"I've been doing these conventions for 20 years, and we used to at least have debates about issues. Nothing is happening basically at this convention, other than speeches"

In this quote, Susan Estrich reviews the evolution of political conventions over two decades. Estrich's commentary highlights a shift in the nature and functionality of these conventions, recommending a decrease in substantive dialogue and argument. When she remarks, "we used to a minimum of have arguments about problems", Estrich most likely reminisces about a time when conventions acted as crucial platforms for dynamic discussions and ideological exchanges among political figures and party members. Such debates would have allowed for a much deeper exploration of policy differences and techniques, supplying a more comprehensive understanding of a party's position on different issues.

Her observation that "absolutely nothing is happening basically at this convention, aside from speeches", recommends an existing state where conventions have perhaps become more theatrical or performative instead of substantive. The focus appears to have actually moved towards providing speeches that may be more about rallying support and showcasing prominent characters instead of participating in severe policy debates. This change may show a broader improvement in political strategy, where the focus is put on optics, media coverage, and sound bites that resonate quickly with audiences, rather than on prolonged conversations that delve into complex policy information.

Estrich's declaration could likewise be interpreted as a critique of the modern political landscape, where the simplification of discourse and an emphasis on phenomenon might eclipse the nuanced disputes required for the healthy performance of democracy. The lack of robust debates at such conventions may show a pattern towards homogenized celebration messaging, limiting the scope for internal dissent or in-depth assessment of varying viewpoints. This modification might affect how educated celebration delegates and the general public become about the important problems facing their neighborhoods and the nation at big, eventually influencing political participation and citizen engagement.