The Atlantic - Latest Comments in The essence of boredom

Re: The essence of boredom

Jaybird — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:10:38 -0000

If I were writing a short story about a Democratic Convention and I had everyone dancing to Love Train at the end of the nomination process, people would tell me that it was way too over the top and I should come up with something more believable.

Re: The essence of boredom

JT (Chicago) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:48:24 -0000

Yep, I've always liked the roll call with the wierd facts about the states, or when they try to get national exposure for "the next County Dogcatcher from our great state", or when you see all the pols trying to cram into the picture.

It's a bit of tacky political tradition that has somehow survived after becoming meaningless over the years.

Unless ... McCain goes back to his plan (from 2000) of nominating three VPs and letting the convention decide. Now that would be fun to watch.

"Love Train"? I would rather they played "People Get Ready"

Re: The essence of boredom

Breukelyne — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:20:59 -0000

Um, I also like the roll call and the state pride thing. The costumes!

/nerd moment

I loved the New Mexico guy too.

Re: The essence of boredom

Ben — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:38:28 -0000

Seriously, that guy was amazing. He's my personal favorite speaker of the convention (not the most important, just the most entertaining).

Re: The essence of boredom

Adam — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:51:32 -0000

I know! The NM guy was a riot - the dramatic pause after the head-fake "We cast our votes for..."

At least somebody knew how to have a little fun with it!

Re: The essence of boredom

Mike — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:39:00 -0000

Yeah, it's just the only official business of the entire four-day gathering. Weird that the nominee is not present in my opinion.

Re: The essence of boredom

Peter — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:23:22 -0000

I think the Guam lady tried to cast a vote for someone weird from Guam. Then on the repeat didn't. On the repeat she cast 7 votes, though Guam has 8. Dunno what happened there.

Re: The essence of boredom

TInare — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:14:34 -0000

I'm also a nerd who likes the roll call and I was actually a little disappointed that it wasn't finished. I love how each state tries to out-introduce the other states. It doesn't get any better than "Idaho, where the sun first touches the mountains." Like, what the crap does that mean??? (I think it was Idaho. Could be Iowa. I confuse the two. They're both "I" states out west somewhere. I really suck at geography...)

Re: The essence of boredom

KarenZ — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:50:07 -0000

It's just tradition, that's all. A holdover from the days when the result was not foreordained. Seems harmless enough to me.

And just now, something significant did in fact happen. Hillary announced that all of New York's votes were cast for Barack. And now, she's moving to select him by acclamation.

Once upon a time, these conventions actually meant something and the outcome of a roll call vote was unknown. That was sort of exciting. Perhaps it will be again some day.

"Love Train!"

Re: The essence of boredom

JRG — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:33:09 -0000

I like it. I get a kick out of hearing the states call out what they think is cool about themselves.

Re: The essence of boredom

Pronk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:25:05 -0000

You're not missing anything. This is excruciating.

Re: The essence of boredom

deictic — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:23:44 -0000

I must be warped because I like the roll call.

Re: The essence of boredom

Big Lake — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:17:08 -0000

Word. The lady calling out the roll is mildly terrifying.