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 milwaukee but also traditional convention. Pretty soon after that as the lockdown continued, it was clear that wasnt going to happen so e started planning for a convention that is fairly unconventional compared to years past but it has taken a while to figure out exactly what it will be and how we handle ensuring delegates can feel like they can participate and all americans, because the benefits there are lots of downsides, we are not physically together but the upside is more americans can participate. You dont need a credential to participate in the convention. These are uncharted waters. No party has ever gone through something quite like this. No. Never. But we have been looking at lots of other programming over the past many months where eople cant travel to do interviews or put segments together, the global citizens concert that aired or the nfl draft, or the graduation ceremonies. Weve been 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 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 lmost ready to roll. Work in progress, but based on what you know two 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 p. M. Each night and weve had some surprises in store and what ill say is since the format is unconventional, we are throwing 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. 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 t goes smoothly . It is a mix of live segments as well as prerecorded segments and some video production. For the live segments, some of our biggest newsmakers, we want to make sure they are live and unedited so our Production Team is working hard. We have got you know, when we say this is a virtual convention, it is not echnically a total virtual somention because there is live 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 . It is a nonphysical convention, totally online and onair. And how to figure out how to get people engaged in it. I think we figured it out. There will be elements where people who do not participate in these conventions will be able to engage. Alle will be activities over the country happening at the same time. It is a mix of organizing, virtual content, and the mix of creativity. My biggest challenge was really getting everybody to make the transition. It has been a great process, a great team. Steve what was your First Convention . Stephanie i do not want to dig myself. Date myself. I was an intern my freshman year for michael dukakis. Steve i asked as i am wondering if this will change conventions moving forward. Stephanie i think it would be wise for conventions to rethink what the purpose of them are. How you communicate with the American People is important. Standing on a stage with a room full of people is one way, and another way is to go where. Eople are, and communicate conventions are expensive. Be a better way to spend those hours. Steve cspan will have coverage of the proceedings. The final night when Vice President biden accepts the nomination, from your stamp went, what will that look like . He will accept the nomination in milwaukee, and that is where the anchor of the program will be. Be a great night. Peopleng that is clear, are looking to learn more about joe biden, his life story, his record. From thiscome away convention knowing who he is. Steve Stephanie Cutter is the chief planner for the democratic convention. Thank you for your time. This week marks the 75th anniversary of atomic bombings of hiroshima and not a summary nagasaki. Aboutwashington journal the bombings with the author of twilight of the gods. On sunday, watch American History tv and washington journal live at 9 00 a. M. Eastern as we look back on how the bombings ended world war ii and the legacy with richard frank, author of downfall. And the professor at American UniversityNuclear Studies institute. Join the discussion with your calls, texts, tweets. Watch the 75th anniversary of the bombing of hiroshima and nagasaki on cspan and American History tv on cspan3. Next, a look at