Convention Wisdom

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Until this week, conventional wisdom had it that conventions are no longer relevant. The pundits dismissed them as too scripted, too tightly controlled, endless staged plays with no drama. And when the big three television networks scaled back their prime time convention coverage, it seemed the death knell of a once hallowed tradition. But something funny happened on the way to this year’s forum. There was energy and a rallying cry. Former presidents and future stars spoke passionately of one America, and banner-waving delegates spent a lot of time on their feet. But whether the rest of America was watching, and responding, remains to be seen.

Guests:

William Powers, media columnist, National Journal

Jay Carney, deputy Washington bureau chief, TIME magazine.