Republican Convention - Day 2

The Bush’s came to town. George HW, George W and Laura. The best part of their trilogy was when W. said that "John McCain is not a man who's afraid to tell you when he disagrees. Believe me, I know.". The crowd really enjoyed that one. It wouldn't be the last time this evening that there would be applause to a statement that countered W. and what has happened the last 8 years. When you are the incumbent party and say that you have the real candidate of change, that is a very fine line you are walking on.

Fred Thompson gave a progressively riveting review of John McCain’s time in captivity. If you haven’t heard the full extent previously (and perhaps even if you had), you had to be moved. He did a good job even turning McCain’s opposition to Reagan’s desire to put troops in Beirut as a kudo to both parties. I hope Fred is OK, he certainly cleared his throat a lot. It was also a pretty spirited talk attacking the media occasionally and more frequently Barack Obama (without mentioning him). In fact, the loudest cheers were not for pro-McCain statements, but anti-Obama critiques. It seems that the Repubs are more united in their dislike of Obama and the Dems than they are energized by the candidacy of John McCain.

Joe Lieberman could be the first person to speak in prime time for each party just 8 years apart. Some nice things said about John McCain, the most effective was when he said that "God only made one John McCain and he is his own man". "Eloquence is no substitute for a record" was a great summary of everything the Repubs should be saying to point out their best claim as to why McCain should be in the White House. Lieberman did actually get the Repubs to applaud (although very modestly) Bill Clinton while showing the contrast between Clinton and Obama by saying that Clinton was bi-partisan in his moves to balance the budget, reform welfare and trade agreements.

If John McCain really has his way, Joe Lieberman would have been giving a speech (perhaps pretty similar to this one) on Wendesday night as his VP choice. Bi-partisanship is great, just as long as everyone on the ticket is a registered Republican.

The large HD screen behind the speaker is interesting but occasionally eerie.

The Sarah Palin issues backlash has got to be eating at the convention attendees. First a lost night due to Hurricane Gustav, then an almost all out media probe into your recenP selection. If anything, it is creating a 'circle the wagons' attitude, which could get the Repubs pretty stirred up even though they aren't particulary ready to rally around their candidates.