BS: Observations of Republican Convention

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: pdq
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 11:14 AM

It looks like McCain will be less divisive than most of the last 6 or 8 presidents, but it seems odd why some prove divisive and others not. Nobody was more partisan then Jimmy Carter yet the public image is "nice guy". Both "nice guy" and "bipartisan" fit Gerald Ford, but he took as much criticism as the rest. Dumped after one term. Our polarized party system simply means that the "other guy" must be destroyed. As my daddy said: "you wouldn't like it if'n it was good!".

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: olddude
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 11:00 AM

I am a supporter of Obama - strong supporter, however, I liked John McCain's speech. It appeared to me more of the maverick that I respected for a lot of years and thought he lost it recently. He seemed to have found it again so I suspect it will be a race from here on. I do feel better with what I heard that I perhaps won't be getting another GW III next year at a least no matter who gets in.

I take back my Palin slams also, the lady is smart and presents herself well if you agree with her or not. She is not a light weight at the podium. I think it will be a good race from here on out

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 10:59 AM

I have to admit, although I am not impressed by his choice of rnning mate, if McCain were to win I would not be as emabarrassed and devastated as I was with the results of the last election. He has my respect and can be relied upon not to act like a goofus.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: pdq
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 10:45 AM

" I have such respect for this man's courage and integrity. But his speech was less than inspiring.

Yes, John McCain is not a great orator and never has been. What you see is what you get, as much as is possible in a US president.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 10:38 AM

1. HE got you to talk about him a lot.
2. He won the democratic nomination.
3. He got elected to Congress.

I am so tired of this "name one!" shtick. Barack Obama's accomplishments and his platform policies are all laid out in print. Go look them up your self.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 10:19 AM

McCain is not known for being a good speaker, where Palin is. Obama is known for being..uhhh...Hey, Can anyone list three of Obama's accomplishments??????

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 08:23 AM

Almost 700 posts on Palin, her children, her anatomy, her her her and nothing on poor John's acceptance speech. This is laughable.

The parts I saw were too well rehearsed right down to where to turn his head. I have such respect for this man's courage and integrity. But his speech was less than inspiring.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 10:58 PM

From the Progress Report, a couple of pointed rebuttals:

TERRORISM -- GIULIANI: BY REFUSING TO USE THE TERM 'ISLAMIC TERRORISM,' LIBERALS ARE TRYING NOT TO INSULT TERRORISTS: Last night, in his address to the Republican National Convention, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani criticized Democrats for refusing to use the term "Islamic terrorism." "For four days in Denver, the Democrats were afraid to use the term 'Islamic terrorism.' ... I think they believe they will insult someone. Please tell me, who they are insulting if they say, 'Islamic terrorism,'" he said. He concluded, "They are insulting terrorists!" Experts, including those in the Bush administration, disagree; such religious rhetoric is actually counterproductive in combating terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security argues that U.S. officials who invoke references to Islam in describing terrorism may be "unintentionally portraying terrorists, who lack moral and religious legitimacy, as brave fighters, legitimate soldiers or spokesmen for ordinary Muslims." The National Counter Terrorism Center urges public officials to "avoid labeling everything 'Muslim'" because "it reinforces the 'U.S. vs. Islam' framework that Al-Qaeda promotes."

CIVIL LIBERTIES -- POLICE CHARGE RNC PROTESTERS WITH TERRORISM: Yesterday, county protesters charged eight Rrepublican National Convention protesters with "conspiring to cause a riot as part of a terrorist act." The County Attorney "said she could not recall no such case in her 24 years with the prosecutor's office." A lawyer representing several of the suspects "called the charges ridiculous," saying the accusations are "an effort to equate publicly stated plans to blockade traffic and disrupt the RNC as being the same as acts of terrorism." As of yesterday, nearly 300 protesters and journalists have been arrested in the Twin Cities. Salon's Glenn Greenwald called St. Paul "the most militarized I have ever seen an American city be...with troops of federal, state and local law enforcement agents marching around with riot gear, machine guns, and tear gas canisters, shouting military chants and marching in military formations." Some journalists, including Democracy Now's Amy Goodman and two producers for her show, as well as an AP photographer, have been swept up in police arrests; CNN commenter Donna Brazile "was hit by pepper spray as she walked into the Xcel Center" earlier this week. The media and the St. Paul mayor have been largely silent on the outrageous arrests, with Mayor Chris Coleman (D) defending the police's actions

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 10:48 PM

Real Clear Politics maintains a composite which integrates all the major polls, which tends to smooth out the bumps for those that are biased by their methods one way or another.

