5 deeply disturbing things about last night’s RNC

By Ross Borden On September 4, 2008 · 97 Comments

Many Americans were left shocked and depressed after watching the RNC on Wednesday Night

5. The chant of the night was “Drill, Baby! Drill!”

Just as I thought we’d have both candidates dedicating themselves to clean and sustainable energy, an entire night passed without even the mention of wind or solar power.

Instead, the entire stadium was blanketed in signs that say “Drill Now” and “Drill Alaska Now, Baby!”.

Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that most of these folks – and many watching at home (unless they all have a rich cousin in the oil biz?) – must truly think that drilling for oil in Alaska is going to bring the price of oil down at the pump.

Suddenly, clean energy apparently has nothing to do with “Reduce our Dependency on Foreign Oil.”

And that’s ludicrous.

4. Rudy Giuliani had nothing but disrespect for Barack Obama.

Everyone knows Rudy Giuliani thinks pretty highly of himself and is not afraid to speak his mind about others, but last night his disrespect and blatant personal attacks on Obama took his character to a new low.

“The first thing on his resume..” he began with his upper lip curled into a sneering smile, “was that he worked as a community organizer.” Then he laughed out loud, provoking the rest of the crowd to join in for a full minute.

Does the GOP think community isn’t a critical element in a successful, thriving society?

3. “Country First” is the new theme of the Republican campaign.

Although the slogan is harmless at first glance, as you begin to understand the rhetoric of this party, it becomes something else: completely isolationist from a social and economic perspective and completely unilateral from a military perspective.

Basically the idea is that we should be a state that is completely self-interested, and only engage in activities which benefit us. Less aid to developing countries unless it’s tied to a deal where we get to install a military base, only support free trade if it is to our advantage, and only engage our military if one of our close allies are at risk.

Translation? Let Darfur and the next genocide sort themselves out.

2. The GOP lacks even a shred respect for the Democratic nominees.

Photo by World Economic Forum

When Barack Obama speaks of John McCain, he begins with “John McCain is a great American” – and then proceeds to explain to the crowd why he disagrees with him on the issues that matter.

When Obama was asked about Bristol Palin’s pregnancy, he replied that it was no one’s business but the family’s.

In the face of this respect and integrity, the GOP speakers spent all night mocking Barack Obama and his character, experience and worth.

1. McCain looked like he had aged 12 years in the last 12 days.

The guy is 72 years old. He’s an old person; a senior citizen — and aims to spend the next 4-8 years leading the free world.

You know, there are two kinds of old people: the really healthy, impressive kind who look like they could run a marathon – and then the kind who look like they could drop dead any second.

McCain is the latter, and that could leave us with the Governor of Alaska running the largest military and economy on the planet.

Feature photo by aflcio2008 (Creative Commons)

About The Author

Ross Borden

Ross Borden is one of the founding members of Matador. He has lived in Spain, Kenya, and Argentina and currently resides in his native San Francisco.

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Caroline

Great post, I hope more will follow based on McCain's speech tonight, so far it is pretty disgusting. The way they forcefully handled the protesters was uncalled for, then again they have been doing it all week.
ianmack

Excellent roundup Ross. There's much going on between the lines that needs to be exposed.
JULIANE

uncomfortable. uneasy. disgusted. alarmed. worried. disbelieving. saddened.
Larry

Does McCain really think we are a bunch of idiots?????? He is so out of touch with us common folk it's scary.
Andrew Jacops

You forgot to mention every time someone was dragged out or had their signs ripped from them, the whole crowd freaked out and started chanting, "USA! USA!" And of course, McCain played into it by calling it "Static." So does that mean anyone that disagrees with them or has their own opinions are not Americans? That they don't love this country just the same, if not more than them? Sick. The whole thing.
William

How do you all feel about the attacks on the GOP's potential VP? There have been constant personal attacks regarding her recent baby and other family members as well. At least the GOP stays out of the Dems personal life.
Daniel

Points without substance. 5. If we drill, then there will be more energy. More supply, lowers price. Also, no one said don't pursue alternative energy. 4. Shocking, a politician that doesn't like someone in the other party. What kind of respect have the Dems shown Bush? In fact, your point doesn't show any respect for Giuliani, so using the points logic it is a non point. 3. Talk about deconstructing things. This whole point is just your bias against the republican's coming out. 2. Again, what respect do they show Bush. It is politics get over it. Did your Messiah get a boo boo. 1. Ok, so the TV isn't good. Style over substance.
djdisturbed

From what i hear, they were forcefully Handling protesters alot worse at the DNC. Polosi (sp) even got knocked to the ground by the police just b/c she was walking by one of the protest that they were dealing with at the DNC.
EG311

