Newswise — The Democratic and Republican national conventions are next up on our nation's political " and television viewing " agenda, and following the pizzazz of the Beijing Olympics, the respective leadership of both parties will have work to do to keep Americans tuned in, according to Randall Miller, Ph.D., political analyst and professor of history at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia.
"The big story is the Democrats in Denver," says Miller. "This location speaks to the 'new look' of the Democratic push, which hopes to appeal to the residents of Western states, regain support from the ethnic working-class, win over faith-based voters, reassure the middle-class and hold on to the traditional Democratic faithful among minorities, women and others."
But the real story of the convention, he adds, is the historic nature of the 2008 presidential election, with the first black candidate nominated by a major party, as well as the first woman to come within striking distance of the same party's nomination. And therein lies a tale to be told, according to Miller.
"It's Obama's show, to be sure, but the Clintons will be there " they must be there " to acknowledge the support of those who stood up for Hillary Rodham Clinton in her bid for the presidency, and to stand with Obama in the Party's call for unity and the argument for common purpose," says Miller.
But despite the putative plea for accord, Miller adds that some viewers may watch the proceedings in the hope of seeing a mud-wrestling match between Clinton and Obama backers.
"Absent that, they might stay tuned anyway," he says. "Although recent nominating conventions have been more confection than consequence, this one commands attention because of its history-making elements, and Obama's charisma. People will want to see what all of the fuss is about."
Miller says that Obama's meteoric rise on the campaign trail, which was fueled by his rhetorical genius, will have many viewers " and delegates " primed for a similar performance in Denver, an expectation that in itself attracts interest.
Concerns about Obama, who has been subjected to countless groundless rumors about his patriotism, religion, principles and even his race, will cause many people to take a look at the Democratic Convention to get a measure of the man, Miller notes.
"And this most American of events " the nominating convention " will provide the setting and opportunity to show that Obama and the Democrats are indeed all-American. That's their strategy and their task. In the wake of the flag-waving and national fervor of the Olympic games, they should do no less," says Miller.
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