Sabato: "It is really surprising how quickly convention memories fade"

... in an analysis of the impact of political conventions since 1960, Sabato concluded that post-convention polls signal the election's outcome only about half the time. "You could flip a coin and be about as predictive," he says. "It is really surprising how quickly convention memories fade."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-07-poll_N.htm
=====

I agree. The effects of Palin and the RNC convention will soon be a distant memory. There are much bigger events on the horizon that will determine this election.

What are you talking about?

We only need one good one to take her and McGoo down.

If it goes as many are expecting it could end her political career. I know the RNC has slick, high-priced lawyers there trying to derail it, but even if they are successful in blocking the official report, I suspect the findings will be leaked to the press.

Inside, the Republican convention was PATHETIC. Outside, it was fascist. Yet, the networks swear both conventions were "good."

I can't imagine McCain with any of the other possibilities mentioned generating as much excitement.

was deemed a great success. Plus the Palin thing was unexpected and made for great theater and helped the media's ratings. They really, desperately want this to be a horserace.

Our convention was bright, cutting-edge, high-tech, diverse, funny, groovin', rockin'.

Theirs was PATHETIC. (You can tell I love that word, huh?)

so the media was obsessed with her instead of talking about Obama. It was good move by McCain but it was easy since the RNC conv immediately followed the DNC convention. I wonder how that got scheduled so conveniently for them?

I was still high on Obama's speech, and the absolute magic of the whole night --the whole week for that matter. But all DU wanted to talk about was Palin. In all the years I've been at DU, that was the most disappointing thing I'd ever seen with regard to this message board.

And it was incredibly lame! And 40 million people saw it! And they came away wanting to vote for him?!

Ay caramba. I'm the one counseling prudence on other threads but I think I need a drink.

These Nervous Nellies are going to make me an alcoholic! :)

... but CNN was pretty critical and Jeffrey Toobin said it was awful. Most of the print reviews were bad as well, as were editorial page responses. Overall, the CW seemed to be "meh."

...media. Reporting truth...reporting facts. :sarcasm:

But I think that it firms up the story lines and we need to turn this thing around fast.

I think the Repub ratings were high because many Dems were watching.
The Repubs weren't watching the Dems convention though...

although we might hear of another Palin scandal in the near future, which could continue to shake things up for them...and not in a good way.

reveling in that and urging peeps to go check out the speeches online if they miss the magnificent historical speeches.

From the evidence I've seen the rnc was a hatin' filled, jerkoff mess that appeals to the vile among us.

and provide thoughtful responses to serious questions, or very quickly there is going to be a backlash.

So I would think the memories of their convention would fade even faster.

I STILL hear people mentioning Obama's speech. McCain's? They're talking about the ugly green behind him and the fact that it was Walter Reed Middle School (they generally laugh at that).

pick in Republican History.

Because McCain unveiled a TRANSFORMATIVE choice going into the convention if is very difficult to predict the ebb and flow of event impacts since this has never happened before and the public is just getting to know Palin. Could be a bust or the momentum could continue longer that history would predict.

Why are you so pro-Palin/McCain and anti-Obama??

It was after Labor Day and the people ready to listen. And this nation - an aging nation - adores listening to war stories, cheering a war hero, waving the flag, etc. They know they are hurting but they don't have the brains to figure out who is doing it to them and who will continue to do it to them. YEP..I'm saying the one you are underestimating is MCCAIN's speech and not Palin. The old farts and all guys who got dressed up in a uniform at one time or another just love that crap. They basically have spoken in these polls and I doubt you are going to see Obama ahead again. It sickens me; but I've been doing this for 5 decades and this is just the way it goes time after time.

Hang on old-timer, you are about to have the ride of your life!

...fair...right?:sarcasm: