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This overview explores the pivotal roles of National Conventions (NCs) for the Republican and Democratic parties in 2012. Held in Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina, these conventions served multiple purposes: formally nominating candidates, choosing vice-presidential running mates, deciding on party platforms, restoring unity, showcasing future party leaders, and kick-starting the electoral campaign. The conventions are significant as they mobilize party members, influence undecided voters, and provide a platform for candidates to connect with a wider audience, notably through media channels like YouTube. **Relevant
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National Conventions 2012 “What are the functions of NCs?”
Republicans • Tampa Bay, Florida, w/c August 27th • What can YouTube tell us about the point of holding NCs? • Republican national convention 2012 - YouTube
Democrats • Charlotte, North Carolina, w/c September 4th • Again, a quick look at YouTube … • Democratic national convention 2012 - YouTube
Purpose 1 • To nominate formally the party candidate. • Attended by the delegates who are (mostly) chosen during the primary season. • Traditionally a roll-call of the states. • Acceptance speech from the candidate. • Rarely seen anything like Obama ’08: • Clinton Stops Roll Call, Calls To Nominate Obama - YouTube • C-SPAN: Sen. Barack Obama's Full Speech to the DNC - YouTube • In reality, this was all decided way before the National Convention! Often by Super Tuesday!
Purpose 2 • To choose the party’s vice-presidential candidate (running-mate). • Acceptance speech from the candidate. • Paul Ryan Acceptance Speech at the Republican National Convention (C-SPAN) – YouTube • But the actual announcement was made on 10th August, 19 days before his NC speech. • NB 2008 announcement of Biden by text. • NB 2008 surprise still possible! • Sarah Palin Acceptance Speech Highlights - YouTube
Purpose 3 • To decide the party platform (ie manifesto) • Discuss the planks! • PJ O’Rourke “And the policy debate wouldn’t fill a bumper sticker!” • In effect already decided (and announced) by the candidate during the primary season.
So there must be other reasons to spend $136m! • Purpose 4 • Restore party unity • Losing candidates appear and speak • Hillary Clinton Speech At The 2008 DNC Convention Part 1 – YouTube • President Bill Clinton at the 2008 DNC – YouTube • Bill Clinton's Full DNC Speech - Elections 2012 – YouTube • Senator Rick Santorum - YouTube • Losing candidates “release” delegates to vote for the winner • NB 2008 Vote of acclamation
Purpose 5 • Stage for future stars • DemConvention Speeches: Barack Obama – YouTube • 2012 Rising Stars? • Democrats – Julian Castro, Cory Booker • Republicans – Mia Love, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio • 4 Rising Stars From the Democratic, Republican Conventions
Purpose 6 • Kick off the campaign! • Enthuse the party faithful • Enthuse the undecided • Hence the media-orchestrated razzamatazz • Measure success by “bounce” • How? Concert atmosphere, party stars, nominee and family and celebs
Campaign Rally • Balloon Drop At The Republican National Convention – YouTube • Clint Eastwood 2012 – YouTube • Senator Marco Rubio – YouTube • Eva Longoria DNC Speech Democratic National Convention 2012 – YouTube • Michelle Obama's full 2012 DNC speech - YouTube