Since 1952, when national political conventions were first televised across the country, party organizers and candidates have a chance to communicate directly to the voters watching at home. While serving to propel the campaigns forward, conventions may also produce one or two moments, some scripted, some unscripted, which make an even more lasting impression in America’s collective memory. These moments have been emotional and uplifting, raucous and violent, even humorous. Check out some memorable moments from conventions past. What will be the memorable moments this year?

The Conflict: 1968 Democratic Convention, Chicago
The convention was marred by conflict within the convention hall and on the streets outside, a result largely due to the deep divisions within the party over the Vietnam War. On the convention floor, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley furiously shouted and shook his fist at a speaker who was condemning his city’s handling of the convention.  In the national election that followed, Democratic Nominee Hubert Humphrey lost to Richard Nixon by less than 1% of the vote.

Historic elections 1968, Electoral Overview

		Questions: What image of the Democratic party did this convention project to the American people? Explain. What made this moment memorable?

The Speech: 1984 Republican Convention, Dallas
Seeking a second term, Ronald Reagan’s acceptance speech brought delegates to tears as he called for "a new beginning." In 1984 the Reagan / Bush team hailed the successes of their first administration and, as they had in 1980, framed the contest as the Republican vision of a great America versus the Democratic pessimism. The incumbents won the election in a landslide and an endorsement for "four more years."

Historic Elections 1980, Electoral Overview

		Questions: How does Reagan propose to build on America’s strength? What effect does the speech have on the delegates? Explain. What made this moment memorable?

The First Woman: 1984 Democratic Convention, San Francisco
"Emotional" and "exciting" is how Geraldine Ferraro describes the moment she was nominated for vice president. Chosen by Walter Mondale as his running mate, Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman nominated for the vice presidency by a major party. This has paved the way for women to be seriously considered by the major parties as candidates for both vice president and president. The excitement produced by this moment did not carry over into the November election as the incumbent Reagan / Bush ticket won in an electoral and popular landslide.

		Questions: Describe the reaction of the crowd to Geraldine Ferraro’s speech. How does she react? What made this moment memorable?

The Kiss: 2000 Democratic Convention, Los Angeles
As Vice President Al Gore strode on stage to accept the Democratic nomination, polls showed voters did not perceive him as a "regular guy" who connected easily with people. Before he began his acceptance speech, he embraced his wife Tipper, and gave her an affectionate and some would say passionate kiss. Reviews on the "kiss" were mixed, but Al Gore and his running mate Joe Lieberman gained ground in the polls after the convention as they headed into the fall campaign against George W. Bush.

Historic Elections 2000, Electoral Overview

		Questions: How does Al Gore’s "kiss" impact the convention crowd? How do you think this influenced the public’s image of him as a candidate? What made this moment memorable?

2004 Democratic Convention, Boston