For the last few days Obama leads by about four points. Some of the component polls:

RCP Average        08/29 - 09/03        --        47.6        43.2        Obama +4.4
CBS News        09/01 - 09/03        734 RV        42        42        Tie
Gallup Tracking        09/01 - 09/03        2771 RV        49        42        Obama +7
Rasmussen Tracking        09/01 - 09/03        3000 LV        50        45        Obama +5
Hotline/FD        08/29 - 08/31        805 RV        48        39        Obama +9
CNN        08/29 - 08/31        927 RV        49        48        Obama +1


Make no mistake, John is an impressive man--soft spoken but persuasive.

I thought it very classy of him to preamble his remarks with a gesture of respect toward Mister Obama.

But, as with Palin, when the gloves came off, the fight got dirty.

In my book this is not integrity, it is pandering to mass emotion.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 10:43 PM

John McCain, as I write, is giving his acceptance speech. Up until five minutes ago he was steadfast, spoke from strength and conviction, and was persuasive, although he sounded like a white Obama in some places.

But then, like Palin the night before, he started offering lies about his opponent, and then asserting how he was better than the lies.

This is tawdry stuff, not to the issues, and predicated on falsehood despite all his assertions of virtue.

So once that started, I shut it off.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Donuel
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 10:37 PM

After Palin called for a war on the east coast liberal elitist media last night, Tom Brokaw mentioned that a couple delegates shook their fist at him in jest but 3 other delegates actually tried to assault him.

I only wish they had, not to hurt Tom but to show what they do to the ditto heads in this country when they call for hatred and intolerence against specific groups of Americans.

In Kentucky a guy just killed three members of the Unitarian Church because of his extensive Limbaugh training in the hatred of liberals.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Ed T
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 07:57 PM

The democrat reps spoke (from much-researched and prepared texts) to an already comitted republican crowd, and the media (with supporting pundant hacks) and the already comitted sucked it up.

The republican reps spoke (from much-researched and prepared texts) to an already committed crowd, and the media (with supporting pundant hacks) and the already comitted public sucked it up,

Is there really any difference, or surprises in this type of old stuff?

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Bobert
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 07:51 PM

Polls are meaningless at this point...

McCain is not going to be able to run out the clock between now and election day and will have to stand for something other than personal attacks...

The debates will mark the beginning of this campaign 'cause McCain won't find any place to hide in them...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 07:15 PM

Shall we compare polls...you can usually find one which will fit with your views. Remember, pollsters don't have cellphone numbers to call, so there are a lot of young voters out there who are not showing up in the equation, at least that's what I heard. Anyway, here's the poll I prefer, of course:

Latest Gallup Poll: Obama's support firms up

By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

America's "swing" voters are turning to support Barack Obama at a faster clip than to John McCain, according to the latest Gallup Poll. Overall, Obama still leads McCain by a 49-43 margin.

But the big news is that support for the Democratic nominee is firming up.

Gallup says the registered voters saying they "are certain to vote for Obama" went up 6 percentage points -- from 36 percent before the Democratic convention to 42 percent after it.

McCain's "certain" vote has moved up, too, but by only 3 percentage points -- from 34 percent to 37 percent. The stunning selection of national police novice Sarah Palin was figured into that equation.

One caveat: The GOP convention doesn't end until Thursday night, when McCain will give his acceptance speech, one much less-hyped than the one given by Obama at Invesco Field last week.

Still, McCain could see bump upward in his figures in the coming day or two.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: GUEST,beardedbruce
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 06:35 PM

(CBS) The presidential race between Barack Obama and John McCain is now even at 42 percent, according to a new CBS News poll conducted Monday-Wednesday of this week. Twelve percent are undecided according to the poll, and one percent said they wouldn't vote.

This is in contrast to a poll conducted last weekend, where the Obama-Biden ticket led McCain-Palin by eight points, 48 percent to 40 percent.

McCain has also closed the enthusiasm gap some with Obama, but it still exists. Fifty-five percent of Obama's supporters are enthusiastic about their choice, and now so are 35% of McCain's. Last weekend, just 25 percent of McCain's supporters were enthusiastic about him, compared to 67 of Obama's supporters.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 05:35 PM

Last night after the speechifying at the GOP convention, one station took phone calls from people all over the country.

