Conservatives were fairly pleased with how the GOP convention played out last week. The speaker line-up featured a solid infusion of the new up-and-coming conservatives and tea party talent. Marco Rubio, Susana Martinez, Ted Cruz, Mia B. Love, Rand Paul, and Scott Walker were among the many representing the conservative movement at the TNC. Of course, the convention also featured members of what we loving call "the establishment." But even they seemed to have picked up a thing or two from the young guns. Jeb Bush delivered a rather compelling case for school choice.
But the DNC line-up seems to be a totally different animal. Rush Limbaugh remarked that the Obama campaign slogan "Forward." was ironic given that the speakers list came straight out of Jurassic Park. While every speech will talk about "the failed policies of the past" the words will all be spoken by failed politicians of the past. Here's a highlight list of some of the DNC talent, and whether conservatives, moderates, or independents can expect on Night One at the DNC.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker: One of the few rising stars of the DNC, Booker appeared reasonable when he said the proven-false and relentless attacks on Bain made him feel "uncomfortable." He added: "If you look at the totality of Bain Capital's record, they've done a lot to support businesses, to grow businesses." He was later forced to give an awkward video walk-back of those comments when they didn't sent well from the central planners at DNC command. The Obama administration helped nearly every moderate Democrat lose their positions of power by forcing them to support his agenda and messaging.
N.C. Governor Bev Purdue: As she welcomes the convention to her state, an awesome reminder that she is probably the least-liked Governor in the United States, not even running for re-election as a result, and the Governor's mansion will likely go Republican. Welcome to North Carolina!
Jimmy Carter video! Kennedy Family Tribute!: Oh, Camelot. Nothing says "Forward." like Jimmy Carter and the Kennedy's. And also, "Middle Class." On Carter, Mitt Romney noted in his convention speech that only two Presidents couldn't ask "Are you better off now than you were four years ago." Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama.
Abortion Advocates: Apparently pushing the wonder and greatness of abortion are on the agenda tonight. A good reminder that President Obama is the extremist on abortion, even opposing life-saving treatments for surviving babies of botched abortions.
Lincoln Chafee: I'm guessing Chafee was one of the "big gets" for the DNC as a former-Republican-turned-Independent. But unlike, say, Artur Davis, Chafee was never well-regarded in the GOP and barely survived a 2006 primary challenge when he ran for re-election to the US Senate. He isn't a moderate who suddenly saw the light. Oh, and "Forward."
Former OH Gov Ted Strickland: I'm not sure featuring a losing sitting Governor from perhaps the most important-swing state, Ohio, is the optics the Obama camp are going for. But here you go. (And I guess it pairs well with Perdue, too.
Rahm Emmanuel: The Chicago Mayor and divisive figure is heading a city with a looming education crisis (teacher walkouts) and escalating gang violence. Forward.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley: What better way to continue the night than with the guy who, this weekend, noted that no, Americans are not better off than they were four years ago. (Don't worry, like Booker, this was also "walked back" later.)
Julian Castro: The San Antonio Mayor is one of the other highlights for the Democrats, and he gives the keynote before Michelle Obama comes on stage. He's the left's answer to the deep bench of Hispanic-Americans that conservatives are voting for such as Cruz, Martinez, and Rubio. (Unlike within the GOP, the Democratic bench is very empty on statewide elected officials, and loaded with local mayoral talent. Fittingly, this was a position of ridicule four years ago.
Michelle Obama: Surely on the agenda: Lectures about healthy eating (except for Barack, of course!) and lingering questions as to whether she is still proud of America.
Comments