Enthusiasm Gap Plagues GOP Convention

Politico: Republican Convention May Be Marked By Conspicuous Absences

(The Politico)  This story was written by Richard T. Cullen.

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While excitement is building for a Democratic Party convention capped by Barack Obama's historic acceptance speech before a sold-out, 75,000-seat football stadium, the GOP convention the following week is shaping up to be a considerably more staid affair, marked by the conspicuous absence of many of the usual convention attendees.

Republicans aren’t exactly planning to avoid the convention in droves. But compared to past conventions, lawmakers, lobbyists and candidates aren’t beating a path to St. Paul either.

Of the 12 Republicans running in competitive Senate races--five of whom are incumbents--only three have said they will be attending convention. Six are definite no-shows, and three are on the fence.

“Nobody likes a funeral,” said a Senate Republican press secretary who declined to be identified, citing “the overall climate of general malaise about the party” as the reason for hesitance on the part of Republicans.

On the House side, according to a report in The Hill, during a July 31 conference call National Republican Campaign Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) discouraged congressional hopefuls from attending, saying that doing so would potentially be a “waste of time.”

At least a handful of Republican incumbents, ranging from vulnerable incumbents such as Jon Porter and Dean Heller of Nevada to safe veteran members such as James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin and Sue Myrick of North Carolina, have also decided to stay home this year.

“While the congressman believes spending time with the delegates and the party faithful is productive, he is focused on campaigning in his district and ensuring that we keep Nevada red,” said Matt Leffingwell, press secretary to Porter.

The political environment is just one explanation behind the absence of convention fever. Many GOP lobbyists also have decided the convention isn’t worth the trip-despite the seemingly limitless networking and schmoozing opportunities-in part because of logistics and location.

In 2004, D.C.-based conventioneers could zip in and out of New York City by train. The 2000 convention in Philadelphia was an even shorter ride.

St. Paul, by contrast, requires a flight halfway across the country from Washington-and, of course, the maddening hassle of air travel. The convention dates aren’t great either since opening day falls on Labor Day, which for parents marks the beginning of the school year.

That’s asking a lot of attendees, some of whom question whether, as a destination, the Twin Cities will be worth the aggravation.

“I would definitely say that people aren’t as excited about going to Minneapolis as they were about going to New York City,” said Matthew Keelen, president of the Keelen Group, a D.C.-based lobbying firm. “Minneapolis is a nice city, but it doesn’t quite have the environment and reputation of a New York City, and I think 2004 was a unique convention and a lot of it had to do with where it was,” he said.

“Overall, Republicans have an intensity problem,” added a top Republican lobbyist who requested anonymity. “I have a lot of friends that are just not going that have gone in years past.”

One Republican lobbyist interviewed by Politico said that of all the Republicans in his firm, only half were attending convention this year.

The lack of enthusiasm has been a source of frustration for venue owners close to the convention hall at the Xcel Center, some of whom were struggling to meet their reservation expectations until just recently.

“We certainly weren’t alone, a lot of venues hadn’t heard anything and were kind of wondering what might of happened,” said David Miller, general manager of the St. Paul Hotel.

Republicans aren’t the only ones who appear less than passionate about their national convention. TV One, a new cabe network aimed at African American viewers, plans to cover the Democratic Convention but not the GOP’s.

Rock the Vote, a non-partisan group that strives to promote youth involvement in the political process, has an elaborate “Ballot Bash” fundraiser scheduled in Denver, which features, according the group’s website: “ a live concert featuring exclusive performances and collaborations by marquee artists” in addition to an after-party of “world class DJ’s VIPS and celebrity guests.”

But for the GOP convention, Rock the Vote has more modest aspirations, featuring a “Premier Women’s Event: Political Chicks A Go Go,” sponsored by Lifetime television network and Right Now! with no notable music acts or VIPs.

“As of right now there’s not an equal amount [of events] but we’re working to get it that way,” said Rock the Vote spokesperson Stephanie Young, who cited “space issues” as part of the reason for the disparity.

Regardless, the Republican National Committee says the level of excitement will parallel past conventions.

"We're confident that we're going to have a great national convention with enthusiastic participation from Republicans nationwide who are working hard every day to elect John McCain in November,” said Amber Wilkerson, an RNC spokeswoman.