One woman's words have lingered with me today. She said that after the Democratic Party convention she felt hopeful and energized. After watching and listening to the Republican speeches she said, I just feel depressed.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 05:14 PM

An awful lot of scary make-up and badly fitted wigs.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Donuel
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 05:12 PM

It was like a dream...thousands of old Republicans chanting ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO

surreal to the max

POKER HIGH STAKES

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 04:15 PM

YORK, Penn. -- Sen. Barack Obama dismissed the harsh criticism fired his way last night at the Republican convention as part of the problem in politics, asserting this afternoon, "At some point we've got to stop that and get serious."

...Obama refused to address Gov. Sarah Palin's mocking assessment of his background and political rise. When a member of the audience asked him to weigh in on the resume issue, Obama responded, "I'll let Governor Palin talk about her experience, I'll talk about mine."
But he rebuked the GOP in general for focusing almost exclusively on biography in St. Paul, Minn., and for attempting to redraw old partisan lines.

"You wouldn't know that this is such a critical election by watching the convention last night," said Obama. "I know we had our week, and the Republicans deserve theirs, but it's been amazing to me to watch over the last two nights." He continued: "You're hearing a lot about John McCain, and he's got a compelling biography as a prisoner of war. You're hearing an awful lot about me, most of which is not true. What you're not hearing is a lot about you."

Obama has built his candidacy around a pledge to change business as usual in Washington, and for 19 months, he has had the stage to himself as an up-and-coming political wunderkind. Following her forceful speech last night, Palin is now being hailed as the conservative answer to Obama -- perhaps the spark that helps McCain to connect with the evangelical and rural voters who have never completely fallen for him.

But as Obama aides and supporters digest the Palin speech, they believe it may signal the re-emergence of the very hard-edged politics that Obama has railed against, especially with disillusioned independents. How that may play out at the polls remains unclear. But these insiders believe it could help Obama to draw his own sharper distinctions about both the style and substance of the leadership he would provide.

"The thing that I'm insisting on in this election is we can't keep playing the same political games we always play where we attack each other and we call each other names," said Obama.

"They've had a lot of speakers. And if they had a bunch of ideas, you'd think they would have put 'em out there by now. And so the question is, what's their agenda? What's their plan?"

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 01:55 PM

It's all marketing. Remember that. They sell you the candidates the same way they sell you new deoderants, new cars, and new drugs. And with pretty much the same purpose in mind...

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 01:05 PM

Just on the basis of listening pleasure, wouldn't an Obama/Huckabee ticket sound good. WOuldn't it be great if both parties would get around to discussing specific issues?

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 12:14 AM

I heard a lot of lies and nothing of substance. A lot like your take on it, Bill. Notice how all the insiders claim to not be from the inside AND have tried to co-op the Dems call for "change" etc., etc.? They made it sound as if McCain never was in DC yet single-handedly brought about miraculous change and the past eight years have been WONDERFUL, but wait, not really because the Dems are in charge by 1-2 votes for the past couple of years. Arrgghhh...she looks good, sounds good, and can present herself, but that was to the party loyals. When she gets out there and has to wing it against Biden, etc. I don't think she will be able to hold it together. If she weren't a social extremist, I mght even like her and she does have good looking kids. Having been a pregnant teen I felt very sorry for her dau. and her boyfriend...it must seem a bit like a scarlet letter to have to stand up there for all the world to see. It reminds me of the shaming some churches would/do practice against kids who get in the "family way." I've seen it and it is ugly, hateful, and twisted.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:59 PM

I'm rather amused about the accusations on both sides regarding the "no experience" issue ..... politiks, pure politiks.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:51 PM

One other observation about Palin, as I watched her speech. She knew how to deflect the experience issue and the no-international-sensibility issue for public display purposes. She did this by larding her talk with quickly gleaned references to international spots as though she understood them. She didn't--they were sucked up in a fast cram of the situation papers and talking points, and she peppered them into her speech to make it taste as though she had those ingredients. In fact, it was a transparent and disingenuous gimmick.

