RNC Coverage- Day 1

After careful consideration, I've decided that I will post very little this week which is not directly related to the RNC.

Firstly, let me begin by saying that I, for one, am STOKED about the RANG and have been for a couple of days. I'm so pumped about hearing President Bush on Thursday when he formally takes the nomination.

Secondly, it should be known that my love and adoration for the Republican Party does not mean that I will only be positively commenting. If there is something I see as being a problem I will not HESITATE to post on it.

Thirdly--let the fun begin....

Coverage: Day 1: Monday August 30, 2004

Key Speakers: Arizona Senator John McCain, Former NY City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

John McCain

Let me first say that I like John McCain. While this wasn't always the case, the past few weeks have really turned my views on Sen. McCain around. I think he's an all around good man who votes with his head and his heart. I believe when he speaks, he believes everything that he says. I'm glad to have Sen. McCain on our side!

That said, I'd like to say that, while McCain did a good job tonight, I do not believe his speech delivered quite the punch we Republicans were hoping for. I believe that, while many of his points were good and valid, he didn't really say much that anybody who has been paying attention didn't already know. Also, I am not sure if I understand exactly why McCain only covered the War on Terror and the War in Iraq, I don't see a problem with this as these two issues are the most important issues of the election. I suppose the reasons for this set up will be revealed later. Here are the key points of McCains speech as I saw them, followed by quick commentary.

War on Terror

• This is a war between Good and Evil-- I'm glad McCain said this. We've heard this before. Some people like to forget this fact, and I'm glad that McCain brought it back to the forefront.
• We are and must continue to vanquish the unpardonable enemy-- This point is another one which we have heard before, but which needed to be reiterated. As I see it, this statement is simply stating that we have destroyed much of the terrorist network of al quota. We have overthrown an evil regime in Iraq, and we have seen the subtle changes in actions of nations like Libya, but this is only the beginning.
• The reluctance to go to war and "take care of business" cost us dearly/war is an "expression of strength AND wisdom"-- This is sort of a rephrase of something I said in my letter to the editor of the Hampshire Review. Bill Clinton reluctance to take a hard stance on terrorism, I believe, directly contributed to the attack on 9/11. Clinton is said to have been "prepared to take action." This just wasn't enough. Full-on war was needed then, yet we went without. Who knows what would have come about had Clinton taken care of business when business needed to be taken care of!
• Defense of Freedom is first responsibility of the Government-- I believe this to be especially true and the single most important reason that Bush should and will be reelected. We MUST have a leader who will take the tough stance on terrorism. We cannot afford to fall back into the Clinton National Security approach in which we sit and wait to be hit, then we say "bad guys, stop bothering us" and that is the end of it. We must continue to destroy these terrorists.

War on Iraq

• This was not a choice between status quo and war--McCain makes a good point here. It's not as if Iraq was a happy-go-lucky nation where people basked in the sunlight of freedom and opportunity. There was wide spread violence, intimidation, corruption, torture, murder and countless other wrong doings taking place in Iraq. Whether there were WMD's or not, this war was needed. As McCain said, we musn't believe those who say otherwise, especially, "a disingenuous filmmaker." That was, perhaps, the best part of the speech. Good Job John!!
• This war, and the results thereof, "inspires hope (for freedom) in the region"--We can only hope that this is true. We can only hope that the war and the results it has brought about will directly lead to the widespread change from tyrannies to democracies.
• The people of the United States must love our freedom for the goodness it makes possible--People forget that freedom doesn't come cheap. We must not forget that sometimes sacrifices must be made. As these sacrifices are made, we must continue to love, revere, and respect the freedom we are protecting.

Closing Remarks: Overall, I think McCain's message was more of a 'reminder' than an 'informer.' He used his time to remind the people of America why President Bush is the right man. He again showed us that his policies on defense are the only ones. While I believe the enthusiasm of McCain's speech left much to be desired, his message was important and correct.

Rudy Giuliani

Let me begin by saying that RUDY IS THE MAN!! His speech, while not as well organized as McCain's, was quite moving. Rudy spoke from the heart, not from his notes. While the flow of his speech was a little rough, his message and his ability to 'rally the troops' was wonderful and I would dare to say that until we see Bush on Thursday, Rudy's speech will be the star. Again, though, the speaker focused on the most important issue with little (actually no) mention of domestic affairs. Here are Rudy's Key points.

• "President Bush said they would hear from us and they did...and they will continue to hear from us (under Bush's leadership"-- This, I believe, was a testament to Bush's honor. After 9/11, President Bush promised to take justice to the terrorists responsible. He did just that. Bush has overthrown two terrorists governments, freed millions of people, liberated millions of women, put in place governments which will foster democracy, peace, and understanding. Bush has disrupted terrorist networks abroad, improved intelligence capabilities at home and abroad, strengthened the power of the CIA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security. His programs have strengthened first response teams such as FEMA. The US PATRIOT Act has given law enforcement agencies the needed terms to combat the evil-doers on our home soil. Bush has kept his promise to make the terrorists see justice. It's just that simple.
• "There has been no strong stance on terrorism since 1972...During the Munich games"-- Rudy goes on to say that he fears support from world leaders for Kerry's election is only proof that Kerry will work to appease said leaders. Rudy did a great job making the point that certain European nations (oh come on Rudy, just say it--FRANCE and GERMANY) have continued to lead a stale and half-hearted fight against terrorism. Weak enforcement, little justice and constant fear have not only allowed terrorism to continue, but has fostered areas for terrorism to continue to grow and spread. Under the leadership of these countries with their weak stance on terrorism, terrorists have intimated nations to further their own advancement. He continues to say that Bush will not allow these stale nations of Europe to block the necessary provisions to end terrorism.
• Kerry's Flip-Flops--Rudy did a fantastic job slamming Kerry with just enough humor as to make him not seem mean. He didn't say anything we hadn't already heard, but these statements were important and are key in keeping in mind why Kerry is wrong for America.

Closing Remarks: Both speakers did well. I maintain my belief that McCain's speech, while prudent, was uninspiring. Hopefully I am the only one who sees it that way. Rudy is the man! His speech, while again was a little disorganized, was remarkably inspiring.

Ok- I'm off to bed for the night after two great speeches. Looking forward to tomorrows coverage. Until then....