In the past 30 years or so, since presidential conventions no longer actually have decided the nominees, their usual purpose has been to focus and project a positive image of the already chosen candidate (and, of course, disparage the opponent). But last week in St. Paul, Minn., the GOP convention was different. It not only enhanced but also — at least for the moment — reversed-fielded the image of the Republican ticket.

In the aftermath of that reversal, the entire preside ...

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