RNCC wrap-up: Successful beyond expectations
posted at 9:24 am on September 5, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Two weeks ago, had someone told me that the Republican convention would generate energy, excitement, drama, suspense, and unity, I probably would have laughed in their face, or cried in my beer. At best, I hoped for a solid effort to bring people together for what looked to be a grueling general election campaign. Instead, John McCain found a formula to generate momentum and to unite the competing factions of the GOP under a reform banner, while simultaneously lifting the next generation of Republicans.
This convention had its difficulties to surmount, though. The self-imposed limitations of Day One while McCain and Sarah Palin attended to Hurricane Gustav essentially ground the momentum of her selection to a halt, and allowed a vacuum that got filled with slurs and innuendo. By the time the convention got back into gear on Day Two, a sense of siege could be sensed in the Xcel.
However, unlike the assumptions of a few in the media who began talking about an “Eagleton option”, this sense of siege had two effects on the assembled. First, it rallied them around Palin, even before they’d had a chance to hear her speak. Second, it reminded them that the media would play a hostile role in this election, even with a man with proven centrist and reform credentials at the top of the ticket. When people like John Roberts started questioning whether the little woman wouldn’t be better advised staying home with the kiddies, people got angry — and they got motivated.
By Wednesday, the stage was set inside the convention for a hero’s welcome for Palin. Anticipation ran as high inside as expectations got set low by the media, and the combination gave Palin a hanging curve to hit for a grand slam. Not only did she perform magnificently within or without that context, Palin energized people to fight despite the hostile media and the slurs.
Wednesday night was the emotional climax of the convention. Day Four brought a glow of success and hope that Republicans could prevail in this election. No one expected John McCain to top the energy of his running mate — indeed, he couldn’t have possibly done so, because McCain is a known quantity. However, after Wednesday night, people had a lot more enthusiasm for McCain himself, thanks to his choice of running mate. If Thursday night didn’t reach the heights of emotion and excitement of the previous night, it served as a comfortable afterglow to a convention that had reached beyond anyone’s expectations.
We could see this on the inside, even if it didn’t come across in the televised coverage. By Thursday, people had confidence in this ticket and looked forward to seeing them campaign against Obama. And the latest CBS poll, which saw Obama’s convention bounce eliminated before Palin’s speech, bolstered that confidence significantly.
I have more video from the convention coming today, so stay tuned.
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sounds like Rasmussen has a good Palin poll out, but for members only right now
jp on September 5, 2008 at 9:26 AM
A success despite the fact that God is on the Democrats side and sent a hurricane to hit a Democratic city (never quite understood the logic there).
TooTall on September 5, 2008 at 9:27 AM
4 Reasons to Vote Palin-McCain
1. Obama is a lawyer.
2. Biden is a lawyer.
3. McCain is not a lawyer, and
4. Palin is not a lawyer.
Do we really need more lawyers in Washington?
Let me get this straight….A Lawyer….from the infamous Chicago political machine …with a LOTS of money—claims his experience as a “community organizer” Only an attorney who doesn’t want to divulge information, will give a convoluted, unspecific answer like that nonsense.
After Sarah & Rudy appropriately barbequed this nonsensical “occupation”…the Obama Biden team has provided us with a definition, which simply raises more questions.
Now they say a “community organizer” helps the downtrodden by talking to city officials & politicians on behalf of the poor souls. So he was basically a “Good Will Broker”… Hmmm… Can we not inquire as to ‘how was he paid?’ Where can I get one of these lucrative jobs?
And he’s this f’n close to the Oval Office???
deedtrader on September 5, 2008 at 9:28 AM
The Denver “show” was better than the St Paul “show” as far as stagecraft. The conventions reflected the candidiates. Substance over flash. Also, unlike Obama/Biden, McCain/Palin come off as sincere. I hope that reads to the country. Of course the morons out there will only respond to a flashy stageshow.
