Letters: Why have a convention?

Re “Parsing the GOP platform,” Editorial, Aug. 24

I know I’m not the only one to say this, but what is the point of having a party convention? Both major parties have their candidates. We know their vice presidential choices. Party platforms are, for the most part, irrelevant. The party chooses a platform, which the candidate studiously ignores.

Other than an income boost for balloon sellers, there really doesn’t seem to be much reason to have conventions or for news organizations to cover them. They are now nothing more than adult versions of a high school pep rally.

Jim Goodenough

Canoga Park

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