July 30, 2004

Convention Notes

  • Michael Moore now unarguably represents the mainstream Democratic Party. No other conclusion can be drawn from his presence in the Presidential Box, along with numerous references to the charges made in his latest movie by speakers during the convention. Note that I don't say he represents mainstream liberal ideology, because he doesn't. And neither does John Kerry.
  • Until last night, I considered any accusations relating to John Kerry's performance in and after Viet Nam to be out of bounds, since it was 30 years ago. However, based on the last 4 days, the movie prior to Kerry taking the stage, and Kerry's acceptance speech, it's now fair game. He's opened the door by making his veteran status the centerpiece of the convention.
  • I heard a radio bit today (possibly NPR but I don't know what station it was) lamenting the lack of coverage by the major networks. I believe Peter Jennings was complaining that Barack Obama's sppech was not carried, the network chosing instead to air a repeat of a cancelled sitcom. What the story failed to mention is that the repeat probably drew higher ratings. Conventions have lost any real meaning, as the nominee is known for months in advance. Nothing happens at the convention.

    The sad part is that, particularly for the Democratic National Convention with all the entertainment folks involved, conventions are so boring. You'd think that with the opportunity to script everything, they could pump a little life into it.

  • I plan on watching just as much of the Republican Convention as I did the Democratic one. None. Reading the transcripts takes far less time.
  • The single biggest issue facing the US right now is Islamic fundamentalism. And on this issue, Kerry had nothing concrete to say to differentiate himself from Bush. He says he'll do things differently, but is silent on the details. Yes, I know, conventions aren't about details, but again, I can't find anything in print that shows where his plan differs significantly from the Bush plan.
  • The Kerry campaign has been run almost as ineptly as Bob Dole's of 1996. Speaking of which, what's Mary Madelin been up to lately?
  • John Kerry gave mouth to mouth resuscitation to a drowned hamster proving....um, I'm not sure what the hell that proves, but it got a rousing ovation, which may actually prove something about delegates' mental state by the 4th day of the convention.
  • John Kerry has spent nearly 20 years in the US Senate, but, based on his campaign to date, he hasn't done anything of note, or at least, anything he'll admit to.
  • Ben Affleck says he may be better at politics than acting, which places him right up there with Pat Paulsen.

Posted by Rich at July 30, 2004 5:37 PM | TrackBack