RobCon on September 5, 2008 at 9:29 AM
every meme requires a potential blood sacrifice….
sven10077 on September 5, 2008 at 9:29 AM
I can not express how refreshing Wednesday night was. Our republicans came out in full force. It was our pep talk to go out and fight for McCain/Palin and against Obamination.
This week it got me cheering and jumping out of my sofa by the awesome speeches of Giuliani, Thompson, Steele, Huckabee, Romney, and of course PALIN!!!
McCain brought us a statesmen address to the nation.
Awesome week to be a republican and Palin and the speeches were the shot in the arm that we needed.
jencab on September 5, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Ugh, report of a 6.1% unemployment hurts a bit.
Other than gas prices, that’s the most critical economic number that people watch.
As I said before (toot my horn), these will be the most important and critical debates in the history of the country with the possible exception of the Nixon/Kennedy debate.
SteveMG on September 5, 2008 at 9:34 AM
I knew that McCain would never back down & dump Palin, but I was concerned that she might drop out for her family’s sake–the evil empire of the MSM was attacking her kids.
Thank God she had the intestinal fortitude to mock the evildoers & rally the troops. I find her amazing.
jgapinoy on September 5, 2008 at 9:36 AM
6.1% is less than a percentage and half over Bill Clinton’s “economic miracle”…..it gives McCain a club to hit Barry with actually….
“How can you expect unemployment not to rise when Your, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid’s energy policy refuses to stabilize energy costs to business by allowing domestic production?”
Nah it is a small enough climb it won’t hurt too bad and it can in at least part be shrugged off by people going back to school.
McCain’ll be fine Bush the Edler won on shakier economic ground.
sven10077 on September 5, 2008 at 9:37 AM
McCain needs to connect the high gas prices–which is the anti-drillers’ fault–to the economic numbers.
jgapinoy on September 5, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Can someone explain this to me?
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/chicago.summer.shootings.2.810166.html
Don’t you think that BO should be more concerned about the war in his own backyard instead of the war that America is winning in Iraq?
And these people will voting for him?
bloggless on September 5, 2008 at 9:39 AM
It definitely came across to me. McCain beat expectations and actually seemed to fire up the audience. All this, without isolating the Independents.
carbon_footprint on September 5, 2008 at 9:40 AM
And the really sad part is that so far, there are more fatal shootings in Chicago than there are in Iraq, where people keep fully automatic AK47s in their homes.
MadisonConservative on September 5, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Now we need to eliminate Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi’s lead in congress….. so McCain doesn’t have a filibuster majority of Democrats left to “reach across the aisle” for.
Mcguyver on September 5, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Among the general public, the following is the take home image/line from both conventions:
Democrates: Greek Columns
Republicans: “…I do not seek the good opinion of the Washington elite”.
Seriously, can anyone give me one memorable line from Obama’s speech? Bidin’s? Heck most poeple won’t remember a single line from McCain’s speech last night, but….
40 million poeple will remember Palin’s “Washingon/Media Elite” line
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 9:44 AM
What a presentation, (note I didn’t say show, leave that for the DNC) If after the GOP Convention, you are not 100% behind McCain-Palin…..you should not call yourself a Republican. The thing I love most is that those on the left,all they ask is the question, how evangelicals can behind this team. 1)This team has character and values. 2) and this may shock those on the left…..I’ll say it slow….WE…ARE….NOT….ALL…CHRISTAN CONSERVATIVES…from….the RELIGIOUS RIGHT! We have religion…..but we have other core values…that we vote on….until the left realizes this…they can never understand a McCain/Palin ticket….so to the left….enjoy the sweet sound of silence (with your heads stuck in the ground….saying over and over “Bad things go away…bad things go away”
McCain/Palin 2008,2012…..Palin/? 2016, 2020……..
GOPGryphon on September 5, 2008 at 9:45 AM
bloggless,
Our inner city disasters are all provided over by liberal Democrat mayors backed by lockstep Democrat city councils.
Doesn’t matter then that people are being murdered by the bushel in our inner cities or that the public “schools” there are dollar sucking jobs programs that do not education kids, because there are no Republicans to blame.
