Let’s have some fun. Today, we will dish by looking at past convention moments as folks arrive in Chicago for the DNC.

When you think about political conventions, you might picture the excitement, unity, and big speeches that set the tone for the election ahead. But let’s be real: Conventions don’t always go according to plan. Sometimes, they’re a triumphant success; other times, they’re a total disaster. These moments can define a campaign and the party’s future.

Do you remember any of these moments (provided oldest to newest)?

• Mario Cuomo’s “Tale of Two Cities” (1984). New York Governor Mario Cuomo used the Democratic National Convention stage to contrast Reagan’s America with the struggles of the working class, making an indelible impact.
• Pat Buchanan’s Culture War Speech (1992). Buchanan delivered a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention, declaring a “culture war” in America, which polarized audiences and sparked widespread debate.
• Willie Nelson’s Surprise Performance (2000). The country legend performed at the Democratic National Convention, bringing unexpected star power and excitement.
• Al Gore’s Kiss (2000). Al Gore surprised the Democratic National Convention with a passionate kiss on stage with his wife, Tipper, aiming to counter criticism that he was too stiff and uncharismatic.
• Zell Miller Challenges Chris Matthews to a Duel (2004). After his fiery keynote at the Republican National Convention, Democrat Zell Miller challenged MSNBC’s Chris Matthews to a duel during a contentious interview.
• Sarah Palin’s “Pitbull with Lipstick” (2008). At the Republican National Convention, VP nominee Sarah Palin introduced herself with the memorable quip, “You know the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick.”
• Clint Eastwood & the Empty Chair (2012). Clint Eastwood delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention addressing an imaginary Barack Obama in an empty chair to criticize the President’s performance.
• Hillary Clinton Shatters the Glass Ceiling (2016). Hillary Clinton made history at the Democratic National Convention by officially becoming the first woman to accept a major party’s nomination for President.
• Ted Cruz’s Non-Endorsement Speech (2016). At the Republican National Convention, Ted Cruz shocked the crowd by refusing to endorse Donald Trump, urging people to “vote their conscience” instead.

What happens at a convention can have ripple effects that reach far beyond the event itself, influencing everything from public opinion to election outcomes. Understanding these dynamics can help you see why conventions are more than just political theater—they’re pivotal moments that can make or break a campaign.

When Conventions Go Right: Rallying the Base and Winning Over Voters

Let’s start with the success stories. A convention that goes off without a hitch can be a powerful tool for uniting the party, energizing supporters, and winning over undecided voters. It’s when a campaign can hit its stride, establishing the path forward to Election Day.

Morning in America. At the 1980 Republican National Convention, Ronald Reagan delivered a unifying speech that resonated with a nation weary of economic troubles and a sense of decline. Amid high inflation and unemployment, Reagan’s “Morning in America” message contrasted sharply with the Democrats’ portrayal of a troubled nation under Jimmy Carter.

He offered a vision of renewed American greatness rooted in conservative values. Television was the dominant medium, with the convention broadcasting to millions of households. Traditional media like newspapers, radio, and direct mail reinforced the message. Reagan’s speech leveraged the emotional power of TV to inspire and mobilize voters, leading to a landslide victory and a new conservative era in American politics.

New Democrat, New Covenant with America. At the 1992 Democratic National Convention, Bill Clinton, then an up-and-coming governor from Arkansas, used the event to introduce himself to the American public and present his vision for a “New Democrat” approach. This approach aimed to bridge traditional liberal values with a centrist perspective, appealing to a broad range of voters.

Clinton’s message of a “New Covenant” with America stood in stark contrast to the Republicans’ focus on maintaining the status quo under George H.W. Bush. The convention, heavily covered by television and bolstered by targeted direct mail and radio ads, was a pivotal moment that helped solidify Clinton’s position as the party’s nominee and set the stage for his eventual victory in the presidential election.

When Conventions Go Wrong: Division and Controversy

But conventions aren’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, they become a stage for division and controversy, which can have lasting consequences for the party and its chances in the election.

1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The convention was marked by dramatic turmoil inside and outside the hall. On the streets, violent confrontations between anti-war protesters and police were broadcast live on national television, creating a chaotic and unsettling spectacle for viewers across the country.

