The 2024 Democratic and Republican conventions are now part of the history books. Having attended four Democratic conventions, I know each has its own flavor and spirit. Conventions help show voters the contrast between parties and candidates. 

For every convention, there is anticipation and media hype prior to the event. Candidates have completed the primary process, and it’s time to come together behind a candidate. 

This year was historic. 

The Republicans nominated a former president who has been convicted of 34 felonies and found liable for sexual abuse. That is a historic first. 

Joe Biden was the uncontested Democratic nominee with aging issues. 

Both men were unpopular, voters thought they were too old to run and enthusiasm was lacking. 

Even so, things were moving along as expected as the conventions approached. The Republican convention came off smoothly with bravado and confidence. Talk of a landslide seeped out. Then something unprecedented happened. 

Three days after the end of the Republican Convention, Joe Biden withdrew as the Democratic nominee and endorsed his running mate Kamala Harris to replace him. Within a few days, Vice President Harris had secured the necessary support to be nominated. 

It was a seismic shift, leaving only 29 days to redesign the Democratic Convention. Democrats captured the news cycle. Excitement built for the Democratic Convention, and Republicans tried to regroup. 

Harris’ energy, her warmth and her joyful style were soon on display as she campaigned. New Mexico delegates threw their support behind Harris and were full of excitement as they left for Chicago.

Even with changing events, the two conventions provided a contrast for viewers. 

First, the delegations. In 2012 one news outlet described the Republican convention as pale, male and stale. Not much has changed. Only 3% of Republican delegates in 2024 identified as people of color. 

Forty-four percent of Democratic delegates identified as Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and other ethnicities. New Mexico’s delegation was a wonderful reflection of our heritage. 

Democrats had a joy factor. Fred Harris, our super delegate, having attended 14 conventions, said, “This was the most joyful and enthusiastic of them all.” Indeed, the word “joy” was used 35 times on the third night alone. 

Roll call, traditionally the most boring convention moment, was a surprisingly stark contrast. At the RNC Mike Johnson reminded delegates to “mind their manners.”  

For Democrats, roll call was a different story. Music for every state, dancing, diversity, and joy. 

Then there were signs. I, for one, never thought I would watch a convention where thousands of signs displaying “Mass Deportations Now” were waving. Never. But there they were at the RNC. 

Meanwhile Democratic delegates displayed signs saying “USA,” “Thank you Joe!” “Union Yes!” and a sea of thousands of American flags in a display of patriotism.

The acceptance speeches provided the starkest contrast. Trump made a 93-minute address described as rambling and unfocused. Initially, he tried to define himself differently with talk of uniting the country. It did not last. Very quickly he pivoted back to grievances about 2020, the media, legal problems, and prosecuting enemies. Focus disappeared. 

Fast forward to Harris and the DNC. After a lengthy standing ovation Harris began with “Let’s get down to business!”   

In a 37-minute, well organized speech she did just that. She told us about her early life and middle-class upbringing. She highlighted her prosecutorial skills, values and love of country. She looked to the future: building the middle class and an opportunity economy, protecting health care rights for which we have fought, strengthening America’s place in the world, and fighting tyranny. All in 37 minutes.

Conventions start the ball rolling. The choice and contrasts will become even clearer in the days to come. Now is the time for New Mexicans to tune in.