Barack Obama’s favorite Mayor, Democrat Kwami Kilkpatrick is a thug, a criminal and is going to jail.
Do you think of John McCain or Sarah Palin were pals with a Republican politician who was going to jail, we’d hear something in the national media about it?
Do you think that if a Republican mayor of a major US city was going to jail, there would be this little coverage of it in what’s laughingly referred to as our news media?
The media harms inner city residents EVERY DAY, because it refuses to report on the criminality, corruption and overall incompetence of inner city DEMOCRAT Mayors and their corresponding DEMOCRAT city councils.
NoDonkey on September 5, 2008 at 9:45 AM
The whole event went better than I expected. I’m now actually excited to see what will happen in the next 60 days.
Cosmop on September 5, 2008 at 9:46 AM
Think of it: in the target rich environment of Daly Machine Chicago, ZERObama either saw no evil or reported none. In the wide-open spaces of Alaska, Saracuda was kickin corrupt butts up one side of the state and down the other.
This election is now about the top of their ticket vs. the bottom of ours. “Our JV could wipe the court with your varsity.”
Akzed on September 5, 2008 at 9:47 AM
For whatever it’s worth, the Intrade Market is showing a $10 swing towards McCain just today.
Incidentally, the Biden Dropped quote is around $10, and Palin Dropped is down below $5.
JamesLee on September 5, 2008 at 9:48 AM
Ed – I am looking forward to the next 60 days, however I guess AP has gotten to me and now I am pessimistic. It seems that the media is beside themselves trying to get the One into 1600 Penn.
Getting past the media seems tough. Heck, not even Oprah will interview Palin even though women are requesting her to be on.
matthew26 on September 5, 2008 at 9:48 AM
Much as the RNC convention will be considered a turning point, I think the real turning point will be the series of McCain-Obama debates (although I suspect the most watched will be the single Biden-Palin debate…I know I will have that one penciled in).
Can someone on the ball give me the debate dates real quick (slow internet here and I’m lazy)
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 9:49 AM
The RNC needs to spend EXTENSIVELY on ads throughout the country telling “locals” that any vote for a Democrat nominee is a vote to keep Pelosi and Reid in charge. It’s that simple. These guys have approval ratings that make W look good. Drive it home. A vote for a Democrat, ANY Democrat, means Pelosi and Reid continue to stop drilling, continue to keep our judgeships unfilled, continue to create the kind of environment that chokes an economy.
And they can’t get Palin to enough rallies with Republican candidates. Don’t waste all of her time trying to turn her into an “international” expert. Bill Clinton wasn’t one when he was elected and neither was W. Hell, Obama has even less international experience. It DOESN’T matter. The economy matters and that’s what Palin can bludgeon the Dims on.
Sugar Land on September 5, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Where is the outrage over the War in Chicago???? What have BO and his Daley cronies done about this? The schools are bad and the citizens are being gunned down. They do not provide a racial break down of the victims, but I believe many of the areas are predominately minority, poor people. This does not even include how many of our fellow Americans were shot and survived. WHERE ARE THE DEMOCRATS AND THEIR OUTRAGE NOW??????
bloggless on September 5, 2008 at 9:52 AM
I’m starting a new sports analogy.
Republicans have just hit the 7-10 split.
rockmom on September 5, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Excellent.
Only Liberals could promote such and assume (demand?) that everyone else sway the same way. It’s absurd to deem Obama qualified for anything except, perhaps, how to not talk or talk and say little but avoid everything. I’m still musing over that Part One O’Reilly Interview with Obama, watched it now several times, and Obama gives me the absolute creeps. His eyes, really hateful.
S on September 5, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Of course she won’t (or will she?). Oprah (or her handlers) probably think her core is made up of bitter, divorced single moms with dead-end jobs and a huge sense of entitlement that they don’t want to “offend” by having Palin on.
I’m not saying they’re wrong, but I would like to think Oprah is smarter than that. Heck, you don’t build a muli-million (billion?) dollar empire by being a dumbass. It could be the highest rated show Oprah has ever had.