Decent write up, but on the oil topic, I think its already been proved that even the conversation of drilling has lowered the price of oil in the past 40 days. I would agree you would hope for mentions of the next steps (drill more understanding we need oil until other energy forms proliferate, but then what?!)… What a
Colin Smiley

What would be very funny is if they slip up and say "Sarah Palin, The next president of the United States of America" Because they would be right… I will be suprised if McCain even makes it till November.
John

wow, this is all you've got? i would hardly call any of these things "disturbing."
A. Meyer

Don't Tase Me, Bro
agoodz

I agree with "Country First". We've spent enough time/money/lives helping people that don't want our help and reward us with hate and violence. I mean, what the hell? If we spread ourselves any thinner we're going to end up like the UK. "Drill Baby Drill" might as well be the sound of sheep for all of its significance though.
GaryB

It's so sad that McCain may actually win. What does it take to recognize a disaster? Half of America seems firmly faith based: accept no evidence for evolution, global warming, economic and political mismanagement. Our country was founded on the enlightenment, and they think it was founded on Christian theocracy (which worked about as well as Islamic theocracy works). This is how empires end, in debt and full of hubris. So sad.
buddy

it is obvious that you have no objectivety…"people always see what they are looking for"
Angel

Nice to know what a blithering idiot thinks.
Reginald VelJohnson

Wow, I'm no republican, but your totally wrong.
JimQ

I agree with Juliane — this type of analysis is too superficial to have any worth, but, it seems that everyone is only reviewing the campaign on the surface.
machine

Bullshit. Senator McCain explicitly said he respects Senator Obama and his achievements. Several speakers, including Senator McCain stated that drilling in AK will not produce an overnight change in oil prices, but that a combination of changes, including wind, solar and CNG will greatly reduce the dependence on foreign oil. This is a ludicrous post that simply ignores what was actually said.
Sean

I watched the same thing you did and I heard them talk about offshore drilling now, but I also heard several times, speakers including Palin, talk about clean coal, solar and wind power. Selective hearing? I also paid attention during the DNC, and heard plenty of attack rhetoric from Hillary, others aimed at McCain. Neither side can truly claim to have taken the high road here. #3 is, well, grossly wrong — the US has reached out with financial, material, medical aid so many times to help others in need. #2, another error, I'm betting the candidates have a great deal of respect for each other and know how to play the political game well. It's their followers who are the problem, and projecting their hostility at each other. Most of us are Americans… and this American will try to be supportive of his President, no matter which one is elected. I can disagree, and I can protest, but at the end of the day, my country comes first. #1 That's pure, unadulterated age discrimination.
Lucas

I'm an independent, and currently undecided. There are a few things I noticed with your article: #5. Actually, McCain DID mention wind, solar, biofuels and other renewable sources of energy in his speech. But yes, his primary emphasis was on drilling as a more immediate solution (and there were indeed several "drill now" signs I saw that worried me a bit as well). #4. I've never liked Guiliani, so I do agree with you there – I'm not even going to try to defend anything that comes out of his mouth… (I'm so glad he dropped out the presidential race early…) #3. Your personal opinion of a conclusion of what "country first" means seems very overdrawn, negative, and extremely biased. If "country first" was the democratic slogan, you'd probably be raving about how it means we need to be concentrating more on the problems in our own country to fix them and how that's such a good focal point to have in times like these. #2. I remember hearing several mentions of Obama in respectful tones, and of course a lot of mocking ones too. Obama's speech as well as many others from the DNC mocked McCain as well… but did you write an article here complaining about that? No. It's the same thing happening on both sides of the party lines, which has a lot to do with the fact that I'm still an independent. #1. Yep. He's old. And while that does place more importance on who the VP is, he looks to me like he's got a lot more life in him than 4 years – do you honestly think he'll die from natural causes within 4-8 years? Now if he was wheeling an oxygen tank around, rasping for air, using a walker to get around, or had more than 20 visible sunspots, then I'd be really concerned. But for now, I think he'll live his full term if he gets elected. Wow, okay… so that does it. That turned out to be a little longer than I had planned. I just hope the feedback is actually worth something to you.
machine

Senator McCain explicitly said he respects Senator Obama and his achievements. Several speakers, including Senator McCain stated that drilling in AK will not produce an overnight change in oil prices, but that a combination of changes, including wind, solar and CNG will greatly reduce the dependence on foreign oil. This is a ludicrous post that simply ignores what was actually said.
Nick

This is incredible. I love how classy Obama is. I'd rather have someone with "less experience" but higher hopes than someone who is about to die that is all about "THIS IS AMERICUH, IF YA DON'T LIKE IT GET THA FUCK OUT!".
Dan

