The Nation: Populist politics in Denver; an elaborate fraud in St. Paul.

[marmar]

Tale of Two Conventions




Presidential nominating conventions are little more than political theater these days. Nonetheless, two very different modes of drama were on display in St. Paul and Denver. The Democrats used their meeting to tell a richer, more expansive national story, one more or less in tune with the party's platform and aspirations. In contrast, as we go to press, the Republicans are staging an elaborate fraud, the purpose of which is to divert the public's attention from their disastrous mismanagement of government and to deceive voters about their agenda. Rick Davis, John McCain's campaign manager, admitted as much when he said, "This election is not about issues. This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

And just what is the take-away from the RNC? The GOP would have Americans believe that McCain is a postpartisan "country first" maverick. But its attempt at stagecraft--never mind statecraft--runs afoul of inconvenient truths. By picking first-term Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, McCain exposed the cynical pandering that is his campaign's prevailing electoral strategy as well as the far-right ideology to which the controlling base of his party is fiercely committed.

In her debut speech in Dayton, Palin sought to appeal to women voters, many of whom supported Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries. But for all the talk about Palin representing a feminist crack in the glass ceiling, her true value to the party lies in her identity as a cultural reactionary--committed to abstinence-only sex education and creationism in schools and opposed to abortion in all circumstances except to save a woman's life (no exceptions for rape, incest or for a woman's health). The first piece of legislation she signed as governor launched a referendum that would strip health benefits from same-sex partners of Alaska state employees. If these positions are not shared by the vast majority of Americans--or by McCain--they are plainly endorsed by the Republican Party's platform, which calls for constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage and abortion. It now appears that the same right-wingers who pushed these measures--Phyllis Schlafly, James Dobson, Tony Perkins and their ilk--are the ones who really "vetted" McCain's vice presidential choice, and it is abundantly clear that these extremists dictate the agenda of the Republican Party, the party of Palin as much or more than the party of McCain. .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080922/editors

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. Palin's positions endorse Republican platform: No gay benefits and no abortion.

"The first piece of legislation she signed as governor launched a referendum that would strip health benefits from same-sex partners of Alaska state employees."

Very vindictive and ideological.

[C_U_L8R]

2. "It's a hard world for little things"

"Would you like me to tell you the little story of right-hand/left-hand? The story of good and evil? H-A-T-E! It was with this left hand that old brother Cain struck the blow that laid his brother low. L-O-V-E! You see these fingers, dear hearts? These fingers has veins that run straight to the soul of man. The right hand, friends, the hand of love. Now watch, and I'll show you the story of life. Those fingers, dear hearts, is always a-warring and a-tugging, one agin t'other. Now watch 'em! Old brother left hand, left hand he's a fighting, and it looks like love's a goner. But wait a minute! Hot dog, love's a winning! Yessirree! It's love that's won, and old left hand hate is down for the count! "