Downtown convention centers became late-twentieth century strategies for cities to promote tourism and consumption. Trade shows, business groups, religious associations and fraternal organizations are prime clients, but the plum is a national political party convention like those held in Philadelphia, PA (Republicans) and Los Angeles, CA (Democrats) in 2000. These events, held every four years before the elections, bring together thousands of party representatives in summer assemblies to formally choose presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Since the nine-teenth century these delegates have generally been chosen by primaries or caucuses at the state level, although elected officials and party bosses have also held power. The convention also establishes the party platform and national leadership.

Twentieth-century conventions have become battlegrounds at times; even after the Second World War the triumph of John F. Kennedy at the 1960 Democratic Convention and Ronald Reagan’s 1980 victory over Gerald Ford added drama to television coverage. These meetings have also been arenas for debates on critical issues like civil rights, Vietnam, abortion and the representation of women and minorities. These debates were especially divisive for Democrats in the 1960s and 1970s, before reforms in 1972 (that led to George McGovern’s nomination; see Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party). Conventions also faced popular protest outside halls, like those that erupted at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago and smaller protests at subsequent events.

Yet, with primary reform, conventions have become stages for propaganda and coronation of incumbents or victors decided months before, as is the case with Al Gore or George Bush, Jr. in 2000. Hence public interest has dropped with regard to spectacles and speeches, and networks no longer offer gavel-to-gavel coverage of political pep rallies/infomercials.