South End Grounds

"Nothing Will Hold Us Back"

President George W. Bush will never give a speech as beautiful, eloquent or important as the ones he gave in the aftermath of September 11th, first at the National Cathedral on September 14, 2001 and then six days later in his address to a joint session of Congress. If those stand alone on the top-tier, tonight's address to the Republican National Convention will reside at the top of the next tier.

The speech played on the personal qualities that have endeared the President to even those who disagree with him politically. He articulated his vision for the nation, domestically and internationally. Most importantly, he made the argument that Iraq was a necessary battle in the War on Terror.

I don't want to overanalyze the President's speech. You probably heard it and were moved by it. Here are a few of my favorite moments.

GOP Convention Day 3 - Take That, John Kerry

I missed yesterday because of an insanely busy schedule. Day 2 was a coup for the GOP. Gov. Arnold was, well, a movie star. Great soundbytes, powerful message and good theater. The Bush twins acquitted themselves well. All they had to do was walk onstage to lock up the 18-24 male vote. Laura Bush showed why she is one of the most beloved women in America. Gracious, thoughtful and intelligent, I'm glad our President has someone like her standing beside him.

On to Day 3.

(Sidebar) To my Democrat readers, please tell your candidate not to tie up interstates with his motorcade at 4:45 in the afternoon. Nashville traffic is bad enough at that time. (Sidebar)

Breaking News....After watching the convention from his hotel in whatever city he went to after causing gridlock on the Nashville streets, John Kerry prepared for bed in the usual manner; washing his face and brushing his teeth. It was then that he noticed four teeth were missing and both eyes were blackened. It seems one of his fellow Senate Democrats give him a long distance drubbing.

GOP Convention Day 1

Ron Silver, John McCain and Rudy Guiliani, none of whom would be confused with standard bearers for the conservative wing of the Republican Party, made a case that appealed to conservative and swing voter alike. All three painted John Kerry deep in a corner that even his long legs will find difficult to hurdle. They challenged Kerry to define how he would wage the War on Terror and sensitivity won't do. The lasting impact of this night is the fact that George W. Bush's vision for victory in the War on Terror was articulated by individuals that cannot in any way shape or form be painted as a right wingers.

A few snippets from the speeches of this night.