In this 2008 file photo, Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts and 2012 GOP presidential nominee, acknowledges the audience of the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on September 3. (Photo by Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images)
Julian Zelizer: Professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University
Robert Weiner: National public affairs and issues strategist and attendee of every DNC since 1972
Michael V. Miller: Chief operating officer of the 2012 Republican National Convention. He is a veteran of Republican conventions going back to 1964, both as a journalist and, since 1972, a convention planner.
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In a general election with a predetermined Republican candidate up against an incumbent, one could easily argue that the time and money spent on national party conventions is a waste. But for both 2012 hopefuls the upcoming conventions are a chance to remind loyal voters of their platforms and persuade swing voters to join their side. Despite the partisan splendor, will the RNC and DNC be of any use this time around?
Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, will join The Daily Circuit Thursday to talk about the influence of political conventions. Robert Weiner, national public affairs and issues strategist, and Michael V. Miller, chief operating officer of the 2012 Republican National Convention, will also join the discussion.
Tens of thousands of people around the world have said they want to go to Mars, even if it means they will never return to Earth. Dozens of them were in the crowd Tuesday night at the Fitzgerald Theater for Science Night Minnesota — Mission to Mars. Read about Science Night.