Summary: In 2012 Republicans showcase first, then Democrats follow. Why? It wasn't always this way. In this slightly edited re-run from 2008, we look at why the party's have their convention in the order they do. It's not the Constitution or law at all, nor is a complete American tradition that the Republicans will have their convention first this year, and the Democrats last. It is a mix of gamesmanship, media needs and a few decades of precedent that determined what is now taken for granted.
