Stark contrast in feel of parties

I could not help but notice the sharp contrast in the tone, the message and even the speaker lists, between the Democratic and Republican national conventions.

The Republican tone was subdued, the message negative and demeaning, and the speakers included personalities such as Hulk Hogan and Dana White, Trump’s sons Don Jr. and Eric and their significant others. Noticeably absent were his daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and son Barron. In fact, his wife only got on stage at the end of the convention.

Even more obvious were the political no-shows which included former President George Bush, Trump’s own vice president, Mike Pence, members of his Cabinet, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Thus, they had to settle for political attention-seekers like Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

By contrast, the Democratic tone was upbeat, the message optimistic, and speakers included former presidents and first ladies, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, public servants such as Leon Panetta, labor and union leaders, and even Republicans like Stephanie Grisham and former Rep. Adam Kinzinger ofIllinois. Celebrities included Oprah Winfrey and actress Eva Longoria. There was a Capitol police officer, a Michigan county sheriff, parents of a hostage being held by Hamas, and a wide variety of women who had been abused, raped, had IVF treatments, and suffered serious medical problems from abortion-related health issues.

I look forward to the next few months to see how each campaign moves forward, and the presidential and vice presidential debates.