Question Of The Week: Do Political Conventions Matter Anymore?

Political conventions used to be events where major, breaking news was made: Southern Democrats walking out on Harry Truman in 1948 over civil rights; Dan Rather getting roughed up by convention security at the Democrats' 1968 Chicago gathering; Ronald Reagan battling Gerald Ford for the GOP bid all the way to Kansas City in 1976.

But now, conventions are heavily scripted visual productions designed to show the voting public a smooth, well-coordinated message that they will hope will resonate with voters nationwide.

Regardless, convention-hosting cities see an opportunity to put their best foot forward, .

Despite threats from Hurricane Issac, Atlanta RNC delegates told Patch by the Tampa convention. And Patch readers had the opportunity to live, as it happened.

In Charlotte, members of outside the convention hall.

Inside, to show readers the excitement the First Lady caused on the convention floor. And after for the Democrats' party platform in support of gay marriage, Democrats waited in anticipation for .

So we want to know from you: have you been watching one or both of the conventions over the past week? Have any of the speeches moved you?

Do you think conventions matter any more? Or has that DVR been set to Project Runway instead? Take our Patch poll, and share your thoughts in the comments area below.

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