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Bush a no show, appears via video link
Cheney a no show
Bush and Cheney barely mentioned because the RNC knows this will not poll well. Are they ashamed of the current people in the white house?
Spastic crowd steps all over McCain’s fumbly speech
Exploit VP’s family for political purposes
Exploit McCain’s POW experience
Exploit the tragedy of 9/11 with a disgraceful video
End the RNC by illegally playing a song about the VP nominee
IT WENT AWESOME
Now we get to sit back and watch them keep Palin from doing any interviews so nobody can nail her on supporting the bridge to nowhere or knowing nothing about foreign policy.
Dave Rywall on September 5, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Shhhhhh. You’re making the case:
The City of Chicago has one of the nation’s most restrictive gun control laws
Saltysam on September 5, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Perhaps because he’s married to Michelle, whose face is a taut visage of bitterness and anger.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Well, try to look at the positive side. The continued water-carrying for BO by the media may just have the desired effect…the “Bradly Effect”
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 9:55 AM
My theory: their derangement met up with a match.
S on September 5, 2008 at 9:56 AM
More important than Lincoln-Douglas? This gets said every cycle but it’s rarely true, and I don’t think it’s true in this case, either. They’re all pretty important.
holygoat on September 5, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Yes, it’s still historically low; but the numbers are going up.
And we all know how the press reports economic numbers:
“IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD!!, BUSH & GOP FIDDLES, DETAILS TO FOLLOW”
SteveMG on September 5, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Yes it did, canuck. You will see zer-O’s poll numbers begin to decline and go in the tank after the first debate. The Arctic Fox will mop up the floor with Plugs.
McCain/Palin will win in a landslide.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Bill Ayers = Community Organizer
DfDeportation on September 5, 2008 at 9:58 AM
It really has been a remarkable week.
Spirit of 1776 on September 5, 2008 at 10:00 AM
This convention acheived two things:
1) On a personal level, thanks to Sarah Palin, I am so proud to be a Republican… not that I was ever ashamed, but MAN, is she ever a tremendous look to our future as a party.
2) After listening to McCain, I couldn’t help but think “how can anyone look at this man and his opponent and NOT conclude that this man would make an eminently better President of the United States?” The contrast is beyond stunning.
The convention exceeded my expectations for sure.
D2Boston on September 5, 2008 at 10:00 AM
InTrade this morning: 55/43 Barry. The One’s value continues to drop.
Limerick on September 5, 2008 at 10:00 AM
The smart choice in Sarah Palin — aside from all her wonderful appeal on issues and personality AND capability (that includes her experience, proven abilities in action) — is that she is outside/apart from all the factions that have beset us all among the GOP as to V.P. selections.
I am imagining any one of the so-far other GOP candidates having been picked and can see now how that’d been a disappointment as to the MCCAIN ticket (everyone would still be arguing outside their faction).
Having all the other GOP candidates support McCain instead and then Sarah Palin being named from far outside all the clatter than’s been aimed to and about the other candidates, lets us all have a fresh start, and McCain especially.
I now apologize to McCain for doubting him. I think he’s done a superb job in selecting Palin — and, I did not (not at all) find his acceptance/convention speech boring, dull, anything but. It gave me a new look at this guy and I really admire who I see now.
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Heh…Saul Alinsky – the godfather of rabble rousing (AKA community organizing) and a major influence on zer-O.
Alinsky dedicated his book in part to Lucifer. Yes, THAT Lucifer.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:01 AM
They didn’t while alive. Fortunately the dead are more loyal.
MarkTheGreat on September 5, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Dave, dave, dave. Nice try. Noboday said it was awesome, but put your self in “our” shoes and you have to admit this was a pretty good week for the Republicans all things considered. It could have been a complete wash and BO would be up by 12 points today (Gustav wipes out New Orleans, McCain picks Pawlety, Bush shows up in person and get’s tomatoed by Code Pink, etc etc)
But now, your DNC bounce was gone even before Palin spoke on Wednesday night. Let’s give it a few days and see what the RNC convention bounce turns out to be. After all, aren’t these things all about the bounce?
