New York

THE DIFFERENCE is pretty stark. The first night of the Democratic convention in Boston was a carnival of losers. It was dominated by Al Gore and Jimmy Carter, who both gave prominent speeches. The mood was one of studied, celebrated victimhood.

The Republicans have their share of losers, too and on the first night here there are tributes to Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, but they take the form of short, pre-taped video montages. It’s an obligatory tip of the hat, but nothing more. Instead, the Republicans are concentrating on their winners, and the two big stars on display are Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, who are the future of the party.