Convention Keynote Addresses

The Keynote Speech is designed to articulate a theme (or “strike a note”) about the strengths of the political party. Remember that a nominating convention is intended to celebrate the political party (and, perhaps, to vilify the rascals in the other party). Keynotes are given by someone other than the nominee, and they often adopt the role of “hatchet-man” (or “hatchet-woman”).

The Keynote speaker is often an up-and-coming member of the party (e.g., Barack Obama delivered the 2004 Democratic Keynote), but there are exceptions (e.g., conservative Democrat Zell Miller gave the 2004 Republican Keynote speech).  The statements in keynotes (1960-2004) are mostly positive (55%), but have more attacks than acceptances at 45%.  Like acceptances, keynotes are fairly balanced between policy (53%) and character (47%).

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