3. “Country First” is the new theme of the Republican campaign. Coming from the people who are against us being in Iraq and virtually every other war. You say that country first is a bad doctrine, but as soon as a Republican goes to war you will make up excuses to be against it. There is no way to win with a mentality like that. 2. The GOP lacks even a shred respect for the Democratic nominees. Yeah, because the dems have tons of respect for the republicans. Seriously, the democrats are as hostile as they come when it comes to respecting the other guy. To talk shit about the republicans over a matter like this is idiotic. 1. McCain looked like he had aged 12 years in the last 12 days. A number of gross exaggerations. First, twelve years in twelve days is a blatant lie. So he isn't looking great right now, he might have a cold, you don't know that. A complete exaggeration is no base to make an uneducated claim about his health. Figures you would make convenient assumptions off of your own hand crafted lie. Your article is completely biased, you definitely gathered your points around an already formed conclusion (and you had to stretch your facts at that). But I guess I shouldn't expect fairness from a liberal internet blogger.
jack

excellent insight. too bad the republicans will fix the election AGAIN and we will be left with a pro life religious freak who thinks abstinence is the only solution to pregnancy and how god is on our side when we invade soverign nations in charge.
Dustin

It seems that you forgot some of McCain's speech. You said that "The GOP lacks even a shred respect for the Democratic nominees." I think it is unfair to lie about something like that. Here is what McCain had to say about his opponent that was somewhat positive: "Finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We’ll go at it over the next two months. That’s the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other. We’re dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. No country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn’t be an American worthy of the name if I didn’t honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement." That doesn't sound too mocking to me.
Rick Bakas

You forgot to mention #6…there were only white people in the crowd.
Dave Small

check out McCain in the video of him greeting the Palin family at the airport…the guy is flat out old; and I'm old enough to know that there is no way on God's green earth he can pull of the President gig.
Jeff

The Democrats didn't need to forcefully handle any protestors because there weren't any. They were either jailed or otherwise rounded up beforehand, paid off by Barack Obama's campaign viz a viz a secret payment to or from ACORN, or simply didn't have to protest because they were already on stage. The bottom line is, you moron, that these protestors were trespassers–anybody who has been to an official party convention for either party is considered a trespasser by the Sergeant-at-arms unless they have floor credentials. Clearly either the GOP wasn't tough enough on these "community organizers" or they had forged credentials. Either way, I hope they were thoroughly waterboarded after being escorted from the stadium.
J

I would say however after watching that alittle history of America is in order. Prior to WWII we were a neutral country self sustaining, and full of innovation, and great health. Now we police the world and spend billions helping people who wouldn't lift a finger if the same thing happened to America, while we have sick and under educated citizens at home. We need to look inside and fix the problems before fixing the outside. When Katrina hit sure the govt dropped the ball. But no one sent millions or billions of dollars in aide, like we did when a tsunami hit the pacific rim. Just an example of how we are all to eager to help someone else and look good. while ignoring our own problems because they embarrass us, especially democrats who are supposed to be defending the impoverished.
Dave

i live in the free world. your president is not my leader, regardless of who he is. thanks.
Foreigner

Will you Americans please stop saying you are electing the leader of the free world. You are electing the President of the USA.
Josh

protesters belonged outside….inside all they do is disrupt. what's disgusting is that you are willing to be on someone completely unproven and accept that potus is a job that it's ok for on the job training. biden didn't think so not that long ago. hope, change or whatever you suckers wanna hear. that's what you get with obama.
paul mahler

Both of the parties are trapped in the same system. At least Palin stands for something, even if you don't agree with it. At least she has the balls to stand up to folks like Putin, which Obama clearly doesn't. Obama is a socialist, clueless media darling. If you want to kiss your paycheck goodbye, vote for Obama.
bill

All of you are wrong and McCain is right for 2 reasons. First the USA has more oil on our own soil than the middle east has and he said we should use it while we develop alternative sources not forever. Secondly, we should not give money to countries where the people don't like us that's retarded. He also said we should use that money for health care and to lower taxes in our OWN country which at least is a decent explanation on how we should cut spending and lower taxes at the same time. Obama says he will "change" the world but much like is predecessor has never once explained how he will do it except to say that it would require us to pay more taxes and give up more freedoms. Incidentally, he did mutter something about a national police force and controlling ownership of guns and religion not to mention a communist view of how the people below him should serve their country. So vote for secret Muslim Obama and get communism and Islamic law in the USA all at one time.
Scott Magdalein

Mocking Obama's experience as a community organizer isn't a shot at community organizers. It's pointing out the fact that the role of community organizer should be mentioned as leadership experience that prepares someone for the role of president. And, if I might add, Palin likened Obama's experience as a community organizer to her own role as small town mayor.
John

"Country First." Thank you. When I heard this a chill went up my spine. There was so much anger and hate behind it, in the voices of the people chanting it in the audience, in their faces. The obvlous implication to the phrase is that "We put our country first. They don't." I'm guessing McShame won't be the uniter like his predecessor. No matter who wins the presidency, this level of hatred will last a long time.
Sean