That's what I saw, anyway. Can't BS an ole BSer.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: olddude
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:36 PM

On top of that, the kids are adorable and that didn't hurt either. I miss judged her, she is formible

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:29 PM

Old joke:

"When the law's against you, argue the facts. When the facts are against you, argue the law. When both are against you, call the other guy names & pound the table."

I've been watching the speeches tonight. It's like that joke...

"When your record's against you, argue policy. When your policy is unpopular, blow smoke about your record. When both are against you, wave the flag, call on God and slur the other guys"

I think I have heard..BEFORE Palin spoke, 4-5 major speakers tell us in thinly disguised smoke coded phrases, that "trickle down economics" is still operative.

"Tax incentives for 'struggling businessmen' who will 'provide jobs' and blah, blah.."

and John McCain thumbed his nose at Vienamese torturers, so he is obviously qualified to run the country....

and being mayor of a small town in Alaska is 'better experience' than being in the US senate and running a huge campaign of thousands of people with many millions of $$$$$ to allocate...


and.............wow....we ALL love God, so....

*sigh*

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:26 PM

I agree with your post Amos .... and yes ... it will be an interesting campaign.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:23 PM

I watched Sarah speak. She is as good as anyone hoped she would be--clear eyed, clear-spoken, and a good crowd handler. She's a good entry-level politician.

However as she started to get catty, and I had already sat through fifteen minutes of Rudy Nineeleveniani, so I put it away.   She cleaves a good party line, mouths the platitudes correctly and well, and has good stage presence. She pushed all the hockey-mom buttons ahe could find. She did a fine job, and her adoring public ate it up.

But she was less than honest about her accomplishments, implying yet again that she had rejected the Bridge to Nowhere from the beginning in favor of State self-reliance and taking credit for a State surplus without mentioning how many millions of Federal funds were included in it.

NEvertheless, she is an impressive figure if not held down to details. It will be an interesting race, and I think McCain chose a good weapon to bring to bear against a formidable opponent.

The policy proposals that the party faithful were reciting sound more and more like Obama's platform every day, but I think that is business-as-usual in politics when a proposition seems to be a winner. It would be nice if they gave credit.

Giuliani himself was his usual dicky-boy self. And the rhetoric of the speeches he and Sarah gave were a little clanging and brassy, exalting McCain as the Furless Leader of Alle Tyme, which he is not, and sort of portraying him like one of those huge gilt statues they used to require people to erect in Russian towns back in the days of the Soviet machine.

We will see.


A

A

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:17 PM

I should add- they do not always call them "free speech" zones, that is a term devised in recent years, but they set aside space where protests are allowed to march and give their message. They try to be close to the entrances so that they can reach the ears of the delegates.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:14 PM

Tahiti?

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:12 PM

"This is the first I have heard of a free-speech area at the DNC."

I have attended three DNC conventions going back to 1976. Each one has a "free-speech area" where protestors are allowed to march. The Republicans do the same thing. Usually the area is kept close to the convention center so that everyone can have the feeling that their protests are heard.   

Take a look at some maps and see where the "free speech areas" were located this year.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 10:53 PM

Oh well, what the fuck...................




100





Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 09:44 PM

These guys are so fucking hypocritical! This from a preview of what Guiliani is going to say...if it didn't work for him against McCain, he'll try it out on Obama:

Mr. Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, began making the argument early Wednesday. “Barack Obama has never governed a city, never governed a state, never governed an agency, never run a military unit, never run anything,â€쳌 Mr. Giuliani said on the CBS “Early Showâ€쳌 in an interview the McCain campaign sent to reporters.

If his formulation sounded a little familiar, it is because it was one of the few criticisms that Mr. Giuliani aimed at Mr. McCain during the heat of their primary fight, saying that he had “never run a city, never run a state, never run a government.â€쳌

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 03:33 PM

"...his own party is utterly corrupt and self-serving. And the Republican Party is even worse."

Ummm..what exactly is worse than "utterly"?

I simply differ...if I really were forced to believe such things, I would not bother to vote, but would move to a wilderness somewhere and live out my days.
   Short of armed insurrection, the only way to improve things is to find like-minded folks and work...I have NO illusions that all the Democrats I might find in positions of power in a new administration could be trusted totally, but the basic platform and stated goals & principles of Democratic leaders come a lot closer to what I strive for than the Republicans. I MUST try & hope.


