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"It's less of a party"

Posted: Monday, September 01, 2008 11:57 AM
Filed Under: ,

By John Brecher, msnbc.com photojournalist

A delegate from the Texas Gulf Coast talks about the subdued mood of the Republican National Convention in light of Hurricane Gustav.

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Comments

Lets not forget, this isn't just a republican thing... Sitting aside politics. Obama is doing the same with the democrats. It just so happens, the Dems. already accomplished an amazing convention before the weather struck. Repubs. just had bad timing.

j. thomas, hampton, VA (Sent Monday, September 01, 2008 5:21 PM)

Subdued is what they should be.  With candidates like McCain and Pahlin, it proves that for the Republican Party substance does not matter. Women are ornaments and McCain is an example of "if it feeds you, why change?  America as we know it will not survive the Grand old Party, because that is what it is "old."

Deborah Springer-Suttlar, Little Rock, AR (Sent Monday, September 01, 2008 5:31 PM)

Less of a Party is an understatement.

Here is the speech that would rock the convention.

My fellow Republicans - Nothing is more important than the Election of Senator McCain as the next President of the United States.

The past few days have been among the most exciting of my life but it has become clear to me that,  John McCain, the Republican Party and my family would be best served if I decline the nomination for the office of Vice President of the United States.

It is clear that my service to the great State of Alaska is where my heart is and up rooting my family to Washington DC at this point in time is " a bridge too far"  ** laughter from the crowd with a standing ovation"

I ask you to by aclamation to nominate Laura Bush as our Party nominee for Vice President and together as a Party we unite around the strongest ticket that has ever been presented to the American people.

Thank you and god bless America

Allan G, Dover, NJ (Sent Monday, September 01, 2008 8:04 PM)

You know what? every time I look and listen at MC cain, he talks like he wants you to feel sorry for him. I just cannot stand the guy! I can imagine him in one of his temper tantrum as he is very well known for and all of a sudden he becomes like a 6 year old grand father... The guy is really really creepy!

You better believe it, he won't hesitate to push the red button!! I would love to get a medical report on his mental state.

deedee or (Sent Monday, September 01, 2008 8:59 PM)

They should had the same feelings for katrina three years ago. now they only care because of an election

Mike M, Albuquerque,NM (Sent Monday, September 01, 2008 11:53 PM)

The Republicans did the right thing.  At least they weren't "praying" for hurican to disrupt the Rep convention - like the Dems were - shame on them.  All that talk and criticism about Palin - how come we can't get any info about the gap in Obama's life (from 10 to 24)? How about his dealings w/ federal criminals? No school records or health records on Obama as well.  

All that talk about McCain and his age. We've seen over 1000 copies of his medical records and history - but NOTHING on Obama.

According to the Obama campaign - everyone was to "leave family out of it" - but there sure is a lot of talk about the Palin family.  I guess it is fair game if you're a woman - but off limits if you are a "black man"??

Brenda Werner, El Paso, TX (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 8:10 AM)

The choice of Palin as McCain's running mate is a clear window into his judgement.  It appears that no one in the Alaskan government were asked ANY questions about her, durring the vetting process.  Now alot is comming out.  Such as someone who represent "family values" has a pregnant unwed daughter. She says she's against earmarks and government waste yet she hired a lobby firm to help her get almost 27 million dollars for a town of 6700 people.  She, like McCain, puts themselves out as fighters against big government, but the facts show there is no different.

Lisa, Freeport, NY (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 9:05 AM)

This week is the tipping point for Obama.  Just sit back and brace for the storm of change.

Phil Cincinnati, OH (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 9:32 AM)

Brenda -- Obama released his medical records to the public on May 29, 2008.  The 276-word summary was written by Dr. David L. Scheiner, the Chicago doctor who has been Obama's personal physician since March, 1987.  Get your facts straight!  Additionally, if Sarah Palin and her daughter were Democrats, "the Christian Right" would have shredded the both of them: Mom for "working outside the home" and Daughter for being "sexually active."

David, Alexandria, VA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 9:48 AM)

Brenda is brilliant. We need more fine minds like hers. God bless America.

Alecia (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:06 AM)

1. I am tired of the hypocratical Christians who are trying to be holier than any body else. I know, I am a christian but very disapointed in my fellows.

2.I am scared of a McCain and Palin Administration in this political climate world wide, plus the economic situation. I cannot imagine Palin talking to the Saudies, Russians, Iranians, etc. Republicans get with the program, the world is changing and you have to change too.

