RMIT experts are available for comment on the US National Conventions

Dr Emma Shortis (0430 358 798 or emma.shortis@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: US history, US politics, Trump administration

“In the ‘normal’ world of US politics, the two National Conventions are a big deal. Over four speech-filled days, first Democrats and then Republicans will officially confirm their candidates for president.

“Conventions usually give those candidates and their running mates huge publicity (and often a bounce in the polls), and an opportunity to introduce their official policy platforms. Once the conventions are done, the election campaign is officially ‘on’.

“Historically, conventions have been important political moments. They can do unexpected things and give platforms to new voices. Barack Obama rose to global prominence and set himself on a path to the presidency at the 2004 Boston Convention.

“Perhaps more relevant to our current moment, the convention of 1968 was a critical moment in a critical year for American race relations. Or we could get something else entirely, like Clint Eastwood having a conversation with a chair.

“This isn't, of course, a normal world. The landscape of American politics is shifting so fast it's impossible to say what will happen, or if digital conventions will be any more than a blip in an already incomprehensible year. Once they're over though, 3 November will be just that little bit closer.”

Dr Emma Shortis is a Research Officer at the EU Centre in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University. She was a Fox-Zucker International Fellow at Yale University as part of her PhD in history and is a regular media commentator on the history and current politics of the US, tailored for an Asia-Pacific audience.

Associate Professor Aiden Warren (0420 315 003 or aiden.warren@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: US politics, Trump administration, US foreign policy, NATO

"Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is expected to name his running mate in the coming days. Since pledging five months ago to choose a woman to join his ticket, 11 potential vice presidential candidates have undergone vetting of financial records, personal backgrounds and medical histories.

"Conversations with Democrats close to the process, along with party officials and donors who have also weighed in, suggest California Senator Kamala Harris, former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer are among those Biden is seriously considering as he nears the end of his search.

"He isn't particularly close with most of the women on his list, people familiar with the search say, so he's taking considerable time studying vetting materials, watching their television interviews and following his own gut with the goal of finding someone whose loyalty he believes can blossom into a true governing partnership.

"The first night of the Democratic National Convention is currently expected to bring a message of unity featuring Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, former first lady Michelle Obama and former Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich, according to a source who has seen current convention plans."

Dr Aiden Warren is an Associate Professor at RMIT University's School of Global, Urban and Social Studies and is the 2018-19 Fulbright Scholar in Australia-United States Alliance Studies. His expertise includes international security and relations, US national security and foreign policy, US politics and arms control. His latest book is on US foreign policy and China.

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