Liberal talking heads are beside themselves..one even said that Kerry has just been knocked off the pins and needles he's been on. The ex-boston Globe writer said people were in tears listening to those women and then Guiliani threw a incredible blow to Kerry's character. They said no one expected this much "red meat" from the compassionate conservatives or moderates of the party. They are dumbfounded at the night's events. What a contrast between the fake convention and this one.

+1

+1

but wait....John Kerry is a war hero.

I hope it stays this good.

Guiliani was great.

McCain was pretty dang good himself.

Next up, Arnold!!

I don't think I have heard a better political speech than the one Guliani gave tonight.

The convention was loaded "front heavy" this year, the opening volley containing most of the shock and awe.

That's why the networks won't start coverage until tomorrow.

What's up with all the "red meat" talk I hear? Is this the new "gravi tas" that the Libs were throwing around after they marching orders from the DNC awhile ago? These people couldn't have an original thought if you put a fucking gun to their head....

S.O.

Quoted: It is as if the Democrats were the ones in the White House and the Republicans were the Party on the outside looking in! They are loaded for bear, and I can only pray that they can keep this up! And Ron Silver was great, was he not? Finally, someone from Hollywood that 'get's it'! Eric The(Hopeful)Hun

Liberal piece of crap Ron Silver (oh, now the're our jets) was there?  WTF?

Quoted: It is as if the Democrats were the ones in the White House and the Republicans were the Party on the outside looking in! They are loaded for bear, and I can only pray that they can keep this up! And Ron Silver was great, was he not? Finally, someone from Hollywood that 'get's it'! Eric The(Hopeful)Hun

Ron Silver? Didnt he play the campaign strategist on the West Wing? How interesting.

Quoted: It is as if the Democrats were the ones in the White House and the Republicans were the Party on the outside looking in! They are loaded for bear, and I can only pray that they can keep this up! And Ron Silver was great, was he not? Finally, someone from Hollywood that 'get's it'! Eric The(Hopeful)Hun

He can kiss his career goodbye.

I loved the contrast between the Democrats who blathered on and said "Oh, and by the way, if we're ever attacked by terrorists, we'll strike back hard!"  If we're attacked?  Shouldn't they have said "If we're attacked, AGAIN"?

Contrast with Rudy (I missed most everything else) spent at least half his speech addressing terrorism and 9/11.  That's what I care about. Democrats want to forget it, get back to prescription drugs and wealth re-distribution.

I worked all evening... any place I can get the videos downloaded from?

Did a web search, I got nada.

- BG

Quoted: I worked all evening... any place I can get the videos downloaded from? Did a web search, I got nada. - BG

Did you check the convention homepage?

www.gopconvention.com/rewind/

What would really put their panties in a wad is if the RNC planners switched up the speakers at the last minute and had another heavyweight speak for the alphabets.

Quoted: Quoted: I worked all evening... any place I can get the videos downloaded from? Did a web search, I got nada. - BG Did you check the convention homepage? www.gopconvention.com/rewind/

You can stream some of the big speeches from foxnews.com
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,130680,00.html

Quoted: Liberal talking heads are beside themselves..one even said that Kerry has just been knocked off the pins and needles he's been on. The ex-boston Globe writer said people were in tears listening to those women and then Guiliani threw a incredible blow to Kerry's character. They said no one expected this much "red meat" from the compassionate conservatives or moderates of the party. They are dumbfounded at the night's events. What a contrast between the fake convention and this one.

Giuliani was right on when he said something like "President Bush, a leader who is willing to stick with difficult decisions even as public opinion shifts, and John Kerry, whose record in elected office suggests a man who changes his position often even on important issues.".   Kerry is like a teenage girl--can't make up his mind.

Rudy was a Stark, Cold and eloquent spokesperson for why we are at war.  He was the mayor of an American city that was attacked.  He was the leader of that city after the attack and was at ground zero to lead the recovery.  

 He presented the epitamy of a harsh reminder for all too many that have forgotten the cause of this war.


 PS:  How 'bout those background pics?

Quoted:  PS:  How 'bout those background pics?

What did I miss?

Quoted: What did I miss?

Could be wrong, but glancing at the background pictures as he spoke it seemed to me to be a skyline of New York WITHOUT the towers.  

Reinforcement of Who, What, Why, Where & When, ....

