The Republicans garnered an hour of network coverage tonight and managed to say absolutely nothing.

An especially giggly Bush twins referenced Outkast, Sex and the City, and Bono. Their mom told us that George W. Bush used to drive an Oldsmobile Cutlass, is "still the same person I met at a backyard barebque in Midland, Texas," and is "a loving man, with a big heart." Arnold Schwarzenegger explained, "I'm even more proud to be an American," "America brings out the best in people," and that "We're the America that sends out Peace Corps volunteers to teach village children." The delegates chipped in too, holding up placards stating "People of Compassion" and "W Stands for Women."

Save the platitudes for a Hallmark card. A Republican convention should make the case why voters should cast their ballots for the GOP this fall.

Dan:
I know you disagree about the war but you are letting it blind your judgment. I am part of the Republican base and I believe that the convention thusfar has made a compelling "case [for] why voters should cast their ballots for the GOP this fall." Day 1 the war on terror demands steadfast leadership. Day 2 compassion is not how much money we spend but how much opportunity we give to the least among us. Perhaps you want a detailed agenda for the future. My guess is that you will find it tonight and tomorrow.

I think that a case is being made though not in the way I would like to see it made. Having Arnold speak may be a way to get the so called common man to want to vote for Bush, but as a common man I find it an affront to my nature and common decency to be told how we are helping the world become free. I want to know what to expect here in our country. I want to hear about these so called economic reforms that are going to boost our economy and provide for stronger incomes. I want to hear about a real solution to terrorism here at home. If you want to wage a war on terrorism it needs to start at home with the protection of our country, not going elsewhere to get rid of a bad man. Show me reasons like these as to why I should vote for the incumbent, that is what should be stressed, not the glamour and glitz of someone like Arnold.

Steve,

I have to agree with you that there should be better and more convincing reasons to consider one candidate over the other. But, consider:

Reasons to vote for GW:

Strong on Defense; getting stronger on National Security, has acquired a mature and experienced administration; tax cuts; works well with bipartisan colleagues; makes hard decisions and sticks with them; not John Kerry.

Problem is, although Bush needs to be the choice, I'm not convinced that the GOP as constructed is up to the task on a lot of points.

For example, for security purposes we need to, first and number one, close off our borders if we're going to have any control over our country. Curve away from and get tougher on immigration. Economically, we need to keep jobs in this country and quit farming out so much of our labor base overseas. And while we're at it, stop helping countries in Asia and other places corner the market on cheap labor and materials. Also, if we're going to protect our sovereignty, we need to continue to act unilaterally when necessary.

The title of this topic holds true.

We need to tighten up and get more conservative if this country is going to be a viable one in the centuries to come.

What about the Patriot Act? Does anyone else feel like this is a serious violation of our Rights? I thought Waco was bad! At least the Patriot Act would have been a good excuse for the Feds. Weapons = terrorism. Just one more example of big brother violating our rights. I can't believe I'm siding w/ the ACLU on this one. I believe there was a similar policy in Northern Ireland in the 70's, fortunately it wasn't abused by the British government, not! Conservatives gotta start speaking up on this topic.

I agree with you whole heartedly. I definitely do not want Kerry in office. Bush, though still has a long way to go to get my complete and total faith in casting a vote for him.

I believe he is the stronger of the big candidates, but wait until you hear some of the the smaller party candidates (I don't mean Nader and the Green Party).

It is the lack of talking on those specific topics that has me worried. Top that with the fact that Bush has fattened Medicare, and talked about giving access to our borders for "those who are willing to do the small stuff nobody else will" I am truly scared of what his administration might do.

Getting conservative is a good thing, and the task that should be at hand, but look carefully at what Bush has done during his term. He is definitely better than Clinton, but in some ways he is just as bad if not worse than Clinton was (i.e. spending). Yes, he was willing to get tough and dole out punishment to Al-Qaida. Then in a misquided attempt to show our strength he ousted Sadam. Iraq was none of our quarrel to begin with. If you want to get tough, you have to start at home, not do it in a show of strength elsewhere.

These are the reasons that I consider Bush as having a lot more to do when it comes to convincing me to vote for him 100%.

Steve- I couldn't agree more w/ what you said. I feel like Bush is the obvious lesser of 2 evils, so of course I will vote for him. Its an awful attitude to have, and its a shame that these 2 are the best this great country has to offer. I'm ready for a change.. John Kerry isn't it! Bush is a joke on many of the topics that matter to me ...fiscal conservatism, Social Security, immigration, abortion, individual rights. Granted I was pumped that I saved 7K on my taxes returns; I bought a work truck over 5000lbs. Thanks to Bush. But Iraq's a frigging mess... and I questioned the decision to go then and now.
I don't know? Maybe I should vote Libertarian :)

Again, liberals are so worried about infringements on civil liberties, they would gladly sacrifice our safety at the alter of social chaos to protect the few who would harm us.

Our rights are not in jeopardy! In fact, there has never been a time in the history of this country where civil rights and personal freedoms have been protected so ardently by our government.

Please stop with this foolishness about the Patriot Act! It was adopted to extend the powers of government to protect the population as a whole.

This is not the 60's. This World is a far more dangerous place and we need to insure that our protectors have the power necessary to do their jobs.