A convention showcases a nominee, but also a party. Democrats had ex-presidents, ex-nominees, former first ladies, governors, Pelosi, rising stars, even people who differ with Biden on big issues (AOC, Ady Barkan). You see various power centers in a coalition. Republicans...

... also show their party. You see rising stars like Haley and Scott, current powers like McConnell, social media stars like Kirk. But no ex-president, ex-nominees, etc. To a greater extent, there is one power center. Each day showcases the president, his family and paid staff.

Biden's wife and children spoke last week. The family always does! But for the GOP, bigger roles go to the president's relatives (like Don Jr.), people on his campaign payroll (like Guilfoyle), people he put on the federal payroll (Conway, Pompeo), and POTUS all four days.

This is more than symbolic. From their earliest days the two parties were coalitions of allies who collaborated (often despite hating each other). Though often ugly, their need to form democratic alliances limited party leaders' power and made space for new voices and debate.

Democrats put the old coalition model on display. One may argue they don't live up to the image, but that's what they displayed. The GOP is a coalition, but offers a different image. Independent voices are less prominent. Each day showcases lines of power that flow to one person.

Perhaps unintentionally, Republicans embrace this analysis. GOP speakers say America, even Western civilization, depends on one man. Meanwhile, they say Biden would be influenced by others. It's certainly true that Biden would not be the sole power. That's normal in a democracy.