Heaven forbid an "old guy" run the country for a few years. Ever think he looks a little stiff because he spent 8 years being tortured? No, surely not. He's just an old guy in poor health. Indeed.
the thinker

amazing everything can be related to DNC as well, except for the old man part. But the drilling can be related to funding the myth of global and using that as an excuse to seek alternative fuel means.
VWinslett

DOn't worry guys, just see this as what it really is..and inside glimps as to what John McCain, and the people running his campaign are really like. If that doesn't make you feel better then i will leave you with this…All the RNC smack talk will mean nothing when Barack Obama is being sworn in in 2009 as the President of the United States, Palin goes back to Alaska with all her very dirty laundry aired, and no one in Washington wants to do ANYTHING for John McCain. P.S. Obama can quit being nice…John McCain used to be a great American…until he sold out for the nomination, so I choose to remember him as the great man he was, and pretend the man he is now doesn't exist.
notretarded

its awesome to have your own website where you dont have to site fact or show that you can think outside the bubble. stop making the rest of us liberals look like a bunch of dumbshits. I'm tired of reading posts where my people sit and talk about how awful the republicans are and how they state biased and unsubstantiated facts, then we go on to do the same thing. guess why we cant win an election. make a point, back it up by actual facts, not just taking whatever excerpts work in our favor, and lets give our party a LITTLE bit of credibility. we look like such pussies, we're never gonna win. im moving to canada, at least there the beer is halfway decent.
David

Folks, I appreciate your opinions and your right to voice them. The fact that you can do that without fear of reprisal is you live in the greatest country in the world and people like John McCain made many personal sacrifices so you can. I would like to keep my freedom and therefore feel that you are terribly disillusioned and totally wrong in your views. We need to be energy independent because anything else undermines our security on several levels. I'm sorry but there are a number of levels of responsibility difference between community and state, any talk of experience and you are going to lose, face it. Wind and solar energy are nice ideas but at this time is not even a legitimate alternative because the technology hasn't progressed enough and probably won't for a long time. At this point nuclear power is the only reasonable choice and I if I remember correctly liberals are against that also. Any other ideas??? If you honestly believe liberals repect conservatives you are living with your head in the sand. Come on!!
A T Kearney

You don't get it. Drill drill drill has nothing to do with oil – it is all about telling the big government types who want to run and control your life for you to f*ck off. We're sick of government putting restrictions on peoples choices like big democrats want to. Obama wants to tax and spend and make everyone "equal". New flash, buddy, we're not all equal (only at birth). Those who are lazy and want a handout make me sick.
Nick

I'm sorry, but Digg is so politically skewed it is sickening. Everyone is so busy being charmed by the overtly-charismatic Obama that no one even bothers to take any other candidates seriously. I am by no means a McCain supporter, but Obama has had more than his fair share of over-zealous jabs at McCain, noteworthy contradictions, and shady happenings in his past. Can we please look beyond the deliverance of these speeches and focus on some of the content. Thanks America, I'm just looking for some form of integrity.
Tim Patterson

Terrific points, Ross, well done.
bill

if you think we get involved in genocides and humanitarian aid missions because america is nice and caring, you are a massive tool
James

Obama's experience and worth as a politician is worth mocking. McCain cannot be mocked because he has a significant amount of experience. In every previously successful empire, the elders led the society, not the young politically inexperienced, so to say that McCain's age is even remotely a factor in his leadership is absurd. A community organizer as compared to the Mayor of New York city is definitely something worth snickering over. I would say that Giuliani is much more communially involved than Obama ever was and to mock someone for trying to use that bullshit title to gain veracity should be expected. Drilling in Alaska does reduce oil prices by increasing suppliers in a market, thus shifting the supply curve to the right, lowering the equilibrium price and increasing the equilibrium quantity, so increasing supply decreases price (and that does not exclude alternate energy sources, which, as substitute goods, could replace demand, yet again lowering the price). That's high school economics, Ross. So, Point 5 is wrong. Point 4 should be expected. Point 3 has nothing to do with isolationism, more like saying that the new Republicanism is more socialist than previously (which, since you're a Democrat, is a bad thing?). Point 2 should happen, because the strong always crush the weak. Point 1 is irrelevant and just flat out stupid. Ross, go back to high school, take a government course and an economics course, and then write about politics. And, while you're at it, watch the DNC, and please come to terms that Obama is all theatrics and no depth.
Lois

that could leave us with the Governor of Alaska (who got her first passport in 2007) running the largest military and economy on the planet.
Alan_Pace