Bruce... lets not get into ANOTHER of those "I saw some who claimed to be on YOUR side behaving badly, therefore critiques of MY side are irrelevant" sets of premises. I don't (usually) care for anyone who uses public disturbance and intentional law breaking just to 'make a point'. There are reasonable demonstrations, but those who jam streets and intimidate officials whenever a group they don't like assembles don't impress me.

I still think it IS possible to gradually assemble an administration who will strive to serve the public rather than just line their pockets and push folks around....and IF we have someone at the top who makes that a priority, we have to help him try.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 03:04 PM

This is the first I have heard of a free-speech area at the DNC. I suppose you saw thwe clip about the Denver police offering protesters water, restrooms and a PA system?

IF there was such a thing I think it was a sh++tty idea.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: beardedbruce
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 02:42 PM

"Except for the small group of whackos who were violating the law, the protestors at the RNC were protesting ..."


1. it was the small group (234?) that was arrested, not the 5000 protesters.

2. I was complaing that it seems those wackos have support here, from the comments.

3. I have never stated that peaceful protest should be limited, not have I advocated the silencing of those with other viewpoint than myself- as many here HAVE done.

4. You seem to ignore the fenced in "free speech areas" at the DNC- except to note that the protesters there ( ie, those NOT supporting the DNC) were law-abiding and non-violent.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 02:09 PM

Well, consider that what they are protesting about, Bruce, is the creeping onset of fascism, the rebirth of meddling Puritanism, the undermining of core Constitutional provisions, and the invasion of individual privacy.

The exact line where freedom to live, love, etc., as one elects gets into hot water is where it starts interfering with others' rights to do the same. Except for the small group of whackos who were violating the law, the protestors at the RNC were protesting the sad, toxic, side-effects of the last eight years of heavy-handed invasive Republican management.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: beardedbruce
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 02:01 PM

BillD re Dems: "they want to at least allow everyone to live, love, worship, assemble in their own way;"


There are some here who look at the Obama supporters as seen here, at the DNC, and as protesters, and do NOT see any indication that they believe in this manner. Just an observation from their actions...

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Little Hawk
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 01:44 PM

"Lord how I despise the politicians on both sides.
In case you haven't noticed - the Democrats want to rule too. It is all about power and money and has very little to do with our American dream."

That pretty well sums it up for me.

I think Obama's the far better choice over McCain, but I see it as Mary does. Both parties are in it for the money and the power. If Obama is a genuine idealist (and he may be), then his biggest problem if he gets elected will be the fact that his own party will be directly in the way of him realizing his idealistic dreams...because his own party is utterly corrupt and self-serving. And the Republican Party is even worse.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 01:35 PM

"Gibbs stressed that it was a "flat-out lie" that Obama hasn't reached across party lines during his time in public office. Gibbs cited Obama's work with Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Indiana, to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists."

WTF???!

Nonsense season heading towards Category 3.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:35 AM

Bill,
In the United States, no one gets to be a president or governor or mayor by being fair. Politics is a game of power and money.

"Obama at least sounds like he does..."
He's running for office. Of course he sounds like he is fair. Once in office, reality sets in. There is no fair way out of Iraq. There is no fair way to fix Social Security. There is no fair way to make inner city schools as good as suburban ones. And so on and so on.

There is no way to accomplish anything without compromise and closed door meetings and I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine. It is.

This is what makes me so angry - his war could never have been if both sides didn't collude to bring it off. Both sides lied.

Of the two I believe Obama will make the better president. I also believe that Al Gore would have made a better president and we would not be in this war had he won (well he did but that's another story). I am frustrated when election after election I see people dancing around convention floors pretending their candidate will change the world.

Rant over.
mary

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:17 AM

"In case you haven't noticed - the Democrats want to rule too. "

That's pretty heavy...there is a big difference between 'rule' and 'be in charge'. I am VERY aware that one can find fault with any administration. There is just too much going on for any government to solve it all...or even please 'most of the people part of the time', but it IS possible to find someone whose 'intent' is to be fair, whether they manage well or not. I do not believe the Republicans intend to be fair....Obama at least sounds like he does...so far. That's how I'm gonna bet.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 11:07 AM

My photo of Thompson reading the tele prompter that was saying " all Obama can do is read a tele prompter"... is classic.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 10:59 AM

Fred Thompson sounded as if he has lung cancer or emphysema. He ought to have that checked.

