More than 2,200 Republican delegates -- and 40,000 or so others, including alternates, reporters, technicians and friends and family -- are crowding into Tampa, Fla., for the expected start of the 40th Republican National Convention on Monday.

Assuming, of course, that Isaac doesn't crash the party.

Next week, Democrats will hold their 46th quadrennial gathering in Charlotte, N.C., which may be slightly less exposed to 100-mph winds.

National political conventions lost their primary purpose decades ago. The last time it took delegates more than one ballot to pick a nominee was in 1952, when Democrats wrestled over the possible successor to Harry Truman.

Since then, despite occasional suspense, both parties have been able to pick their ticket in one day, with the victor known to all weeks in advance.

Still, people do watch. An estimated 40 million Americans caught part of Barack Obama's 2008 speech in Denver, and John McCain's response in St. Paul. Voters also may recall another candidate who made the news that week -- Sarah Palin.

So, political conventions have changed, but they're still relevant.