The Republican National Convention hit the ground running last night after a one day delay in major speeches and events due to Hurricane Gustav, despite many liberal's wishes for a disaster in New Orleans to disrupt the convention schedule and draw attention to the perceived inadequacies of the Republican Administration in the face of such a disaster. With all due respect to those who are still enduring the hardship of the tragedy, the unfortunate event on the Gulf Coast actually provided a benefit for the Republican Convention: the association of John McCain tp George W. Bush was able to be downplayed by having Bush deliver his abbreviated speech delivered by satellite.
The highlight of the evening, without a doubt, was the speech by Fred Thompson, who deftly skewered H. (Obama) while accuratley painting a portrait of both John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin. Without mentioning H. by name for the first ten or so minutes, Thompson told the story of McCain's biography, punctuated every few minutes with a back-handed jab at his opponent. For example, there's no missing the contrast between the oppenents when he stated "He has been to Iraq eight times since 2003. He went seeking truth, not publicity. "
The barbs became more pointed during the second half of the speech, with Thompson directly addressing the weaknesses of H. and Biden, and highlighting the advantages of McCain and Palin. The overall message of "who can you trust with the Presidency" was well-communicated, and the weaknesses of H. were well highlighted.
Joe Lieberman's speech, while not as rousing or as pointed as Thompson's, was also well-received. There were a few bemused faces in the crowd as Lieberman made a passing reference to the successes of Bill Clinton's presidency, but other than that, the speech seemed effective. At the end, Liebermann made an impassioned plea for independents, Reagan Democrats and undecideds to vote for McCain and Palin.
One thing that was apparent between the two conventions, the DNC and the RNC, was the focus of the message. The main theme of the Republican Convention, as emblazoned on the many placards held by the crowd, was "Country First." This was echoed by a message that was decidedly patriotic, but more than that, uniquely American. The Republican message is a call to action for Americans to continue to be self-reliant, which had always been a prominent quality of Americans and American history.
The theme of the Democrats convention seemed to be that it's okay to act like a dependent child, the government will be there to help you. H. actually said, in his big speech the final night, "it's about you." As if a congregation of spoiled, self-absorbed liberals really needed to hear that... The "me, me, me" generation was highlighted in full force, and is being placated by a message that says that it's okay, don't worry about self-reliance, we'll take care of you. No need for bootstraps to pull yourself up by, the government is here for you. That's not the American tradition... that's socialism. Not surprising, when the liberals are trying to elect, as Fred Thompson said, "most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for president."