3. McCains temper can cause disaster in this    political climate.

Jeanette P. Miami, Florida (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:07 AM)

I fear for the future of this nation. There is so much hateful rhetoric out there and so little attention to the real issues that will help this country survive the damage caused by the last 8 years of mismanagement, corruption and nationalistic arrogance. God help us.

Leon VanOrman, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:09 AM)

All this talk about the republican convention and yet not one story in the mainstream media about the illegal actions taken by police against peaceful protesters before the convention even began. Where is the media when gross violations of civil are occuring? Out to lunch? We were quick to condem these tactics in China But there's not so much as a squeek when it happens at home? look here for more info.

J Belcher, IL (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:11 AM)

Brenda Werner of El Paso, Tx should watch more than Fox news. She wrote: "At least they weren't "praying" for hurican to disrupt the Rep convention - like the Dems were - shame on them." While she's shaming the Democrats for wishing a hurricane on the Republican convention, she missed that James Dobson did pray for a "rain of biblical proportions" prior to Obama's acceptance speech. Shame on Dobson.

Tim Whitehill, State College, Pa (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:13 AM)

Well Brenda Werner....you've seen 1000 pages of medical info. on McCain because he's OLD and has very serious medical conditions. Maybe you haven't seen much on Obama is because he has NO medical conditions that need attending. Boy, that's a leap. Obama's campaign has had his family with him through-out. Where have you been, under a rock ??????? As far as McCain chosing Palin for his VP and thinking women will be like cattle and follow another women because of someone wearing a skirt that is a slap in the face to every women in America. PERIOD.

Roxanne Jaffe Chatsworth, Ca (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:14 AM)

The media is going to ignore the gravity of the Palin issues the same way they did the on the "seriousness" of going to Iraq. Subsequently we will not have more of the same as in the G.W. Bush years, we are going to have the likes in fiascos that, this country can not imagine if, McCain is elected President.

The Palin woman is Alaskian "trash". She will never make a right chioce for our nation if something were to happen to a "cancer ridden" McCain. Is the racism in our great nation so blinding that we would rather see our country go to hell, than Elect an American Qualified Man of Color to lead this country back to healing and to the true values that had made us a Great Nation!!!???

Palin is not Hiliary Clinton. She has already proven as govenor of Alaska, her personal issues are her prorites. She has already been accused of "abuse" of power for personal reasons. This sounds like the Bush issues all over again and she isn't even in the white house yet.

Hey media "DO YOUR JOB" don't slip the way you did on the WMD'S. Investigate what is really going on with this woman. Remember the CONSTITUTIONAL responsibilty of the Fourth Estate!!!!

Wilberta Berry (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:19 AM)

Americans, we need to stick to the issues we have in this country. People in this COUNTRY are going hunrgy or going without their medicines. We have to make choices between putting food on the table or taking care our health problems.People are losing their homes, jobs. The only ones making money are those already with money. The top 5% of the 300 million people in this country.They don`t want you to think about that, but that the real deal. Wake America and vote for Obama  

Tim in NC (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:38 AM)

What is wrong with the younger people in America?  What has happened to respecting the older generation?   What happened to wisdom?  Why is old conceived as a bad thing?  As a member of the babyboom generation, I revere older people and all they have learned in life.  It is only as you age that you learn all that you thought you knew when you were young. Let us make this election about issues, not class or generational warfare.  We are all Americans after all--young and old.

Beverly Pires. Charlestown, RI (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:41 AM)

Give me a break.  Palin is NOT qualifed for the position.  Its amusing how her "executive" experience is used as a qualifier.  She hasn't completed a full-term in office.  Plus how hard is it to run a state that is overflowing with oil revenue.  If the McCain ticket was looking for a woman to get the "Hilary" vote - Sen. Olympia Snow (R-Maine) would have actually improved the ticket but she's PRO-CHOICE so that makes her a bad person.  What a joke.

D. S., Gulfport, Ms. (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:58 AM)

I should have known Brenda, that by your location you would have made a remark like that.  And OBAMA was trying to say that ANYONE's FAMILY, his, Palin's, McCain, or even Biden for that matter, are off limits.  Politics aren't about family.  There sure is alot of talk about the Palin family from WHO?  The news?  Well unfortunately, Obama's party doesn't have the power like your friend who is currently in office does, to dictate what the media says.. It's not our (Democrats) fault that Gustav and Palin's daughter hit the circuits at the same time. What needs to be focused on is the fact that McCain is basically assuming Female Democrat Clinton Supporters are dumb and have no sense, in that they will simply vote for him because Palin is a woman..

Mrs. Pearson, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 11:41 AM)

Parties are celebrations- what do the Republican have to celebrate?

