Dramatic Moments and Bizarre Events That Define Convention History

CHICAGO — Back in 1948, the Republicans and Democrats did something unimaginable today: they held their national conventions in the same city, Philadelphia, and even shared some of the props.

The Municipal Auditorium in Philadelphia had the necessary wiring for the then-new live convention coverage on national TV. To save costs, Democrats asked Republicans to leave the American flags and bunting for reuse at their event 17 days later, which the GOP obliged, though some items became faded and worn.

Gone are the days of such camaraderie and informal convention staging. What were once bare-knuckled showdowns to pick presidential nominees have turned into carefully scripted TV spectacles showcasing party unity.

The Democrats’ convention, opening Monday in Chicago, comes after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid under pressure from within his party. Now, Democrats have quickly rallied around Vice President Kamala Harris as their new nominee. Republicans showed similar unity by nominating former President Donald Trump in Milwaukee last month.

Even with today’s meticulously planned conventions, surprises can still occur. Here’s a look at memorable moments that were uplifting, outlandish, or just odd:

Last month, Trump made a dramatic entrance at the Republican convention, walking into the arena with a bandage over his right ear, just two days after surviving an assassination attempt. Speculation swirled whether this event would change his divisive political stance. Initially optimistic in his speech, he eventually reverted to predicting doom and division.

In 2016, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who Trump insulted during the GOP primary, took the stage at the convention but refused to endorse Trump, urging delegates to “vote your conscience.” His non-endorsement drew boos, and his wife Heidi had to be escorted out for safety. Cruz later endorsed Trump and is now one of his strongest defenders.

An unusual moment came in 2012 when Clint Eastwood spoke at the Republican convention in Tampa with an empty chair representing then-President Barack Obama. The actor conversed with the chair for 12 minutes, creating a mix of criticism and bemusement.

In 2004, a political star was born at the Democratic convention in Boston. Barack Obama, then an Illinois state senator, captivated the audience with a speech about “the audacity of hope,” setting the stage for his future presidency.

At the 2000 Democratic convention, Al Gore’s lingering kiss with his wife, Tipper, aimed to counter criticism that he was too stiff, was more remembered than his speech. He narrowly lost to George W. Bush that fall, and the Gores separated a decade later.

A historical moment in 1984 saw Walter Mondale nominates Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, making her the first woman on a major presidential ticket. Despite the enthusiasm, Mondale and Ferraro only won 13 electoral votes against President Ronald Reagan.

In 2008, Sarah Palin’s vice-presidential nomination speech at the Republican convention boosted John McCain’s campaign. Although McCain lost to Obama, Palin’s speech was memorable for its humor and political punch.

In 2016, Hillary Clinton made history as the first female presidential nominee of a major party, declaring, “When any barrier falls in America, for anyone, it clears the way for everyone.” She lost to Trump, however.

Kamala Harris became the first woman on a winning ticket in 2020. Now leading the Democratic ticket, she hopes to become the nation’s first woman president.

In 1976, Ronald Reagan challenged President Gerald Ford from the right, sparking a fierce contest at the GOP convention. Ford narrowly won the nomination but lost to Jimmy Carter in November.

At the 1980 Democratic convention, Ted Kennedy contested President Carter’s nomination. Although he failed to change delegate rules, it highlighted deep party divisions. Carter ultimately lost to Reagan.

The pressure on Biden to step aside is unprecedented for a sitting president but not for a running mate. In 1972, George McGovern’s vice-presidential pick, Thomas Eagleton, resigned 18 days after the convention when it was revealed he previously underwent electroshock therapy. Sargent Shriver replaced him, but McGovern lost in a landslide to Nixon.

After Lyndon Johnson declined to seek reelection, the 1968 Democratic convention was chaotic, with Hubert Humphrey securing the nomination amid fierce fighting. Outside, antiwar protests clashed with police, creating turmoil that overshadowed the convention itself.

As the Democratic convention returns to Chicago, planned protests over the Biden administration’s support for Israel have some wondering if a repeat of 1968’s chaos might occur.

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Source: Associated Press