Smoke Clears to Reveal a Lack of Drama

All right, for many they’re boring. But there’s no use whining about it. Modern political conventions are what they are--largely the end result of reforms we demanded.

Still and all, those scripts should be shredded. And if the delegates aren’t going to fight, they really ought to go home early.

Years ago, reformers decided to close the smoke-filled rooms and open up politics to ordinary voters. There were only 15 Democratic primaries in 1968. This year there were 35 plus citizens’ caucuses. Bosses no longer broker the nominations. If that’s boring, so be it.

(Trivia note: The original “smoke-filled room” was Room 508 of Chicago’s Blackstone Hotel, next door to the Hilton where California delegates were quartered last week. In 1920, the Blackstone seethed with political intrigue during the Republican convention. Last week, it was best known for its bargain breakfasts.)

Denied drama, the conventions have turned to glitz and schmaltz.

In the future, the political parties must decide whether to hold real conventions or these virtual conventions that really are commercials. There seems to be little choice. TV networks won’t keep carrying the commercials pro bono. And people won’t watch. Viewership this year was down a third from 1992.

The pols should stop trying to be TV producers and go back to doing what they do best--politick. Finagle, debate and vote on something, anything. Abortion, welfare, immigration. Then viewers may return. Conventions can’t compete with Hollywood. When people want entertainment, they’ll channel surf to the real thing.

If delegates are just going to be stage props, leaping to their feet with the correct sign on cue, two nights should suffice. Besides, nobody needs--nor wants--to hear from 198 convention speakers, as Democrats just did.

*

“It’s better to have two action-packed nights than four drawn-out days with endless speeches and parties,” said Democratic delegate Ruth Hunter of Los Angeles, echoing many.

“If people at home aren’t watching, what are we doing here?”

Depends on your perspective. First-time conventioneers were wide-eyed and ecstatic. Seasoned delegates like Hunter, who has been to four conventions, tended toward ambivalence and impatience. Old-timers longed for deal-making.

“I prefer the old ways. It was a helluva lot more fun,” admitted San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

Carmen Warschaw of Beverly Hills--once known as “the Dragon Lady” of California politics--has attended every Democratic convention since 1948 and misses the fights.

“The party’s too worried about not looking unified,” she said. “It’s not unhealthy to have a debate. I have faith in the average American to hear all the facts and become upset with Republicans.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, a three-time delegate, lamented the “dumbing down” of conventions.

But sitting next to him in the California delegation was a beaming Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl of Santa Monica, attending her first convention. “I’m having a ball,” she said.

“I’m looking around seeing a bunch of people who are not jaded, not bored, not pretending to be enthused, people who really believe they’re making a difference. I’m thrilled.”

A star 35 years ago of the “Dobie Gillis” TV series, Kuehl added: “These TV guys want conventions to be like Arnold Schwarzenegger movies. They’re looking for the big punch to the stomach and karate chops. We don’t need that to enjoy the movie.”

Standing nearby was another rookie, L.A. city employee Alfonso Salazar, 28, of Boyle Heights. “Every night it’s gotten better and better,” he shouted above the din. “The energy and excitement, the optimism. There’s nothing like being on the floor.”

*

There actually were two conventions in Chicago, as in San Diego: One for the 20 million or so nightly TV viewers and another for the less than 5,000 delegates.

Only a super cynic would contend the gatherings were irrelevant. To the nominating process? Yes. To the November election and politics beyond? Hardly.

Both candidates got good poll “bounces” from their conventions, so clearly the shows affected public attitudes. Delegates became pumped up--Republicans regained confidence--and this enthusiasm likely will spill over into “down ticket” races. Future political stars were born and potential nominees showcased. TV viewers could examine their November options.

A mixed bag: Boring perhaps, but politically successful because delegates left unified. Uplifting, if way too long. No spontaneity, but also no smoky rooms. Political conventions, like democracy, are a work in progress.