Anyway, I’ll give you a benefit of the doubt that you’re not a troll since your “facts” are technically correct although I don’t agree with your take on them.
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 10:02 AM
And vote with astonishing regularity.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:03 AM
yep, all 57 States
jp on September 5, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Ooops…….it just changed again…..55/47. Barry is down 6, John up 7. Evil capitalist systems are wonderful.
Limerick on September 5, 2008 at 10:03 AM
ANOTHER THING: hearing that speech by “Gentleman Palin” (how DO we refer to the Mister of the V.P. couple), anyway, after hearing Sarah’s husband’s speech from yesterday, I am even more enthused with the Palins. It’s almost as good as listening to the Country Music Awards.
:)
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:04 AM
And Arctic Fox? How is her stock doing?
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I have already seen two different reports on the “lack of diversity” at the convention. I am going to have to take the time look that up because I am pretty sure that story is trotted out every four years. Not only do the “journalist” have an what appears to me to be an ethical collapse in covering the RNC but it is almost like a extra week of vacation because they can just dust off the S.O.S. different day. Certainly a win win for them
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I knew Alinsky was bedevilled but I never knew THAT! Ewwwwww.
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Link please…thanks
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 10:05 AM
There culd just be a relationship here.
MarkTheGreat on September 5, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Mrs. Palin for now
Madam Vice-President in 8 weeks
Madam President in November 2012
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Bid 6, Ask 7, volume 2 (LOL)….seems to be a penny stock about to crash.
Limerick on September 5, 2008 at 10:07 AM
“knowing nothing about foreign policy.”
Says the guy who supports the candidate who thinks Canada has a President.
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=d73fb729-5633-4fc0-8700-f0a1ca823864&k=51782
Did he learn that while talking to the Chicanos and Marxists at Harvard Law? Why doesn’t Barry release his grades?
Barack Obama is a stooge as we all know, but for who? Soros is the most obvious choice, but are there others?
NoDonkey on September 5, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Really? Any ideas why?
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Hey, isn’t Osama Bin Laden a “community organizer”? He fits the profile.
bloggless on September 5, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Rush is almost betting the house that the Eaglton option will be exercised — by Obama. Perhaps with Hillary. But that puts her in a bind. Tell Obama to shove it and wait until ‘08. But then she’s have to face off against Palin for the presidency. Or she can join the ticket, and maybe lose.
All speculation. I think the Dems just took five torpedos amidships and are sinking fast.
J.J. Sefton on September 5, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Michael Moore and other Leftists prayed Hurricane Gustav would destroy New Orleans and the Republicans along with it. What they got instead was Hurricane Sarah.
TheBigOldDog on September 5, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Yes, sure, but I was referring to MISTER Palin, husband to Sarah Palin, who will be, what? What’s the “title” or proper term for a Mister, married to a female V.P.?
Mr. V.P.’s Husband, or what?
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Even though I was cheering for Palin before she was selected, not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine she’d be such a game-changer.
Yes, I think this time the media attacks ended up helping us.
petefrt on September 5, 2008 at 10:09 AM
oops. Meant ‘12, not -08
J.J. Sefton on September 5, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Honestly, I can’t believe I’m excited to vote for John McCain.
BTW Anyone know of a place to watch McCain’s speech? Cspan has already removed it.
amkun on September 5, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Ummm… “Hope! Change! Hopenchange! Changenhope!”
Vic on September 5, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Of course from the hardcore republican supporter viewpoint, it went amazing.
But hardcore Dems can pick it apart, just like you guys can pick apart the DNC. Be honest – if the Dems ran a video abut 9/11 you folks would hit the ceiling.
The undecided voters will wait until the debates, which favour the Dems. Palin has a great deal of work to do to get up to speed. Sure, she’s amazing with a teleprompter. You should be worried about her in a debate – she is untested and an unknown entity.
So polls over the next while are meaningless. They’ll show bounces according to which side is in the news. It happens every election so I don’t understand why Dems get excited over a Obama bump and you folks get excited for a McCain bump.
