There was a time when Americans paid a lot of attention to Republican and Democratic party conventions.
Looks like that time may be here again.
In the earlier days of televised coverage, party conventions could get a bit contentious. Sometimes more than a bit. And it made for some fascinating TV viewing.
Perhaps the best example is the 1968 Democratic Party convention in Chicago. Protests by anti-war activists outside the convention hall-and Mayor Richard Daley's aggressive response-had millions glued to their TV sets.
Those were turbulent days and the country was divided. We are living in troubled times again and there is deep division as well.
We hope our country will not see a repeat of 1968 at either convention.
The Republicans kick off their convention today in Cleveland. Donald Trump will be nominated along with his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. But that doesn't mean the path will be smooth.
Most speakers will toe the party line. But there could be some who decide to take the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the nominee. And, of course, we can expect protests for and against the Trump ticket and the Republican platform outside the heavily-policed convention hall.
The Democrats convene July 25 in Philadelphia. Hillary Clinton clinched the nomination but supporters of rival Bernie Sanders may not lie down, even though their candidate has endorsed Clinton. So we could see some fireworks on and off the floor.
These days party conventions have become little more than pep rallies for the chosen candidates and a chance for up-and-coming politicos to gain a bit of recognition on the national stage. They are great for political junkies, but for most Americans the conventions have been a total bore. This year, however, may be different. In our view, that's worth tuning in for.