if the candidates are more or less set, why do we need the conventions?

Honestly I am as befuddeled as you are on this one Mooch. It just doesn't make good sense to waste all that money on the conventions, when we already have our two candidates for President...Lori

They have to still have the conventions because everything has to be official. The delegates from each state get to vote and those votes are counted before the nominee is announced. It's just part of the political process and has to be done whether there's a clear winner or not.

Well, it gives them the (yet another) opportunity to party ... and drink too much (again) and decide as a group that they know me better than I know me.

Doesn't that make sense? Also, all the bed-taxes, food and booze will only help the Denver economy, no?

So what if the partying does nothing for "The Party" ... it's the "let the good times roll" attitude that's most important. Not so?

Memo to self: The Convention: Isn't that the place where the baloney flies? (C) 2008 RJScott

I have wondered the same thing myself. They could even donate the money to charity. I wonder when we will wake up to this. I guess it is to keep the news people in business.

I am like you I have no idea except to waste Money

The finalizing of candidate selection is only one aspect of the convention.
Much of the time spent will be for addressing party issues.
From administration reports, looking at rules, constitutional changes within the party, party policy and such.
It just happens that the coronation will take place at the convention as well.

Who knows. I really don't think any of them are too concerend with wasting money. They just do what they want to do and they let the people of America worry about who will pay for what. They don't care what the money is used for as long as it is used for themselves. I think there are alot better ways to spend the money also.