The Body Politic

Regardless of political position and ideological stance on a range of issues facing our nation, delegates attending the Republican and Democratic National Conventions have at least two things in common: they are fervent believers and proud Americans. These people, by and large, control and potentially interpret the votes of the American population by choosing which candidate will represent their political party.

Can you tell who is a Republican? Who is a Democrat?

You can't. But they are all Americans.

And we all need to remember that.

This country has lots of different viewpoints.

Lots of different ideas.

Some are particularly evil.

Some are destructive.

But most are a product of the vast land we live in.

With homogenous communities that are reluctant to embrace the unknown but value traditions.

With diverse communities that embrace change but hope to change the legacy of the past.

We have laws. We have a framework. We have guiding lines that make civilization work.

If you love America - don't leave it. Fight for what is right, protest for what is fair, defend for what is just.

CLICK ON EACH IMAGE TO SEE WHO IS A REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT

The following are portraits of Republican and Democratic Convention attendees during the dueling party's respective 2016 national political conventions.