By any reasonable analysis, the Democrats got their convention week off to a fast, good start. Their two hours of prime television time was well—exceptionally well—produced. As a television show with so many moving parts in so many different locations, there was much that could have gone wrong, everything from technical glitches to missed cues and power-outages. It could easily have been a nightmare. It wasn’t. As a television show, it was a good show. Give the producers an Emmy.
Can they keep this up all week? That would be the baseball equivalent of pitching a no-hitter. But having opening night go so well is a relief for them and the party.
As for the political content, there was plenty of it with relatively short, fast-paced segments presented by a broad and deep cross-section of Americans, including but not confined to Democratic Party officeholders. The emphasis was on a narrative that cast Democrats as the best hope for restoring at least some unity in the country. Words such as “empathy,” “civility,” and “decency” were emphasized. So was talk of how Democrats are hyper-aware of problems such as the economy and health care. No specifics, indeed, no detailed plans. Maybe later? We’ll see and hear as the week goes along.
All of this set the stage for Michelle O’Bama’s closing talk. She nailed it—big time. Whether one likes her or her politics, as a powerful speaker, she has become one of the best in the nation. She had a superbly crafted speech, and delivered it flawlessly. Thus, for Democrats, at least, the night ended with enthusiasm and hopes soaring.
Politically and with the Presidential campaign, it’s a long way from the Dog Days of August to the Hour of Decision in November. Most of what happens in these party conventions over the next two weeks is likely to be soon forgotten. What has the best chance of being remembered is the tone—the “how did it make you feel” moments—of the overall convention. Democrats have to like the tone of theirs so far.
This Post contains analysis and opinion.