'Things Were a Lot Better in 1980'

Democrats in Denver long for days gone by. Seriously though, if you want memories, is 1980 the year you want to remember?

Jimmy Carter was unavailable for comment.

EVEN if the modern presidential convention has become a largely symbolic affair, the constant flow of nightly parties and celebrations has always been reason enough to keep the stodgy tradition going.

But this year at the Democratic National Convention, there is a new complaint being whispered by disgruntled guests: partying in Denver is a downer.

“Normally at conventions, you’d have people regaling you with what happened the night before,” said Emil Hill, a Washington communications executive who has been party-hopping steadily all week. “This time, not a single person has given me a story. I guess when you lose two elections in a row, people learn from that.”

Maybe their spirits picked up after Bill Clinton spoke last night.

But at least some Republicans are having fun.

Or even the distracting presence of some young people — staff members of the Republican war room set up here — who have mischievously crashed social events and helped themselves to free liquor all week long.

Says here things have been a disaster.