John Brazil (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 11:58 AM)

I agree with Brenda from El Paso TX

kate,phila PA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 12:04 PM)

I wonder why Condoleeze Rice was never seriously considered? She is highly educated and quite accomplished...And she has little to no personal baggage...on the other handSo apparently, It's not politically correct to discuss the tragedy of teen pregnancy anymore, only the reality of teen pregnancy; and apparently it's still debatable as to whether or not CHRISTIAN parents should teach abstinence only, or, if it's ok to teach pregnancy prevention through the use of protection, while simultaneously forbidding abortion.

So, I have one question which may still have social, political, and/or moral relevance in today's society.

Who will be paying Sarah Palin's Grandbaby's Health Care Bills???

Will the 17 years Palin Girl with no high school diploma?

Will the 18 year old baby's daddy?
Do they have, or will they have good paying jobs with medical benefits?
Are those kinds of jobs still available to other Americans?
What does the governor mean when she says they will be supportive?
Will they have to go on welfare and the American people pay for healthcare through TANF and foodstamps like other so-called "welfare queens"?
Or, will the well-to-do Governor/VP nominee and Husband foot the bills?
As a 42 yr old single mother who now holds a Master's Degree but struggled to raise 3 kids now 22, 21, and18.... I would argue that
SARAH PALIN takes the positions on abstinence education, contraception and abortion because CAN AFFORD TO "BE SUPPORTIVE" OF A PREGNANT 17year old Daughter!
SHE CAN AFFORD TO SPONSOR A SHOT GUN (or Love is blind) WEDDING!
SHE Can Afford to pay their college bills, if and when they decide to go to college!!!!
HER DAUGHTER WILL BE IN A PRIVILEDGED POSITION AND AVOID MANY OF THE STRUGGLES ASSOCIATED WITH TEEN PREGNANCY!
And if we send McCain and Her to the Whitehouse, the rest of us will be left holding the bag, just to keep our CULTURALLY CONFUSED kids afloat in a MORALLY AMBIGUOUS society!

Dawn, Columbus OH (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 12:28 PM)

How soon we forget. All this talk about honor. Did we forget the Keaton 5 scandal? Oh,what savings and loan industry? Who was one the proponets in the mortgage deregulation mess? Shame on all of you!!!!!

t.e. harris, dallas,tx. (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 12:43 PM)

Brenda, what are you you talking about?  No school records, no health records and no info from 10-24?!  Where are you getting this, the oh so informative Rush Limbaugh and the rest of the ditto heads?  Are you insinuating that he must have been "up to no good" during this suppossed hole in his life story?

I wish people like you would spend five minutes and actually research the candidates instead of slurping up all of the ridiculous slander and lies out there.

Mike, Long Island, NY (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 12:47 PM)

dear brenda, from new mexico,

you like many other people are afraid of real change. meaning a black man running the country. obama's daughters didn't get knocked up that's why no one is talking about them. why no records on obama's health? because he's healthy! (ignorance is bliss) why do we want to hear about his good health? go on admit. your "black man" comment shows your real issue with obama is just that: he's black. get over it. vote OBAMA!!!!!

kim, great state of tx (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 12:50 PM)

Obama has changed the whole political scenario in the US. Why did McCain in such a hurry chose this new face (even not knowing her personally)? He wanted to possibly cash on Hillary supporters? prove that young and new is his game too? Whey republicans are hosting McCain and Pahlin as mavericks?? Are they fed up with the party's stand?? Is there something terribly wrong the the regular republican party?? Acting maverick but not voting maverick? He voted 95% along with bush!! Wow now he says media is Obama biased?? what would media do to prevent 85000 people comming to listen him? shoot them? what about the other 40 million who watched on TV? again media to be blamed?? the whole world is excited about the direction US is going. Again media to be blamed for that?? Let media completely cut of Obama. will that solve McCain's problems?? Obama has excited even my 10 year old daughter. let us face the facts, US is on the path of change and WILL become again the beacon of hope and liberty and power that it once was, with Obama leading us.

thomas (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 12:59 PM)

I am truly distressed that John McCain has regressed so in putting women back to the "ornament" status.

Patricia Sullivan, Seguin Texaws (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 1:02 PM)

The Republicans have used hurricane Hannah as a booster shot to their campaing. This is the same Administration that did absolutely "nothing" during Katrina for more than 3 days. They want us to believe they are the only ones who would respond during a natural disaster. At the Republican Convention - we will hear much about Hannah - but nothing will be said about Katrina and the thousands who lost their lives because that would diminish their image.