Although promoting alternative energy, including wind and solar, were mentioned several times during the RNC, drilling is an essential part of a comprehensive path to energy independence. The lack of enthusiasm on the part of Democrats about drilling is a major point of contention between the parties, hence the chant. Although I'm an Independent, I'm confident that the GOP would agree that community is a critical element to a thriving society. Not sure what that has to do with giving yourself the job title of "community organizer" and stirring up people to advance your own political ambitions, though. If you had listened to McCain's speech, you would understand the meaning of "Country First." It means, "Country before political party". Nothing was said by any speaker that would justify the weird, isolationist definition of the slogan that you fabricated. I think the GOP has a shred of respect for the Democratic nominees, in spite of Obama's inexperience and Biden's history of plagiarism and humorous gaffes. Finally, you're right that John McCain is old, but he'll last the four years. I'm looking forward to President Palin, though.
mrbill

I was far more nervous watching the DNC. Drill more? Duh!..been sayin' it for years and YES it will bring down the price of gas eventually. Rudy scare ya? Yeah, well he scares me too but boy everybody loved him on 9/11 didn't they? Country first? All for it! We need to clean up our messes here at home first which will make it easier to help others. I recall Mr. McCain being very cordial toward Obama, calling him a worthy opponent with a love for his country. The pot calling the kettle black here….did I mention Ann Richards? And I thought McCain looked just fine. Both sides make me equally queasy. Makes me proud to be an indy.
Tom

i find it very clear that people need to stop bowing down to obama… this seems to be just another piece of liberal white guilt masked under shallow faulty points… if i had to guess, i'd say that this bit of tripe was uploaded from a mac while sipping from the blended barack-jizz-accino at the corner starbucks…
danno

hi. sorry to be a stickler for the details on the very last point, but America is neither the largest economy (europe GDP number 1), or has the largest army (china personnel number 1. USA 6th). After living in the USA for 3 years im suprised how many people still think the USA is the best at everything. Wake up and get us back to being number 1
kewlio

rudy wuz on fire! go rudy go u good thing!
Daiichi

You know what is deeply disturbing? The fact that the Democrats (and rightfully so) had made great social strides in forcing employers never to discriminate in their hiring practices based on age. But apparently it's okay for Democrats to do it for the Presidency. I think Democrats who really, truly, think this way should be ashamed of themselves.
chitchat

McCain has offically sold out in my book and believe me when I say "IF HE BECOMES PRESIDENT, WWIII WILL BEGIN" Why the hell is the media not covering the 9/11 tribune that insulted everyone that was and still affected by it. I'm so angry about this. Sarah is a freaking bitch too, i can't stand her at all.
Tage

Not a shred of respect? Wow, what were you watching? Mccain- "Finally, a word to Sen. Obama and his supporters. We'll go at it over the next two months. That's the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration." Please don't lambaste the RNC without doing the proper research. Thanks for cherry picking a quote that Obama has said, while giving no examples of anything the Republicans said.
Chris

Just imagine what us on the other side of the world are thinking… America,-this might just be the election that is the start of the end of the world. Make the right choice.
Charlie

Nice post but I would move the McBush image to the end of it. Any republicans reading this will probably close the browser tab before getting to the content of the post (which is spot on).
Drew Show Ryan

"McCain is the latter, and that could leave us with the Governor of Alaska running the largest military and economy on the planet." Sarah Palin is going to run China???
The Hawk

Did you guys see the buttons and signs that said "Hot VP" on them? Last I checked, looks are no substitute for brains or experience. I do agree with the GOP's stance on #3 though and while I am sensitive to situations such as those in Darfur, at heart I am more of an isolationist and feel the US should not 'meddle' in other country's affairs.
alwaysawakepr

The US Economy was eclipsed by The European Union Eurozone as the worlds largest economy in March of this year. Moreover, with $0.40 of every dollar spent returning, one way or another to their economy, while only $0.10 we spend comes back to us. The Eurozone is leaving us in their dust. Also, since 2006 , their fiat "money as debt" Euro, issued by the private central banking cartel monopoly, The European Central Bank, has displaced the fiat "out of thin air" Federal Reserve Note dollar, issued by the Delaware closed corporation private banking cartel monopoly, The Federal Reserve Bank-Internal Revenue Service, as the world's biggest money supply. So why are all world leaders and the mainstream media, who have access to the same figures we do, maintaining the myth of US Supremacy, when it is The European Union which is, in fact, now The Supreme Power. and they know it ? Because The Federal Reserve Banks-IRS never has had any "reserves" since 1913, and because, with the assumption of GSE private mortgage giant FM & FM losses and liabilities, there is now about $65 Trillion Public Debt (See documentary movie I.O.U.S.A.), plus compounding interest, owed to them by The US Treasury, hence by American working class taxpayers, we have no hope of catching up to Iraq economically, much less the EU. Will you be mailing your check today for your share, about $5 Million, as of now? These are far more disturbing questions, than any raised by this convention.
Jay

