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One Last Look at the Republican Convention: the Balloon Drop!

CitizenSugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:00:30 -0700

I was listening to McCain's nomination acceptance speech on the radio on the way to the airport yesterday and it sounded so different than it did in the arena. I actually got to hear the fiery end to the speech, the part where he said:

Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.

In the arena that night, the whole last minute was drowned out by cheers — and then when the soaring music swelled, the confetti rained down as the harbinger of balloons and the hopeful first family took the stage, forget about it — it was a perfect end to a convention that last Monday, no one even knew if it would happen. But it did, and I'm so glad to have been there.

To see the balloon drop,

Should Graphic 9/11 Footage Be Off-Limits in Partisan Context?

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:45:00 -0700

While watching the Republican National Convention last night, disturbing images of September 11 put a pit in my stomach. Around 8:40 p.m. EDT, the RNC aired a video that included slow-motion footage of a plane striking the WTC, the towers' collapses, and images of a burning Pentagon, while a narrator conjured up memories of bodies falling from buildings. Even more, the 9/11 tribute video opened with a reference to Iran. The horrific images undoubtedly upset every American, but it left me wondering if the Republican National Convention was the proper time to evoke those painful memories.The Boston Globe noted that running 9/11 graphic images in a partisan context "was one of the few surviving campaign-season taboos." Keith Olbermann actually apologized to viewers, saying that it was probably not appropriate for MSNBC to show the video.Supporters of the video could argue that America needs to get real about threats and get real about which president will keep them safe from the threats. The narrator of the video furthers that point saying, "and for too long we've looked the other way. But the enemy is wrong. This is a war America will win. We'll have a president who knows how."

Should Graphic 9/11 Footage Be Off-Limits in Partisan Context?

Yes! How dare they use the dead as a campaign commercial!

No! Americans forget the threat. Republicans are realistic about our security needs.

Probably. Leaders should keep America safe without making citizens tremble in fear!

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Looking Back: Which Party's Convention Was the Best?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:11 -0700

Phew. I've run into quite a few people over the past few weeks who've seen both conventions top to bottom, and the question came up last night after the last balloon settled: Which convention was the best? In my mind it can be answered on a couple of levels — which convention looked the best, or which was more fun — but when it comes down to it, I think the real question is: Which convention did its job the best?My mom reported in after McCain's speech saying, "I was worried when McCain started, but was in tears at the end. Your grandpa wanted me to take him to the post office to sign up again." While that's a rousing testimony to be sure, they were solid McCain voters before anyone set foot in St. Paul. So what do you all think? You've seen our coverage of both conventions — which party's did its job with an A++ super-gold star?

Looking Back: Which Party's Convention Was the Best?

The Republicans. They responded to disaster, kept it business-like, and Palin rocked.

The Democrats. The force of 80,000 people plus stellar content and production ruled.

Neither. The conventions are nothing but pomp. I'm pretty glad they're done.

Both. Each had a different job to do, and they responded well in kind.

Other. You got your balloon drop! I'll tell you what I think in the comments.

They Said What? Frequency of Words Used by the Parties

CitizenSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:00:24 -0700

Now that it's all done but sweeping up the balloons, the New York Times, ever the data-doyenne, has a different way of looking at who said what these conventions. Bubbles of varying sizes show the amount of times per 25,000 words uttered, that certain phrases were used.

Interestingly, the "opponent's name" count varies pretty wildly — the Democrats used McCain's name 78 times to the Republican's use of Obama a mere 25 times. Up there for both parties? "Change" and "God." While the Republicans were twice as godly, and the Democrats three times as change-y, it seems like both have see the benefit to grabbing both traditional and forward-thinking tropes.

The graph also let's you see who said what — Obama used McCain's name 3.5 times more, and McCain grabbed the "change" mantel from Obama just over half as often. Watching the two conventions, do any of the results surprise you? What do you make of the disparity between use of the opponent's name?

Source

John McCain Accepts the Republican Nomination!

CitizenSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:16:18 -0700

Since I made up my mind to vote for John McCain, I've been waiting for this night — and by the sounds of the crowd, an arena full of people agreed with me. The build up to John McCain was appropriately quick and tough and everyone was beyond anxious to get to the goods and see how McCain would follow Palin's speech. It felt different in the crowd. Yesterday's raucous relief was replaced with an enthusiastic solemnity.

The line up was a slate of friends and leaders who testified to McCain's readiness to lead and protect the country. Sen. Lindsay Graham had some particularly strong words:

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying Barack Obama doesn't care. I'm just saying — he doesn't get it. Not once was Barack Obama's eloquent voice ever raised in support of Victory in Iraq. Not once was it used to rally our troops in battle. Instead, he inspired those who supported retreat and would have accepted our defeat.

The security theme continued up to the main event. To see who else spoke, and what McCain said,

This Is It! Are You Watching John McCain's Speech Tonight?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:43:53 -0700

Tonight's floor session just started and I've already teared up once. I don't stand a chance. Trace Adkins sang the opening national anthem — no accompaniment, just his booming voice — and after one line, the whole crowd started to join him. Tentatively at first, then by the end the hall was ablaze with song. There is a heck of a lot of red worn in this hall tonight, and people are ready for the main event.

John McCain is set to take the stage at 10 p.m. ET, preceded by Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota; Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida; former Sen. Bill Frist of Tennessee; and Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas. What are you looking for McCain to say? What would constitute a home run?

To watch all of the speeches live and see more pics,

The Daily Show Live! Plus, Jon Stewart Serves Karl Rove, Hard

CitizenSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:39 -0700

With a ramped up convention, comes amped up comedy. The Daily Show was out in full-force yesterday, with Samantha Bee interviewing the more creatively dressed delegates. In this scene she was doing a little role-play, pretending to be Bristol Palin while the lovely delegate played Sarah. Hilarity ensued.

Get Flash to see this player.

My favorite part of this video? The women behind me while I was filming having this conversation: "What news show is this?" "I don't know." "Oh, I think it's that Daily thing." "What? Oh, you mean that show all the kids watch?" Ha. And not 10 minutes before, in that very spot, Karl Rove strode past me — he might have escaped my camera, but he didn't escape Jon Stewart on last night's Daily Show. He had some pretty blistering things to say to Mr. Rove. To see what,

The Morning After: Rebuttals Fly to Palin's Big Speech

CitizenSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:56:20 -0700

No sooner had Sarah Palin's speech ended last night and the cheers faded were people clamoring to hear the response and analysis to it. I was the star of my shuttle bus for having the first-shot email from the Obama camp on my phone — I did a dramatic reading of it for my bus-mates.

The first shot included, "The speech that Governor Palin gave was well delivered, but it was written by George Bush's speech writer and sounds exactly like the divisive, partisan attacks we've heard from George Bush for the last eight years." The kids on the bus noticed the double-helping of Bush immediately. Now, the morning after, the fact-checkers are doing their duty on the speech, including these nuggets:

Palin said: "To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House."

The rebuttal: Sarah Palin might have changed her mind on this one recently. However, a comment here notes that Palin actually slashed funding for schools for special needs kids by 62 percent.

To find out what else they zeroed in on,

Day 3: Mitt, Mike, Rudy, and Finally! Sarah Palin Speaks!

CitizenSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:15:27 -0700

Ah! Now this is more like it! The arena was rocking tonight, and it finally felt like a real convention. Fast forward to the end, they loved Sarah Palin — and it's crystal clear the Republicans are fired up! It was a packed line up and here are the highlights: GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele was the first speaker to rouse the full arena saying, "So, do you want to put your country first? Then let's reduce our dependency on foreign sources of oil and promote oil and gas production at home. In other words, drill baby drill! And drill now!" The crowd erupted in a chorus of "Drill baby, drill!"

Mitt Romney (whose hair is just as flawless in person) sounded very Reagan-esque, saying, "Our economy is under attack. China is acting like Adam Smith on steroids, buying oil from the world's worst, and selling nuclear technology. Russia and the oil states are siphoning more than 500 billion dollars a year from us in what could become the greatest transfer of economic wealth in history. This is no time for timid, liberal empty gestures."

Oh, yes. The gloves were off tonight. To see more highlights and the main event, Sarah's big speech,

Caught on Tape! GOP Strategists Call Palin Choice Gimmicky

LibertySugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:45:00 -0700

The Sarah Palin VP pick was described today as "political bullsh*t," "gimmicky," and "cynical." No, these aren't the labels attached by Democrats or the liberal media; rather they were uttered by two longtime Republican strategists.

