In U.S. presidential elections, the increase in popularity (as reflected in polls) realized after a political party's convention. Since conventions are entirely made-for-TV events now, this has become the sole purpose of the convention -- happy talk and a bounce that lasts.

The 1988 and 1992 Democratic National Conventions gave a clear example of two different types of convention bounces, one that fades and oen that lasts. In '88, Michael Dukakis took a 20-percentage-point lead after the DNC; he proceeded to be crushed by George Bush in the fall. Conversely, in 1992, Bill Clinton trailed Bush by 1 point before the DNC; he took a 23-point lead after the convention and never lost that lead.


stardot8: Nope, it just means that the American people recognize which party puts on a better show (which has very little to do with actual policy, and more to do with which celebrities are on the program). Try again next time.