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RNC, Day 2: Thompson helps deliver GOP’s ‘red meat’
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ST. PAUL, Minn. — Well, if Republicans wanted red meat at their convention, they finally got it served Tuesday night, and the chef was none other than former Sen. Fred Thompson.
Thompson, on stage to talk about his friend John McCain — or more to the point of McCain enduring five and half years as a prisoner of war — began his speech by calling vice presidential choice Sarah Palin a “breath of fresh air” and probably the only vice presidential candidate that could “field dress a moose.”
He then tried to bolster her support in the hall with more praise while also criticizing the “media” for questioning her qualifications.
Attacking the media was apparently an underlying theme since other speakers took the same tack, including President George W. Bush, who spoke via satellite.
In fact, after a calm opening night of the Republican National Convention in the Xcel Center on Monday, last night’s speakers took many shots at the press and McCain’s opponent in the November election, Sen. Barack Obama.
Thompson, the former U.S. senator from Tennessee, was the most prominent politician to take the dais, and his presence gave the GOP faithful their first real bout of convention fever after delays caused by Hurricane Gustav.
“Fred Thompson made the case, in a manner that few people can, that John McCain is the right man at the right time to lead our nation,” said Tennessee Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin. “After a slow start, due to our concerns about the victims of the hurricane, this convention came to life during Sen. Thompson’s address.”
Thompson, who followed remarks from President George W. Bush, delivered via satellite, and preceded a strong speech from Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, clearly delivered the most profound presentation of the evening, mixing humor and tragedy.
“This is the kind of character that civilizations from the beginning of history have sought in their leaders. Strength. Courage. Humility. Wisdom. Duty. Honor,” he said in while describing the depth of McCain’s character. “It’s pretty clear there are two questions we will never have to ask ourselves: ‘Who is this man?’ and ‘Can we trust this man?’ ”
Those lines drew the loudest cheers from the crowd.
Thompson took several shots at the Democrats’ criticism of Palin, Alaska’s governor, as inexperienced.
“She is from a small town, with small-town values, but that’s not good enough for those folks who are attacking her and her family,” he said. “Let’s be clear… she is a courageous, successful reformer who is not afraid to take on the establishment.”
He also drew laughs in lampooning Palin the huntress.
“I can say without fear of contradiction that she is the only nominee in the history of the either party who knows how to properly field dress a moose… with the possible exception of Teddy Roosevelt.”
On the GOP litmus issue of abortion, the roof nearly came off the room when Thompson said, “We need a President that doesn’t think protecting the unborn is above his pay grade.”
Thompson, who was briefly in the GOP race for the presidency before withdrawing, touched on some other hot topics that he said illustrated big differences between McCain and Obama.
“We need a president that doesn’t think protecting the unborn is above his pay grade,” said Thompson, a comment on the GOP litmus issue of abortion that drew loud cheers.
“People love to see Fred,” said Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander. “He did a great job today in showing the party and the country why John McCain is the best person to be president.”
Bill Phillips, former Deputy Mayor of Nashville, also in St. Paul for the convention, was equally has impressed as Alexander.
“[He was] fantastic, he hit every major point that needed to be hit. And because of his other career, he was the most recognizable person in the room,” Phillips said.
Phillips is a past chair of the Republican National Convention during the Reagan Administration, and said he was in St. Paul “seeing some old friends.”
Thompson did quiet the crowd while describing in vivid detail McCain’s torture at the hands of the Viet Cong as a prisoner of war. He pulled no punches when rattling off accounts of how McCain “dodged death” despite broken bones, disease and years of solitary confinement.
“We hear a lot of talk about hope. John McCain knows about hope. That’s all he had to survive on,” he said.
Following Thompson’s speech, Sen. Lieberman, the former Democrat turned Independent, took over and spoke of his admiration and respect of McCain, as well as making a passionate plea to Democrats and Independents to take a long, hard look at McCain’s qualifications for the presidency.
Aside from Thompson, Alexander and Phillips, the convention’s second night had even more Tennessee flavor.
A planned ‘Texas Honky Tonk,’ had scheduled entertainment from Gretchen Wilson, John Rich of country duo Big & Rich, and country rapper Cowboy Troy.
Also attending this year is former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist of Nashville, along with his wife Karen and son Bryan. Frist, the former Senate Majority Leader and now a partner in private equity firm, Cressey & Co., said he was primarily at the convention to promote health care issues for children both in Appalachia as well as across the world.
Outside the Xcel Center, things were a bit calmer as well, as only a smattering of altercations was reported between conventioneers and demonstrators. Colder temperatures and some rain may have played a part.
www.nashvillepost.com and www.nashvillecitypaper.com.
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Fred gave a great speach.
Well he is a great actor. Very believable!
It was better than the one delivered by Barack.
To reiterate from yesterday, you, “19” are a blithering idiot.
