Why do we have our convention first?

[StrongBad]

Granted I've only been interested in politics since 2001, but in the two presidential election seasons I've witnessed, the Democratic convention has come first.

It seems to me that having your convention last would be beneficial strategically. The bounce your rival had would have already begun to waiver when it begins, and you can furthermore use the convention to frame the remainder of the campaign in terms that put you in an offensive position.

So why do the Republicans get this advantage? Do you think this is even a significant advantage at all?

[Yavin4]

1. Party In Power Gets To Go Last

It's tradition.

[StrongBad]

4. Ah. That makes sense.

So I guess there would be an uproar if Obama decided to eschew tradition.

[fishwax]

2. traditionally (for several decades, anyway) the party in the white house goes last

which is why the repubs had the later convention in '04 and '08. (In 2012, of course, we'll get to go later, to nominate Obama for a second term :).)

[Touchdown]

3. Because we in Denver planted all these flowers for you.

They could be dead by the middle of September. How ungrateful of you!:silly:

We also hid all the homeless panhandlers... somewhere. I don't know. All I know is they can't stay there forever!

Seriously, it's a good question. Wish I had an answer for you.

[StrongBad]

5. Ha! I haven't heard of this flower planting/bum-hiding initiative.

But good on you Denverites for finding short term solutions!

[Cha]

6. That's one of the things I remember about my

time in Denver in the Summer..all the flowers. It's gonna be so beautiful for all the Conventioneers..good job Dean:patriot: :bounce: :party:

[valerief]

7. So Republicans can enjoy the cone of silence. They love disciplinary props. nt

[Touchdown]

8. ... What, Chief?

[valerief]

9. LOL. You gotta love it. nt