What a contrast in conventions

[BlueStreak]

Of course I'm partisan, and I am asking this question of partisans, but here goes.

It seems to me that practically every speaker the GOP put on was just angry. They all came across as mean and ugly. Even Mitt Romney. Ann Romney might have been a little softer, but she just has this air of entitlement that I can't get past.

The Dem speakers certainly made some hard points, but if you had the sound turned off, they were almost always smiling. They didn't seem angry or mean-spirited.

Am I imagining that? I don't see any threads here making that observation and I didn't heard any commentators really saying that directly.

To me, the difference was shocking. Is that real or am I just looking at it through partisan eyes?

To me it was as stark as hate versus love.

[brush]

1. And the other difference

And the other difference was the camera pans of the crowd; whites, blacks, Latinos, Asians, Natives, what America REALLY looks like as opposed to that homogenous, one-complexion crowd at the Republican convention.

[frazzled]

2. No, for me it was basically policy (Dems) versus empty rhetoric (Reps)

I don't think this assessment is just because I am partisan (which I am). The Republicans' speeches seemed almost completely devoid of the details or intent of their policies. They just kept spouting platitudes like "We love women!" "We're a nation of immigrants!" "Everyone can succeed!" ... without ever once saying, "and that is why Mitt Romney's policy to do X is needed."

The Democrats, by contrast, always tied the values to real policy prescriptions being offered.

[BlueStreak]

4. I agree with your observation, but imagine the sound was turned off

The GOP people -- I can't think of a single exception offhand -- just looked mean and rabid. Some of them looked like they were about to have a stroke or heart attack. I don't recall seeing any smiles from the stage that actually looked natural and gracious -- and the audience wasn't much better.

[jimlup]

3. I really don't think that this is a partisan observation...

It is pretty loud and clear. The Republicans are a sad poor attempt to get at these "middle class values" while with us it is genuine. Most people can see the falseness and artificiality of the Republican facade. Some are blinded and bitter and they are lost but they are not our concern. They are just simply WRONG.

[BattyDem]

5. I noticed that, too.

Of course, there were differences in policy and rhetoric - that's to be expected - but it wasn't just that. The atmosphere was completely different!

At the RNC, everyone seemed angry, mean, hateful and entitled. The entire convention had a very arrogant feel to it, as if everyone in that room was looking down on those who didn't look like them, act like them, worship like them or think like them and saying, "Screw you!"

The DNC was completely different! People seemed happy. They were smiling and enjoying themselves. There were tears, but they were tears of empathy and understanding. The entire convention had a very inclusive feel to it, as if everyone in that room was looking over at those who didn't look like them, act like them, worship like them or think like them and saying, "We're in this together."

You're right ... it was hate vs love.

[young_at_heart]

6. The Dems did lots of smiling

The other side conveyed hyped-up arrogance and were constantly "on attack"!

[thatsrightimirish]

7. It was really motivating

The speakers not only made me more excited about the election today then I was yesterday, but they also made me more motivated to work hard and achieve more in my life.

I'm looking forward to Elizabeth Warren and President Clinton tomorrow!

[Brother Buzz]

8. It's near impossible to close the deal when your product truly sucks

Think about it.

[farleft69]

9. Contrast Indeed

No i got the SAME impression. The RNC seethed with hate for Obama. The speakers all acted like they had a piece of Limburger cheese stuck under their noses!
At the DNC there was an air of almost joy, people seemed so happy to be sharing democratic ideals because they seek to support and assist people in adding to the quality of lives. It's about good news and it shows in ppls demeanor.

[GallopingGhost]

10. I can't wait to see the post-convention bounce

and we haven't even had the debates yet.

[Lugnut]

11. I'm partisan too.

Just take a look at some of the photos from last week's convention. The RNC hall was filled with angry people. The contrast with the photos from this week's convention is striking.

[evrstrong]

12. It seemed to me that....

every speaker at the RNC was in it for themselves....Chris Christie, for example, talk talk talk, about CHRIS CHRISTIE!!!

Lots of political ads for 2016!

Or was it just too hard for them to think of good things to say about Mitt Romney?

[mojo2012]

13. Chris Mathews said it all

The RNC looked like a business meeting and the DNC look like a Labor Day picnic (party).

To me, the RNC depicted selfishness, anger, arrogance and hatred. All the speakers spoke only of themselves for their own gain. They really don't care about Romney. Ann, well what can I say. Finger wagging and pointing only gave me a feeling of being inferior.
Their overall tone was meant for the rich and everyone else was ignored