Some Republicans are calling for an “open” convention in Cleveland whereby the delegates could nominate anyone. Part of the resistance to this movement might be optics: appearances. You see, national party nomination conventions are supposed to be extravaganzas, joyous occasions with plenty of applause and even tears. Primetime speakers are carefully scheduled for certain evenings. An “open” convention throws that all overboard. Conventions are supposed to have an arc, and end with a climax. An “open” convention might not end on time. Also, party conventions are supposed to be displays of party unity. How would it look if there were contention, rancor, arguments, threats, and other “negatives” as delegates wrangled to get their guy nominated? Party elders might not want to televise such a thing, just like they might not want to televise the Rules Committee confabs. In any event, the show must go on. A party in “disarray,”...(Read Full Article)