The broadcast networks are forming their plans for the Democratic and Republican conventions. According to the New York Times, ABC, NBC, and CBS will do one hour each night. That's on par with recent election years, and about what I expected.
There's no news at the conventions. They've become predictable affairs. I can hear it now. On the nights when Barack Obama and John McCain make their acceptance speeches, anchors and reporters will utter the line "the most important speech of their political lives" about a dozen times. Those speeches are important and should be covered. I'm not so sure about the rest. That's the joy of cable and the internet. You can pick and choose what you want to see and hear.
If Obama and McCain are smart, they'll hold off on announcing running mates until the conventions. A little suspense will get the ratings up. On the other hand, deciding on a running mate quickly will get the campaign off to a faster start. It's all about momentum.
While the conventions may not be interesting, I'm sure the campaign itself will have its moments. We're already hearing how Pennsylvania will be a "battleground" state. Fasten your seatbelts.
The Olsen Twins are 22 today.
