Conventions shed inadequate light on candidates' thoughts about future

With the political conventions over (is anybody weeping?), it’s on to the debates. Hurrah!

The conventions showed us that Ann Romney and Michelle Obama are two extremely impressive women. We learned that it is not wise to let Clint Eastwood on stage without a script. We learned that having conventions in the South in hurricane season is probably not a good idea. And we found out that Bill Clinton is still a heckuva speaker.

But despite all the hoopla, I personally think we learned very little about how Mitt Romney would govern or exactly what President Barack Obama would do in a second term to juice the economy. And it all comes down to a few swing voters in the middle.

Democrats left Charlotte with a little more wind in their sails (and the best speeches and most enthusiasm overall) while Tampa showed us that the Republicans sort of feel saddled with nominee Mitt Romney. But both parties shored up their bases without winning over those crucial independents.

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