The good and bad of Demos' convention

For only the fourth time in U.S. political history, the national party conventions are back to back. The short break in between allows us to comment on both conventions.

What was the good, and the bad, of the Democratic convention in Denver?

Webb: The good: Democrats had an OK convention. It was a disciplined, well-scripted performance with key speakers staying on message and avoiding major gaffes. It was helpful to have a bit of intrigue (Will Hillary Clinton really embrace Barack Obama?), which gave the pundits something to talk about. And history was truly made with the nomination of the first black presidential candidate.

Obama predictably got a boost in the polls, although Republicans quickly recaptured the limelight with John McCain's vice presidential announcement and the beginning of the GOP convention on Monday.

The bad: It was Halloween in August, one of the scariest events I can remember, as top Democrats highlighted the agenda they will pursue if they win the presidency and gain super-control of the Senate. They promised to deliver every big-government, budget-busting program known to humankind. And this time, unfortunately, they could deliver. With the presidency and 60 votes or more in the Senate, it will be the nation's worst nightmare, with Democrats pledging higher taxes, government-run health care, less drilling for oil and gas, higher deficits, more trade restrictions, unions gaining far greater clout — in short, bigger and more expensive government as far as the eye can see. They want government running every aspect of our lives.

In the recent past, we've had a president and/or enough conservatives in the Senate to prevent serious liberal mischief. But with a filibuster-proof Congress and a president egging them on, it will be like giving the keys to the liquor cabinet to a bunch of hard-partying adolescent alcoholics.

Certainly, the Republicans didn't do a great job when they were in charge, which is one of the reasons they're now in serious trouble. But based on what I heard from the convention, the answer isn't to turn total control over to the Democrats.

Pignanelli: The good: All Americans should be proud that that the nation's oldest political party, with the dark heritage of protecting slavery and Jim Crow laws, has nominated a black candidate for president. Democrats presented the country with a high quality, well-organized event, and the Obama-Biden team deserves a boost in the polls.