Scorecard: Aug. 31, 1992

Every party has its moments. Here are the high points of the Democratic and Republican conventions:

BEST SPEECHES

D Barbara Jordan topped Kennedy and Cuomo.

R Barbara Bush’s family reunion and “Gampy’s” casual arrival at the end of it.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

D Clinton’s “spontaneous” entrance into the darkened hall, anointed by a beam of light straight out of Close Encounters.

R The balloon blizzard at the finale and Bush’s batting them around like a schoolboy.

FEATURED GUESTS

D Among the women on the podium at Madison Square Garden were several Republicans.

R The G.O.P. sported two beloved former Presidents and a gaggle of Olympic heroes.

SCENE STEALER

D Perot suddenly announced that he was dropping out.

R Perot suddenly announced that he might run after all.