I grant to you that the conventions have lost all real importance. The platform has been written by anonymous consultants long before the convention starts up. It's more like a rock concert/networking opportunity than anything else.
It's frustrating to see everyone getting sidetracked with presentation and charisma when the issues are so damned important.
The Democrats have a pretty fine chance of picking up a Senate seat here in Oklahoma as well. There is probably a 2:1 ratio of Democrats that vote in this state over Republicans. Strangely, we usually elect Republican Reps and Senators. Last night's primary had around 250K people vote for the Dem primary that was a foregone conclusion anyhow where the hotly contested Rep. primary probably only had 150K voters. If people vote along party lines, the Dems can definitely chalk up another seat here.
An interesting note though, Dr. Tom Coburn, the Republican Candidate is a Sigma Nu from Oklahoma State
As for the no-name AA's speaking at the Republican convention, at least these no-names have important real positions within their party (e.g. secretary of state) -- the Dems can't claim that