And Revo-lou you are not nice calling everyone names. You appear to be an angry person. Don't know your gender, race, religion, or anything other than your "handle" but good grief, lighten up on everyone else. You could say something like "intellectually challenged" instead of blithering idiot. And I thought the speech was good and believable. Fred Thompson is a great orator and statesman. He made a couple of blunders. It sounded like at the end he said "God Bless America and 'John' bless John McCain
Was that a Convention or a funeral? I really couldn't tell the difference.
sidney, do I owe you anything for that “professional” opinion? Should I go stand in the corner for being “not nice”? You are in an intellectual vacuum, so I am not too sure I should be listening to what you say. But, I will think about it. (hehehehehe!)
It was a convention NewYorker1. All "conventions" are not merely big, decadent, hot to trot, loud noisemaker parties such as the O'Godma spectacle! I'm sure the Republican's are spending less, not only because of the weather, but because of their purpose. The convention is to introduce and confirm the nomination for candidates; to have speeches about the platform and the plans of the person(s) running for office. The convention is not to party hearty. So please, get real. And Lou, you can have my comments free! I surely would not charge for such sage advice. I think people who call me things like intellectual vacuum are insecure. Otherwise, why would they have to resort to name calling?
"I think people who call me things like intellectual vacuum are insecure. Otherwise, why would they have to resort to name calling?"It sounds like you believe he called you an appliance. I agree with you, however, that you are insecure and thus use "O'Godma" often.
It seemed like all they were talking about was War, who has fought, who has died, prisoners of war. Okay, there's other important issues going on besides invading other tiny countries and fighting. For this party to be so stuck up and stuffy, they sure do like to fight and go to war. What about the economy here in America, what about this deficit that your great grandchildren will be paying for, what about healthcare, what about unemployment, what about the skyrocketing cost of getting a higher education? All the Republicans seem to think about is war war war. What's funny is, didn't the World Trades Centers come down on a Republican watch?
Prepositions are so important.
Okay, John McCain't was a prisoner of war. What that tells me is, he screwed up somehow and got caught. Whatever he was doing, he wasn't doing well enough or else he wouldn't have been a prisoner of war. This is hilarious.
Looking at the Republican Convention is like going to a nursing home. Did you see all the silver haired people in the room, and no color at all. This convention does not look like America. Why is there no diversity, no young people, just the same old thing we have had for years.
Airvols, you are sooooo correct. I agree 100%.
I call him O'Godma because he appears to me to have set up this "god-like" image; his followers are like worshipers. No, I'm not insecure. NewYorker1 he was in an aircraft that was shot down. Happened to the best of them. I saw plenty of young people when I was watching. What were you watching, NPT or a network? Channel 4 made Bush look like a fool by omitting the sound when people were applauding. I don't think the Republicans are thinking war, war, war. I think the enemies of America are thinking war! A vacuum is a void; vacuity; emptiness; or space. I knew he was not talking about a vacuum cleaner which is totally different from a vacuum. I knew the difference; apparently you did not. And grey hair does not in and of itself denote age, or more specifically old age. I know plenty of people who have been grey since high school; it has to do with the following: "Initially, hair is white. The cells in our hair follicles called “Melanocytes” generate pigments the main one being Melanin. This gives our hair its “Color”. In general, the more melanin present, the darker the hair color; the less melanin, the lighter the hair color. But the main reason hair appears to be grey (it is actually transparent) is due to heredity. So, if a person is 25 and fully grey headed, are they old? NOT!
Whirrrrrrrrrrrr, hear that vacuum fire up again!!!! My dogs are going nuts!!!
you still don't get it! He did not say "vacuum cleaner"; he said vacuum as in empty space and empty space does not "whirrrrr"; the sound of empty space is peaceful and tranquil. Your dogs are going nuts? So what you have is contagious to dogs? Better get'em vaccinated! This is fun; might be the theme of my first big country music hit! O.K. I won't call him O'Godma anymore. I'm gonna change my nickname for him to: O'Jama. Like pajamas cause his eloquent empty speeches put me to sleep. I keep waiting for the "subject" of his speech to go from HIM to the country and so far, I ain't heard it with my old people 98% hearing. Maybe my transparent hair is getting in the way. Revo-lou, you, you, you, I'm in love with Revo-lou; you are such a clown, yoooohoooo, I'm in love with you. Oh gosh! That's no Garth cut!
sidney – There are a lot of “call-backs” on these threads, so one really has to keep up. A call back, incase you don’t know, is a reference or a continued reference to items brought up by one, or many, as we go along. I’ll let you figure out the vacuum reference on your own, but you should know that the Baileys Irish Cream you are using in your coffee DOES have alcohol in it!
You are making ASSumptions, revo-lou and I don't drink. I am naturally high on life and this "quickie conversation" is so amusing to me. I think it's funny that so many of the regular people in life have nothing to do except chit chat on line. Cripes! I've spent 61 years in a vacuum and now I have this to do for the rest of my life. I'm so excited! And you better believe, I'll be showing up on the "call backs" especially when YOU, YOU, LOU are calling out to me to respond!
