National Political Conventions 101

The keynote address is typically delivered by a party leader or rising star who makes the case for his or her party and candidates and criticizes the opposition. In 2004, then-Senate candidate Barack Obama rose to national prominence when he delivered the keynote at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. This year, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will deliver the Republicans' keynote speech and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro will keynote the Democrats' convention.

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