Wacky Garb Key to Conventions

Political die-hards flock to conventions in outlandish costumes, temporary tattoos, and head-to-toe buttons—“as much red, white and blue as possible in a patriotic arms race,” Robin Givhan writes in the Washington Post. Yet these goofy fans are integral to the messy, democratic process—by making it accessible to the folks watching on TV.

“The major dressing-up is left to the people who form the chorus in these theatrical productions, those who are chanting their support or howling their displeasure from the nosebleed seats and the sidewalks,” Givhan writes. “They represent the grand notion of democracy, the idea that just-plain-folks—a little wacky, yet deeply committed—are taking these important issues in hand.” (More Democratic National Convention stories.)