The Republican National convention resumed today with a schedule not only shrotened but revised. The press gave John McCain a free pass on his histrionics about his need to be available and serious during the Gustav crisis by announcing that the convention was coming back to a "storm-shortened" schedule([link edited for length]).There was no storm in Saint Paul. Gustav did strike the coast of Louisiana and largely spared New Orleans. But this had nothing to do with Republicans "putting on their American hats" and following a limited schedule rather than engaging in the business they were delegated to perform. And it had nothing to do with the histrionic overreaction of an old man to the weather forecast.
On the other hand it allowed the McCain campaign to sanitize the proceedings for television. There will be not time to talk about challenges to some of the McCain delegates. President Bush's scheduled speech has been reduced to a video-taped appearance, allowing his few remaining fans to cheer soto voce and the rest of the delegates to take a nap. Rudy Giulianni's keynote address scheduled for tonight has been scrapped with word that he may be allowed to talk on Thursday sometime before the convention adjourns. Tonight is the night to listen to Fred Thompson, which will allow ALL of the delegates to take a nap, and to Joe Lieberman, so the delegates can convince themselves that Lieberman represents a "wing" of the Democratic Part and his appearance before the convention guarantees a Republican victory in November. Laura Bush may make a second appearance to prove that the Bush family is still welcom at Republican meetings.
The press is unexpectedly kind to John McCain in pretending that Gustav is reponsible for truncating the Republican convention.
On the other hand, he spent three and one half years in a P.O.W. camp and deserves gentle treatment.
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Published: Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Last modified: Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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Reader Comments:
Posted By: Jonathan
Date: 2008-09-02 16:36:31
every network I've seen has been killing McCain and his choice for VP. Furthermore Gustav killed his coverage.
Posted By: rtbohan
Date: 2008-09-02 20:20:11
Jonathan:
I referred specifically to the press since I think the tv coverage of both conventions is appalling. But what killed the viewership for the convention was the cancellation of all events that people had any interest in seeing. Governor Palin is having a rough time right now in the media. I deal with that in Part II.