We spoke with one of the Convention Planners to find out what to expect. At what point during the pandemic did you realize you were switching from a more normal convention to one that would be more virtual . We were hopeful as the pandemic was unfolding in the early months of this year, moving our dates back by a month , we were hoping we could still hold a physical convention where delegates could come to but also produce a prevention traditional convention. Pretty soon after that as the lockdown continued, it was clear that wasnt going to happen so we started planning for a convention that is fairly unconventional compared to years but it has taken a while to figure out exactly what it will ensuringw we handle delegates can feel like they can participate and all americans, therehe benefits are lots of downsides, we are not physically together but the upside is more americans can participate. These are uncharted waters. No party has ever gone through something quite like this. Never, but weve been looking at lots of other programming over the past many months where people cant travel to do the globalor citizens concert that aired or the nfl draft, or the graduation ceremonies. Looking at how people have been predicting these and studying how best to produce content. It is basically a tv show so how do we keep keep people engaged . How do we pull people in and communicate with people wherever they are on the platforms they prefer . I feel like we are in a good place and almost ready to roll. Know twoon what you weeks before the convention gets underway, how will each night unfold . It is a work in progress, steve and a lot is still coming together, but it will be four nights, 9 00 p. M. To 11 00 and weve hadt some surprises in store and what ill say is since the format is throwingional, we are out the rules of how conventions are programmed and doing some unconventional things so without revealing too much, i encourage everyone to tune in. Youll see some familiar faces. President obama, michelle obama. Obviously Vice President biden and dr. Biden and some unfamiliar faces. We are looking forward to it and think it represents the diversity of america, the strength of america, and how we can pull this country together to move it forward. Steve weve all become accustomed to zoom and google hangouts, but how do you prepare technically for this and what kind of backups do you have to make sure it goes smoothly . It is a mix of live segments as well as prerecorded segments and some video production. Some oflive segments, our biggest newsmakers, we want to make sure they are live and unedited so our Production Team is working hard. When we say this is a Virtual Convention, it is not technically a total Virtual Convention because there is life programming, and youve got backup plans in place in case something should happen and it will be a program that moves quickly and it is very engaging. Steve what has been your biggest challenge, you personally . People to getting ithe transition to guess it is a nonphysical convention, it is totally online how to get and people engaged in it. Andink weve figured it out there will be elements where people who dont normally participate in these conventions will be able to engage. Alle will be activities over the country happening at the same time. Organizing,of virtual content, and a mix of creativity. Was reallychallenge getting everyone to make that transition and thinking alike on it. It has been a great process, great team. Steve what was your First NationalParty Convention . Do you remember the moment . Stephanie i dont want to date myself, steve. 1988. I was an intern my freshman year of college for michael dukakis. I asked because i wonder if this is going to change conventions moving forward in 2024 or 2028. Stephanie everyone would agree the conventions needed to be modernized. Abouttory, we are delegates coming to vote on nominees. Trading votes, and out would come a nominee from the convention, it is largely a foregone conclusion now. There was a little suspense in 2016 of how that would go, but a lot of important things need to be said. I think it would be wise for conventions to rethink what the purpose of them are. How you communicate with the American People is really important and sitting on a stage with a room full of people is one way, but another way is to go where people are and conventions are really expensive, and there might be a better way to spend those dollars. Steve cspan will have live coverage of all the proceedings, the final night, right now, its intended for the Vice President to accept his nomination in milwaukee. And thats where the anchor of he the program will be. And, you know, it will be a great night. You know, one thing that its clear that people are looking to know more about joe biden and his life story, his record and who he is. And they will come away from this convention knowing that Steve Stephanie cutter, is the hief Democratic Convention planner. Thank you for your time. Stephanie thank you. Coming up live on tuesday at 10 00 a. M. Eastern on cspan, the Senate ForeignRelations Committee looks at conditions in venezuela. At 2 30, the Senate Subcommittee hearing on protecting free speech and preventing violent protests. Then at 4 30 the crew of spacex discusses the recent mission. And the senate meets at 10 00 eastern to nom neat the imagine if secretary nominee. And then a hearing on the pcoming election at 10 00 a. M. Eastern. Politics. Were joined by the editor and chief of National Journal hotline. Here to talk about the president ial race, the Key Senate Races obviously. Let me start first with a piece of yours from last week in National Journal that was headlined divided party or big ten