* Republicans consider shorter primary season, fewer debates * Campaign finance laws encourage earlier conventions * 'Ch...

Many have already commented how the national nominating conventions have morphed over time to become nothing more than protracted infomercials for each party. 'Twasn't always thus, however.

Liberals often insist that the president cannot be blamed for current trends they dislike. Yet in most areas where Obama's defenders attempt to pass the buck, the president enjoys wide latitude.

The Republican convention is in two weeks. Both Romney and Ryan will give big, primetime speeches. I don't know what will be in those speeches. It barely matters though. The general contours of the narrative are already clear in advance.

The Democrats seem to have the best laid plans. Those plans could result in President Obama coming away from the Democratic convention with a lead in the polls sufficient to put added pressure on Mitt Romney in that critical first debate.