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The top Republican advisers — Peggy Noonan (a Reagan speechwriter) and Mike Murphy (ex-McCain aide) — got caught saying what they really think about VP nominee Sarah Palin. While chatting off-air, MSNBC's Chuck Todd asked Noonan if Palin was the most qualified woman the Republicans could nominate. Noonan said, "The most qualified? No. I think they went for this, excuse me, political bullsh*t about narratives. Every time the Republicans do that, because that's not where they live and that's not what they're good at, they blow it."

Remember when Jesse Jackson got caught saying some not-so-nice things about Barack Obama? Well it looks like the curse of the hot mic has come upon the Republicans, too. Have a listen for yourself. Do you think we'll see any public defection soon, or are the Republicans confident about Palin?

Day 3: Countdown to Sarah Palin's Big Speech at the Arena

CitizenSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:11:03 -0700

The video feed in the arena says there are still four hours to go until Sarah Palin's speech, but already the place is zinging with more energy and bold names than it has been all week!

Spotted so far: Samantha Bee from The Daily Show, David Brooks (swoon), Gary Bauer, Karl Rove (he was very friendly, smiling at everyone and in a big hurry), the folks of the upcoming movie, An American Carol, and more wildly dressed delegates than you can imagine. Everyone is pumped up for tonight — with Mitt, Mike, Rudy, and Sarah, I am too! I'm grabbing my seat now and I'll keep you posted!

To watch all the action live, from the floor, including all of tonight's speeches,

Briefing Book! What's Happening at the RNC Day Three

LibertySugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0700

RNC Tonight: Out with the old in with the new? Huckabee, Romney, Giuliani to speak before Palin; Tom Ridge to nominate McCain. —Human Events
Palin: It's abortion, stupid? Palin reignites culture wars. — Politico
Fox: Fox and Friends? Obama and Fox News make up. — Radar
Public Transportation: The bus isn't free? NYC officials to come down on bus hopping, a practice popular among senior citizens. — Gothamist

Source

Laura Ingraham at the Republican National Coalition for Life

CitizenSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:00:49 -0700

Yesterday I was in the presence of the "Life of the Party" — not Diddy or Lohan, it was the name of the convention event for the Republican National Coalition for Life. Expecting keynote speaker Sarah Palin, who'd been booked long prior to her ticket selection (Right to Life has its finger on the pulse?) the group sampled the ham carving station, bopped to the oompah-oompah band, and made short work of the notion that Sarah Palin's recent announcement that her daughter is pregnant has anything to do with her fitness to be Vice President. This group is fiercely Right to Palin, all the way.

According to my tablemates, the choice of Palin has galvanized the party in a way no other choice would have. That notion was solidified by the line up of speakers which included legendary ERA opponent Phyllis Schlafly (who at 80-something looks incredible. She sat on the edge of the stage before the event, graciously taking pictures with everyone and couldn't have been nicer.)

Phyllis announced that Palin wasn't able to attend, but that she had a surprise replacement: Laura Ingraham. Ingraham commanded the stage and made a pointed case for Palin to the cheers of the crowd. To see what she said,

Day 2: Lieberman & Thompson Take the Stage & Bush Appears

CitizenSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:01:48 -0700

After a quiet day at the convention yesterday, it seemed like the response to the hurricane had galvanized Republicans even more. Every delegate with a Gulf State delegate badge was the object of goodwill and well wishers, and all in the arena seemed relieved to gear up the real convention.

The speakers tonight, former presidential candidate Sen. Fred Thompson, and Independent McCain supporter Sen. Joe Lieberman, took the top in-person billing. President Bush, bumped from his live slot yesterday by the Hurricane, also addressed those assembled via satellite saying: "We need a president who understands the lessons of September 11, 2001: That to protect America, we must stay on the offense, stop attacks before they happen, and not wait to be hit again. The man we need is John McCain."

