To the Point
Do the Political Conventions Still Matter?
The last time a party "nominating convention" actually nominated a presidential candidate was in 1976, but that doesn’t mean today's TV extravaganzas aren't important.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenThe 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
In this episode
3 storiesShooting Outside the Empire State Building
A shootout in midtown Manhattan near the Empire State Building took the lives of two people and wounded seven more this morning. Matthew Keys, reporter for Reuters News Service , has an update.
Read the story7 minPolitical Party Conventions: What Are They For?
Party conventions used to nominate presidential candidates. Now that's all done in advance. Next week's Republican Party convention plans to break with tradition. Instead of waiting until Wednesday, they'll nominate Mitt Romne y on Monday, the first day of their convention in Tampa. Does that mean conventions don't matter?
Read the story34 minLance Armstrong Walks Away from Doping Fight
One of America's iconic athletes has given up the fight to disprove allegations by the US Anti-Doping Agency that he was a ring-leader in systematic doping on his Tour-winning teams. Lance Armstrong , world renowned for fighting back after a bout with testicular cancer to win seven Tours de France, will be erased from the record books.
Read the story9 min
