Wouldn't it be nice to hear a presidential candidate say:  "On my first day in office I will eliminate party conventions."  These ludicrous bacchanals are a total waste of viewer’s time, campaign money and prime time television slots. Did you have any doubts about who would be nominated?  Was anyone surprised by what the endless line of speakers had to say? I bet the script writers were given these instructions:  See if you can get the word “jobs” in every sentence.  Use one of these phrases at least every ten seconds:  "the greatest country in the history of the world." "this is who we are," "middle class," "American Dream."  Predictably here’s how the Conventions went:  Republicans demonized Obama and said they would lead Americans to a better life without saying exactly how. Democrats demonized Romney, stated what they did and that they will lead us to a better place without saying exactly how.  Regarding performances, Michelle trounced Ann, Clint Eastwood and his chair provided comic relief, Ryan established himself as his party’s ranking liar, Biden got through his speech without any of his trademark gaffs, and Clinton, once again, proved to be the consummate, skillful politician.  The candidates themselves?  Disregarding content, watching Mitt was painful:  His darting eyes from left to right, his soppy sincere look when he did face the camera and his attempts at humor were pitiful.  Stand up comedy is not your calling, Mitt.  Remember the one about the Episcopal priests making lots of money by investing in his start up company?  Heh, heh, heh.  Obama creamed Mitt. The next time we have party conventions maybe I'll look for re-runs of Happy Days which represented the halcyon days when American life was a middle class, Norman Rockwell dream, the illusion both parties claim they will restore.