Gold 2017 / Editorial / Political

The American Political Conventions

  • Photographer
    Steve Simon
  • Prizes
    Gold in Editorial/Political, 2nd Place winner in Editorial

The spectacle of the American political conventions played out during the summer of 2016, in what was arguably the most unique and divisive convention season in the past 40 years. Donald Trump, a political outsider won his parties nomination yet many in his own party were pessimistic of his chances. Bernie Sanders shook up the political machine by mobilizing young voters and giving Hillary Clinton, considered political royalty by some a much closer race than was initially expected. The conventions are a heavily fortified pageant where uninhibited yet carefully choreographed free speech is on display. It is a fateful time in the history of a deeply divided nation. Inside, delegates celebrate their common ideology. Outside there is protest.