Analysis
Viewers should ask themselves what it is about the Democratic Convention that they learned from this story. We know that 2 local people are going to Boston, but viewers don’t learn much about what they will learn at the Convention other than “network” and “they’ll go through training on how to rally young, college-age voters.”
Little substantive information on what takes place at the Democratic Convention is provided to viewers. The Center for Public Integrity has great information that looks at how the conventions have changed from being a place to debate the party platforms, to a big party where members of the Democratic National Committee spend time with special interest groups.
Viewers would also be well served in know how much of their tax dollars are used to put on these conventions. Another good resource on the Democratic National Committee can be found at PR Watch.
Transcript
WXMI News Reader – Democrats from all over the country will travel to Boston the week, including a handful from here in West Michigan. The Party’s convention starts on Monday. FOX 17′s Amy Turner talked to 2 local Democrats making the trip , an old pro and a first timer.
FOX Reporter – Every four years a party for the Party faithful. This time around 20 year old Justin Meyers will be right in the mix.
Justin – “I think it will be an amazing event to have that many Democrats there.”
FOX Reporter – Meyers is working for a local union this summer, in the Fall he’ll be a junior at Aquinas. A leader of the college Democrats, he’s going to Boston early for that groups annual convention. That smaller meeting draws some big names.
Justin – “Well, I’ll have an opportunity to meet both Hillary and Bill Clinton Sunday night.”
FOX Reporter – For college students like Justin, the real work begins in the Fall, when everyone is back here on campus. At the Convention they’ll go through training on how to rally young, college-age voters. A population that doesn’t necessarily turn out in big numbers.
Justin – “This is something that I found out that I can do and enjoy doing.”
FOX Reporter – To a large extent that’s what it’s all about, motivating Party activists to motivate voters to cast a ballot for John Kerry.
Paul Mayhue – “We are going to come back, we are gonna be salesmen, if you will for the top of the ticket.”
FOX Reporter – This will be the third Convention for Kent County Commissioner Paul Mayhue. A lot of glitz, a lot of glamour. The Convention is a prime-time commercial for the candidates. But for the delegates, Mayhue says it’s all about the networking.
Paul Mayhue – “I get a chance to meet folks that I can make a hone call to when push comes to shove. That’s the bottom line.”
FOX Reporter – That as well as boosting Party loyalty and excitement. Pretty appealing to a young activist.
Justin – “To be able to see where our Party has been and where it is going, and to be to able to hear John Kerry’s message for America. “
FOX Reporter – In Grand Rapids, Amy Turner, FOX 17 News at 10.
WXMI News Reader – And of course this is just half of the story. Republicans get their turn when the GOP Convention starts August 30 in New York. Several local people will be there as well.
Total Time: 2 minutes and 2 seconds