In regards to number 3, why should America remain the worlds babysitter and get entangled in all of its problems. Why should we engage in wars of aggression against other countries and make everyone hate us even more? Why should we act as a global welfare system by sending aid to "developing countries"? Darfur? How is that are our responsibility or concern. There are tons of Americans who are starving, tired and poor, until we can take care of our own people I say let's close the book on the rest. It seems you have no idea how our world functions under Nature Law. I suggest you read some Hobbes, Spencer and Nietzsche. Oh, and Darwin of course. If another country can't make it on its own, tough shit. Nature has been throwing the weaker civilizations into distinction for thousands of years to ensure only the strongest and most prosperous stick around. Makes no sense to short circuit this process when it's the mechanism by which the world evolves and grows stronger.
nurse

Bush is the worst thing happened in america
Samantha Smith

Comments: "They" (Republicans) did not handle protesters, the police did. The biggest chant of the night was "zero," complete with the thumb and forefinger hand gesture for zero, which was a comment on Obama's executive experience. You call it disrespect – I call it rejection — the guy is out of his depth. He's a smooth talker, but I don't want him representing my interests when the going gets tough…he'd give away the store to bring everyone together! He's America's Neville Chamberlain — smooth and wrong. Being a community organizer is a fairly low-level leadership position…an entry-level job. Important, but not executive leadership experience. I would not send a community organizer to negotiate a treaty with a foreign government or make a decision that involved difficult tradeoffs; that is what executives do. Organizers advocate for one side of an issue. Officeholders lead and leave their mark through action, not words. They understand the levers of power. As for "country,", the contest at hand is for leader of our country. Country first means selflessness, not putting one's career or self first. It is that simple and basic. I thought the best line of the evening was Palin's comment that Obama had authored two memoirs but not a single piece of major legislation. He's out of his depth. What's wrong with being old? Why so biased? Being old doesn't mean you are going to drop dead. It means you have a seasoned view of things….and that you probably go to bed earlier than 20-somethings. Old people work and live and participate in life all the time!!!
wires

Do you actually listen to what they are saying? Republicans WANT renewable energy and McCain and Palin have both expressed their support and desire to have a diversified energy supply. "Country First" is not about isolationism. It's about putting Country before career. Come on, you can do better than this.
a canadian

oh that was just amazing…not
Eric Tan

Oh my God, and Americans actually wonder why people overseas are scared of them. McCain is coming across as a "shoot first, don't ask questions" kind of guy. Being in Taiwan, I'm not even following this election very much, but what I've seen disgusts me… "Country First"? Most people I know think Obama won't be able to change much of the status quo, but I'm optimistic that a little change is better than four more years of Republicans running the country…
Foo

What a load of crap. Does it not occur to any of you that Obama's "great American" rhetoric is just that, i.e. mere rhetoric? I must say, while I don't agree with much of what either side has to say, think about experience, since this seems to be one of those that thinks that someone who is the Governor has less executive experience than someone who's never held an executive office at all! Palin has more executive experience than ANY OF THE OTHER 3 guys. In this election, neither side particularly impresses me. Yet again, I'll be forced not to vote for a candidate I believe in, but rather, I'll be voting against a candidate that I DON'T believe in. Go ahead, elect Obama, and enjoy your tax increases, they'll be plentiful.
bill jones

Is there any news source out there………and not that this is a news source just mere propaganda that tells both sides of the story. All you are hearing now is the republicans are the devil and the democrats are the greatest. Give me a break. I am for personal responsibility and not socialism.
InternalSyndication

Weak! 5. No mention of of renewable energies development? Wrong. Sarah Palin did in fact bring this up, albeit after talking about drilling more. I don't waste my time listennig to all of these speeches. They're the epitome of partisan crap. Wake me when we talk about policy. 4. Saying that Barrack is not tested, saying he's not ready, saying that Barrack does not think "America First" is not disrespect, it's disagreement. Pointing out someone's flaws forcefully, does that make you automatically disrespectful. Granted the rhetoric could be a little less charged, but this isn't anything new. This isn't something to say, "Oh, the RNC was soooo terrible this year! They pointed out flaws of the Democratic candidates. And then the crowd cheered!!!" 3. "Country First" is a phrase that troubles you? WTF? What do you think we're selecting the president for? We're selecting the cheif executive for our nation, not for North America, not for Western Civilization. We must be concerned first and foremost with ourselves, because who the hell are we to play policeman of the world? We can't get things in our own country right. This means that either we are going to have to sit out of situations that don't concern us, or we're going to bleed our economy dry via foreign occupations. Barrack is not running for president of the UN, therefore he had better talk about America and it's best interests first and foremost. 2. GOP lacks respect for Democrat nominees. Boo freakin' hoo. Digg has been awash with Repub bashing articles all week, especially libelous ones. When you want to sit at the big boy's table, you better grow a pair. To be respected today, you need to stand up front and be counted for what you belieive in, and then have your beliefs tested to the limit of their rationality/credibility. Barrack has stood up, but he has not annunciated that he thinks taxing the rich is a-okay. He hasn't said that he believes government is best when it can decide for individuals. He hasn't stood up and said that he understands there'll be a downgrade in the quality and availability of our healthcare. On the flip-side McCain has not said that he's not seeking equality, because you only get there through tyranny. 1. McCain's old. That's your number one concern about the RNC?! So, McCain's putting an untested, politically nubile woman a heartbeat away from the presidency. Obama is just as untested, but he won't be a heartbeat away from the presidency, he would be president. Don't you see this is one of the reasons that Palin was brought on for the VP position? Everytime you bash her for her inexperience, you're bashing Obama five-fold for inexperience. Granted, I distrust a lot of his decisions on moral and effectual grounds, but I believe he'll be able to put forth cogent decisions for the next 8 years. This article's weak. You need more substance. We don't need more, "They're mean! They're rich, and they only care about the rich! Oh, (*snicker*) and McCain's OLD!"
brb

