What I saw at the Republican National Convention

Phildelphia, Pennsylvania, --Since Monday, Republicans have broadcast a "new compassionate image" to millions of Americans by way of the National convention, or a more accurate description, the Republican infomercial. From the start, GOP Leadership set a firm target on liberal issues: education, social security and minority inclusion.

Monday- GOP leadership attempted to lure non-traditional Republicans to their camp. From the opening anthem, which was sung by a Latino, conservatives painted a picture of inclusion. Later that night, Colon Powell gave a speech covering education, poverty and affirmative action. Is this the DNC or the RNC? Was this a new bread of conservatives, or were they doing and saying anything to capture the White House?

Tuesday- As the dinner bell rang, Republicans of all types were called back to the kitchen. Sen. McCain was commissioned to mend the broken ties of a bloody primary fight. With his address he reiterated support for Gov. Bush and calling for all Republicans to unite behind him. Was he throwing away his issues for partisanship? Many of his top aides said no, "The Senator always had the intention to support the party first." But in the end, McCain supports a candidate who accepts million of dollars from the big business he sought to stop.

Wednesday- The convention turned back to the Republican roots. After the nostalgic salute to Republican presidential glory days, Bob Dole spoke of the "great generation" which fought for our countries freedom in World War I &II and how today’s patriotism apathy corrodes our nation. I too believe we owe tremendous thanks that we can never repay too those veterans. But, how can you compare today’s patriotism to times of World War. Our nation now has no defined enemy, nothing to unite behind like that of the 1940’s. To compare today’s patriotism to that of a time during war is with, all due respect Mr. Dole, misleading.

Thursday-The last day of the convention continued to convey diversity but also fed hard line Republicans little "red meat". Half Latino and nephew to George W., George P. Bush, proclaimed that his uncle "understood what all America needed as a President." Only 24, George P. will help his uncle target the historically liberal minorities and generation x'ers.

George W. Bush acceptance address-Through out the day top aides promised details on several of Bush’s purposed plans. Although he covered the political spectrum of issues, from military to environment, he stayed away from cornering details. Was he trying to delay for better impacted or were there details to his purposed plan: social security and school vouchers? One issue he wasn’t vague about was abortion, saying he would stand by the Parties plank. On many occasions he attacked the Clinton/ Gore administration to the cheers of faithful conservatives, claiming that Americans wanted a president they can be proud of and respect.

Is there a new Republican Party? Or just a false facade of diversity, with an underlying unaltered GOP agenda? Only time will tell the answers to these questions!

 

Stephen is a senior majoring in Political Science at Presbyterian College