How Did the RNC Play as Event TV?

For some time now, political conventions have been planned with the television audience in mind, becoming week-long scripted commercials, essentially, aimed at selling the candidate to the electorate. So, was anyone watching this week, outside of Romney supporters and political pundits? As the Democrats prepare to stage their week-long commercial, what should they do to get that audience tuning in? Include Honey Boo Boo? Have an empty chair for the President to talk back to? We ask former Los Angeles Times columnist Tim Rutten and Variety's Ted Johnson.