I nearly fell off my chair when Lieberman starting touting the accomplishments of the Clinton administration. Had to leave my computer to check and see if this was the right convention.

Lord how I despise the politicians on both sides.
In case you haven't noticed - the Democrats want to rule too. It is all about power and money and has very little to do with our American dream, Mom and apple pie.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 10:48 AM

Well....I'm glad it wasn't just me that saw all those things. I was afraid I was projecting or something....

(Oh, Ebbie....thanks! "sniggeringly smarmy"!!.. I was too aghast to find words.)

(Yes, Bobert...they "want to rule". That IS the main difference I find between todays left & right... the Democrats/leftists hope you will agree with them, but they want to at least allow everyone to live, love, worship, assemble in their own way; while the Republicans/rightists want you to think like them: but if not, they wish to control what you can do and to impose standards of behavior, etc. on others.)
(Yes, I KNOW they are not all like that, but the extremists that are having so much influence in the Republican party these days are SURE they have **truth from on high** as to how things should be done...and many of the delegates to this convention are from that extreme wing).)

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 10:14 AM

I observed the          longest             and Loudest applause came when Fred Thompson said that Palin would champion the anti abortion pro life agenda.


The rest of the time people looked unsure bored and perplexed.

tee hee..some didn't know what to do or if to walk out during Lieberman's chat.

I took some GREAT photos of the convention last night.
I even got GHWB pulling a one cheek sneak on Cindy McCain.
Lots of looking at watches and napping overall

What is it with the McCain kids? The girls looked dead pan troubled and seething with angst.

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Bobert
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 08:35 AM

Ditto, Eb...

These folks don't want to talk... They want to *****rule******!!!

Their way or the highway...

Very dogmatic...

Yeah they will roll out the usual... Dems want to kill yer babies, burn yer flags, raise yer taxes and make yer kids marry a "queer"...

Business as usual...

Talibanish...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Sep 08 - 01:06 AM

Tonight I have to face the fact that there is probably no hope for this nation and its people.

On the one hand I recognize that the polarization of our political processes is dangerously non-productive. We need to talk.

On the other, I listened to and watched some of the Republican Convention.

There is no hope. I can't bear to listen to them. I had to turn it off.

(I never realized before how sniggeringly smarmy Fred Thompson is.)

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Amos
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 11:22 PM

An interesting contrast from the Selma-like busts going on outside the RNC is this anecdote from the DNC a few days earlier:

"...An hour or so before Bill Clinton spoke on the third night of the convention, I received a text message from my friend with the terse missive "Massive march possibly violent" followed by a "Its getting crazy you should get over here."
I arrived to find several hundred people—most of them teenagers and 20-somethings—milling outside one of the security barricades surrounding the Pepsi Center (the outer perimeter, not to be confused with the inner outer perimeter, the outer inner perimeter or the inner inner perimeter).
The assembled protestors, ostensibly led by a group from Iraq Veterans Against the War, appeared to be domesticated, or at least housebroken. Still, a sizable contingent of riot police lingered nearby to monitor the situation. Then a loud, crackling voice boomed from a bullhorn somewhere beyond the crowd.
"This is the Denver Police Department," the authoritative voice began.
Ooooh, this is gonna be good.
"We have bottled water and restroom facilities for anybody who needs them. We will also bring over a PA so that everyone who wants to speak will have a chance to do so."..."


No comment needed.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Observations of Republican Convention
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 11:15 PM

I have been catching bits of this charade. It is beyond .....I am at a loss for words.

Chris Matthews may have summed it up..."a campaign based on a guy's biography." Fred Thompson gave a day-by-day history of McCain's time in prison...well, almost. Then he said that although 'that doesn't qualify a man to be president, it shows character.'
Right...we KNEW that. He's brave & stubborn. And Palin is ...ummm..conservative and umm.. dedicated...and... and they have Joe Liebermann to vouch for her. (I guess they are gonna keep her...McCain remaining stubborn and refusing to back down after a bad choice)

As the camera pans the delegates, I see guys in suits, looking stern and proper, and 'plain' folk looking like they just ran out of a Pat Robertson meeting to make it to Minnesota. I'm sorry if I sound petty or something..but they DO!! I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. It is just plain startling to compare the laughing, cheering, inspired folks from Denver to this bunch of ..... never mind.

So...sue me. I lost my 25 cents, anyway.