Dave Rywall on September 5, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Dunno other then volume. McCain trading is almost 500k this morning, Barry at 300k. We’ve got us a horserace.
Limerick on September 5, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Laughing…and yes, many people HAVE noticed that Obama’s not nearly as smart as his hype promotes him as. He’s gone a long way with a commanding voice and polished speaking skills (but so did Hitler, just saying).
Obama not releasing his grades, OR his birth certificate OR his medical records…guy’s certainly carrying a lot of cover and the biggest question is: why?
Second biggest question is: why are so many led astray by his vague, polluted ‘air’…
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Rush is almost betting the house that the Eaglton option will be exercised — by Obama. Perhaps with Hillary. But that puts her in a bind. Tell Obama to shove it and wait
I think it is highly possible that Hillary was initially asked to take the VP slot and politely declined. BO would have a fool not to consider the fallout for NOT having Hillary on the ticket. There is nothing in it for Hillary to be VP at this point in time. Better for her to wait for BO to lose and then go against McCain and or Palin in 2012 for the POTUS.
bloggless on September 5, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Hey, just hand on one darn minute. As professional journalists, they hold a wide spectrum of political beliefs that mirrors the public as a whole, but due to thier self-imposed discipline that cannot show bias, favoritism or indeed, enthusiasm for any party or candidate.
Dancing with delegates is forbidden. Smoozing with delegates on post-speech analytical/discussion panels is a no-no. Even descriptions of candidates speeches with subjective words like “historic”, “groundbreaking” and “Orgasmic” are right out.
That, my friend, is why you saw the media covering this event like the true profesionals they are, and not like they lost a bet.
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Spot on SL! Two years in control and not one energy bill to move this nation forward towards energy independence. Reid and Pelosi by doing NOTHING are forcing consumers to put their hard earned dollars into their gas tanks and less on the plates of our children. Economic starvation will not sit well with the electorate. And the blame will be squarely on the Democrats.
Rovin on September 5, 2008 at 10:14 AM
We really need an inside track to what goes on in Switzerland at this Big Donor Doodah for Obama. I’m sure I’m not the first person to think this.
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:14 AM
All fair points. We shall see….She might be the real deal, anf if so, Uncle Joe’s goose might get cooked.
saiga on September 5, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Mr. Palin. I’m sure that would be fine with him.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:16 AM
“Be honest – if the Dems ran a video abut 9/11 you folks would hit the ceiling.”
True, the cheers and laughter when the planes hit the towers would upset us.
NoDonkey on September 5, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I wonder why it is being held in Switzerland. Is it possible that some of the attendees had visa problems? I’d like to see the guestlist.
bloggless on September 5, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I’m somewhat astute at reading body language (though certainly no expert, just have an eye for “animal behavior” and that includes body language by most among us animal species, I read it relatively quickly and accurately).
AND, I DID perceive Obama as looking “darker” (not related to his skin tone — “darker” as in, his face had a darker appearance about it, something I can’t quite explain briefly) the day he appeared first with Biden. I KNEW there was some negative thing there. Neither person looked pleased, they both looked compromised, like they were stand-ins for a curtain call.
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:17 AM
You forgot the “/sarc” tag
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:17 AM
The crazy American voters seem to like not only the separation of powers, but separation of parties heading those powers. When one party runs the whole shitaree, bad things usually happen.
Thats how we got the “Great Society”.
saiga on September 5, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Maybe B.O. should yank the Anything-But-Righteous Rev. Wright out from under the bus and beg for some refresher speaker training before the first debate comes up and he winds up making himself look like the complete and absolute incompetent boob he really is.
pilamaye on September 5, 2008 at 10:18 AM
carbon_footprint on September 5, 2008 at 10:19 AM
“Be honest – if the Dems ran a video abut 9/11 you folks would hit the ceiling.”
True, the cheers and laughter when the planes hit the towers would upset us.
NoDonkey on September 5, 2008 at 10:16 AM
—————-
If you truly believe that then you’re the most ignorant c*nt imaginable and you need to get your head out of your a**.