'COUNTRY FIRST' actually is their choice of music :-0
Joel

Ross, I thought the tool between my legs was huge until I met you. You are indeed the biggest tool ever. Change the website to Matador Puss.
Ben

Amazingly warped interpretation of the event. You are obviously closed minded and heard what you wanted to hear.
McCain08

Typical democrats..whine whine whine..but when it was your convention you did the SAME THING and ripped on the Republican Party.
garry walsh

There is a ridiculously high % of sheep in the usa who march around the flag singing fatherland fatherland as the corporations have their way with them. In the last 30 years the sheep have been getting it dry but still they salute the flag and go into denial about how much it hurts. The only positive thing about the Dems is they will use a bit of lube. There is not much u folks can do about it unless u take to the streets. Take a page from the French…..when the corporations try to push them down into slavery they man the barricades. Its no accident that the French have a much better life on so many levels vs. the docile americans. Ross Perot, Ralph Nader. Cynthia McKinney will show u the way. Its so hard for us Canadians to watch u go down-so fast and so completly. Get a spine americans
MPJ

McCain missed a golden opportunity to address the vet / heckler whose banner posed legitimate issues. Instead, McCain turned it into a flyboy reference and put down of his fellow vet. Google Adam Kokesh or RNC hecklers for details. His banner referenced McCain's vote against increasing vet benefits and stating, 'you can't win an occupation' or something to that effect.
Kevin

"[Barack Obama and his supporters] have my respect and admiration…I wouldn't be an American worthy of the name if I didn't honor Sen. Obama and his supporters for their achievement." – John McCain "Sen. Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead." – Joe Lieberman Both are excerpts from their RNC speeches. That sounds a lot like respect for Obama to me. Both sides were cutting one another down, but to claim that the Republican nominees don't have a shred of respect for their opponents is blatantly wrong disrespectful towards the Republican candidates. In the future, I hope you'll be a more responsible writer or at least pay attention to the thing you're criticizing. Frankly, whether you didn't consider these quotes because you felt they were disingenuous or not heaping enough praise on the Democratic nominees or if you just plain missed those parts of the speeches, your claim that the "GOP lacks even a shred of respect for the Democratic Nominees" is a good example of lazy, irresponsible, and libelous reporting.
Peter Payne

Kind of a lot of typos on this blog. "The GOP lacks even a shred respect for the Democratic nominees" — needs an "of" there. Just sayin', I have this problem on my blog too, which is http://www.peterpayne.netif you are interested. I agree with the sentiments, McCain is not winning me any respect…
Nathan

Nobody has experience as President (except those in there second term)! Every single President we've ever had learned "on the job" you idiot! This "lack of experience" nonsense is the REAL campaign rhetoric. Listen to Obama's speeches. He's not flashy or obtuse, he is pretty damn specific about his strategies, both short and long term. Experience has no value if it doesn't increase your wisdom!! Experience is just repetition. If you have enough reps doing things the WRONG WAY (corrupt politics) then all you've done is get really good at doing things the wrong way. Experience is nothing without LEADERSHIP and VISION. Obama has these qualities in spades.
Mark Beale

Actually many countries did thy to send money to help the people whose lives were devastated. George Bush turned them down. I suppose he felt he or we would lose face taking the money, but they weren't offering it to the U.S. Government, they were offering to people in need. I think its a travesty that the money was not passed along.
Eva

"At least the GOP stays out of the Dems personal life." Were you around in the 90s??
Eva

Communist and Islamic law at the SAME TIME? Amazing! I'd love to see how that would work. Theocracy and atheism always go so well together…
Eva