Several of the Republicans interviewed contended that the goal isn’t necessarily to compete with the Democratic convention.

“We’re not having a rock concert at a stadium, but yet Republicans are looking at good polling data right now, they’re looking at a candidate who’s getting his sea legs right now,” said Edward Cutler, a Republican lobbyist for Clark and Weinstock. “I really think there is growing enthusiasm about what John McCain is doing and saying.”

[jmurrieta1]

Nobody (except John McCain it seems) wants that Bush stink sticking to them.

Republicans know they''d rather lie down with a skunk than be seen as part of the Bush-cheney regime.

Too bad so few of them thought of that 4 years ago when they were all sucking up to Bush and Rove.

[hypnotoad72]

What happened to the republicans to end up as a "borrow and spend" party? You''ll note that "the party of fiscal responsibility" wouldn''t dare use that motto anymore. Indeed, they also no longer claim they will run it like a business, OR claim government is ineffectual. Democrats have had their time making stupid mistakes too, let''s be real, but 2 recent years of "duh" compared to 14 of "duh" running the House and Senate plus 8 having the Presidency under their control HAS to suggest SOMETHING. Mostly that these politicians don''t have as much control as people think they have?

[hypnotoad72]

Too bad so few of them thought of that 4 years ago when they were all sucking up to Bush and Rove.

Posted by jmurrieta1
----------------

In all fairness, unity and organization is a strength. All those union bumper stickers saying the same things can''t be wrong either. The Republicans thought they were doing the right thing, or at least toeing the line so they wouldn''t look, as a party, scatterbrained. It''s turned out to be a big mistake. Now they want to re-image themselves, but so far, trying to nix the "party of the country club" for "party of Sams Club" hasn''t worked -- because everyone sees these Repubs tied into Sams'' policies and methods and not the workers, most of whom put in lots of hours, skill, and many also include loyalty (aka "toeing the line" again).

Indeed, when I know Republican peers who say "Tax offshored labor, don''t give incentives TO offshore", one has to wonder why we''re giving incentives to shove jobs off shore. It''s like giving tax credits to people buying SUVs and Hummers...

[irliberal]

"Enthusiasm Gap Plagues GOP Convention"

I think they should clutch their guns and/or crucifixes tighter. I hear that can really help people of that mindset.

[holalanemeir]

Q: Remember how all the conservative talking heads were screaming about the missing "W"s from the computer keyboards after the 2000 election? Where are their comments now dealing with the ballooning deficit, declining dollar, mortgage mess, sinking stock market, Katrina fiasco, $4.00 gas, rising food prices, outsourcing, Iraq, ect.?

A. NO WHERE. They''re ignoring all the current problems made by this fiasco of a Republican administration. The yelling point today is: "we need to drill more".

[stn_sage]

Nobody (except John McCain it seems) wants that Bush stink sticking to them.

Republicans know they''''d rather lie down with a skunk than be seen as part of the Bush-cheney regime.

Too bad so few of them thought of that 4 years ago when they were all sucking up to Bush and Rove.

Posted by jmurrieta1 at 05:15 PM : Aug 12, 2008
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OH, how TRUE! If they had thought about it, they wouldn''t be accomplices in Bush/Cheney crimes, now!

[stn_sage]

Q: Remember how all the conservative talking heads were screaming about the missing "W"s from the computer keyboards after the 2000 election?...
A. NO WHERE. They''''re ignoring all the current problems made by this fiasco of a Republican administration. The yelling point today is: "we need to drill more".
Posted by holalanemeir at 06:34 PM : Aug 12, 2008
----------------------
And what does THIS response represent?! They want to
continue the destruction! UNBELIEVABLE! They haven''t learned a thing the last 7 1/2 years! SO SAD! :(

[stn_sage]

"Enthusiasm Gap Plagues GOP Convention"

I think they should clutch their guns and/or crucifixes tighter. I hear that can really help people of that mindset.

Posted by IRLiberal at 06:10 PM : Aug 12, 2008
-------------------
I suggest they CHANGE their MINDSET! Actually use their brain to think with this time! Instead of blindly following others, whose intentions are malignant if not downright evil!