Inside, delegates were deeply divided over the Vietnam War, leading to heated debates and visible fractures within the party. The extensive media coverage of the unrest and the internal discord intensified the perception of Democratic disarray, undermining the party’s unity and contributing to their loss in the general election.

2016 Republican National Convention. The 2016 Republican National Convention was marked by significant controversy over Donald Trump’s nomination. While the convention ultimately rallied around Trump, deep divisions within the party became evident. Key figures such as Ted Cruz notably refused to endorse Trump during his speech, further exacerbating the rift. Additionally, prominent Republicans like Mitt Romney and John Kasich either distanced themselves from the convention or voiced their opposition, reflecting broader discontent within the party.

The media played a crucial role in amplifying the conflict. Inside the convention hall, the tension was palpable as delegates clashed over Trump’s candidacy. Outside, the media coverage focused heavily on the discord among Republican leaders and the unconventional nature of Trump’s campaign, shaping public perception and adding to the overall controversy. This media portrayal contributed to the heightened scrutiny and skepticism surrounding Trump’s candidacy, which continued to influence the political landscape throughout his presidency.

When Conventions Go Crazy: How to Manifest Delight

Political conventions aren’t just about the serious business of nominating candidates and debating policies; they’re also stages for unexpected, delightful moments that capture the public’s imagination. These moments can be quirky, humorous, or downright bizarre. Still, they add a layer of humanity to the high-stakes political drama, reminding us that surprises can still steal the show even in the most scripted events.

The “Gavel of Unity” at the 1984 Republican National Convention. Dallas was a spectacle of unity and celebration. Ronald Reagan was riding high on a wave of popularity, with his “Morning in America” message resonating nationwide. But behind the scenes, a quirky, lesser-known moment brought the convention to life. A group of delegates from Texas decided to surprise the convention with a gigantic golden gavel—an almost cartoonish symbol of the party’s power and unity.

As Reagan prepared to accept the nomination, the oversized gavel was passed down the aisles, with delegates taking turns banging it on their desks, creating a thunderous, rhythmic clamor that echoed through the convention hall. The media caught wind of the spectacle, dubbing it the “Gavel of Unity,” it became an unexpected hit, symbolizing the party’s strength and solidarity. Reagan later quipped that the gavel was “big enough to keep even Tip O’Neill in line,” adding a touch of humor to the event and endearing the moment to both delegates and viewers at home.

Balloon Drop That Never Stopped at the 1996 Democratic National Convention. Bill Clinton set to accept the nomination for his second term. The convention planners had meticulously timed every moment but couldn’t have predicted the delightful chaos that would unfold during the grand finale. As Clinton finished his acceptance speech, the signal was given to release thousands of red, white, and blue balloons from the ceiling. But something went hilariously wrong. The release mechanism malfunctioned, and instead of a single, awe-inspiring drop, the balloons trickled down, almost mockingly, in slow, random bursts.

Then, just as the moment had passed, the mechanism overcompensated, unleashing a second, unplanned wave of balloons that seemed to last forever. Delegates laughed and cheered as the balloons kept coming and coming, creating an impromptu, ridiculous, and joyous celebration. The endless balloon drop became the talk of the convention, with Clinton and Vice President Al Gore playfully dodging balloons as they tried to exit the stage. The moment was captured live on television, turning what could have been a logistical nightmare into a delightful memory that symbolized the light-hearted spirit of the campaign.

When Conventions Drop the Mic: How to Create History

Conventions are known for their carefully choreographed speeches and predictable political theater, but now and then, they become the stage for genuinely historic moments that resonate for generations. These are the moments when a single speech or decision can shift the course of a campaign, redefine a party, or even alter the trajectory of the nation’s history.

1948 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. It is one of American political conventions’ most dramatic and history-making moments. Considered a pivotal moment that reshaped the party and the nation, the convention was deeply divided over civil rights, with Southern Democrats (known as Dixiecrats) strongly opposing any pro-civil rights platform. Minneapolis Mayor Hubert Humphrey took to the stage in a bold and electrifying move. He delivered a passionate speech urging the party to “get out of the shadow of states’ rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.”

