Now, I know who I am going to vote for and most of you know who. I do my best to stay open-minded and aware of the issues. Hence why I think I have enjoyed these conventions so much. So without trying to add bias, here are my quick impressions of what I've thought of both conventions (except McCain's speech which will come Thursday during SC football, Roddick/Djokovic and the start of the NFL season)
DEMOCRATIC: Well, first off, a lot of splash, dash and flash. Democrats like to do it up big. The stage was unbelieveable. There was a screen. Then a 3 screens above it. Then 3 screens above it. Quite impressive. But that wasn't it. Just check out this clip from Monday from the DNC
Two things to take from that.
1) his floating head talking to his kids reminded me of Power Rangers when Zordon talked to those colorfully costumed heroes
2) God bless the Obama family and his youngest daughter Sasha but Sasha, shut up! There's cute and then there's annoying. When Daddy says where he is, listen so you don't hafta ask 45 seconds later. And Michelle, don't give her the mic when she's just gonna interrupt him. Bad enough he is delayed. And they say Obama hasn't been tested. I betcha his little one does everyday.Anyways, the convention had more than just technology. The entertainment at the DNC was amazing. Just take a look at the list of musicians that performed that week in Denver: Jennifer Hudson, Will.I.Am, Melissa Etheridge, Michael McDonald, Sheryl Crow, John Legend and Stevie Wonder. Not bad if I may say so myself. Not to mention also that the music from the house band always had the joint rockin'. If you don't believe me, just watch this:
Well, that is just sad for all Americans, no matter who you support. Grown people looking like they have had a bit too much to drink. Eh well.
I will say this. That as much as the convention worked to show "unity" between Clinton and Obama, it just seemed forced. I know it all looks symbolic but it actually just comes off as awkward and odd. Not really sure Clinton supporters cared. Hillary lost. Now, it's up to Obama to convert them, not Hillary. But that was the vibe I kept getting from the convention. Hillary and Bill can say what they want but in the end, it's up to Obama himself. so don't cheese it up or do all these ceremonial things.
As far as the speeches, I thought all the speeches at the DNC were pretty darn good. They all kept my attention and had good talking points. As usual, a lot of bashing the others and promoting their ticket. But if I had to pick one speech that I particularly enjoyed, it was from Bill Clinton himself. I think the guy is one of the best presidents ever (if not for...you know) and is a great speaker. But watch the intro to this speech and I heard this from someplace else. Replace the word "sit" with "kneel" and tell me if that makes his speech a bit funnier. (Only go to the 2-min mark unless you feel inspired)
And Obama's speech in Invesco Field, talk about impressive-looking. I don't even think Hannah Montana could fill that place up like he did. Of course, there were lies and half-truths said all week but that's politics. All in all though, it was fun.
REPUBLICAN
Now I'll be the first to say that I have seen less of this convention. Monday was rained out due to Gustav. Tuesday, I watched more tennis than anything else. Wednesday, I didn't tune in until 9:45ish cause I was a minor league baseball game. But from what I have seen so far, it has been flat out BORING, or should I say conservative. I mean, the music is dry. There was jazz on Tuesday that I did enjoy but it just wasn't as exciting as hearing the Motown hits. The stage is simple. Just one screen and rotating images during speeches. I kind of appreciate that though. Didn't really need that many screens at the DNC.
The most glaring thing missing from the RNC is well, color. I mean, I know there aren't many minority Republicans but man, put the RNC in Minnesota and have a running mate from Alaska and you have officially made the convention a white-out. It's sad but a reality. I've seen few minorites at all. Now, that's not to say that makes the Democrats better with minority issues (though history shows that) but any minority on the fence watching the RNC has to prolly wonder why no one who looks like them is there in the Twin Cities.
Oh, and as for the speeches, Tuesday could not have been anymore boring. Fred Thompson using metaphors that were simply confusing and man, he was completely congested. Seriously, he hacked through his speech. And then Joe Lieberman, an Independent Democrat (what?) goes on stage and if people weren't tired enough from Fred, a lullaby from Lieberman did the trick.
Did that bore you too? And also, doesn't Joe Lieberman kind of look like the cartoon character Droopy?
Maybe it's just me. Regardless, you can see why a Gore-Lieberman ticket never really inspired America in 2000. (Letterman on Wednesday: "John McCain spent 5.5 hours in a POW camp and even HE couldn't get through Joseph Lieberman's speech"---that's great)Wednesday's speeches were much better. My favorite Republican Mike Huckabee gave a great speech about something rather (don't wanna go to detail). Rudy Guiliani went on and on about John McCain being a hero but never really talked about what he would for the country. He did throw some words Obama's way, saying he wasn't ready and that the only one who has fought for America actually is McCain. Well duh! He was in the Navy. Are we gonna start faulting candidates of any offices because they have no service time? Get off that argument please!
Meanwhile, Sarah Palin's speech was good as well. She appealed to who she needed to. She did mispronounce Lancaster, OH. It's LANE-kis-ter, not lan-CAST-er, like in Pennsylvania. She'll learn though if she wants the votes I assume. (Another Letterman joke: "Doesn't Sarah Palin look like a model for Lenscrafter?" ---again, so so true).
As far as how she came off, she impressed me a lot. As many Americans, I woke up Friday to CNN and said "WHO?" Well, now that I know she is hockey mom with some spunk (and other credentials), I do feel a bit better if/when McCain dies if/when he becomes President. That was my inital worry and still kind of is. A funny moment from it though was when Sarah Palin said "The only difference between hockey moms and pitbulls? Lipstick." And while the audience laughs and applauds, they go to a shot of Cindy McCain who mouths to Sarah's husband Todd Palin, "That's true!" HAHA, what the hell does Cindy McCain know about hockey moms? You live in Arizona (4 houses), Washington, and two other places.
After her speech, John McCain came on stage with the family and just like in Dayton, it just felt awkward. Seeing a 72-yr old man with a good-looking 44-yr old woman is just awkward. Just watch this video from YouTube, inspired probably by the awkward feel of this ticket.
Oh, that's good stuff. But in the end, Sarah Palin did herself and Alaska proud with her speech. I look forward to the VP debate with her and Biden. I find her likable and a great pick from McCain. In 4 years, I wouldn't mind seeing her run for President if/when she loses this year. She has a bright future for the party and hopefully, the nation. We still don't know about any of her stances on foreign policy which scares me as someone who has to help the President with those decisions but as far as domestic policy, I may be able to trust her.
The only questions I have so far from the RNC is why they don't mention Barack Obama's name ever (they always say "the opponent" or 'they")? Why do they keep blaming the media for things (do they understand the media decides who and what gets on TV for viewers to watch)? And when are they actaully going to get into the issues because if I hear one more argument about McCain being a hero making him more suited to be president, I may puke. I would hope McCain will address the differences between him and Obama (and maybe by name) and talk about what he WILL do for America and not what he HAS done before he was even in Congress.
Unfortunately, I will not be watching John McCain's acceptance speech live. Maybe later but not live so I cannot answer that final question. But I will end this blog entry with something funny. Check out John McCain on Letterman just a few months ago:
If he does that tomorrow, he may win himself some votes. (FYI: Love how McCain can't raise either arm above his shoulder so he does that awkward downward point) Hope you enjoyed the post peeps. I hate talking politics but these conventions were screaming for me too. Hakuna Matata.
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