I don't know if it is my political biased or not.  But I agree...this convention is starting out GREAT!


SGatr15

McCain for the first time didnt come across as a RINO. He stated everything right about the right, and right about Iraq, and even beheaded Fat Bastard Moore.

Rudy? Oh my. He not only stated W's abilities and strengths, he put a foot, maybe two in both of Kerry's collective asses.

And they both had the ability to state their positions from where they stand, the moral high ground that Kerry doesnt have.

I want to see someone point out W serving Thanksgiving dinne in Bagdhad, landing AT Saddam Intl Airport, 13 days after having a cargo plane shot otu of the sky. Lets talk about balls.

Tommorrow we get to hear from "the Brotha", Dr. Rod Paige, U.S. Secretary of Education, Mrs. First Lady and  Gov. Schwarzenegger, respectively. I cant wait for round 2!

I predict a boost for GW overnight, the Elephant came out swinging, and put the smackdown on that ass.

Quoted: Quoted: What did I miss? Could be wrong, but glancing at the background pictures as he spoke it seemed to me to be a skyline of New York WITHOUT the towers.   Reinforcement of Who, What, Why, Where & When, ....

I saw and thought the same thing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 30, 2004 | Back to Speeches
Honorable Rudy Giuliani

Former Mayor of the City of New York

Welcome to the capital of the World.

New York was the first capital of our great nation. It was here in 1789 in lower Manhattan that George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States.

It was here in 2001 in lower Manhattan that President George W. Bush stood amid the fallen towers of the World Trade Center and said to the barbaric terrorists who attacked us, "They will hear from us."

They have heard from us!

They heard from us in Afghanistan and we removed the Taliban.

They heard from us in Iraq and we ended Saddam Hussein's reign of terror.

They heard from us in Libya and without firing a shot Qadhafi abandoned weapons of mass destruction.

They are hearing from us in nations that are now more reluctant to sponsor terrorists.

So long as George Bush is President, is there any doubt they will continue to hear from us until we defeat global terrorism.

We owe that much and more to those loved ones and heroes we lost on September 11th.

The families of some of those we lost on September 11th are here with us. To them, and all those families affected by September 11th, we recognize the sacrifices your loved ones and you have made. You are in our prayers and we are in your debt.
This is the first Republican Convention ever held in New York City.

It makes a statement that New York City and America are open for business and stronger than ever.

We're not going to let the threat of terrorism stop us from leading our lives.

From the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, to President George W. Bush our party's great contribution is to expand freedom in our own land and all over the world.

And our party is at its best when it makes certain that we have a powerful national defense in a still very dangerous world.

I don't believe we're right about everything and Democrats are wrong about everything.

Neither party has a monopoly on virtue.

But I do believe that there are times in our history when our ideas are more necessary and important for what we are facing.

There are times when leadership is the most important.

On September 11, this city and our nation faced the worst attack in our history.

On that day, we had to confront reality. For me, standing below the north tower and looking up and seeing the flames of hell and then realizing that I was actually seeing a man a human being jumping from the 101st or 102nd floor drove home to me that we were facing something beyond anything we had ever faced before.

We had to concentrate all of our energy, faith and hope to get through those first hours and days.

And I will always remember that moment as we escaped the building we were trapped in at 75 Barclay Street and realized that things outside might be even worse than they were inside the building.

We did the best we could to communicate a message of calm and hope, as we stood on the pavement seeing a massive cloud rushing through the cavernous streets of lower Manhattan.

Our people were so brave in their response.

At the time, we believed we would be attacked many more times that day and in the days that followed. Spontaneously, I grabbed the arm of then Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik and said to Bernie, "Thank God George Bush is our President."

And I say it again tonight, "Thank God George Bush is our President."

On September 11, George W. Bush had been President less than eight months. This new President, Vice President, and new administration were faced with the worst crisis in our history.

President Bush's response in keeping us unified and in turning the ship of state around from being solely on defense against terrorism to being on offense as well and for his holding us together.

For that and then his determined effort to defeat global terrorism, no matter what happens in this election, President George W. Bush already has earned a place in our history as a great American President.

But let's not wait for history to present the correct view of our President. Let us write our own history.

We need George Bush now more than ever.

The horror, the shock and the devastation of those attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and over the skies of Pennsylvania lifted a cloud from our eyes.

