I have a theory

[lapfog_1]

Don't know if this has been discussed here yet or not.

For days and days (ever since they released the list of speakers)
the pundits have been talking about the speakers being "moderates"
and the the GOP was trying to appeal to the middle. "Lipstick
on a pig" and all that.

Then today we hear from Rudy and McCain.

And they were ANYTHING but moderate.

So I have a theory. I'm pretty sure these guys believe that
* is toast. They aren't trying to win THIS election for him,
rather they are already running for the 2008 primaries. They
were attempting to reach the wingnut base, not independents or
moderate democrats. Oh they gave * lip service and all, but
really, they were trying to establish themselves as conservatives.
I suspect the gropenfuher will do the same thing.

Just a theory.

[Onlooker]

1. I heard someone on the radio today ...

I heard someone on the radio today from, I believe, US News and World Report, who said the Repugs believe they can win with just conservatives (Repug, Independent, and Liberal). According to this theory, the Repugs think that in the last election 4,000,000 Christian conservatives stayed home because of last minute news about Bush's DUI and too much overconfidence on the part of the Repugs. The reporter--I can't remember his name--said he spoke with Bush, and expects Bush's speech to stay true to conservative principles. For that reason, it's important that Kerry have a clear vision that can be labelled as moderate or liberal.

[SoonerShankle]

2. Yes, they are just singing to the choir...

Both parties are using their conventions to energize their bases, not convert swing voters. They are using the TV ads for that. McCain ranks 47th of 50 in the Senate for liberal votes.... Not terribly moderate.... (check http://voteview.uh.edu/sen108.htm for complete rankings).

[lapfog_1]

4. But that in NOT what the pundits have been saying

for the last week or so. They kept yammering on and on about how
there were going to be all these moderate (pro-choice, gay OK, etc)
repukes trying to "stay on message" to get the "undecided vote".

See, this is where the conventional wisdom is just SOOOO stupid.
When you have 25 percent conservative, 35 percent democrat and
40 percent "undecided or independents" then each party has to
play to the middle (like Clinton did so well in 92 and 96).
But this year is not that kind of year and conventional wisdom
is just plain wrong.

But I still believe that these guys are not so much behind shrubya,
they are just doing a little early stump speech for 2008. Never
to early to start. Pataki and the Gropenfuher will do the same
(I predict). Actually Gropenfuher may not, as I really don't think
an amendment to change the qualifications for President are going
to be changed in that time frame.

[loudsue]

3. Check out the GD thread on SoS Shelley of California

It's looking like, due to voting machine shenanigans, California is going to elect bush, whether the people vote that way or not.

Bush isn't "toast"....America is. Freedom is. These jokers can go to the convention and say whatever they want to, regardless of 2 million demonstrators.

They count the votes and declare elections.

:kick::kick::kick:

[radfringe]

5. it is lipstick on a pig

as is his M.O. during a campaign season - bush* moves to the "middle"

on Thursday, bush* will appear on a pedestal in the middle of the conventioneers to give the "impression" that he is a man of the people

a commercial I would like to see (would need Michael Moore's permission) is to use the clip of bush* at that fund raiser where he says that line about ..."the haves and havemores, some call you the elite, but I call you my base...."

then list the programs that have been cut or eliminated, list of firestations that have been closed, plant closings and jobs that have been outsourced

tagline - "George W. Bush - a man for 1% of the people"