[stn_sage]

If I were a RepubliCON running for reelection, you wouldn''t find me at the convention! I''d be back in my home district, lying my rear end off about how I DIDN''T support Bush/Cheney in all the crazy things they''ve done! And then, I''d hope my constituents were silly enough to believe me!

What I find to be amazing, is this last year ''CONS had the opportunity to distance themselves from Bush, work with the Dems, and probably have a good chance of getting reelected! Instead, the vast majority chose to continue to play partisan politics and NOT do the public''s business!

For THIS, many of them will pay for it on election day! And, get kicked out of office!

By the way, Cindy SHEEHAN has gotten approved as an independent candidate against Nancy Pelosi in November! She''s ON the ballot! I encourage Californians to vote for Cindy and help get rid of non-performing incumbent politicians! America needs your help!

[mr2258]

Just bring in a big name rock group like Obama does.An instant crowd.

[stn_sage]

Just bring in a big name rock group like Obama does.An instant crowd.

Posted by mr2258 at 07:12 PM : Aug 12, 2008
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Gheesh! Maybe the GOP needs to place YOU in charge of running the convention! You couldn''t do any worse than them! You''re CORRECT! If short on substance, go for entertainment value!

[benighse]

BRING IN THE BEACH BOYS WITH THEIR WALKERS AND MCCAIN CAN HEADLINE WITH "BOMB, BOMB, BOMB, BOMB IRAN"--THAT''LL BRING SOME ENTHUSIASM TO THE GOP CONVENTION ===THERE IS NO ENTHUSIAM FOR JOHN THE ELDERLY BECAUSE HE IS WRONG ON ALL THE ISSUES===HE''S WRONG ON IRAQ; HE''S WRONG ON THE ECONOMY; HE''S WRONG ON YUCCA MOUNTAIN; HE''S WRONG ON THE SUPREME COURT REPLACEMENTS; HE''S WRONG ON HOUSING; HE''S WRONG ON EDUCATION; HE''S WRONG ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND DIPLOMACY; HE''S WRONG ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE; AND HE''S WRONG ON SUPPORTING DUBYA 95% OF THE TIME===MAYBE HE''LL SELECT CHENEY AS HIS RUNNING MATE SO HE CAN BE JUST AS WRONG AS BUSH ON THAT TOO!!!

[kansas1946]

I think it would probably be more exciting watching the grass grow than to attend the Republican convention. Boring.....

[mr2258]

I was thinking the Rolling Stones. "Start Me Up" as McCain enters.100,OOO in the crowd.Welcome Mr. President.

McCain should offer more of his "points" to attendees so he can fill the seats.

[blkpresident]

No surprise here that the GOP Convention and old man McCain lack enthusiasm; what''s so exciting about watching an old man take multiple daily naps.

[emelder]

Will President Bush speak at the convention ... or are they avoiding association with the Cowboy?

[broadwayphi]

What''s to be excited about?

Yaaaaaawwwwwwnnnnnnnn....

[emelder]

This is why he only does "town hall" meetings ... McSame, and his ideas, are so old and lame that he can''t generate a turnout at an Obama-like location!

[broadwayphi]

YaaaaaaaWWWWWWWNNNNNNNNNNN!

[broadwayphi]

I hear ABBA is available...

[vincan-2009]

Only rarely do you hear the truth about how demoralized the republican party is and should be. They have supported the worst president and worst policies that have caused great harm to America. Republicans have been greedy, and so partisan that they let their dear leader lead them by the nose without ever using a brain cell.

[downtowner97]

Presidents should campaign by acting like they are already president. Obama did so by visiting with world leaders. McCain should pretend to be signing approval for no-bid military contracts.

[stn_sage]

Posted by mr2258 at 09:06 PM : Aug 12, 2008
-----------------
Yeah, the Rolling Stones should fill up the place! ABBA is a great band, too. If you could get both of them and one other, or have a different main band each night, that would do it! At the very least, the delegates would get some good entertainment and feel better about the convention.

[pollroller1]

I think I will watch the grass grow. Maybe even watch some paint dry. MUCH more exciting.

[lordmi]

how McBush can create enthusiasm? This old idiot is a sourse of frustration .