We stood face to face with those people and forces who hijacked not just airplanes but a religion and turned it into a creed of terrorism dedicated to eradicating us and our way of life.

Terrorism did not start on September 11, 2001. It had been festering for many years.

And the world had created a response to it that allowed it to succeed. The attack on the Israeli team at the Munich Olympics was in 1972. And the pattern had already begun.

The three surviving terrorists were arrested and within two months released by the German government.

Action like this became the rule, not the exception.

Terrorists came to learn they could attack and often not face consequences.

In 1985, terrorists attacked the Achille Lauro and murdered an American citizen who was in a wheelchair, Leon Klinghoffer.

They marked him for murder solely because he was Jewish.

Some of those terrorist were released and some of the remaining terrorists allowed to escape by the Italian government because of fear of reprisals.

So terrorists learned they could intimidate the world community and too often the response, particularly in Europe, was "accommodation, appeasement and compromise."

And worse the terrorists also learned that their cause would be taken more seriously, almost in direct proportion to the barbarity of the attack.

Terrorist acts became a ticket to the international bargaining table.

How else to explain Yasser Arafat winning the Nobel Peace Prize when he was supporting a terrorist plague in the Middle East that undermined any chance of peace?

Before September 11, we were living with an unrealistic view of the world much like our observing

Europe appease Hitler or trying to accommodate ourselves to peaceful co-existence with the Soviet Union through mutually assured destruction.

President Bush decided that we could no longer be just on defense against global terrorism but we must also be on offense.

On September 20, 2001, President Bush stood before a joint session of Congress, a still grieving and shocked nation and a confused world and he did change the direction of our ship of state.

He dedicated America under his leadership to destroying global terrorism.

The President announced the Bush Doctrine when he said: "Our war on terror begins with Al Qaeda, but it does not end there.

It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.

"Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists."

And since September 11th President Bush has remained rock solid.

It doesn't matter how he is demonized.

It doesn't matter what the media does to ridicule him or misinterpret him or defeat him.

They ridiculed Winston Churchill. They belittled Ronald Reagan.

But like President Bush, they were optimists; leaders must be optimists. Their vision was beyond the present and set on a future of real peace and true freedom.

Some call it stubbornness. I call it principled leadership.

President Bush has the courage of his convictions.

In choosing a President, we really don't choose a Republican or Democrat, a conservative or liberal.

We choose a leader.

And in times of danger, as we are now in, Americans should put leadership at the core of their decision.

There are many qualities that make a great leader but having strong beliefs, being able to stick with them through popular and unpopular times, is the most important characteristic of a great leader.

Winston Churchill saw the dangers of Hitler while his opponents characterized him as a war-mongering gadfly.

Ronald Reagan saw and described the Soviet Union as "the evil empire" while world opinion accepted it as inevitable and belittled Ronald Reagan's intelligence.

President Bush sees world terrorism for the evil that it is.

John Kerry has no such clear, precise and consistent vision.

This is not a personal criticism of John Kerry.

I respect him for his service to our nation.

But it is important to see the contrast in approach between the two men;

President Bush, a leader who is willing to stick with difficult decisions even as public opinion shifts, and John Kerry, whose record in elected office suggests a man who changes his position often even on important issues.

When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, John Kerry voted against the Persian Gulf War. Later he said he actually supported the war.

Then in 2002, as he was calculating his run for President, he voted for the war in Iraq.

And then just 9 months later, he voted against an $87 billion supplemental budget to fund the war and support our troops.

He even, at one point, declared himself an anti-war candidate. Now, he says he's pro-war. At this rate, with 64 days left, he still has time to change his position at least three or four more times.

My point about John Kerry being inconsistent is best described in his own words when he said, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it."

Maybe this explains John Edwards' need for two Americas - - one where John Kerry can vote for something and another where he can vote against the same thing.

Yes, people in public office at times do change their minds, I've done that, or they realize they are wrong or circumstances change.

But John Kerry has made it the rule to change his position, rather than the exception. In October, 2003, he told an Arab-American Institute in Detroit that a security barrier separating Israel from the Palestinian Territories was a "barrier to peace."

A few months later, he took exactly the opposite position. In an interview with the Jerusalem Post he said, "Israel's security fence is a legitimate act of self defense."

