Reporting At Conventions

     WORLD magazine's Carolina Lumetta has covered numerous rallies this year, including both party conventions. What did she learn? 

     Her surprise: "How similar the RNC a DNC were. Every speech was carefully scripted, including party business. Republicans who disagreed with abortion language had no opportunity to debate it. Democrats who wanted to address plans for Palestine had no method to object." 

     She said, "The conventions are more like a four-day hype party for the most dedicated members of both parties. I was also struck at both conventions about similar core messages: Both sides paint the other as an existential threat to a way of life." 

     How do politicians treat the media?

     "Delegates who do not normally talk to the media get nervous when I walk up and ask for a quick interview. At both conventions, as at every protest, rally and story I cover, I let them know that I'm there to listen, not to opine."

     "Sometimes, reluctantly, those sources agree to talk, and when the story is complete, they appreciate that we represented them fairly without the emotion that typically accompanies these political events." 

So, why hold conventions?

         Jimmy