The GOP Convention thoughts

I watched Bush and the introduction speeches.

This was a good speech for Bush. There are no outrageous lies except for ones that have been said many times in this convention. There is more a glossing over and spinning the facts. This seemed like an ignore my record and see what I will do for you speech. Tax simplification when they have doubled the tax code and have the most amazing shuffling in and out of tax laws for the next few years! Still likely to appeal to middle America with the proposals and the big "this is war framing" macho patriotism with violins and distortions about Kerry.

Afterwards, why did PBS have one moderate analyst, two Republicans who stayed on message, and a center-right analyst? Charlie Rose also wasn't balanced - two conservatives. My local PBS InnerVIEWS ignored the convention and had Mayor White talking about being mayor - softballs, softballs, softballs, Ernie Manouse always passes up opportunities for tough questions everytime I have watched. Almost as bad as the PBS Texas Monthly interview shows. Wow, InnerVIEWS had another interview with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now. An odd disapproving interviewer actual made some attacks that Amy let pass - example "as a peace at any price person..." Amy was great but could have used a hair brush. Amy was pushing her book 'Exception To The Rulers - Exposing Oily Politicians, War Profiteers, and the Media that Love Them' and commenting on the huge growth of Democracy Now this past year. Amazing stories.

The AP(!) agrees that is distorted and glossed over the facts.

John Kerry agrees with me and calls the convention bitter and insulting. "Every time they open their mouths they can't tell the truth," Kerry said at a rally. "It's time for us to have a president of the United States who can look you in the eye and when he does, you know you're being told the truth."

Ezra at Pandagon: "Senator Kerry opposed Medicare reform (Lie) and health savings accounts (because he wants a larger health care plan). After supporting my education reforms, he now wants to dilute them (If diluting means giving more money too, sure). He opposed reducing the marriage penalty(Except his plan calls for its elimination), opposed doubling the child credit (His plan gives the expanded credit to more families), and opposed lowering income taxes for all who pay them (rich people)."


Zell Miller finds the GOP not welcoming either. The judgement was he did not play well to the TV audience, too hateful and extreme in attacks and appearance, and he was disinvited from the Bush family box. Some GOP members distanced themselves from his remarks which got thunderous applause from the floor contrasting with the weak response to a flat Cheney speech.