"In every previously successful empire, the elders led the society, not the young politically inexperienced, so to say that McCain's age is even remotely a factor in his leadership is absurd." Maybe you should go back to high school too, and take a history course. Start by looking up "Augustus Caesar."
Joel

My friend, your memory of recent events is a little bit off. When Katrina hit, almost 100 nations offered aid. In many cases, we ignored it, rejected it, or didn't allow it to get to the people who needed it. Cuba (for instance) offered 1600 medics, field hospitals, and tons of medical supplies, never allowed to come in to the country. We accepted medical supplies from Italy, but let them spoil, unused. 15 tons of military rations from Germany were turned away. We did accept tons of food from the British (which cost them about 3 million EU), but left it sitting in a warehouse for months. If you'd like to become educated on this matter, do a google search for "international aid Katrina."
Joel

I think you may have seen too much TV. While it is certainly possible that some mad genius spent time and energy forging credentials so that trespassers could invade the GOP convention, it's much more likely that the protesters were 1. Elected delegates, or 2. Guests of elected delegates. I know for a fact that one of the protesters at the GOP convention was Adam Kokesh, a veteran of the Iraq war (and guest of an elected delegate). He called out "Ask him why he votes against vets!" at the beginning of McCain's speech. While you might want Mr. Kokesh to be waterboarded, I do not. When "Enhanced Interrogation" techniques were originally introduced by the Germans in 1937, waterboarding was forbidden, as it was considered too cruel. In the years that followed, the Germans abandoned what they considered decent behavior, and did engage in waterboarding (among other atrocities). Fortunately, we beat those Nazis down.
Bob Aol

Typical Republican bashing by childish Dems.
Veronica

Do you realize just how many people agree with him completely and will vote for him without a doubt in their minds? It's a painfully high number.
Veronica

5. There will be more fuel for a very short amount of time at the further cost of our planet. We don't have a back-up Earth anywhere that I know of, so perhaps putting the money for drilling towards alternative fuels would make a lot more sense… 4. Democrats and Republicans both have shown no respect for Bush. He is a complete idiot. No one likes him but you, apparently. This was a blatant attack all night for no reason. 3. This will make us a terrible country. If you see it as how the Republicans have always been and now they're just coming out, even more reason to stop this. 2. When someone is polite to you, you should be polite back. It's not like Obama eats children or anything…he does nothing outwardly offensive, so why the neverending attack? 1. It's common sense that McCain could die and any moment, and Obama is very likely to be killed. So you pick the gov. of Alaska with only a few years experience in anything other than pumping out babies or reporting on sports over Joe Biden? Really?
Veronica

The Iraq war was unnecessary. It was Bush finishing something for his daddy, and he didn't even finish it because he's a moron. Wars for the right reasons are something everyone will stand behind. Our troops dying for nothing is completely different.
nixuser

ive listen to this guy since the 1970 s i think hes right watch and make up your own mind, ibelieve we have already drilled our way out if this mess but alaska oil is not comming to the lower 48 WHY is it not coming here ? ” target=”_blank”>http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=linds…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbakN7SLdbk
Nick

"Sold out?" What exactly cuases you to say McCain "sold out" any more than any candidate running for office, Obama included? And when was Obama nice? Saying McCain "is a great American" and then following up with a sucker punch isn't in any way "nice".
Nick

Extremely ignorant generalization, not to mention a rather paranoid take on why Bush is in office.
ann

also they were using fear with 9/11 images and terrisim to win the vote
avanti

What has obama done
Dave

You know, maybe that's what the USA needs. A fairly regular girl, person running it. McCain did not impress me until his conference. A maverick would shake things up a bit. I do not think Obama will shake things up, he will just be a first. FYI USA does not have the largest military, that would be china. And having the largest has not done much good anyway. So having someone knock it back to 5th place and concentrate on heath care, insurance would be a good thing, and the economy is also not so healthy and falling to the chinese too
s. weiss

Obama's horrible insult – "lipstick on a pig" is the best rebuttal to the above comment that Republicans insult Dems." At best, they insult each other – let's not let Obama off the hook on this one. Imagine the self-righteous comments the Dems – and this blog – would make if McCain said, "Give a monkey a Harvard degree and he's still a monkey." Let's be intellectually honest and not knee-jerk liberal.
Tim Patterson

Are you kidding me? This is a manufactured Republican attack. There was no insult. Obama was talking about education. This is too important n election to decide on anything but the issues.

5 deeply disturbing things about last night’s RNC

5. The chant of the night was “Drill, Baby! Drill!”

4. Rudy Giuliani had nothing but disrespect for Barack Obama.

3. “Country First” is the new theme of the Republican campaign.

2. The GOP lacks even a shred respect for the Democratic nominees.

1. McCain looked like he had aged 12 years in the last 12 days.

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