Political conventions waste vast sums of money that could be used more effectively to promote desperately needed reform. Donors provided at least $65 million for the GOP convention I recently attended in Cleveland, but four nights of repetitive, partisan speeches did little to inspire voters with hopeful conservative strategies for change.

Did they get a stronger grasp of real issues, or crucial battles for Senate and House that will shape the nation’s future? State level voter registration and local party building are starved for funds, while lobbyists squander millions on lavish events that decide nothing—nominees have already been chosen—providing scant benefit for party or country.

Instead, how about a plan to inspire the public with bold plans to reshape the whole sick system?—like making primary season shorter and more focused, with no conventions. To insure party unity, the leading primary vote-getter should automatically get the presidential nomination, while the runner-up automatically joins the ticket as Vice President.