Wednesday, September 01, 2004

Here’s my obligatory link to the RNC Bloggers. For a complete round-up of commentary from the bloggers at the convention, go there.

My thoughts on Night Two, which aren’t any different from most of the other bloggers I’m reading.

1. I opted to just watch Big Brother and The Amazing Race, so I missed much of what occurred before the 10pm slot. I realized this morning that when you compare the time I gave to watching the Dems to the time I’ve been giving the GOP, the Dems got more time. I think I was trying to be fair during their convention by submitting myself to the pain of watching more of the early primetime speakers for the Dems. For all that, I think the GOP is putting on a better “show.” We’ll know for sure when the balloons drop.

2. Arnold hit a Grand Slammer out of the park, imho. I expected him to be somewhat polished and comfortable - he’s an actor. But he was articulate and humble and grateful and the personification of immigrant America, regardless of his wealth and fame. He hasn’t forgotten from whence he came and that serves his constituents well, I think. I disagree with him on pretty much all social policies, but as he listed in his “you are a Republican” segment - on those issues we are in complete agreement. And I think he made a good case for who we, as Republicans, really are. For that I thank him.

3. The Bush Twins sure are cute, aren’t they? They are the kind of girls I have in my small group - a little giggly, but fun and real. However, I don’t think they should do too much campaigning for their father unless they get a better speech-writer. As Katie, the Mango said,

Stand up comedy is probably not in the Bush girls’ future.

4. Laura Bush is a Steel Magnolia. She has that lovely smile with her twinkling eyes, and yet I can easily see that twinkle turning to a glint and the smile hardening were she to be crossed. She is the kind of lady you just don’t mess with, and don’t be fooled by her soft-spoken manner. She’s tough as nails under that librarian shell. I love her and think she’s a great First Lady and I appreciated her clear support and genuine love for her husband, who happens to be our President. Say what you will about his intellect - he was a genius to marry her. She did well considering what she had to follow - true grace under pressure.

Overall, a great second night. And night three is looking to be even better. So far, I think this is a very good convention. I’m biased, of course, but it’s so much more positive and productive than the Dems last month. The party is clearly showing where the administration has accomplished it’s goals and I believe that tonight and tomorrow will begin the task of outlining what they want to accomplish in the next four years.