Dave Rywall on September 5, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Fair point on the polls being meaningless (as you point our further down in your post). But as for the above…
I (and many on this thread) would love for the Dems to run a video commemorating the victims of 9/11 (seriously). My God man, this was an event that impacted everybody…but just because a Republican was in the White House doesn’t make it anyone’s issue. I think the Dems missed the boat big time by not “exploiting” the issue (I think the better way of putting it is that it reminds all Americans about what we all face)
As for the debates, and with all due respect to you Dave, I think you’re completely wrong on this (I am 99% sure on the Presidential, and 75% on the VP debate…but there are 3 Pres debates and 1 VP debates unless I am mistaken). If the Democrates only hope now is that a series of debates that so far Obama has seemed very cool about is going to turn the time (presuming the Pubs get a bounce) or seal the deal (if Dems up by a few points) then good luck with that.
If I was the Dems, I would inject Biden with flu or something to get him, his notorious yapper and size 18 feet out of the picture for a while. As for Obama, please ask yourself if you thought he really did that well against Hillary over the primaries? (OK, he had to let up a bit, but still).
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Maybe Palin supported a bridge, then after she learned more about it, departed the support for said bridge.
Maybe there was grumbled sales pitch to attract support by claiming it was a first step or stage in a larger transportation/development process, so she participated INITIALLY, but withdrew support after seeing problems involved.
Sounds like it was a simple initial thing followed by a departure and change of position thing, to me anyway.
Democrats ALWAYS project the worst possible conditions on Republicans. I can’t say that the “bridge to nowhere” was ever so preliminary as to be supportable (don’t know), but I DO recognize that large projects like that are developed in stages.
So probably, more than likely, Palin “supported” some idea or concept or pitch and then after realizing what it was in reality or looked to be, Palin then changed her support and withdrew support.
Not too difficult to imagine.
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:22 AM
The most important reason the RNC was successful:
We had balloons and Andrea Mitchell got lost in them.
Mr_Magoo on September 5, 2008 at 10:26 AM
She is a great candidate. I still can’t believe McCain was stupid enough to consider Ridge or Leiberman. Ok I can believe it.
Anyway the left blogs are all upset, which is a great sign. My favorite (for entertainment value) is TalkLeft where they’ve gone from betting pools on when she’d drop out, to biting their fingernails in fear at how toast they are if she succeeds McCain as President. It’s really a thing of beauty to watch.
Gaunilon on September 5, 2008 at 10:26 AM
+1
Loxodonta on September 5, 2008 at 10:26 AM
They don’t have to…their lapdogs in the Drive-By media will do that for them.
Pointless hypothetical because they never would – and not because of reverence for the dead.
Corrected that spelling error for you. Actually, the Drive-By media is circulating the trope that their Glib Twins will dominate the debates – but at the expense of the uncomfortable truth: Obama is an empty suit who is hopelessly lost without cue cards or a teleprompter; Biden is an arrogant gaffe-machine.
YOU are the one who needs to get up to speed, canuck. I suggest you do a little research and watch some of her debates from the governor’s race. Hear me now and believe me later: The wilderness of Alaska is littered with the political bodies of those who underestimated Sarah Palin. Not for nothing is she called The Arctic Fox.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I agree. I found the GOP Convention actually watchable, like I was, in fact, participating (got to mull around and do other things while listening to some of the speakers, felt very atmospheric and involving, genuine and, yes, “sincere.”
The DNC thing was annoying overall. I only viewed bare snippets and even that, appeared “phoney,” like, for example, some of the otherwise comedian hosts at the Oscars or Emmies — they’re never entertaining in those venues because they are not being genuine.
I turned off Obama’s speech after about two sentences, couldn’t stand him or it.
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Actually, YOU should be worried when you take into account Obama’s 8th Grade speaking skills when HE is away from a teleprompter. You, uh, er, um, know, uhhh, um, what I, um, mean?