[trrrorislamx]

FASCIST NAZI TERRORISLAM IS THE PROBLEM,,,

DEMONIC-RAT HUSSEIN IS NOT THE SOLUTION,,,

EXPOSE HUSSEIN
http://www.exposeobama.com/obamaislam.html

www.obamatruth.org

www.stop-obama.org

A Video Portrait Of Barack Hussein Obama
http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/video.aspx?RsrcID=2036

The Barack Obama Test
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/02/the_barack_obama_test.html

Obama-Odinga-Rezko-Ayers-Auchi-Saddam Hussein
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIe4d9Nmg9k

Raila Odinga was also financially backed by Muammar al-Gaddafi. Raila Odinga is Obama''s cousin:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/717...

Why does Raila Odinga use Obama''s exact same campaign slogan: CHANGE....Vote for CHANGE: Look at his website:
http://www.raila07.com/


IMPEACH HUSSEIN NOW,,,

SIGN THE PETITION

Impeach, expel Barack Obama
http://obamaimpeachment.org

HUSSEIN IS NO COMMANDER IN CHIEF,,, lol

McCain Tops Obama in Commander-in-Chief Test; Stays Competitive on Iraq

Poll Finds 72 Percent of Americans Say McCain Would be Good Commander-in-Chief
http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/Politics/Story?id=5370538&page=1

Obama: Commander-in-(mis)chief?
http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/imperium/2008/07/200872011345855233.html

[ccjenkins3]

Although an %u201Centhusiasm%u201D gap may plague the GOP Convention, it does not mean that McCain will loose the election. Why not - simply because becoming the president is not all about "enthusiasm"? I recall the days when Ronald Regan was first running against Carter. Even though the Democrats had more excitement, Reagan still won twice. Not only did he win, but he was older as well. I recall how people commented of how old he was. I recall George W. Bush was boring against both Gore and Kerry, but again he has won twice. So, let us not count "enthusiasm", rap songs, movie stars, and good looks as the sure way to the presidency.

[usais11]

What do all those Democrats have in common? They''''re infected with Savioritis Pestis, a generally harmless disorder which explodes into a global pandemic when it is caught by ambitious pols. For some reasons Republicans never catch this disease, possibly because they would be laughed out of town before the sun goes down. But when Nancy Pelosi was asked the other week why she shut down any House debate on oil drilling, her Frisco airhead answer just came out, "I''m just trying to Save the Planet." Don''t bother me with grubby facts, I''m busy being Jesus. And nobody in the mainstream media even sniggered.
Senator O and his Lady Michelle, who have so little control over their blown-up egos that they have already lost the polling bump that comes with a solid media slobber from the Left.
Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad, said the sly old Greeks.. The Democrats are infested with hubris like lice on a mangy dog. It''s not just one swelled-head politician; it''s a whole parade of them. American voters have quietly noticed all that. That''s why John Kerry and Al Gore lost. It''s why Hillary and Bill were thrown over by the Left as soon as a fresh new savior showed up. It''s also why Dukakis, Mondale and McGovern crashed and burned, one after the other. Most Americans would rather keep their Savior for religious worship, thank you.

[hasher471]

Man! Bad time for McCain. Between this article and the article about ''groups'' of Republicans supporting Obama, I think the writing is on the wall.

[realpatriot1]

Who says nobody likes funerals? I''m going to love this one! They need to throw the body in the river along with the collapsing bridge(a replacement symbol for the GOP elephant). Let it float down the Mississippi to New Orleans, another monument to Republican incompetence.

As far as it being a waste of time is concerned, when has it not been? Come on guys, cheer up. They''ll still be lots of lobbyists and hookers there!

[chitown639]

Enthusiasm Gap Plagues GOP Convention...

What??? No one wants to watch EBENEZER SCROOGE get the Republican Nomination??? Bah, humbug!!!

[hasher471]

Rafflin, ChiTown....FUNNY!!! :-)

[erb0087]

%u201CNobody likes a funeral,%u201D said a Senate Republican press secretary who declined to be identified"

The funeral of the GOP ? What''s not to like ?

[erb0087]

They can invite Jimmy Carter to give the Keynote Address:

"I overcame malaise and won a Nobel Prize, and you can too."