Cira Milian, Miami, FL (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 1:07 PM)

Did you say Corruption. Dems I have a few words for you...Jim McGreevy, Eliot Spitzer, Marion Barry, John Edwards.

Democrats = Fail

Brad, Mclean, Va (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 1:24 PM)

Patricia,

I cant believe you would say something like that.  Be proud it is a woman that has a chance to be the VP for God's sake.  I am not voting for Obama, but it sure was and is refreshing to maybe have a woman or a person other than white maybe being president.  

Jeff, Missouri City, Texas (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 1:24 PM)

Re-read the comments made by "Dawn" in Columbus, Ohio.  This person knows what she's talking about.

A real Mom would subordinate this potneitla VP opportunity, go back to her comfortable job in Alaska, provide her daughter and family with the support they will need and remove them all from this media circus!!

Jim, Rochester, NY (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 1:56 PM)

Attack at the GOP convention, killing children before they can defend themselves.
Which of the two parties stands for peace?
America wake up or you will end up like my old country.

Alan Scott, Seabrook Texas (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 2:14 PM)

Brad,
If you would like to compare corruption in politics, I think you need to look no further than your wonderful leader, George W Bush and his sidekick Dickie Boy. Don't sling mud when you are in the middle with all the other swine.

John Doe, Wylie TX (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 2:20 PM)

Given the lower IQ and lack of education associated with the majority of GOP voters, the selection of Palin will do little to dissuade them from "staying the course".  However, for this independent voter and many others this choice really gives us pause for thought.  Think about it, just 20 months ago this person was the Mayor of Wasilla City, pop. 5,500 (and maybe some bears and caribou thrown in for good measure).  I can think of a few municipalities in the US that can provide a greater degree of executive-level experience than that offered by Wasilla City (from Austin to Tallahassee).  She is also extremely conservative, even on issues of concern to women such as the right to choose, birth control and gender equity on equal pay between men and women for performing the same jobs.  In short, she is no Hillary.  Do I want the Mayor of Wasilla City a heartbeat away from being my next President if the old guy (he turns 73 next August) keels over?  Any voter, man or woman, would be pretty crazy to vote for such a ticket given the risks involved and it says a great deal about McCain's lack of good judgment on making important decisions.

David, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 2:52 PM)

I disagree with Brad from Mclean, VA you need to REEVALUATE your comment the REPUBLICAIN'S SPELL FAILURE!!!! LOOK AT PRESIDENT BUSH AND HIS FAILED ECONOMIC SYSTEM (HOME FORECLOSURES, HIGH GAS PRICES), THOUSANDS OF TROOPS THAT HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE IRAQ WAR BASED ON A LIE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND DON'T FORGET THE HURRICANE KATRINA VICTIMS.  

Kay, Bethesda, MD (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 2:53 PM)

Where are all the good rightwing patriots now. Obama was raked over the coals for not wearing a lapel flag at some speech. We now have the same folks simply gurgling with euphoria over a female VP candidate who doesn't even want to be an American. Mrs. Palins voluntary membership in the Alaskan Independence party means that she wants to secede from America. The fact that she gave an opening speech at their convention in 2008 means she still feels that way and supports them. Every time she pledges allegiance to the flag (if she does) then she is lying. It also means that when she was sworn in as Alaskan governor she also lied when she swore under oath to support and uphold the constitution. Where I come from, she is not a good American and never can be. I can't wait to hear how all the assorted crazies on the right (evangelicals, conservatives, republicans and other assorted crazies) stretch to explain away Palins unAmerican activities.

John, Dover, Delaware (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 2:55 PM)

I'm so weary of hearing that Cindy McCain clip about the convention:  "This is a time when we take off our republican hats, and put on our American hats."  

Interesting that the party that somehow tries to lay claim to anything considered patriotic in this country weren't wearing their American hats to begin with.  "Time to put the hat on again, Myrtle...Where is mine, anyway?...Well, git it out and dust it off--we're on TV....Gotta look like we care about others over ourselves for a few minutes."  

Greg, Orlando, Florida (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 3:03 PM)

You people need to stop listening to the media so much. They are liberal good for nothings. And yes FEMA was at Katrina right after it happen. My dad was one of the men helping in New Orleans when it happen. He had a truck full of FEMA gear for the hurricane victims. They were getting food to them and trying to help them as fast as possible. But guess what the media did not show that, they wanted to portray a worst case scenario. They always do that. Have ya'll not learned this. I would never have a problem voting for a black man as president, if Colin Powell would have run I would have voted for him in a second. But Obama is one I would not elect in as president. Talk about inexperience and the fact that he won't even have the American flag on his air plane he flies in. Hmm Sounds like he supports his county. Ha.

