I couldn't possibly not watch the Democrat Convention. Everybody asks me why I do and I lie: "Sun Tzu and Machiavelli agree: 'know thy enemy!'" But the truth is I have to watch like a heroin addict with only some bad morphine -- hand me the needle!
By the same token, I could not possibly take another day of it. Tonight's the big night and I'll be jacked-in, but no more, please, no more.
Denver mayor Wellington Webb gaveled the meeting to order last night. How appropriate -- he was the last Democrat I ever voted for. Small world, really.
Al Sharpton spoke, he ran over, he dishonored the n0-Bush-bash rule, then he sat next to Terry McAuliffe and passed judgment on all the other speakers: "Edwards discusses the evils of segregation, Caesar Sharpton is happy!" "Edwards discusses a muscular response to terrorism, Caesar is displeased..."
David Frum asks some pointed questions in National Review Online today:
8:29. Is it not incredible that Al Sharpton is accepted as a convention speaker and bona fide Democratic leader? Is it not amazing that this proven liar and slanderer is accusing the president of "misleading?" Is it not astounding that this audience that cheers for tax increases on the wealthy will cheer this man who enjoys all the trappings of wealth and yet apparently pays hardly any taxes at all? Is it not outrageous that this men whose racial incitements provoked a fire-bombing and homicide dares invoke the language of civil rights?
Do these Democrats have any intellectual or moral standards at all? Do they even have memories?
9:36 A brief salute to George McGovern, Walter Mondale, and Michael Dukakis: Can even Democrats wish that any of these guys had been elected?
Of course, last night wasn't about Al (but they were forced to dignify this race-baiting poser because their ticket is so pasty white). Last night was about Senator Edwards.
His kids are cute, his wife is pleasant, as Andrew Sullivan says, he is to be applauded for holding a good marriage together, especially after the loss of a child.
But we are in serious times. I don't think folks are voting for the guy with cute kids this year. Like or hate the war, you're not likely voting for the guy with the nice smile and the cute little boy.
I will survive four years of President Kerry if I must. He will be "my President" if he wins and I will champion his success if not all his policies.
But, NED SPARE ME from four years of sitting in the jury box while VP Edwards explains difficult ...concepts...to me...slowly...so that I can... understand....so...that...I...can...understand!
Hate to burst the donkey-bubble, but this condescension is not going to sell. Yes, it is better packaged than VP Gore's dour condescension, but sunny, cheerful condescension is not that much better.
All and all, a bad night for the D's! Monday was great and nobody watched, Tuesday was weak and they know it. Wednesday was weak and they think it was good. No matter, only tonight counts.
But I am not afraid of Senator Edwards. Sleeping pretty good all of a sudden.