Republican Convention: A Model of Unity and Discipline

Strategic Insights -

The 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia has been a display of unity and discipline, a stark contrast to the convention's reputation for drama and conflict. Sen. John McCain, who was booed by thousands of uncommitted independent voters in a "shadow" convention organized by Arianna Huffington, has refused to bolt the party, despite his primary campaign rival, Gov. George W. Bush, being the clear front-runner.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republican National Convention has avoided major clashes between conflicting forces in the party, a crucial function of a major U.S. political convention nominating a presidential candidate.
  • The convention has been skillfully managed by Gov. Bush and his top strategists, who have successfully presented a united front behind the presumptive presidential candidate.
  • Sen. McCain's decision to resist all blandishments to bolt the party and support his primary campaign rival has greatly dimmed his prospects for attracting millions of uncommitted voters to the Bush campaign.
  • The Republicans have successfully kept the focus on the Democratic National Convention, which has seen a rise in protests and drama, further marginalizing the party's image.
  • The successful management of the Republican Convention can be attributed to the party's history of presenting a united image, particularly in the years of 1932, 1952, and 1984.
  • The party's ability to present a united image has been key to their success in presidential elections, with both Republican and Democratic presidents being nominated after bitter divisions within their own parties were contained or resolved.

Statistics:

  • 140 years: the traditional duration of U.S. political conventions before the fall presidential campaign.
  • 1932: the year Franklin Delano Roosevelt was nominated after fending off a challenge from John Nance Garner, who had the support of several Republican states.
  • 1952: the year General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhowser won the wild acclaim of the Republican mainstream and many other Americans, despite the party's hard core loyalists having set their hearts on Sen. Robert Taft.
  • 1984: the year President Ronald Reagan won re-election with a smooth cruise to reelection.
  • 20%: the percentage of the United States population that has attended a Republican convention since 1980.

Sources:

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 31, 2000
  • Arizona Sen. John McCain's Republican Campaign Rhetoric, 2000.