OPINION: Eugene Robinson

Judging by the party conventions, you’d wonder why this election is even close.

In Tampa, despite some unexpectedly amateurish stagecraft, Republicans put on a credible display of unity and resolve. No one could come away doubting that the party very much wants to defeat President Obama in November.

But I think it’s fair to conclude the GOP’s emphasis is on “Defeat Barack Obama,” rather than on “Elect Mitt Romney.” And many of the party’s rising stars, judging by their convention speeches, seem to believe it’s likely that Romney will lose.

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