The Democrats have concluded their convention, and by most measures, it was a success. There were no major mistakes and many moments that tugged on our heartstrings. Joe Biden rose to the occasion and delivered an acceptance speech that shattered any doubts about his vigor and mental acuity. His optimistic vision of what America can be was downright inspiring.

Now it’s the Republicans’ turn. While the circumstances are markedly different, it might make sense for party leaders to recall what was arguably the greatest Republican National Convention in recent memory — 1984 in Dallas. It is hard to believe it has been more than three and a half decades since Ronald Reagan was nominated for a second time. That he would be the unanimous choice to be the party’s standard-bearer may have been a foregone conclusion, but it did not diminish the delegates’ or Reagan’s enthusiasm for the events.