Okay, now you are scaring me! I don’t need any groupies!
Revo-lou since I'm gray and OLD, that would be a "droopie" not a groupie!
STOP!!!! MOMMY, SHE WON"T QUIT!!!!
Do you guys really want a 72 year old guy that can kick the bucket at any moment and a Brothel mom running the country?I did not know that was John McCain'ts wife, I really thought that was his great granddaughter. What in the heck does she want with a man that old? Gross!
Listen NewYorker1 when I was 36 my husband was 36; in excellent health; fit like a stallion! He left for work on Dec. 19, 1984 and never came home. He died in a major mining disaster along with 25 men and 1 woman. So, anyone can "kick the bucket at any moment" and there are many ways to "kick the bucket" cause John and Jack Kennedy and Martin Luther King are prime examples. It seems to me that if a man has defied the odds of death the way McCain has, he must be "chosen". My current husband was shot close range at 17 years old in the spine; lived; then fell off a building at 37 and lived; he's now 50 and still kicking. BUT who knows when his number is up. And by the way he's 50 and I'm 62 so I can see what she would want with an old man. AGE don't make no difference! It's the heart that counts. And just cause you think it's GROSS doesn't make it so. Remember, one man's (or woman's) trash is another man or woman's treasure. Aged wine is the best, but I bet you still drink Boone's Farm fresh from the grape! HA, HA, HA, HA! Lou, I've found a new friend - NewYorker1! P.S. NewYorker1, how old are you -- 19?
Back to the subject: Fred Thompson gave an eloquent speech packed with punch and truth. Remember folks, youth is great, but not always stable. Look at how many young STARS get into trouble, make crappy decisions and blow their careers. PacMan would be an example and Ms. Spears plus many others. So sometimes there is wisdom in years. Try to stick to the platform and issues. Age is not an issue in anything and if you will note the "aged" Olympians who won silver and gold. A 42-year old swimmer with kids! Good grief, that's awesome.
Apparently it's hazardous to your health to be Sidney's spouse.I do offer my condolences for your loss.
By the way, I did not watch the RNC last night, I watched "The Wiggles" with my daughter. It was much more informative as she learned how to make fruit salad.
sidneyames, you are correct and I am in my thirties and I'm gorgeous. My mug is snatched to the heavens, my body is tight and looks like it had been sculptured from a Greek God, my clothes are ready for any catwalk and any given moment, my hair is flawless, my teeth are bright and white as snow, my fragrance is so smooth and fresh that if you tossed it in the air, it'll turn into sunshine. Need I go on?
In other words, NY1 is Cartman.
Crap gd, you made me spit my drink out!!
Thanks gdiafante, but you can just call me "Baby" or "Baby cakes".
Actually, I think I'll call you a doctor.
Oooh, so you're that good. I'm scared of you papi.
What was up with all the throat clearing last night?? Thompson was worst but even Lieberman cleared his throat after every line too!It would have been more believable had they stopped all that HHHMMMMM!!
I would have posted earlier ya'll but I finished about 20 beers last night playing the RNC Minority Drinking Game.With only 36 African Americans delegates (in a 20,000 seat stadium) to the RNC Convention, this is the challenge. Every time you see a black person you have to drink. Once you see the same person 4 times the challenge is to drink twice. It is just funny, wide shots of all white folks and close ups of the 36 black folk!!
NOTE - If you want to be seen during the RNC Convention just sit next to one of the 36 black folks!!
Every body there just looked so stiff and stuffy. My father is a doctor and we've always voted Democratic because it's the party that seems to help everybody, not just the well to do.
NewYorker1,you sound like you are describing me in my late 30's and early 40's and actually I'm just a hair away from being in that good of shape now. I just need to work a little harder. Being in such good shape takes work, doesn't it? And gdiafante, it wasn't my doing that killed him. It was his "jock" mentality; one that is shared by so many men! He was cutting a world record that night and died doing what he loved second best. Some men die doing what they love to do; some men just die! NewYorker1 maybe the reason the folks looked prim and proper is that the were not on as much dope as the Democrats were when they had their rock star concert, oops, make that the FREE rock star concert! See ya'll in a few!
Just finished listening to Sara; talk about "red meat" and guts! OBAMA wants to make history! McCain MAKES SENSE! What a team! Youth and wisdom. Can't beat it! Good night ya'll!
Field-dressing a moose is an important qualification for the person a heartbeat away from the Presidency to have. You never know when Fred Thompson will stop by for dinner and keel over.....Sidney, for all the words you post here, they all sound the same. "I'm a right-wing redneck mama with money
OK, Sid, maybe after reading all the posts I should have said 'like Girlie WITH the TMI, just not as obviously brainless'.