The contrasts are dramatic. They involve very different views of how to deal with terrorism.

President Bush will make certain that we are combatting terrorism at the source, beyond our shores, so we can reduce the risk of having to confront it in the streets of New York.

John Kerry's record of inconsistent positions on combatting terrorism gives us no confidence he'll pursue such a determined course.

President Bush will not allow countries that appear to have ignored the lessons of history and failed for over thirty years to stand up to terrorists, to dissuade us from what is necessary for our defense.

He will not let them set our agenda. Under President Bush, America will lead rather than follow.

John Kerry's claim that certain foreign leaders who opposed our removal of Saddam Hussein prefer him, raises the risk that he would accommodate his position to their viewpoint.

It would hardly be the first time he changed his position on matters of war and peace.

I remember the days following September 11th when we were no longer Democrats or Republicans, but Americans determined to do all we could to help the victims, to rebuild our city and nation and to disable our enemies.

I remember President Bush coming here on September 14, 2001 and lifting the morale of our rescue workers by talking with them and embracing them and staying with them much longer than originally planned.

In fact, if you promise to keep it just between us so I don't get in trouble it was my opinion that the Secret Service was concerned about the President remaining so long in that area.

With buildings still unstable, with fires raging below ground of 2000 degrees or more, there was good reason for concern.

Well the President remained there and talked to everyone, the firefighters, the police officers, the healthcare workers, the clergy, but the people who spent the most time with him were our construction workers.

Now New York construction workers are very special people. I'm sure this is true all over but I know the ones here the best. They were real heroes along with many others that day, volunteering immediately. And they're big, real big. Their arms are bigger than my legs and their opinions are even bigger than their arms.

Now each one of them would engage the President and I imagine like his cabinet give him advice.

They were advising him in their own words on exactly what he should do with the terrorists. Of course I can't repeat their exact language.

But one of them really went into great detail and upon conclusion of his remarks President Bush said in a rather loud voice, "I agree."

At this point the guy just beamed and all his buddies turned toward him in amazement.

The guy just lost it.

So he reached over, embraced the President and began hugging him enthusiastically.

A Secret Service agent standing next to me looked at the President and the guy and instead of extracting the President from this bear hug, he turned toward me and put his finger in my face and said, "If this guy hurts the President, Giuliani you're finished."

Meekly, and this is the moral of the story, I responded, "but it would be out of love."

I also remember the heart wrenching visit President Bush made to the families of our firefighters and police officers at the Javits Center.

I remember receiving all the help, assistance and support from the President and even more than we asked.

For that I will be eternally grateful to President Bush.

And I remember the support being bi-partisan and actually standing hand in hand Republicans and Democrats, here in New York and all over the nation.

During a Boston Red Sox game there was a sign held up saying Boston loves New York.

I saw a Chicago police officer sent here by Mayor Daley directing traffic in Manhattan.

I'm not sure where he sent the cars, they are probably still riding around the Bronx, but it was very reassuring to know how much support we had.

And as we look beyond this election and elections do accentuate differences let's make sure we rekindle that spirit that we are one one America united to end the threat of global terrorism.

Certainly President Bush will keep us focused on that goal. When President Bush announced his commitment to ending global terrorism, he understood - - I understood, we all understood - - it was critical to remove the pillars of support for the global terrorist movement.

In any plan to destroy global terrorism, removing Saddam Hussein needed to be accomplished.

Frankly, I believed then and I believe now that Saddam Hussein, who supported global terrorism, slaughtered hundreds of thousands of his own people, permitted horrific atrocities against women, and used weapons of mass destruction, was himself a weapon of mass destruction.

But the reasons for removing Saddam Hussein were based on issues even broader than just the presence of weapons of mass destruction.

To liberate people, give them a chance for accountable, decent government and rid the world of a pillar of support for global terrorism is something for which all those involved from President Bush to the brave men and women of our armed forces should be proud.

President Bush has also focused on the correct long-term answer for the violence and hatred emerging from the Middle East. The hatred and anger in the Middle East arises from the lack of accountable governments.

Rather than trying to grant more freedom, create more income, improve education and basic health care, these governments deflect their own failures by pointing to America and Israel and other external scapegoats.

But blaming these scapegoats does not improve the life of a single person in the Arab world. It does not relieve the plight of even one woman in Iran.

