The Democratic convention gets under way in Denver, Colorado

SHORT speeches at party conventions used to be taken as a lack of respect for delegates who had travelled from afar, according to Michael Beschloss, a political historian. The demands of television mean this is no longer the case. Speechifying is kept to a minimum; a small mercy for viewers witnessing the parade of Democratic Party apparatchiks and union leaders on stage at Denver’s Pepsi Centre.

A few speakers will be heard with intense care. Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle, delivers the primetime address on Monday. Joe Biden, Mr Obama’s running mate, speaks on Wednesday about security policy. Pundits will study every word that Hillary Clinton utters in her slot on Tuesday night for indications of her commitment to Mr Obama’s victory. ...