Christa, Midland, TX (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 3:13 PM)

McCain and Sarah are "mavericks". Why do we need mavericks? what about the normal republicans? has everybody agreed that there is a mistake somewhere? that mavericks are being sought for? Just curious!!

thomas (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 4:14 PM)

Brad from Mclean, corruption is bipartisan:  Ralph Reed, Ted Stevens, Randy Scheunemann, Scooter Libby, Karl Rove, Alberto Gonzales and Duke Cunningham.  Honorable mention for not being corrupt, but for hypocrisy:  Mark Foley and Larry Craig.  Democrats=Fail?  I can’t think of a single republican success in the last 8 years.  And if you think No Child Left Behind and the Medicare Drug programs are successes, you probably don't have kids in school or parents on Medicare.

Kurt, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 4:25 PM)

Selecting a President and Vice President should not have to do with color, age or gender.  It should be strictly about the issues and who you believe would best serve your country as commander in chief.  Individuals should research before they make comments and state facts and not hear-say.  I believe that the only reason McCain selected Palin is because he feels like he can can get the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling.  I am insulted, as a McCain supporter, that he has made this campaign strictly about him.  I really believe that the Clinton supporters were passionately supporting her because they know her, and she has always fought for them for many many years.  Whether you agree with her or not, she always fought for the issues that were close to her heart.  

Marilyn, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 5:42 PM)

Listenting to RNC ....Character that has to be the joke for tonight....McCain's Character wouldn't let him vet the right person for his own selfish gains "The White House" ....he wanted Lieberman but didn't make that choice ummm interesting...wouldn't a Maverick make that choice??????

Character is the Joke for 2night (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 1:49 AM)

hey Brenda....didn't Barack's wife get attacked by the elephant party?  The only reason they didn't go after his children is that they aren't old enough to have anything to attack.  Oh and how soon we forget how the Repubs went after Al Gore's son and his addiction.  I thought elephant's never forget?

Mr. Pissed Off (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 10:53 AM)

Obama equals socialism and that is not what this country was built on. This love affair that the media has with him makes me sick. Katie Couric needs to be a little less bias if she is going to cover the RNC.

Terri from Michigan (Sent Wednesday, September 03, 2008 12:35 PM)

Cant we all just get along!

I'm not a fan of politics but I am watching the race closley. The republicans time and time again insult me by saying things with no substance to fire up there base. Palin compared her work as a mayor to Obama being a community administrator. She forgot to mention that he is also the senator of Illinios who was voted in by millions of Americans to represent the democratic party in the race for president of the United States. Him being a community administrator is just a bullet on his resume. When Obama speaks of Mcain or Palin he credits them for there accomplishments but simply states why he feels he is the better man for the job. All of you who dont see this happening are the people Obama is talking about who want more of the same. These people are scared to debate will out slandering someone or stating the real issues. I dont beleive Obama or any man can sigle handedly change the world but I will vote for him becuase of the character he has shown throughout the race.

Max from Maryland/NY (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:37 AM)

Terri From Michigan, I am a Obama supporter, but I will say that I noticed that Katie Couric was very bias in her questioning of RNC members as they exited the floor of the convention.  I concur.  I also feel that Mr. Olbermann is very BIASED, but unfortunately, I agree with them.  

Mrs. Pearson, Washington DC (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:14 AM)

In light of Andrea Mitchell's statement that  only uneducated, blue collar workers (women) would vote for Sarah Palin, the blatant bias from MSNBC and NBC for the democratic ticket, my husband and I will not be viewing MSNBC and NBC in any form be it the news, programming, etc.  

It is time the American people showed their extreme displeasure with this type of media circus and persistence in search of their own agenda.

This whole charade of "fair and equal" treatment of all is appalling.  You are supposed to report the news - not spin it to suit your own purposes.

Dian, Manassas, VA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:26 PM)

How can anything that is associated with MABNC be believed? Bias, is an understatement. Obama is Black, yet MSNBC as run from this issue. If I were the Republicans I would simply refuse to give interviews or to be interviewed by any associated with MSNBC. All I have heard today is MSNBC complaining that they are being accused of being one sided.
Guess what they are, openly, they have proved to be a unreliable sorce for news in the future. One can only assume their reporting is just as bias in all areas, it has just been open in this case.

Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:31 PM)

Sarah Palin's reporting of logistics information on military personnel is dangerous, if not illegal, and in very poor judgement.

dlswriter (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:33 PM)



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