9.01.2004
DAY TWO - We Got Giggle
The second day of the RNCC was, some would say, not quite as cerebral as the first night of speakers. I missed the first two, Rod Paige and Michael Steele.
Arnold rocked the house. His speech had us clapping and pumping fists from start to finish. The Governor of California is a consummate showman. We learn that he really IS possessed of solid, core conservative values - the kind best displayed by first generation immigrants who see this land for what it is -- golden opportunity and infinite possibility.
"I was a little boy. I was not an action hero yet." "Don't be economic girly-men!"
WATCHING THE AFTERTALK, I think that Jeff Greenfield has it right -- Arnold's speech evoked optimism, and enthusiasm for America and for the common man, in a way that -- once -- was associated with liberalism but that has now become a hallmark of the Republicans.
Credentialled convention blogger Captain Ed was asked to compare Arnold's delivery with Rudy Guiliani's, and he said:
Actually, they were quite similar in structure, if not so much in style. Both men spoke from painful personal experience about the goodness of America and the darkness of tyranny, although in Giuliani's case it was a single attack while Schwarzenegger lived for years under the fear of the "Soviet boot," a wonderful phrase. They both spoke about the power of freedom that causes men and women to throw off the yoke of oppression.
However, I think style makes a difference, and in this case, I give the bare edge to Giuliani. Both men used humor, but while in Arnold's case it was biting and satirical -- and devastatingly funny -- Giuliani's was a mix between that and more self-deprecating humor, a choice which Arnold discarded after his opening. It gave the crowd more of Giuliani the man, rather than Hizzoner the public figure. But I have to also say that both men fired up the crowd just about equally, and Arnold's speech seemed shorter and punchier than Giuliani's. I'd call it a draw between two champions.
The Bush twins seemed a bit on the ditzy side. They giggled incessantly. You would have thought they were possessed by Beavis and Butthead. Nevertheless, despite a forgettable speech, they were endearing, especially Jenna. If nothing else, they were genuine in thier youth. I hope to see more of them down the stretch.
Laura Bush did her duty gracefully. I don't know which voting audience her speech was aimed at, but she succeeded in portraying the personal side of W. I think that aspect of George W Bush is a side those of us who have stood by him already know very well. He has strength, with a capital 'S'. Not even Reagan saw this amount hate, invective, vitriol and scorn hurled at him. I do not recall one time when W has lashed out. He has taken it, and only smiled in return.
Arnold rocked the house. His speech had us clapping and pumping fists from start to finish. The Governor of California is a consummate showman. We learn that he really IS possessed of solid, core conservative values - the kind best displayed by first generation immigrants who see this land for what it is -- golden opportunity and infinite possibility.
"I was a little boy. I was not an action hero yet." "Don't be economic girly-men!"
WATCHING THE AFTERTALK, I think that Jeff Greenfield has it right -- Arnold's speech evoked optimism, and enthusiasm for America and for the common man, in a way that -- once -- was associated with liberalism but that has now become a hallmark of the Republicans.
Credentialled convention blogger Captain Ed was asked to compare Arnold's delivery with Rudy Guiliani's, and he said:
Actually, they were quite similar in structure, if not so much in style. Both men spoke from painful personal experience about the goodness of America and the darkness of tyranny, although in Giuliani's case it was a single attack while Schwarzenegger lived for years under the fear of the "Soviet boot," a wonderful phrase. They both spoke about the power of freedom that causes men and women to throw off the yoke of oppression.
However, I think style makes a difference, and in this case, I give the bare edge to Giuliani. Both men used humor, but while in Arnold's case it was biting and satirical -- and devastatingly funny -- Giuliani's was a mix between that and more self-deprecating humor, a choice which Arnold discarded after his opening. It gave the crowd more of Giuliani the man, rather than Hizzoner the public figure. But I have to also say that both men fired up the crowd just about equally, and Arnold's speech seemed shorter and punchier than Giuliani's. I'd call it a draw between two champions.
The Bush twins seemed a bit on the ditzy side. They giggled incessantly. You would have thought they were possessed by Beavis and Butthead. Nevertheless, despite a forgettable speech, they were endearing, especially Jenna. If nothing else, they were genuine in thier youth. I hope to see more of them down the stretch.
Laura Bush did her duty gracefully. I don't know which voting audience her speech was aimed at, but she succeeded in portraying the personal side of W. I think that aspect of George W Bush is a side those of us who have stood by him already know very well. He has strength, with a capital 'S'. Not even Reagan saw this amount hate, invective, vitriol and scorn hurled at him. I do not recall one time when W has lashed out. He has taken it, and only smiled in return.
// posted by HunterByrd @ 4:15 AM 
