These Conventions are Ridiculous « The Brian Sullivan Blog

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August 28, 2008 11:53 AM EDT by Brian Sullivan

These Conventions are Ridiculous

In the race to outdo their own past conventions and each other, the Democrats and Republicans have turned what used to be important voting events into 4-day long Super Bowl-like productions, with the cost to go with it. It's estimated the DNC will cost as much as $120 million dollars.    It's likely the Republican Convention will be equally extravagant.   Parties, free food, more parties, elaborate sound stages.    All now part of the show.   And all very expensive.

I like free food, parties and cold beverages as much as the next guy.   But I find it hard to listen to speeches and lectures about a weakening economy and helping the average American when the money spent on these productions could be spent providing some of that help.

The DNC is nearly over, so there is nothing the Dems can do about it this year.   But if the Republicans want to use helping the economy as one of their key messages, they still have time to cut back, make the convention a one-day gig, hold it in a volunteer fire hall and serve hot pockets and pizza bites.

$200+ million bucks for both conventions could pay for a lot of overdue mortgages.

9 Comments

V Sanneman

I agree, too much money is spent and the conventions are getting more techy and elaborate. Money could be better spent on health care for every American or education or something else. Besides the conventions, what about all the advertising that hasn't been done, and will be done till November 4. I hate to see what the conventions will be like in 4 years. It does NOT make any cents!!

August 30, 2008 at 9:20 pm

joe

And if they would hold it at a volunteer fire department they could buy that department a nice fire truck with some of that money that was saved. Then everyone would be happy.

August 30, 2008 at 5:32 pm

B Lyons

All that "spent" money goes straight into the economy!

August 29, 2008 at 7:29 am

Mark

I can't help but agree with this. I heard the Dems talk yesterday and the night before about helping folks, the bad economy, and how Bush, etc. was responsible, and how they would "change" things to make it better. How about putting your money where your mouth is, and instead of spending all this money on the convention and the primaries and the campaigning, invest it in "the American people." Repubs should do likewise...

August 28, 2008 at 4:35 pm

chuck

Honestly Brian I haven't been watching the DNC Convention at all. Becouse it's a waste of time. And I heard about that ABC reporter being ruffed up at the Brown Palace about a secret meeting with lobbyist. One thing this convention lacked was two things: it didn't profile Barack Obama enough which again places doubts about him in voter's minds. Also Speaker Pelosi certainly made herself a fool on the podium. Her speech was lacking. Rocky and Bullwinkle would've done a much a better job. Even Senator Clinton made her look silly. With more choices of channels I doubt if anyone is going to be watching Barack Obama tonight. Rocky and Bullwinkle need to educate the govenor of montona on energy issues. He acted more like a comedian auditioning for comedy central.

August 28, 2008 at 2:56 pm

popo

"But if the Republicans want to use helping the economy as one of their key messages, they still have time to cut back, make the convention a one day gig, hold it in a volunteer fire hall and serve hot pockets and pizza bites." Good luck with that.

August 28, 2008 at 2:17 pm

BoydJ

I agree---what a waste of money...and what you describe is only the tip of the iceberg, milliosn will be spent by the cities/municiapalites to "prepare and secure" the events..I read yesterday that Denver needed a $50million dollar grant to pay for security....if one of these candidates truly wants to make a difference, they shoudl take this money and give to worthy causes, fight hunger poverty and disease...put their money where their mouth is....it made me sick to my stomach listening to these people the last few days basically trash the USA, complain about failed policy that has "ruined" our country.. trash the current adminstration for ignoring the sick the elderly the poor and then they waste money on a convention that only serves to fuel their own ego

August 28, 2008 at 1:18 pm

6ftrabbit

1st rule of politics dating back thousands of years: " Keep the unwashed masses entertained."

August 28, 2008 at 12:52 pm

ed

Hi brian Have a great idea, lets make it like the price is right show and what do we have behind door # 1......Were is bob barker when you need him Ekg In the Wind