It does not give a decent living to a single soul in Syria. It certainly does not stop the slaughter of African Christians in the Sudan.

The changes necessary in the Middle East involve encouraging accountable, lawful governments that can be role models.

This has also been an important part of the Bush Doctrine and the President's vision for the future.

Have faith in the power of freedom.

People who live in freedom always prevail over people who live in oppression. That's the story of the Old Testament. That's the story of World War II and the Cold War.

That's the story of the firefighters and police officers and rescue workers who courageously saved thousands of lives on September 11, 2001.

President Bush is the leader we need for the next four years because he sees beyond today and tomorrow. He has a vision of a peaceful Middle East and, therefore, a safer world. We will see an end to global terrorism. I can see it. I believe it. I know it will happen.

It may seem a long way off. It may even seem idealistic.

But it may not be as far away and idealistic as it seems.

Look how quickly the Berlin Wall was torn down, the Iron Curtain ripped open and the Soviet Union disintegrated because of the power of the pent-up demand for freedom.

When it catches hold there is nothing more powerful than freedom. Give it some hope, and it will overwhelm dictators, and even defeat terrorists. That is what we have done and must continue to do in Iraq.

That is what the Republican Party does best when we are at our best, we extend freedom.

It's our mission. And it's the long-term answer to ending global terrorism. Governments that are free and accountable.

We have won many battles at home and abroad but as President Bush told us on September 20, 2001 it will take a long-term determined effort to prevail.

The war on terrorism will not be won in a single battle. There will be no dramatic surrender. There will be no crumbling of a massive wall.

But we will know it. We'll know it as accountable governments continue to develop in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq.

We'll know it as terrorist attacks throughout the world decrease and then end.

And then, God willing, we'll all be able on a future anniversary of September 11th.

To say to our fallen brothers and sisters. To our heroes of the worst attack in our history and to our heroes who have sacrificed their lives in the war on terror.

We will say to them we have done all that we could with our lives that were spared to make your sacrifices build a world of real peace and true freedom.

We will make certain in the words of President Bush that they have heard from us.

That they have heard from us a message of peace through free, accountable, lawful and decent governments giving people hope for a future for themselves and their children.

God bless each one we have lost, here and abroad, and their families.

God bless all those defending our freedom.

God bless America.

That was one of the greatest speeches I've ever heard.  I honestly felt the air go out of Kerry last night , it was like a one/two punch , Mcain and Guiliani point after point eviserated Kerry.

Anyone who is either undecided or is an intellectually honest Democrat (rare) has to be thinking that they need to vote for Bush.

tagged for speech

I don't get you guys.  Sometimes I think you understand what is going on and other times I think you are just a bunch of dumb shits.  McCain?  Hello?  McCain is a RINO, he's best buds with John Kerry.  Giuliani?  Same deal--major anti-gun RINO there.  The one-party state was on display last night for all to see.

And please, home run?  The major theme of the convention is fear--scaring Americans into giving up more of their money and more of their rights.  Seems like anyone who is pro-gun and even at little bit individualistic would see right through this dog & pony show.  

Their convention is terrible, even worse than what the damn fool democratic socialists put on.  

Quoted: I don't get you guys.  Sometimes I think you understand what is going on and other times I think you are just a bunch of dumb shits.  McCain?  Hello?  McCain is a RINO, he's best buds with John Kerry.  Giuliani?  Same deal--major anti-gun RINO there.  The one-party state was on display last night for all to see. And please, home run?  The major theme of the convention is fear--scaring Americans into giving up more of their money and more of their rights.  Seems like anyone who is pro-gun and even at little bit individualistic would see right through this dog & pony show.   Their convention is terrible, even worse than what the damn fool democratic socialists put on.

{snif..snif}

Smells like sour grapes.

Quoted: I don't get you guys.  Sometimes I think you understand what is going on and other times I think you are just a bunch of dumb shits.  McCain?  Hello?  McCain is a RINO, he's best buds with John Kerry.  Giuliani?  Same deal--major anti-gun RINO there.  The one-party state was on display last night for all to see. And please, home run?  The major theme of the convention is fear--scaring Americans into giving up more of their money and more of their rights.  Seems like anyone who is pro-gun and even at little bit individualistic would see right through this dog & pony show.   Their convention is terrible, even worse than what the damn fool democratic socialists put on.

