Republican National Convention Blues

TAMPA, Fla. -- The storm-delayed GOP convention has led me to propound a mathematical law of journalism for the 21st century. I'll call it Tampa's Law, for the place and time that made it so sadly evident.

The law states that the newsworthiness of an event varies inversely and in precise proportion to the number of media members involved in covering it, writing about it and showing it.

A corollary of Tampa's Law states that the newsworthiness of an event varies inversely to the number of U.S. Secret Service, FBI, National Guard, state troopers, sheriffs and local police who are assigned to provide security for it -- and to the number of bomb-sniffing dogs, newly purchased surveillance cameras and human checkpoints that a civilian (or reporter) must navigate to enter the space in which the alleged news is being committed.

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein broke Watergate. Thousands of reporters here are breaking next to nothing. It's not their fault: there's no news.

The conventions are a kind of logical absurdity, containing and representing the "old" media at its worst even while lamely trying to adapt to the new. The fact is that only the experienced engineers, camera operators and TV networks can transmit live to the world such a real-time event. But it is an event that long ago ceased having any meaning related specifically to the presence of so many people in one place. So it's big because ... it's big.

The only "news" here will be created by Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan in the speeches they give. Will they connect convincingly with America? Answering that has nothing to do with the presence -- or absence -- of particular people in the hall or in the City of Tampa.

And yet, Tropical Storm Isaac notwithstanding, there are 15,000 journalists accredited to this Republican convention. There are some 50,000 security forces of one kind another, many with rifles slung over their shoulder. I don't know how many dogs there are, but a lot.

I made the mistake of going to the Tampa Bay Times Forum -- the convention hall -- Sunday night. I drove. I had to pass through FIVE checkpoints, most with truck-stopping raised metal barriers. The trunk and engine hood were inspected. I felt like I was entering an outpost of the Green Zone in Baghdad.

As for the media, the five TV networks that share pool duty and spend their own money on individual efforts will spend as much as $10 million on the week in Tampa, I'm told.

And yet it's been years -- 1976 and 1980 -- since the conventions meant anything as unscripted, real news events. The delegates increasingly are powerless non-entities; little or nothing happens that wasn't decided long in advance.

If Mitt and Paul had gone to a studio somewhere, or picked a nice friendly crowd in front of which to speak, we could have all stayed home and watched, and used the time and money for reporting that matters -- and that usually happens when a journalist strikes out on his or her own in pursuit of a story.

And yes, I know: I'm here. So who am I to talk? Well, this is what they call in law an "admission against interest." But I know an overburdened, archaic, doomed institution when I see one.

In this case I see two: the convention and the traditional media spending so much time and money covering it.

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• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, left and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney waves to delegates after his speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney acknowledges delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan and his wife Janna salute delegates following Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Behind is Mitt Romney and his wife Ann. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney waves to delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney acknowledges delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney hugs a supporter as he walks to the stage during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney makes his way through delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Ann Romney, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, cheers as Olympians are introduced during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, right, and his wife Janna applaud during Florida Senator Marco Rubio's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, right, along with Ann Romney, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, left, applaud during Florida Senator Marco Rubio's speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Marco Rubio

  Florida Senator Marco Rubio addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

• Florida Senator Marco Rubio addresses delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Marco Rubio

  Florida Senator Marco Rubio addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Clint Eastwood

  Actor Clint Eastwood addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Actor Clint Eastwood speaks to an empty chair while addressed delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Tom Stemberg, founder and former CEO of Staples speaks to delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Bob White

  Chairman of the Romney-Ryan Campaign Bob White addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Pam Finlayson

  Pam Finlayson addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Frantz Placide and Sean Duffy, center, listen to Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, left, as he speaks during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Jeb Bush

  Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush steps onstage to speak to delegates at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Oscar Poole

  Oscar Poole from Ellijay, Ga., wears his hat at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Newt Gingrich, Callista Gingrich

  Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

• Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista walk onto the stage to speak to delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista speak to delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Herman Cain recites the Pledge of Allegiance during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Connie Mack

  Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fla., addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Senator Scott Brown, R-Mass., answers questions during a press conference in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

• Stagehands make final adjustments to the expanded stage where Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will accept his party's nomination later tonight a the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Protesters yell as Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• A delegate holds up a mask of Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Jeb Bush

  FILE In this Aug. 27, 2012 file photo, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush looks at the convention floor from the podium during a microphone check at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

• Stagehands make final adjustments to the expanded stage where Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will accept his party's nomination later tonight a the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Paul Ryan

  Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan waves toward the delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Paul Ryan

  Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Sam Ryan yawns in his mother's arms while Janna listen to her husband Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. Right is Charlie Ryan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Ann Romney, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, applauds with Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan's wife during Paul Ryan's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan speaks to delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Condoleezza Rice

  Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

• Susana Martinez

  New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Condoleezza Rice

  Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Mike Huckabee

  Former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Mike Huckabee

  Former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Mike Huckabee

  Former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan's wife Janna, left, sits next to his mother Betty Ryan Douglas during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Tim Pawlenty

  Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Rob Portman

  Ohio Senator Rob Portman addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Rob Portman

  Ohio Senator Rob Portman addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• John Thune

  South Dakota Senator John Thune gestures to the delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

• Rob Portman

  Ohio Senator Rob Portman waves to the delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

 

Follow Howard Fineman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/howardfineman

Comments

[Sieggy]

02:48 PM on 08/27/2012

How many of the reporters and news crews are even now on the road to NO and the surrounding areas? A large percentage of the coverage (and reporters) that the GOP was counting on to give Mitt a bump will instead go to covering the hurricane. It will be INCREDIBLY bad theater if scenes of hurricane damage are juxtaposed with convention scenery . . . on the seventh anniversary of Katrina. That will drag up a lot of unpleasant memories.

I know that FEMA has repositioned the emergency supplies north, so that if things get bad, they're ready to roll in. Assuming there are no major screw-ups, the inevitable comparisons between how Bush (doing a heck of a job, Brownie!) and Obama handled similar situations will not do the GOP any good at all. And since the DNC convention is coming up quickly, they won't have that negative imagery and can capitalize on a successful emergency response.

[smp276dp]

12:49 PM on 08/27/2012

The church has condem the Ryan plan as extreme and to work against the poor and needy.
Where are the so called reilgious right to confirm what the cathlolic chruch has confirmed?
This people make a lot of noise not that anyone sees them. But when in cases of rich and poor.
For some reason they side with the rich. Everything we have learned about Jesus.
They are imposing against his gospel.

[bubba lew]

11:45 AM on 08/27/2012

AGAIN WE ARE BROKE but we are spending millions on bull shit and how much of this bull shit am I paying for with my tax dollars?

[Shacking]

10:53 AM on 08/27/2012

check the attendance and enthusiasm at Romney/Ryan political events vs. barry/joe probably a good indicator of things to come.

[Flacracker]

10:49 AM on 08/27/2012

I agree with Howard. The only news here is the news that Florida can put together a mighty security force on short notice at taxpayers expense. We don't have to take out the Repugs on the street. We will take them out at the ballot boxes! Obama 2012

[Rixar13]

02:44 PM on 08/27/2012

I agree Flacracker, 4 more for 44... Very little Rain today... ☺

[labman57]

10:14 AM on 08/27/2012

National conventions are like Spring Break with a dash of pomp, proselytizing, and propaganda thrown in.

[aussie01]

09:53 AM on 08/27/2012

Seems to me that this is a media and security convention attended by some RNC people.

Talk about over kill!

[rtgmath]

09:33 AM on 08/27/2012

Following 2012, the Democrats should put together a pre-National Convention website that goes up every two years, where people could start conversations on message boards, the people involved could rate the conversations, and others could decide which conversations to join or read.

Moderators should be light-handed. Party officials could monitor the conversations and decide which ones should be promoted at higher levels of recognition (a kind of tier system). The better and more pertinent the conversation, the higher it should be rated. Another feature could be that online donations to the party could be tied to particular conversations inside it. That would provide an additional measure of how people feel about the conversation and its worth to the party.

The individual participation within this context would give the Democratic Party access to "new blood" and fresh talent. Talented individuals are often overlooked in today's convention mindset, and the Democrats desperately need to locate, recruit, and (if necessary) hire that talent.

On the other hand, perhaps every two years is not often enough. Perhaps the Democrats should produce such a national ongoing conversation, turning it into a "Convention" every two years. Like the Huffingtonpost has so nicely demonstrated, such a conversation at a national level is desperately needed and would be intensely valuable.

I do not see the physical conventions as doomed. But I do see that their place should and will change. Best of all, we could get started on that now.

What do you think, Howard?

[Lawuva]

08:57 AM on 08/27/2012

Just think - if the Republicans didn't hold a convention, they would have millions more to spend on television advertisements in swing states lying about President Obama. What a lost opportunity!

[donnay1954]

01:01 PM on 08/27/2012

No one ever said the GOP are smart!

[rbenjamin]

08:56 AM on 08/27/2012

Industrial Light and Magic could offer up a fake convention with even better balloons and more adoring (and much better looking) throngs....at a fraction of the cost of using real people and locations.

[Rondo]

08:54 AM on 08/27/2012

The traditional media referred to in Mr. Fineman's column will be in New Orleans covering the next storm of the century while the RNC struggles to be more exciting than a Rotary Club Meeting.