Here's an idea: If you guys are serious, why don't you scrap the conventions? "Nominating" conventions ceased some time ago and the current rush for states to have February primaries only highlights the extent to which these gatherings have been reduced to symbolic showpieces. Are they really needed?

The interest in greening political conventions, from buying confetti made from recycled paper to purchasing carbon offsets to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, shows the increasing relevance to both parties of appealing to voters mindful of global warming

What a bunch of dolts. I'm so glad I voted for George Carlin.

February primaries only highlights the extent to which these gatherings have been reduced to symbolic showpieces

No February primaries are an example of front loading, or seeking a larger role in the nominations game.

I do agree with your sentiments about the conventions however. But if there were no conventions, how would the parties pull cheap tricks like these to impress the voters!

Good point on front loading. I was aware of this, however, the point I was making was that the conventions have lost their power as nominating bodies in all but name. The primary process as currently structured is the arbitrator. Dark horse candidates emerging from back room negotiations are a thing of the past.

Yes gone are the days when Party Leaders decided the candidates, but I'm sure Democrats and their barrage of Super Delegates would disagree. Yep Primaries are playing an increasing role in a candidate's nomination.

But Conventions are usually much more. How else would the party elite decide the platform, how else would they fake unity and shove propaganda down each others throats?