A century old tradition continues as long, tiring months of campaigning comes down to three  nights of the year, when the two most powerful political parties take the prime time spotlight. Even the ‘couch’ Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians and undecided voters who otherwise stray from political oration, typically tune-in as the most powerful and influential party leaders contend for their vote.

Historically, the Democratic and Republican National Conventions have impacted the polls. A jump in percentages is typically achieved immediately after a party holds its convention. As we enter the most pivotal time of the campaign, the race between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama will not be a landslide victory for either candidate. This election will come down to key battleground states, making the National Convention of both parties even more crucial to sealing the win. So which party threw the better convention?

Republicans strategically held their convention in Tampa, Florida. The state is a swing-state and controversial site for the presidential election of 2000. Tampa is typically seen as a Democratic city, however its surrounding suburbs lean conservative. The following Democratic Convention was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, historically a battleground state.

In close observation of both conventions, both Democrats and Republicans successfully presented their unique interpretations of the American dream. The Republican Convention elicited a nostalgic Western Frontier feel, highlighting American veterans all over the nation and reminiscing of America’s colonial and industrial growth periods.
The Democrats presented a different kind of patriotism, highlighting America as a melting pot of immigrants who came to America to build a better life for their children and generations to come. There were significantly more minorities present at the Democratic Convention.
The two conventions contrasted the most in the advocating social issues and direction of the nation. The Republican campaign painted a dim light on the state of the union, highlighting the growing deficit and the percentage of unemployment.
The Democrats emphasized the number of jobs created, and how we have made major feats, but the job is not done yet. They also reminded Americans of the administration that brought us to the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression.

So which party essentially threw the best party?

Leading up to the conventions, Obama held a 2 percent lead in the polls over Romney. Although Romney caught up to Obama in a dead tie after the RNC, Obama pulled away with a 3 percent lead over Romney in the polls leading 48 percent to 45 percent. According to Gallup polls, Obama’s approval rating also took a 3 percent jump following the DNC.

Although the Democrats prevailed in the primetime battle of conventions, the real victor will be decided in November as the vote will decide who will lead our nation for the next four years.