You might be a dumbass.

Granted neither one of these guys would be my ideal candidate for local, state or federal office. But they appeal to the moderate and liberals and they are stumping for President Bush. So where is the problem?

Tonight is Compassionate Conservative Night.

Expect the US Sec of Education to talk about school for kids and minorities, and Arnie to talk about "immigrants can still live the American dream if they work hard etc etc".  And Laura Bush to talk about being a librarian and reading is important.

Quoted: Quoted: I don't get you guys.  Sometimes I think you understand what is going on and other times I think you are just a bunch of dumb shits.  McCain?  Hello?  McCain is a RINO, he's best buds with John Kerry.  Giuliani?  Same deal--major anti-gun RINO there.  The one-party state was on display last night for all to see. And please, home run?  The major theme of the convention is fear--scaring Americans into giving up more of their money and more of their rights.  Seems like anyone who is pro-gun and even at little bit individualistic would see right through this dog & pony show.   Their convention is terrible, even worse than what the damn fool democratic socialists put on.   You might be a dumbass. Granted neither one of these guys would be my ideal candidate for local, state or federal office. But they appeal to the moderate and liberals and they are stumping for President Bush. So where is the problem?

+1

I loved all the pro-vet and pro-military stuff on the first night.  Great video of all the services, veterans events, and Pres. GHW Bush parachuting.  Also liked their "remote" location at a firefighter union hall in Wisconsin.  Thwat was pure genius!!

GunLvr

Guiliani for President 2008 !!!

Quoted: I don't get you guys.

That would put "us guys" in the very very long list of things you don't get.

Hey Libertarian, so when is your convention?

Quoted: Guiliani for President 2008 !!!

Rudy gave a great speech, but I would never vote for him for President. He is as anti-gun as they come.

Quoted: Hey Libertarian, so when is your convention?

They already had the Libertarian convention:  it was a couple dozen computer geeks getting together in a whorehouse in Nevada and smoking pot...

Quoted: Hey Libertarian, so when is your convention?

Already over. They nominated a tax-dodger who drives without a license. Go figure.

He even, at one point, declared himself an anti-war candidate. Now, he says he's pro-war. At this rate, with 64 days left, he still has time to change his position at least three or four more times.

I can't stand Guliani's politics, BUT that line was absolutely BRILLIANT, as was the one about Edwards' 'Two Americas'!

Oh, and 'thelibertarian', while the 2 speakers were RINOs, their points were entirely conservative. It was all about fighting terror & staying on the offensive...

Social issues are basically off the bill as far as the convention speakers are concerned. Bush, and maybe Arnold, will talk about privatization of social security, tax reform, and possibly some sort of tax-break-related plan to deal with health care costs...

But other than that, the convention will be all-war, all the time... And on that, even the RINOs will stay 'acceptable'...

Now, the subject of either of them running for President brings out an entirely different reaction. But if they want to get up there & stump for Bush, then they should have at it...

Quoted: but wait....John Kerry is a war hero.

He HAD 3 Purple Hearts!

BigDozer66

Quoted: Quoted: It is as if the Democrats were the ones in the White House and the Republicans were the Party on the outside looking in! They are loaded for bear, and I can only pray that they can keep this up! And Ron Silver was great, was he not? Finally, someone from Hollywood that 'get's it'! Eric The(Hopeful)Hun Liberal piece of crap Ron Silver (oh, now the're our jets) was there?  WTF?

Ron Silver I want to thank the President and the Republican Party for holding this event in my hometown, my father's hometown, my grandfather's and great grandfather's birthplace. Just over 1,000 days ago, 2,605 of my neighbors were murdered at the World Trade Center -- men, women and children -- as they began their day on a brilliantly clear New York autumn morning, less than four miles from where I am now standing. We will never forgive. Never forget. Never excuse! At the end of World War II, General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Allied Commander of the South Pacific, said: "It is my earnest hope - indeed the hope of all mankind - that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past, a world found upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance and justice." The hope he expressed then remains relevant today. We are again engaged in a war that will define the future of humankind. Responding to attacks on our soil, America has led a coalition of countries against extremists who want to destroy our way of life and our values. This is a war we did not seek. This is a war waged against us. This is a war to which we had to respond. History shows that we are not imperialists . . . but we are fighters for freedom and democracy. Even though I am a well-recognized liberal on many issues confronting our society today, I find it ironic that many human rights advocates and outspoken members of my own entertainment community are often on the front lines to protest repression, for which I applaud them but they are usually the first ones to oppose any use of force to take care of these horrors that they catalogue repeatedly. Under the unwavering leadership of President Bush, the cause of freedom and democracy is being advanced by the courageous men and women serving in our Armed Services. The President is doing exactly the right thing. That is why we need this President at this time! I am grateful for the chance to speak tonight to express my support for our Commander-in-Chief, for our brave troops, and for the vital cause which they have undertaken. General Dwight Eisenhower's statement of 60 years ago is true today . . . "United in this determination and with unshakable faith in the cause for which we fight, we will, with God's help, go forward to our greatest victory." Thank you.

His speech is the second quote.

BigDozer66

Quoted: I don't get you guys.  Sometimes I think you understand what is going on and other times I think you are just a bunch of dumb shits.  McCain?  Hello?  McCain is a RINO, he's best buds with John Kerry.  Giuliani?  Same deal--major anti-gun RINO there.  The one-party state was on display last night for all to see. And please, home run?  The major theme of the convention is fear--scaring Americans into giving up more of their money and more of their rights.  Seems like anyone who is pro-gun and even at little bit individualistic would see right through this dog & pony show.   Their convention is terrible, even worse than what the damn fool democratic socialists put on.

All this from some guy thats been on the board two months. So why dont you vote for Kerry then. fool.

McCain and Guliani might be RINO's and anti gun, but the speeches were good and on target.


(I hate that word - RINO)

Quoted: It is as if the Democrats were the ones in the White House and the Republicans were the Party on the outside looking in! They are loaded for bear, and I can only pray that they can keep this up! And Ron Silver was great, was he not? Finally, someone from Hollywood that 'get's it'! Eric The(Hopeful)Hun

Ron Silver was VERY good, he really laid into the hollyweird establishment's weakling lip service toward human rights issues.  I was also surprised to see Angie Harmon on the stage.  Guiliani was exceptional and McCain showed his absolute best side as well.  Michael moore just looked like an ass.

Arnold is going to be fun to watch.

On another note was Matt Lauer's interview with The President.  No softballs thrown and W T'd off on them like the major leaguer he is.

The mistakes the Democrats make with GW is they mistake his downhome style for dim-wittedness and then underestimate the man behind the style.  Then when they meet him face to face they realize they just stepping into a whole different league.  The depth of character there is something they aren't used to having so much less of it themselves.

What people don't seem to understand about our candidate is that yes, he was a slow starter in school and life, a bit of a spoiled rich kid.  He had troubles with drinking and his military service was not something to run for office on, but he learned from it all.  He learned from those mistakes and grew as a person.  People like John Kerry don't tend to learn from their mistakes, because they won't acknowledge that they made them.  Their egoism is so great that they cannot admit to being anything short of perfection.  John Kerry will never admit in his heart of hearts that he was wrong to protest agaisnt the Vietnam War and its soldiers.  He cannot admit he was wrong to oppose the first Gulf War  or to oppose funding for the second.  Instead of admitting error he redirects blame.  The differences between the two candidates, in terms of pure character, are astounding.  It is a horrible curse that so many people fail to see it.

anyone think rudy would give a run for president a shot?

1.  Did anybody really like the opening montage (SNL-credits spoof)?  I wasn't crazy about it.


2.  Rudy did a great job, but - if you saw the pre-coverage on C-SPAN (and probably elsewhere) - his weren't the most striking comments from a former NYC Mayor.  Ed Koch was there and adamantly pro-Bush, in spite of his personal politics.  He stated unequivocally that, while he disagreed with the current administration on virtually all domestic issues, the war on terror and safety of our nation trumps all of those other issues and Kerry simply cannot be relied upon in that regard.  He echoed the idea of "If we've got to kill them, let's kill them OVER THERE and not HERE!"  It was the warmest fuzzy I've ever felt toward Koch (oh, crap - y'all are gonna make something of that, aren't you ).


ETA:  I forgot to say that I watched it beginning-to-end and was very pleased with what I saw.  Like others have stated, I hope they can keep the energy up throughout.

Quoted: anyone think rudy would give a run for president a shot?

Yes I do.

BigDozer66