A More Complete DNC And RNC?

Both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions are in the history books. I didn’t tune it all the time and may have relied on The Daily Show for some information, but I was more checked in this year than in 2020.

This weekend, I’ve been thinking about the purpose of the conventions. “Beyond simply acting as a campaign ‘service provider’ during election years, National Committees play a ‘crucial role’ in American politics. They publicize ‘their party’s policy positions’ in the broader service of creating ‘national party brands,” according to Fordham Political Science professor Boris Heersink. “Those brands are fundamental to mobilizing voters in elections, especially crucial when the party is in the national minority.”

Branding. One of Donald Trump’s favorite words. Communication is a huge part of politics and branding goes a long way in communication. In the tight 2024 presidential campaign, the RNC and DNC could be the tipping point for their candidates.

In the current structure of the National Committees, the vice presidential and presidential nominees give a keynote speech. Otherwise, they are largely inaccessible. I get that to some extent, you have other business to take care of and need to build anticipation. However, I want to know the respective candidates more by the end of the DNC or RNC. Those conventions are the perfect opportunity to do so. As Professor Heersink stated, they are all about branding.

You might ask, why isn’t a speech enough? I’m not arguing that a speech is useless, far from it. As a writer, I recognize how useful speeches are. Many of the problems in politics arise from problems in communication. People may be using different terms for the same thing, unable to talk about controversial issues and so on. A clear speech does much at once: introduces the candidate, explains their vision and policies, changes hearts and minds, etc.

However, many of our politicians are wealthy or educated elites. They had an opportunity to embrace public speaking and communication at a level many ordinary citizens do not. Therefore, giving a good speech may be sort of “muscle memory” for them. They may inspire and motivate, but that’s a heck of a lot different from carrying out the duties of the president.

What could supplement the keynote addresses at the conventions?

I find myself attracted to some kind of simulation. I’d love to watch the candidates given a sample problem (without their foreknowledge) and work through it with a ‘mock cabinet.’ Perhaps they would design a proto-bill for the House or Senate. That way, we could see how they make delegate, make decisions on the fly, communicate and other qualities needed for the presidency.

If only we had the technology of Star Trek. Its holodeck allows for limitless simulations. An adventurous safari, a romantic dinner on the beach, a conversation with Socrates- if you can think it, the holodeck can produce it.

In one episode of The Next Generation, Counselor Deanna Troi aspires to pass the Bridge Officer’s Test. Passing would allow her to take command of the ship if the captain, first officer or etc. were away. She does quite well at most sections, but struggles mightily with sacrificing a crew member to save the ship. Only after several attempts does she figure out that sometimes all the data and knowledge in the world cannot save you from the unpleasant responsibilities of command.

A single simulation at the DNC or RNC wouldn’t prove that the nominees can make difficult and effective decisions, but it would get us a bit closer along with the speech.

Maybe my idea’s a pipe dream until technology advances.

I look forward to politicians doing their own ‘bridge officer’s test.’

That would be a true interview with the nation.