In 1948, in a stark contrast to today’s politically charged environment, the Republican and Democratic parties did something unimaginable: they held their national conventions in the same city and even shared some of the decorations.
Both conventions took place in Philadelphia, primarily because its Municipal Auditorium was already equipped with the necessary wiring for the groundbreaking live television coverage of the events.
To cut costs, the Democrats requested that the Republicans leave the American flags and bunting in place for their event 17 days later. The GOP agreed, though some items had faded and worn out by the time the Democrats used them.
Just as party camaraderie has diminished, so has the more relaxed way conventions were conducted. Once intense battles to determine presidential nominees, modern conventions have turned into meticulously planned, televised events designed to project party unity.
This week, Republicans are set to nominate former President Donald Trump in Milwaukee, aiming to present a united front. Meanwhile, the Democratic convention on August 19 may feature more drama, given the ongoing debate over whether President Joe Biden should lead the party’s ticket.
Despite the careful choreography of modern conventions, surprises can still occur. Here’s a look at some of the memorable convention moments, from floor fights to street battles, that were inspiring, outlandish, or just plain awkward:
Ted Cruz’s Convention Drama
As the last candidate defeated by Donald Trump in the 2016 GOP primary, Texas Senator Ted Cruz earned enough delegates to speak at the party’s convention in Cleveland. However, he refused to endorse Trump, still bitter over Trump’s personal attacks, including calling him “Lyin’ Ted,” mocking his wife’s appearance, and insinuating his father’s involvement in JFK’s assassination. Cruz’s call for delegates to “vote your conscience” was met with prolonged boos. Though Cruz later endorsed Trump and became one of his strongest supporters, the animosity at the time was so intense that Heidi Cruz had to be escorted from the convention floor for her safety.
Clint Eastwood’s Empty Chair
In 2012, actor and director Clint Eastwood delivered a perplexing speech at the Republican convention in Tampa, Florida, speaking to an empty chair meant to represent President Barack Obama. Eastwood spent 12 minutes conversing with the chair, pretending to dodge imaginary obscenities. He also made jokes about then-Vice President Biden’s gaffes, criticisms that seem prescient given current concerns about Biden’s capability for a second term.
Obama’s “Audacity of Hope”
The year 2004 was mostly grim for Democrats, with President George W. Bush winning reelection and Republicans holding Congress. However, a highlight was the electrifying speech by then-little-known Illinois state senator Barack Obama at the Boston convention. Obama introduced himself as “a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too,” and articulated his political philosophy as centered on “the audacity of hope.”
Gore’s Extra-Long Kiss
In 2000, while accepting his party’s presidential nomination in Los Angeles, Al Gore passionately kissed his wife Tipper on stage, lingering for an uncomfortably long three seconds. This display aimed to counter criticisms of Gore being too stiff in public, but the kiss overshadowed his speech. Gore narrowly lost to Bush that November, and the Gores separated a decade later after 40 years of marriage.
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Women on the Ticket
At the 1984 Democratic convention in San Francisco, Walter Mondale named Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate, making her the first woman on a major presidential ticket. Though she and Mondale only won 13 electoral votes, Ferraro’s nomination was historic. In 2008, Sen. John McCain selected Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate, whose impactful speech at the Republican convention gave McCain a temporary boost. In 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first female presidential nominee from a major party, though she lost to Trump. Kamala Harris, as Biden’s running mate in 2020, became the first woman on a winning ticket and is now considered by some Democrats to replace Biden in this year’s race.
Opposing the Incumbent
In 1976, California Governor Ronald Reagan challenged President Gerald Ford at the GOP convention in Kansas City, resulting in a bitter struggle that Ford narrowly won. Ford then lost to Democrat Jimmy Carter in November. In 1980, at the Democratic convention in New York, Carter faced a challenge from Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, who, despite trailing in delegates, tried to change the rules on how delegates voted. The motion failed, but Carter lost to Reagan.
Eagleton’s 18-Day Candidacy
In 1972, after the Democratic convention in Miami, reports emerged that vice presidential nominee Thomas Eagleton had undergone electroshock therapy for depression. Eagleton, chosen after several others declined, wasn’t thoroughly vetted, leading to his resignation after 18 days on the ticket. He was replaced by Sargent Shriver, but the Democratic nominee, George McGovern, lost to President Nixon in a landslide.
Chaos in Chicago
The 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago was marked by turmoil. After President Lyndon B. Johnson decided not to seek reelection and Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated, Vice President Hubert Humphrey secured the nomination amid a contentious floor fight. The convention was overshadowed by violent clashes between police and anti-war protesters, with tear gas even reaching Humphrey’s hotel suite. With the Democratic convention returning to Chicago soon and planned protests against Biden’s policies, there’s speculation about a potential repeat of the chaos.
Though modern conventions are meticulously planned, the potential for unexpected moments remains.