Patrick S on September 5, 2008 at 10:28 AM
And finally the campaign is about to be launched,
the bus is fueled,SarahCuda is onboard,and their
both fresh,and ready to let’s roll!!
Meanwhile,back at Hopey and Changey Team Obama!
Obama has been campaigning against HilRod for
months,prancing around Europe,and has said
every Flippinzee/der/Flopponzee I care to hear,
so I would say Team Obama is tired,and worn-out!
He’s been campaigning for months,he’s got to be
burn’t out you would think!
canopfor on September 5, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Speaking (yet again) of Obama, and (yet again) of the O’Reilly first-parter of an interview with Obama, did anyone note the giant mole aside Obama’s nose? It’s like a stain on a shirt, you can’t take your eyes off it. At least, I couldn’t. Obama’s not wearing well.
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Perhaps you should reacquaint yourself with many of the leading voices of the liberal left in this country in the months followin 9-11, such as Susan Sontag and Noam Chomsky. How about the little gems that Ward Churchill dispensed? Put on hip waders and slog through the fever swamps of the left-wing blogosphere and you will find all sorts of nauseating rants that celebrate what happened to us that awful day.
But then, what do you care? You are safe and snug in canuckland, under the watchful protection of the United States of America.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:31 AM
That’s because the liberal thought process is so convoluted as to frequently defy logic. Democrates need victims. They are quite willing to sacrifice their own to fill the quota for the good of the party. That is very “progressive” thought. Logic need not apply.
Yoop on September 5, 2008 at 10:32 AM
“If you truly believe that then you’re the most ignorant c*nt imaginable and you need to get your head out of your a**.”
I live in DC and I see the people who marched in the A.N.S.W.E.R. rallies. Red flags. Kuffiyehanas. Palestinian Flags.
You bet these people loved 9/11. And you can bet that many of these people, with their first shower in months, were sitting in the audience in Denver.
All Democrat politicians are scum and their delegates aren’t any better.
NoDonkey on September 5, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Ah, but it waz ze old Le Headfake n’est pas? The man had a staff of 4 and no pot to piss in 12 months ago. Think about that folks…and now he’s 50/50 to be the next POTUS. You don’t achieve that by listening to yammering advisors, hanger-son or certainly not your media “buddies”.
Ever notice there are no lists of “McCain is so tough…” jokes? It’s because nothing tops SURVIVING 5 years in a NV POW camp. It’s almost a cliche…
In 10 years, gangbangers will be saying “Look man, you do that shit you’re going to do time. You’re going to do time and not just any time, you’ll be doing some serious McCain time, motherf*cker”
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 10:33 AM
No, I was referring to Sarah Palin’s HUSBAND’S speech yesterday. He’s a regular guy, his speech was endearing (AND genuine accordingly).
I was wondering how we refer to V.P. Sarah Palin’s HUSBAND. Not to Palin but to her husband, since the country has never had a female V.P. or Pres. before (”First Husband” for the Presidency if a man is married to a female Pres., but what as to a man married to a female V.P.?).
S on September 5, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Drywall – you are getting desperate.
B Hussein Obambi has zero foreign policy credentials other than his mother shacked up with 2 muslims from Africa and Asia
txdoc on September 5, 2008 at 10:41 AM
God, how I would love to see that trope enter into American English! It sounds good to the ears, too.
McCain Time – An idomatic American expression, first coined in 2008, originally referring to a lengthy period of incarceration under conditions of severe privation and continuous subjection to extreme physical and psychological torture; now used to refer to an extremely unpleasant incarceration in civil prisons, or any extremely unpleasant experience endured while incarcerated.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:41 AM
There is no title for the husband of the VP. He is Mr. Palin.
If she becomes presidet, his title will likely be First Gentleman. And it fits.
ManlyRash on September 5, 2008 at 10:43 AM
You just made me spit out my cofee…..;)
Brings up a good point that many have asked: How the hell does a woman dressed in Code Pink garb even get into the convention? Shees. Can you imagine the beating someone would have gotten shouting down Obama last week?
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 10:44 AM
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