Humphrey’s speech galvanized the convention, leading to the adoption of a strong civil rights plank in the party platform. This decision caused Southern delegates to walk out in protest, eventually forming the States’ Rights Democratic Party (Dixiecrats), which ran its candidate in the 1948 election. Despite this schism, the Democrats went on to win the presidency under Harry Truman, and Humphrey’s speech is credited with laying the groundwork for the civil rights movement within the Democratic Party.

1964 Republican National Convention in San Francisco. Another unforgettable convention moment came when Senator Barry Goldwater, the party’s presidential nominee, delivered a fiery acceptance speech that included the line, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” This statement shocked the moderate wing of the Republican Party and solidified Goldwater’s image as a staunch conservative, willing to push the party toward a more hardline stance.

Goldwater’s nomination and speech were pivotal in the realignment of American politics. His campaign marked the beginning of the conservative movement that would later lead to Ronald Reagan’s presidency and reshape the GOP. Though Goldwater lost the 1964 election to incumbent Lydon Johnson in a landslide, his convention speech was a defining moment that has resonated throughout American political history.

When Conventions Create Momentum: Grassroots Outside of Conventions

While the action inside the convention hall often grabs the headlines, what happens outside can be just as impactful. Grassroots movements and protests surrounding these events usually reflect broader public sentiment and can shape the narrative as powerfully as the speeches and decisions made inside. These moments of activism and demonstration can influence public opinion, create momentum for change, and even alter the course of political history.

White House Lawn Protests during the 1972 Republican National Convention. The convention was held in Miami, with President Richard Nixon seeking re-election. While the convention inside was relatively smooth, a remarkable event unfolded outside. Thousands of anti-war protesters, frustrated by Nixon’s handling of the Vietnam War, gathered in Miami to voice their dissent. Unable to get close to the tightly secured convention center, some protesters decided to make their mark in a more symbolic location—the White House.

On the evening of the convention’s final day, protesters gathered outside the White House, staging a massive “silent vigil” on the lawn. Carrying candles and signs, they lined the perimeter, creating a hauntingly peaceful contrast to the fiery speeches happening in Miami. The media captured the juxtaposition, with images of Nixon being nominated in Miami while, at the same time, his policies were being silently protested in Washington, D.C. This event became a powerful reminder of the deep divisions in the country at the time and highlighted the potent influence of grassroots activism.

The “Battle in Grant Park” – 1968 Democratic National Convention. As the convention delegates gathered inside the International Amphitheatre, the city streets were a different story. Tensions over the Vietnam War, civil rights, and social justice boiled over, leading to massive protests. The epicenter of this turmoil was Grant Park, where thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest the Democratic Party’s support for the war.

What started as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into chaos when the police moved in to disperse the crowd. The situation deteriorated into what many later called a “police riot,” with officers using tear gas, batons, and brute force against the protesters. The violence was broadcast live on television, shocking the nation and leading to widespread condemnation. The scenes from Grant Park overshadowed the convention itself, with commentators and the public more focused on the violence in the streets than the speeches inside. The event became a defining moment of the 1960s, illustrating the deep divisions within American society and the explosive power of protest in shaping political discourse.

The Democratic Convention starts tomorrow.

Historically, Democratic conventions tend to attract more protesters than Republican conventions. This is partly because the Democratic Party often includes a broader coalition of groups with diverse and sometimes conflicting interests. As a result, various activist groups, including those on the left, may use the convention momentum to push for more progressive policies or express dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.

Civil rights, social justice, and anti-war movements have historically found more vocal support among left-leaning activists, who are more likely to protest at Democratic conventions.

Republican conventions also see protests, but they are often from groups opposed to the party’s platform rather than from within. These protests tend to focus on issues like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration policies, which left-leaning groups typically champion.

Tomorrow’s convention is in Chicago, and experts believe it will be a lightning rod for significant political and social demonstrations, particularly by progressive activists. An estimated 20,000 activists are expected to gather, rallying around issues such as calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, advocating for abortion rights, and pushing for economic justice.

These activists are taking positions that often contrast with the Democratic platform—demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which is more aggressive than the party’s current stance, and pressing for broader economic reforms beyond the party’s incremental approach. As the convention unfolds, the contrast between the activists’ demands and the official party platform will be crucial to watch.

So, as you watch the convention unfold, keep an eye on the successes and the setbacks. Use what you see to inform your decisions, and remember that your involvement makes democracy work.