The Guild 8-28-2004 Republican National Convention 2004

GOP Convention ^

[BigWaveBetty]

Go to the GOP Convention site for interactive chats, an electronic backstage pass, program schedule and news.

Please share stories and pictures of the convention.

Godspeed to Iowa Granny and Hillary's Lovely Legs on their trip to the convention!

[Timeout]

You know, I'm tired of the media writing the script of this campaign. I saw an interview with Education Sec'y Page a while ago. The interviewer said something like "The president says we've made great strides in education, but some critics say ______________". What a journalistic cop-out.

I wish pubbies would learn to answer that question thusly:

"You know, John, I'm not going to respond to unnamed critics. Let's deal with FACTS: we've increased education spending 40% since the president took office. We've instituted standards by which a parent can compare her child's school within district, county, state and nationally. If a school isn't performing up to standard, we've targeted programs to ensure improvement. It's a program aimed at helping CHILDREN. And some special interests would prefer the emphasis be elsewhere..

As for those "critics", some (like Senator Kennedy) were there when the bill was signed, happy to share the spotlight. But ever since we got down to the hard work of actually improving schools he's done nothing but carp from the political sidelines.

[BigWaveBetty]

A new virtual blog!

Convention Chairman to provide daily highlights and key campaign messages using innovative Update by Phone technology

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- ElectionMall Technologies and Oddcast, a company that develops and distributes conversational character software products, today announced the launch of the Ed Gillespie VHost(TM) multimedia blog on the RNC Website (http://www.gop.com). The Oddcast VHost(TM) platform is the industry-leading solution for enhancing online communication with intelligent, conversational characters. Mr. Gillespie will use the VHost "Update by Phone" feature to refresh campaign highlights communicated by his online talking likeness. This application will offer the American public as well as media and other interested parties an additional way to learn about important convention details. It is also the first multimedia blog in the political arena to combine both visual and audio technology.

"The VHost technology is a proven communication tool in the consumer and business to business worlds. We are excited to bring it into the political realm and anticipate an increase in site traffic, contributions and click through rates because of the Ed Gillespie talking likeness," stated Ravi Shah, CEO ElectionMall Technologies. "With the availability of a package deal on the VHost application, we expect to see more politicians using virtual characters to help deliver key messages for both national and local campaigns."

Recent research from Stanford University has proven that the presence of a virtual character can increase and help to sustain trust. The research shows that when characters guide interactions people trust the information more than in identical interactions without characters. This is very important for the RNC because over 20 million will be visiting the Web site on a daily basis to gather important campaign information.

Through a partnership with Oddcast, ElectionMall Technologies develops CampaignPal(TM) websites. Along with the virtual candidate, the site includes links for visitors to contribute, view breaking news and more. The VHost CampaignPal application is available through ElectionMall by calling 1-888- WEB-2-WIN or via email (ravi@electionmall.com).

Sample of the fun waiting at gop.com:

Documentary on KerryOnIraq.com Surpasses Viewership of Fahrenheit 911 Opening Weekend

Moore upheld my belief that liberals accuse others of what they really are, hence Moore holding up the Loser sign.

[They'reGone2000]

Couldn't agree with you more. But there's no logic or ethics to be expected in dealing with the dims.

In other (GOOD) news, Tommy Franks has been added to the Thurs. night convention line-up.

[BigWaveBetty]

Ellen Ratner was running around today trying to get people to believe that the podium at the RNC Convention is a subliminal Christian message, it apparently looks like a church pulpit to old Ratsnest.

[BigWaveBetty]

Now that's a hat!

Delegate Kay Hutchinson of Delavan , Kan., straightens his 'sunflower state' hat after preparing the seats in the Kansas delegation area before the evening session of the Republican National Convention, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, at Madison Sqare Garden In New York. (AP Photo/Joe Cavaretta)

[BigWaveBetty]

Frances...May she blow out to sea and defy the weathermen..

From your lips...

Can't wait for tonight!

George P. and his granddad.

[BigWaveBetty]

Notice that people don't smile much when Edwards or Kerry are around?

Democratic candidate for vice president John Edwards (news - web sites) talks to Dickie, center, and Sue Todd on the front porch of their home in Piney View, W.Va., Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Jon C. Hancock)

Ahhhnold!

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (news - web sites), center, poses with members of New York Fire Station 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9, as he tours their station in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004. Schwarzenegger was in town for a scheduled speech before the Republican National Convention Tuesday night. (AP Photo/John Decker, Pool)

Karen Hughes: "You girls will be having lunch with Michael Moore. Just kidding!"

[lodwick]

Great pics - thanks.

[MaeWest]

...on the front porch of their home..

What gives with Edwards repeatedly visiting with 'just folks' on the front porch? Apparently everyone is refusing to let him into their home. Can't say that I blame them.

[Timeout]

Woo Hooo....Tommy Franks! That'll bring down the house!

Now, if they'd just get Bob Beckwith up there. He's the retired fireman who stood on top of the rubble when Dubya gave the "bullhorn speech". I read that he wanted to go to the convention, but hadn't been invited. What's goin' on with THAT?!

[Timeout]

Just posted: Thune leading Daschle in the latest South Dakota Senate poll!

Thune 50%

Daschle 48%

Now to see what happens in the Florida primaries tonight.

[daisyscarlett]

Where the heck are Bill and Hillary...not that I miss them but wasn't a big deal made that Hillary would be responding to the Pubbies? She seems to have disappeared since Sunday.

And what about that wimpy Michael Moore, saying he will not return to the floor of the convention. Guess he is afraid Arnie will call him a girly man or a slob or something, hee hee (update: Moore says he may return to the convention floor, he can if he wants to, hee hee)

The girls are at the convention already...I am sure they will do a great job and I can't wait to hear their voices...lol...

[BigWaveBetty]

That front porch schtick has me wondering. They started that soon after a visit from Kerry (that NASA one I think). A local talk radio guy here uses 'electronic front porch' on his show and I think Kerry stole the idea. It certainly wouldn't be out of character.

Serena Williams, seen here, being forced by the Bush Administration to distract the country from the Iraq War with a fashion malfunction.

[lodwick]

Ho tennis, anyone?

Please, God, help us all.

[pubmom]

I just talked to my mom. After exiting the grocery store today, she was met with a reporter and a camera man. Mom agreed to be interviewed. Here was the question: Was it appropriate for the Republican National Convention to focus on 9/11. She replied, "Absolutely, Americans have such short memories, we must be reminded of why we are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq."

I love mom.

[Endeavor]

I just got back from two days in Chicago. The weather was cool and sunny - a great town.

[lodwick]

Welcome back.

How are the beans doing?

Any heat up there?

Cheers, K.

[lodwick]

[Timeout]

Yikes! I'm in its path! God bless us.

VP Cheney just arrived at the convention and Chris Matthews excalimed for the 3rd time "how amazing it is how he's come out of hiding and made himself at home here". Doofus.

[Timeout]

HLL must have spotted this young lady on the street and had the NYPD arrest her for abominable undergarments: