Sneak Preview of Republican Convention - for real.

[EarlG]

IT'S ONE THING to say, as everyone seems to, that conventions these days are "tightly scripted." It's another to actually get a peek at the script itself -- and while it's still in development.

A draft of the Republican convention schedule recently came our way, and it offers a sneak preview of the less-than-spontaneous nature of the festivities and a certain fill-in-the-blank quality of the offerings. For example, the convention's first day, Aug. 30 (theme: "Protecting America"), has this slotted for 9:40 p.m.: "Iraqi Woman (TBD)" -- to be determined. Whoever she is, we know she'll be great. On Sept. 2 (theme: "Yes, America Can") another segment has penciled in: "Iraqi scholar . . . or any Fulbright scholar from Iraq." The pledge of allegiance that day is to be led by an "Olympian/Celebrity." Five minutes are allotted for the floor demonstration before President Bush's acceptance speech, another five for the demonstration following.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44148-2004Aug5.html

[bobbieinok]

1. 24/7 media spin--DNC scripted, RNC spontaneous enthusiasm

and excitement for 'our divinely chosen, wonderful, family values, true patriot leader'

[elehhhhna]

2. You sure that's not the Iraqi Election Convention? Sounds like it...

[hippiegranny]

3. the only way the media can redeem themselves

is by mostly ignoring and talking over most of this convention, just like they did ours. Anything more or less than that is unacceptable.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

4. "Yes, America Can"