covered so obsessively by so many bloggers, you'd think there was actually something noteworthy going on. Since I rely almost entirely on other blogs for my political news and for inspiration, don't expect to see much in the way of political commentary or links from me for the next few days. Maybe something newsworthy enough to break through all the convention blogging will happen, but I'm afraid it won't. Even worse, it's not like it's just the liberals that are blogging the convention. Most of the conservative sites are covering it pretty closely as well. At first, I thought bloggers going to the convention was a good idea; they could keep an eye on the "real" journalists and point out problems with their coverage, but so far that's not happening. It's just a bunch of posts about checking into hotel rooms, finding seats, listening to speeches, and cheering or jeering depending on the blogger's political temperament. I can't wait until the snooze-fest is over.
UPDATE: Tagorda wonders if blogs are filling any voids in the coverage of the convention. Maybe I am being premature in my judgment and the blogs will come through with something insightful and unique. It's still early, after all, but I already want to kill my newsreader.
UPDATE: The Campaign Desk complains about the convention as well, even though they're there, reduced to fighting to get into parties:
what before would have been a fairly unappealing night out -- fighting past old men in suits and self-important, preening politicos and pundits through an overcrowded bar -- feels essential in some vague way, despite all evidence to the contrary. Perhaps it's because we've convinced ourselves that there's a reason to be here, beyond the scripted live television show being held in the Fleet Center and the endless meta-stories that seem less clever when everyone else is writing them. Talking one's way past a velvet rope feels like an accomplishment, however dubious it may be.
Sounds like fun.
UPDATE: Steve Gilliard has some advice for convention bloggers.
I agree, I had been getting excited about the convention season, but yesterday was kind of a drag. I listened to non-stop coverage, with witty commentary and it was still boring. I guess the not attcking Bush tactic is sound politically, but it sure makes for a dreary convention. I was hoping for more coverage of the exterior goings-on. At least I will get to experience it all firsthand at the RNC, which will probably make it more enjoyable. Also I expect the protests to be quite a bit more acidic here. I will keep the blog posted when the festivities kick off
It's true that conventions generally make for bad news, but the DNC spent a lot of time making the convention experience as interactive and lively as possible. Although I'm no Democrat, I tuned in for almost two hours last night to watch the spectacle. The hall was nicely appointed, the delegates (who were outnumbered by the press corps 6:1 according to this morning's NYTimes) were engaged, and several of the speakers were excellent. Clinton was especially charismatic--Brokaw correctly called him a superior "political performer." It's amazing how candid and self-deprecating these guys can become once they are out of public office. Clinton was still manipulative and dodgy as hell (but of course, he was there for a reason), but he was, as always, a competent and polished orator. Can you imagine the President and Mr. Clinton in a debate? It would be furrowed eyebrows and bitten lower lips all over the place.