RNC protests

[NEDem]

Who else is concerned that the protests at the RNC could really hurt Kerry if the protests turn violent?

I am 100% for protesters turning out in huge numbers at the RNC, however I am extremely concerned about the potential for these protests to turn violent. The images from a full scale riot would be really harmful to the Kerry campaign.

I think Eric Alterman may have some good points here. I don't agree with all of it, but he may be onto something:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3449870/

edited for spelling

[eleny]

1. Mark my words

If violence does break out and protesters are hurt, it will be beginning of the very end of the GOP. It will make people rise up in a terrific blowback.

Shruboleon

[ant]

2. reading the article at Salon today...

...I imagined how great it would be if, in the middle of the protests, the cops all realized whose side they should really be on. They'd put all the weapons and crap away and then join the protesters against a criminal administration that has done nothing for them and has, in fact, actually hurt them.

I must admit that I *am* worried the protests will hurt the Dems, which is just sad, because they really shouldn't. It's not like the Dems control every anti-Busher on earth, and it's not like all anti-Bushers identify as Dem. While I realize that's politics, I'm not sure that I would feel comfortable asking or expecting protesters to keep quiet just because the public is too stupid to get it. Maybe what the public needs is to see massive protests to wake up to the fact that something not so good is happening here.

I don't know. Tough one.

[TrustingDog]

3. Be Loud, Be Proud, don't be Cowed. Now is the Time.

[flpoljunkie]

4. I am concerned. I would like to see the police and firefighters protest

at Madison Square Garden. This would make the kind of impact that would help us, not harm the Democratic Party. I am very concerned about outside agitators and GOP infiltrators sparking riots that will harm the cause of getting Geroge W. Bush voted out of office in November.

We must be smart and keep our eyes on the prize. Remember who we are dealing with here.

[creeksneakers2]

5. Most of the protesters will be in their 40s or 50s

The anarchists will be there and are bound to cause trouble. Other than that, it will probably be peaceful.