Obviously McCain put the left in their place tonight because it is dead around here. Seriously, I tuned in just in time to see him slam Moore and didn't see much else. Some of you must have watched, right?
I thought Rudy's speech was definite on strengthing certain points such as what it takes to win the terror situation...and emphasizing what unites us best, and how Bush best exemplified effective direction at being a leader... I also appreciated the wholesome humor...
- One thing is clear the Republicans, for better or worse, are going to w**** 9/11/01 as hard as they can. It’s an effective strategy because it will appeal to the pseudo-patriotic American post 9/11... - It looks like the republicans will resort to attacks on John Kerry as opposed to the DNC where the focus was solely on John Kerry. - I loved hearing McCain take a shot at Mikey Moore. - The republicans are still trying to tie the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq together which could backfire since the relationship between the 2 has been all but dismissed.
Partial Transcript of John McCain's Speech at the RNC Convention Today ____________________________________________________ After years of failed diplomacy and limited military pressure to restrain Saddam Hussein, President Bush made the difficult decision to liberate Iraq. Those who criticize that decision would have us believe that the choice was between a status quo that was well enough left alone and war. But there was no status quo to be left alone. The years of keeping Saddam in a box were coming to a close. The international consensus that he be kept isolated and unarmed had eroded to the point that many critics of military action had decided the time had come again to do business with Saddam, despite his near daily attacks on our pilots, and his refusal, until his last day in power, to allow the unrestricted inspection of his arsenal. Our choice wasn't between a benign status quo and the bloodshed of war. It was between war and a graver threat. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Not our political opponents. And certainly -- and certainly not a disingenuous filmmaker who would have us believe... AUDIENCE (Booing filmmaker Michael Moore who attended the convention): Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! MCCAIN: Please, please, my friends. That line was so good, I'll use it again. Certainly not a disingenuous filmmaker who would have us believe, my friends, who would have us believe that Saddam's Iraq was an oasis of peace, when in fact -- when in fact it was a place of indescribable cruelty, torture chambers, mass graves and prisons that destroyed the lives of the small children inside their walls. Whether or not Saddam possessed the terrible weapons he once had and used, freed from international pressure and the threat of military action, he would have acquired them again. My friends, the central security concern of our time is to keep such devastating weapons beyond the reach of terrorists who can't be dissuaded from using them by the threat of mutual destruction. We couldn't afford the risk posed by an unconstrained Saddam in these dangerous times. By destroying his regime, we gave hope to people long oppressed, that if they have the courage to fight for it, they may live in peace and freedom. Most importantly -- most importantly, our efforts may encourage the people of a region, that has never known peace or freedom or lasting stability, that they may someday possess these rights. I believe as strongly today as ever, the mission was necessary, achievable and noble. http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/30/gop.mccain.transcript/index.html
I thought both speeches were effective. They hit their mark tonight. Of course since I'm not a fan of their candidate, I would like to point out that there were no specifics, and the attack 'flip flopper' negativity of this campaign is in full swing. I lament Kerry's more positive convention, but considering the audience and aime of this, both speeches would probably be a success. I don't know about the startegy that the GOP seems to be hitting heavily at their convention of trying to nail Kerry as a flip flopper. I guess it's worth a shot, but when I finally saw Kerry hit back, the last time he was asked about his flip flops, his answer was extremely effective.
I don't understhand the flip fllop attack given bush's major reversal on the war on terror today. If that had happened to JFK, it would've been a 32 point bold headline on georgewbush.com.
I didn't see much of MCCain's speech, but that transcript hit it on the head!... Very effective first day, plus more of a pleasant tone than the other sides' convention...
