each party will misrepresent itself. the republicans will pretend to encompass the majority of the attitudes out there. the democratic party will pretend to be ok with people who have been dumb enough to side with bush. then both parties will show their fall lineups. hopefully, people will vote according to the economy and the war.

Does it drive anyone but me crazy that everyone is asking what the answers to the real issues are? Neither one of them seems to have a honest to goodness ‘this is what I am going to try to get done’, just vague ‘I will make it better’. I am voting for BO but even he is driving me nuts.

Thank you, Liz. I am not a Democrat either . . . and now that I am hearing a bit of what goes on inside the walls of Washington - with no signs of changes ever going to take place, I have been educated but there is no chance the rotten apple cart will be turned over and we can start afresh. I am an optimist — or was. No longer, Liz. But I am putting all my eggs in one basket with Amy Klobuchar. I have seen her eyes, I have heard her in private, and she is trying to do her best as a Senator — and I say, please God, let this good clean young woman with the greatest dreams for us all stay clear of the sway of the powerful. YOu know how it is when you love someone who has done so well to come so far — your heartstrings stretch and you say “PLEASE” may she make us proud.

LIz, I agree with you. Both conventions will be four-day infomercials with all the slickness and saccharine that a billion dollars can buy. Except Tim Russert won’t be there. http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/map/

Conventions are simply shows of power and saber rattling. Sanders, you’re right though, Tim Russert made it almost fun. We will miss that here in our household.

The main purpose of the Conventions is to be a pep rally to get the supporters pumped up and to gather more supporters. Perhaps there was a time when a lot of political brokerage went on during the Conventions, but I don’t think we’ve seen any of that for years.

You can not possibly say that we live in a true democracy. ONLY THE RICH CAN RUN FOR OFFICE.IF YOU ARE NOT A MILLIONARE FORGET IT.Look at the most recent elections, and tell me it is not true.

Well, for a first night, it started off with a bang, and I’ve been watching them over 40 years. They all have to go through the routine speeches of the party faithful, but what a wonderful experience seeing Ted Kennedy deliver with just as much strength and passion as always. To see all those young Kennedys, the Bidens and of course Caroline, dear gentle Caroline that has had to endure so much…losing the whole of her immediate family. And Michelle Obama? She did just fine; of course the daughters stole the show. Now, what’s in store for Tuesday night?