Democratic, Republican conventions may help undecided voters make choice
5:13 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 2008
Four days of cheers, sign waving and speeches.
For some voters like Wykeen Armstrong, it's a little much.
“I don't know about four days, maybe two to three, but four days is a lot,” Armstrong said, who’s voting for Barack Obama.
Others like Willis Ringen have a different perspective.
Our political analyst said there hasn't been a contested convention since 1952. The next big thing we’re waiting for is who McCain will choose as his running mate. His announcement is expected as early as Friday.
2008 Democratic National Convention
- Kansas Democrats sense place in history (August 25, 2008)
- Democratic convention aims to solidify party, spread Obama's message (August 25, 2008)
- Crowd gets fired up at the DNC (August 25, 2008)
- Sebelius rouses the delegates at the DNC (August 26, 2008)
- Sebelius addresses Democrats in Denver (August 26, 2008)
- Night 2 in Denver was Hillary Clinton's night (August 26, 2008)
- Night 3 at the DNC belonged to Bill and Joe (August 27, 2008)
“I think it's entertaining,” Ringen said, who’s voting for John McCain. “Just like to see what they say.”
Our political analyst Loran Smith said the show of patriotism is an attempt to provide unity, develop a platform and nominate a presidential and vice presidential candidate.
And though you could do all of that in one day, Smith said, “the delegates are having fun too. This is almost kind of like a vacation for them.”
But is it helping voters who are undecided?
“I'm looking for someone that's going to tell me then show me,” said Sheila Polter, who’s undecided.
Polter said watching the Democratic and Republican conventions will help her and other undecided voters make a choice.
“Probably at that point we'll be able to have an understanding on what each presidential candidate wants to do,” she said.
Smith says neither candidate has said specifically what their plan is once in the White House because Obama and McCain don't want to make enemies.
For that reason, he says the conventions will help undecided voters a little bit.
“They will make the decision at the last moment and sometimes, unfortunately, we think it's a little like that,” Smith said.
There are less than 10 weeks before you have to cast your ballot for president, but Smith said history has shown 75 percent of voters have made up their mind by Labor Day.
Polter knows she won't meet that deadline, but said she'll be ready to vote when November 4 rolls around.
2008 Presidential candidates
We want you to be informed about the possible choices for president. That's why we've researched where the candidates stand on issues like the Iraq war and gay marriage. Check out the candidate's platforms here.
Coming soon, local, young television talent will shine on 49 News Kidcasts. Check back to see local kids, 4th through 8th grade, give the weather on TV.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)