What a great way to kick off the Convention! Is it possible for the liberals' month of August to get any worse? At this point, they are circling the drain... Time for a COURTESY FLUSH
"Ten years, twenty, or longer..." - John McCain, after being asked by Larry King, how long the war will last. So, let the repubs wave the "patriotic-flag" as long as they want. Sooner or later...they will see their errors. Religious wars can't be "won" per say. They are perpetual. Especially in an occupation of a religious country. Which is what will happen. This is why Bush has changed his tune on "winning the war on terrorism." Also the country is divided. Because of the hubris stubbornness, and intolerance of this administration. It's divided for a reason. Just maybe, just maybe they are wrong! But they wont admit it. Let the "flag waving, feel good, republican" rhetoric flow like sludge... The biggest problem is the "face" of Bush. His incompetence and intolerance welcomes hatred around the world. This will not change anytime soon. So, the problems are not necessarily all of the conservative visions. It's Bush himself, is methods, and idealistic views. This is why I would have voted for McCain, whom I respect.
I agree, and I think that the GOP will hang their hat on that, and Kerry will make them rue the day. When he was asked about his flip flopping by a questioner, Kerry absolutely turned it around. It was great. Kerry asked what is a flip flop? Is it being against a homeland security department until the polls show that people want it and then changing your mind and deciding to create it? Is it being against the 9/11 commission until the public wants it, and then changing your mind to go along with them being a flip flopping? He tossed out a few of Bush's other flip flops in order to suit the whim of polls and public opinion. It was masterful, and if they continue to bring it up, Kerry will turn it on Bush. At least I hope he keeps up with that line of response. I don't know what took him so long.
I guess attack oriented negativity is pleasant to some folks. It sounds like typical IMMORAL conservative methods to me.
Well, what is Kerry going to do about it? Oh wait, none of us really know yet. Please let me know if he said something directly that I missed. Did he even have a plan for the war on terrorism at the DNC? I will agree that both candidates flip-flop, but Kerry flip-flops on more important issues: Military spending and the Iraq war. At least Bush has a consistent vision for the future. The single biggest issue IMO is the security of the United States. And I can't get with a guy who, on the surface, appears so indecisive.
Why have people been led to believe that America was so unsecure before GWB and is so secure now, or will be with 4 more years of GWB? I just don't understand why this is the single biggest issue anyway? Will another terrorist attack killing thousands happen? Who knows...but I'm just as likely to die an early death, likely more so, from eating Mercury-laden fish, apparently, and we have one of the worst enviornmental regimes out there. What about health care for U.S. citizens - surely this should be as important as American security?
Yes, he has had one for months, probably years. THere's this little invention called the internet on which such things are publicly available, detailed here, inter alia http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/speeches/spc_2004_0227.html It's also available in the book that he and Edwards have out about their plan if you prefer a hard copy. Well then you wouldn't like this man too much. "I have a clear vision and a strategy to win the war on terror." George W. Bush, July 14, 2004 "I don't think you can win it," Mr. Bush said (referring to the war on terror). "But I think you can create conditions so that those who use terror as a tool are less acceptable in parts of the world." George W. Bush, August 28, 2004
Well, I'd hate to see another terror group, or perhaps a country hit the United States with a nuclear bomb, wiping out a mass amount of people. I'm like Austin Powers, that crap scares me, and that's why I believe going on the offensive is the right thing. And you have Kerry, who wont support military funding. dont eat fish That matters alot, but if we get attacked again on our soil, it affects other aspects (like the economy for one). only my opinion, but I need a clearer solution from Kerry on the war on terror.
Why is going on the offensive the right thing?? Everything I've heard has polls showing hatred of America in the ME at all time highs right now. How can that be good?
ok, Sam I read the web-page, thanks. I ran across this comment though.. He says this, but after voting against the 87 billion dollar funding of American troops. Wow, nothing like giving up on the US military. oh well, I just see alot of inconsistency here.
Uh, no he voted for the 87 billion as well as the repeal of Bush's tax cuts for the top 1% of earners to help pay for them in the Democratic sponsored appropriations bill. What's more consistent, spending money that you don't have, or talking about sacrifice and actually making one? Somebody has been reading too much propaganda, and believing it. http://www.factcheck.org/article.aspx?docID=147
