Convention Date (2004 Republican Convention, Dem Accusations)

PoliPundit.com ^ | 5/2/03 | PoliPundit.com

[NYC Republican]

I pointed out last year how the 2004 GOP convention date would give President Bush a huge boost in his re-election campaign; but many Democrats are only just beginning to understand: Pop quiz: If the Democrats are going to stand a chance of beating George W. Bush in 2004, they are going to have to put tremendous effort and creativity into winning over which of the following groups of voters: a) gay men and lesbians or b) people (gay, straight, whatever) who currently think that the post-September 11 United States is just somehow more secure in Republican hands?

Yes, the question is a set-up. Republicans enjoy a bulbous advantage -- 30 points, even 40 in some surveys -- over Democrats on questions of foreign and domestic security.

Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee made an announcement on April 21 that is in every way more offensive and shocking than any idiocy that tumbled out of Santorum's mouth. For the entire history of the two-party system in this country, the parties have had a gentlemen's agreement that the conventions will take place before Labor Day, with the real, head-to-head campaigning to commence thereafter. But as we know very well, we are no longer dealing with gentlemen. So now the Republicans announce that they are going to meet in New York City about three miles from Ground Zero as near to the anniversary of the tragedy as possible. And they in essence acknowledge, discreetly but quite openly, that the purpose is to squeeze as much political gain out of the attacks, and the national-security issue, as they can. These accusations from Democrats deserve a reply. Yes, the GOP convention date is very beneficial to Bush's re-election campaign; but the GOP has a good reason for holding the convention later than usual: the 2004 Summer Olympics are from August 13 to 29.

The GOP didn't surprise the Democrats by making an "announcement on April 21" this year. Both sides have been aware of these issues for well over a year now.

Since the GOP is breaking with tradition, the Democrats are welcome to do the same and hold their convention at the same time as the GOP. They won't because:

1. Not many people will tune in, when they can watch the GOP convention instead, with news-making speakers like Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld.

2. The Democratic nominee would be out of cash by the time the primaries are over and would be running on empty from March to September.

The GOP's advantage derives as much from luck as smartness. The Democrats have no legitimate right to whine about it. And, if they do, they should recall that Bill Clinton was nominated in 1996 at the latest convention ever (August 26 to 29.)

[NYC Republican]

Once again, an excellent analysis from the folks at Polipundit.com. They cut through the DemoCrap bull and spin...

[Sonny M]

This is an excellent website with sharp analysis.

[gop_gene]

I think this is a fine line and am a little worried--the gop must not come across as indisputably trying to capitalize upon the tragedy, or else the results could leave a very bad taste in the public's mouth and be disastrous.

[NYC Republican]

I agree fully... It could easily be seen as being opportunistic, taking advantage, as you stated, of the tragedy.

[NYC Republican]

"This is an excellent website with sharp analysis"

I assume you've visited before?

It's fantastic. It's actually the first site I check out each morning, before any of the news stories (OK, maybe Drudge once in a while), before Bloomberg... Great insight... This and www.realclearpolitics.com are both awesome.

[Sonny M]

I've got it bookmarked. Its a lot better then Larry Sabato, that guy is just an idiot.

[spokeshave]

Have no fear...it will be done with style and panache (sp).

rather like dubyas landing on the carrier today

[DeweyCA]

Rest assured that the network news people will try to portray the Reps trying to be opportunistic.

[Susannah]

..gentlemen's agreement.. Let's check our Politically Correct word lists!
LOL! Would Hillary approve of this? Actually, the timing and location could backfire as a strategy. Some may find it just a bad reminder.

[dead]

You're right that it is a risk, but I never (in a million years) expected the Bush team to be so competent in matters political.

Rove and company seem to know the exact note to hit, at the exact right time, to leave the tone-deaf Dems braying off key.

Maybe they're wrong this time, but after the last couple of years, I doubt it.

I have a feeling this NYC convention will be as much a political homerun as the carrier landing was.

[finnman69]

excellent article bump

[finnman69]

Rove amazes me as a political genius. He is so understated you barely know he exists.

[donmeaker]

Of course it is important to remind people that politics is not just a game, not just a contest as to who can buy enough votes with ever more social welfare. The government has more to do that to buy votes for the reigning party, but must protect the people from violence sponsored by enemy governments.

The goverment should free up the people (more guns) to protect themselves from crime, and then lower the social welfare, permitting lower taxes to free the economy, and block illegal aliens so that Americans benefit from economic growth.

Then with our clear example of what freedom offers, we can convert our neighbors and trading partners.... and then the world!

[jackbill]

One of the stated reasons for this move is that the Summer Olympics will be held in Athens, from the 13th to the 29th of August,2004. The Republicans would be trying to compete for TV time with the Olympics. Why should they? Just to please the RATs? I don't think so.