The job of the Senators tonight was to lay out the biography of the candidate — and given the scant mentions of his name yesterday out of reverence, it was nice to be reminded why everyone was there. To see how they did their job,

Laura Ingraham Says, "Yes!" Palin Is Being Treated Differently

CitizenSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:25:21 -0700

I'm shaking right now, I'm so excited. I just saw Phyllis Schlafly (the political activist known for her best-selling book A Choice, Not An Echo as well as her outspoken opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment) speak at the Republican National Coalition for Life event! And though Gov. Sarah Palin was supposed to speak as well, they had a pretty good pinch hitter — Laura Ingraham. I can't believe I was in the front row. I mean, I did graduate work on the rhetoric of Phyllis Schlafly. Wow.

I have so much to say about the event, what she said, how many times Code Pink made it on stage, how they were sung from the room with "God Bless America" by a bunch of star-spangled Republicans full of love, and how well Phyllis handled it, and I will! Soon! I'm dashing off to the convention hall now, but let's just say everyone in that room today agrees that Gov. Palin is being treated differently because she's a woman — and they're fired up and ready to vote for her all the more.

I'll have more news on the Life event, the Politico panel I went to this morning, the speeches tonight and more coming soon!

Would Sarah Palin Be Treated Differently If She Were a Man?

LibertySugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:30:40 -0700

Many people think John McCain chose Sarah Palin simply because she is a woman, who also happens to appeal to the evangelical base. Citizen attended the Women and the Republican Party panel today in St. Paul and the question came up: would John McCain have chosen Palin if she was a man? One panel member responded, "I think the experience and issues takes a back seat because she (is) a woman." Palin's gender may have influenced her selection, and it may influence the reaction to her. Perhaps if Sarah were a man, critics would not consider her family obligations — including five children, a son with Down syndrome, a pregnant teenage daughter — when assessing her ability to lead. It's a hypothetical exercise to figure out how gender matters here, but we do know that sensationalized coverage of politicians' personal lives has been used to assess male leaders, too. Remember Bill Clinton? While you may agree with many of the poll choices below, which do you think most accurately describes how Palin's gender factors into the race? (And stay tuned: Citizen's trying to see Palin address the Republican Coalition for Life right now!)Source

Would Sarah Palin Be Treated Differently If She Were a Man?

Yes! McCain would never have put a Mr. Palin on the ticket.

Yes! People would never judge a man this way.

Yup! McCain made a cynical choice to get women voters, and then says she's off limits.

No. Anyone dealing with this level of distractions cannot lead during this crucial time.

No. This is simply about McCain's judgment and conservative hypocrisy.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Official GOP Palin Pregnancy Talking Points: Internal Memo

CitizenSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:55:39 -0700

Official GOP Palin Pregnancy Talking Points: Internal Memo The Republicans have created a few talking points for high-profile delegates and surrogates who are asked about Gov. Palin's family. Note, too, that the Alaska delegation underwent four hours of media training on Sunday night. These delegates are set to be savvy and on-message.

Thousands Protest the War at the Republican Convention

CitizenSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:00:13 -0700

While the Republicans prepared for a subdued opening to their convention, the protesters were out in full-force. An event called "March on the RNC" drew 8,000 to 10,000 people with seven arrests.

The group chanted slogans like "war is not pro-life" and displayed signs against President Bush, who canceled plans to speak at the convention because of the hurricane. The protesters paraded across St. Paul, from the state capitol to the Xcel Center, where it's expected that John McCain will accept the Republican nomination later this week.

To see video of the event,

Day 2: What's Going on at the Republican Convention

CitizenSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:55:42 -0700

While we're awaiting a conference call at 10:30 a.m. ET to confirm how many of the day's convention activities will be on today, in the meantime there are still a bunch of things worth checking out today:

Update: Ron Paul will address the Rally for the Republic at 1:30 p.m. ET, and you can watch it live, plus President Bush is expected to address the convention tonight via satellite from the White House.

12:00 p.m: The Big Tent Event hosted by the Log Cabin Republicans.
1:00 p.m: Politics and the Media: Bridging the Political Divide in the 2008 Election, sponsored by USC Annenberg's Center on Communication and Leadership/Politico
2:00 p.m: The ONE campaign's community service project, assembling caregiver packs for those working abroad.
3:00 p.m: The session will probably start around this time, but we're awaiting the call to see who will be speaking today, though the Times is reporting that Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman will be giving speeches tonight.
Later on I'm heading out to see Lizz Winstead's (creator of the Daily Show) comedy show and convention commentary.

McCain's campaign manager Rick Davis has just confirmed that the RNC will resume today with a full schedule including Lieberman and Thompson speaking tonight.

Source

What Do the Republican Delegates Think About Sarah Palin?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:40 -0700

Even though the convention was pared down yesterday, the delegates were on the floor in full force and happy to talk about their thoughts on the choice of Gov. Sarah Palin to be John McCain's running mate.

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This trio from the New York delegation couldn't be more pleased with the choice, despite the fact that the news of Palin's pregnant daughter had broken earlier in the day. Citing reasons like that she's a western governor, a Washington outsider, and that she brings energy to the ticket they're behind the choice full-force.

What do you think of their reasoning? Has the media been painting a different picture of the party's enthusiasm over the choice?

Day 1: Laura Bush and Cindy McCain Appeal For Gulf State Aid

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:29:06 -0700

True to their promise for official business only, the Republican Convention today focused on floor votes and finished with a brief appearance by First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain. After a series of touching and well-done video messages from the Gulf State Governors (all of whom are Republican) both women appealed for aid to Hurricane victims.

Laura Bush said, "Our first priority for today and in the coming days is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast Region. . . When such events occur, we are reminded that first, we are all Americans - and that our shared American ideals will always transcend political parties and partisanship."

Cindy McCain followed (wearing a fantastic, 50s-silhouette goldenrod dress) saying, "I would ask that each one of us commit to join together to aid those in need as quickly as possible. As John has been saying for the last several days, this is a time when we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats."

To see what the party is doing during the convention to help, and video of the audience's reaction to Laura and Cindy,

How Much Do You Know About the Republican Convention?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:00:30 -0700

While we're taking the schedule of the convention day-by-day here in St. Paul, see how much you know about Republican conventions from days gone by.

Source

Day 1: The Republican Convention's First Session Just Started!

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:53:04 -0700

I'm here in the Xcel Center for the first session of the Republican National Convention, and already it feels so different from last week. The jumbo-tron outside is broadcasting Fox News' coverage of Hurricane Gustav, and the delegates and press are quieter and more subdued than last week.

In today's abbreviated program both Laura Bush and Cindy McCain are set to speak, and according to the convention conference call, there will be no music in between their speeches keeping the mood respectful and somber. Both are set to appeal for aid to the Gulf Coast region. The program opened asking everyone in the hall to text donations to the Red Cross.

The delegates I've spoken to so far are nonetheless excited — the Texas delegation in their matching cowboy hats stand out for sure, and I'm wearing my Republican red shoes and enjoying every second of it. The general opinion is that the party is handling the convention exactly right given the circumstances and there's an overriding air of support for Gov. Palin, while Obama has declared her daughter's news, "off limits."

Day 1: What's Happening at the Republican Convention?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:30:53 -0700

I'm all checked in and official at the Republican Convention, having been given the warning from organizers that they're taking the proceedings "day by day" pending the Hurricane Gustav news. Early in the week thought it may be, I'm ready to declare the Republican goodie bag better than the Dems. Why? Check out the red umbrella and completely awesome special edition Republican macaroni and cheese. The noodles are elephants! Sold!

Though the schedule today is much shorter, I'm going to check out a few things today:

11:00 a.m: A giant anti-war protest b Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War. Organizers say they expect 50,000 to show up.
2:15 p.m: Panel on Conservatism Today with Atlantic's Ross Douthat, Aspen Institute's Mickey Edwards, National Review's David Frum and the Washington Post's EJ Dionne.

3:00 p.m: The brief, business-only session on the convention floor. All of the night's scheduled program has been canceled.
9:00 p.m: Coalitions United featuring Smash Mouth, sponsored by Coalition for A Conservative Majority & Citizens United.

How do you think the party is handling the Hurricane and the convention? Right approach?

Make an Effort Minnesota! The Republicans Are Coming . . .

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 03:00:24 -0700

How will the Twin Cities — the liberal heart of the Midwest — welcome conservatives to the Republican National Convention kicking off today? In the most unconventional way, of course. Make an Effort is a tongue-in-cheek ad campaign that asks Minnesotans to get creative in their welcoming efforts.

Because as its tagline says, "every party needs a gracious host." Check out just how gracious in this ad. Oh, my! Good thing there will be condoms!

