Why Conventions Matter

post from DemConWatch on 09 August 2012 06:18:11 AM. © DemConWatch

Matt asked do conventions matter? As someone who is planning on attending the Democratic Convention this year, I'll tell you why I think they do. Until 1972, going to the convention was something special: reserved for party regulars and people-who-knew-people. Lots of deep smoke, some mirrors, and finally the selection of a candidate and the hammering out of a platform.Then, conventions became the province of party regulars as well as people who won elected spots as delegates.

This year, the Democratic convention is open to most anyone who wants to go. And there is something to be said about being able to go to a place where people unite for a common cause: in this case, to celebrate the good that our President, and our party, have striven to accomplish in a very bad overall environment.

I have an infographic that shows a lot of a big problem: it describes how the media overwhelmingly presents negative stories about our president. In fact, only 2 outlets in print or on the TV are NOT biased against President Obama. So, our convention is even more important this year as a place where people can listen to speakers directly, and hear facts and truth instead of lies and nonsense. I can't embed the graphic but you can see it if you click here. And you should click on the inforgraphic link.

If you're a long time reader, you know we love our graphics, and you may wonder why we've stripped out so many, even Oreo's cookie graphic and my upside down elephant. It's emblematic of a press problem. There are now trolls who like to file expensive lawsuits for false copyright infringement. We'd eventually win, since our sources are legit, but this is an election year and we'd rather put our time and money into candidates, causes and GOTV efforts instead of court time. Thus ANOTHER reason for my going to the convention: live reporting that we at DCW own directly, and look forward to sharing with you.

I watch TV and read as much as I can, and all I hear are lies: from the Romney people about early voting in Ohio; about the welfare-to-work rules; about just about everything with the exception of spokesperson Andrea Paul talking up health care reform. It saddens me how much I have to search to find actual facts supporting the counter-arguments. But not at the convention! It will all be live! and REAL!

So that's what I've got for today. Please click on all the links and share the truth with those around you.