The recent Republican and Democratic conventions were similar in how they made their partisans feel confident and euphoric. The Republican convention in Milwaukee had an upbeat tone, with delegates feeling relieved after former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt. However, Trump’s acceptance speech failed to capitalize on the positive momentum, disappointing skeptical voters. The GOP missed an opportunity to expand their base and unify the party. In contrast, the Democratic convention in Chicago focused on reassuring skeptical moderates and addressing criticisms that the party had become too left-leaning. While some progressives pushed for certain demands, the convention remained tightly controlled and disciplined. The Democrats aimed to appeal to independents and disaffected Republicans, emphasizing that voting for Vice President Kamala Harris did not mean giving up conservative beliefs. Despite the positive vibes, there is a sense of uncertainty among Democratic strategists about potential twists in the campaign. The impact of the conventions on the election remains uncertain, as recent research suggests they mainly appeal to supporters. However, there is a possibility that the Democratic convention could give Harris a commanding position, similar to how past conventions boosted candidates like Bill Clinton and Al Gore. Despite the optimism, there is an underlying fear among Democrats about unforeseen events that could affect the campaign.
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