I'm Here! Republican Convention Hangs In Balance In St. Paul

CitizenSugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:37:21 -0700

With a Hurricane of a damper cast on the convention and the first day's schedule scrapped, the buzz here now is how the best way to handle the convention in the midst of a pending national disaster. Sounding awfully presidential, McCain said,

I pledge that tomorrow night and, if necessary, throughout our convention, we will act as Americans and not as Republicans, because America needs us now. No matter what we are — Republican or Democratic — America needs us to do what all Americans have always done in times of disaster and challenge.

President Bush and Vice President Cheney have already canceled their appearances, McCain has suspended most convention activities tomorrow, and solutions being floated include turning tomorrow's session into a fundraising telethon for hurricane victims. The McCain campaign is making a chartered jet available in St. Paul for any delegates from Louisiana and Mississippi who want to return home.

I'm heading out to pick up my pass now, and will let you know what else I hear about the fate of the convention as soon as I hear it!

St. Paul, Here I Come! Gearing Up for the GOP Convention

CitizenSugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:00:37 -0700

OK, it's official, with photographic evidence and everything: I'm getting a balloon drop! While St. Paul and the GOP make their final preparations for the start of the convention tomorrow, the drama and excitement have already begun.

With Hurricane Gustav's arrival threatening the propriety of the event, John McCain has questioned going ahead with the festivities saying,

I'm afraid … that we may have to look at that situation and we'll try to monitor it. But you know it just wouldn't be appropriate to have a festive occasion while a near-tragedy or a terrible challenge is presented in the form of a natural disaster. So we're monitoring it from day to day and I'm saying a few prayers too.

As it stands, President Bush isn't expected to make his scheduled appearance at the convention.

But there are already some unique conventioneers fired up to go. To see who,

Send Condoms to Republicans, Give Money to Democrats

CitizenSugar — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:00:15 -0700

Planned Parenthood must think that the conventions are just big orgies. They're asking supporters to send condoms to the Republican National Convention along with money, of course, that will go to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Barack Obama's campaign.

Ten dollars will send one condom, $35 sends four, you get the picture. The Democrats will get the money, and they're hoping the Republicans will get the message.

OK, so the condoms aren't meant to be used (but they can . . . even for the most conventional sex), they're meant to serve as a reminder that prevention is a nonpartisan issue. Even if Planned Parenthood relays the message in its usual partisan tone, saying:

They don't get that young people need comprehensive, accurate sex education. They don't get that they don't belong in the exam room letting their politics get in the middle of a woman and her doctor. And they don't get that preventing sexually transmitted diseases starts with one simple item: a condom.

Do you think Republicans will get Planned Parenthood's message? Or are the bright-pink wrappers distracting and the message, um, plastic?

Planned Parenthood isn't the only safe-sex group cropping up at the conventions. To see who we saw last week,

Lieberman to Speak at RNC! How Much Does He Help McCain?

LibertySugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Independent Senator Joe Lieberman will speak at the Republican National Convention, where Lieberman's former rivals will nominate his good friend John McCain for president. And an even juicier rumor is floating around: the real Lieberman surprise might come as a slot on the ticket, not merely as a speaking slot at the convention. John McCain is seriously considering Joe Lieberman as his vice-presidential nominee.Let's get back the substantiated rumor that Lieberman will speak at the RNC. At first it seems a little odd that a senator who got the Democratic VP nod in 2000, ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, and still caucuses with the Senate Democrats will speak at the Republican's biggest party. But it's also no secret that some of Lieberman's stances veer to the right. He strongly supports the Iraq war and crossed the aisle to support McCain early on. A while back more of you thought Lieberman should speak at the RNC than those who thought a speech would be the ultimate betrayal. Now that the speech is happening, how much of an advantage does it give John McCain? As an Orthodox Jew, Lieberman could help McCain in a swing state like Florida. Should McCain go all the way and tap the recovering Democrat as his VP?Source

Lieberman to Speak at RNC! How Much Does He Help McCain?

Embracing Lieberman shows McCain can cross the aisle, and it will help with moderates.

Lieberman is no longer reputable. He'll help McCain as much as he helped Gore.

McCain's asking for a GOP revolt. He needs to stay away from a pro-choice VP.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.