One thousand pounds of confetti and more than 160,000 balloons were time released over some 40,000 conventioneers on the last night of the Democratic National Convention in Boston in July. (Photo: Suzanne Freeman)

Friday, August 13—Boston is back to normal now that the Democratic National Convention has left town, while New York is gearing up to host the Republicans.

Balloon for balloon, confetti for confetti, the two conventions are designed to sell their Party's message and candidate to the American people. So how do the two compare?

As the Party in power, the Republicans get to go last, so they can outflash anything the Democrats do. But their biggest problem may not be showing up Boston's red, white, and blue balloon drop. With a bigger venue and less turmoil, the Democrats put on a spectacular show unmarred by protests or terrorism. Republicans may not be so lucky.

Just three weeks before the convention, the Big Apple had to increase its already-heightened security measures. New Homeland Security reports warned that terrorists have threatened to hit financial institutions in the city. Protestors from around the nation are also expected to descend on the city, determined not to be contained in the "freedom of speech" areas set aside for them.

Stars of the Show

Heightened security around Madison Square Garden, where the convention is being held, coincides with a major Republican convention theme. Republicans will highlight President George W. Bush's leadership in the war on terror. Bush and other speakers are also expected to focus on the economy.

Delegates will hear from Arizona Senator John McCain on Monday, August 30, the first of the four-day event. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani will also speak.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is slated to give a prime-time speech on Tuesday, along with First Lady Laura Bush.

Vice President and Mrs. Cheney will speak on Wednesday. Thursday Bush will officially accept the nomination for President.

Point/Counterpoint

Republicans are expected to keep the name-calling to a minimum, as did the Democrats at their convention. But similar to the Republicans in Boston, the Democrats will have a "Truth Squad" in New York.

"We have joined the Bush Truth Squad because we are dedicated to holding this President accountable for his failed policies," read a statement from Squad leaders. New York Senator Hillary Clinton is expected to be of one of several elected officials who will take part in "Truth Squad" events.

The Republicans, who hosted a rapid-response team of their own called "Extreme Makeover," are ready. "This [Truth] Squad's mission has everything to do with politics and nothing to do with the truth," said Republican communications director Jim Dyke.

Republicans are countering with comedy. People dressed in a "Flipper" dolphin suit and an antiseptic NASA suit are expected to attend Democratic "Truth Squad" events. The NASA suit is similar to one Democratic candidate John Kerry donned during a campaign visit on his way to his own convention. Republicans said he looked silly and unpresidential in the outfit, designed to prevent contamination in research laboratories.

To see for yourself how the two conventions compare, follow the action on TV. For a schedule of channels providing the most coverage, click here.