Do the Political Conventions Still Matter?

The last time a so-called party "nominating convention" actually nominated a presidential candidate was in 1976. Now that's the business of primaries and caucuses state by state. That does not mean today's TV extravaganzas aren't important. We sketch the history of party conventions and look at why they still matter. Also, today's shooting outside the Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan, and Lance Armstrong gives up his fight against charges of doping—and his medal for cycling.

Banner image: President Gerald Ford, as the Republican nominee, shakes hands with nomination foe Ronald Reagan on the closing night of the 1976 Republican National Convention, August 19, 1976