[BlackGriffen]

Link:

Mr. Chairman, delegates, fellow citizens: I am honored by your support, and I accept your nomination for President of the United States.

When I said those words four years ago, none of us could have envisioned what these years would bring. In the heart of this great city, we saw tragedy arrive on a quiet morning. We saw the bravery of rescuers grow with danger. We learned of passengers on a doomed plane who died with a courage that frightened their killers. We have seen a shaken economy rise to its feet. And we have seen Americans in uniform storming mountain strongholds, and charging through sandstorms, and liberating millions, with acts of valor that would make the men of Normandy proud.

Since 2001, Americans have been given hills to climb, and found the strength to climb them. Now, because we have made the hard journey, we can see the valley below. Now, because we have faced challenges with resolve, we have historic goals within our reach, and greatness in our future. We will build a safer world and a more hopeful America ? and nothing will hold us back.

In the work we have done, and the work we will do, I am fortunate to have a superb Vice President. I have counted on Dick Cheney's calm and steady judgment in difficult days, and I am honored to have him at my side.

I am grateful to share my walk in life with Laura Bush. Americans have come to see the goodness and kindness and strength I first saw 26 years ago, and we love our First Lady.

I am a fortunate father of two spirited, intelligent, and lovely young women. I am blessed with a sister and brothers who are also my closest friends. And I will always be the proud and grateful son of George and Barbara Bush.

My father served eight years at the side of another great American ? Ronald Reagan. His spirit of optimism and goodwill and decency are in this hall, and in our hearts, and will always define our party.

Two months from today, voters will make a choice based on the records we have built, the convictions we hold, and the vision that guides us forward. A presidential election is a contest for the future. Tonight I will tell you where I stand, what I believe, and where I will lead this country in the next four years.

I believe every child can learn, and every school must teach - so we passed the most important federal education reform in history. Because we acted, children are making sustained progress in reading and math, America's schools are getting better, and nothing will hold us back.

I believe we have a moral responsibility to honor America's seniors - so I brought Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen Medicare. Now seniors are getting immediate help buying medicine. Soon every senior will be able to get prescription drug coverage, and nothing will hold us back.

I believe in the energy and innovative spirit of America's workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and ranchers - so we unleashed that energy with the largest tax relief in a generation. Because we acted, our economy is growing again, and creating jobs, and nothing will hold us back.

I believe the most solemn duty of the American president is to protect the American people. If America shows uncertainty and weakness in this decade, the world will drift toward tragedy. This will not happen on my watch.

I am running for President with a clear and positive plan to build a safer world, and a more hopeful America. I am running with a compassionate conservative philosophy: that government should help people improve their lives, not try to run their lives. I believe this Nation wants steady, consistent, principled leadership ? and that is why, with your help, we will win this election.

The story of America is the story of expanding liberty: an ever-widening circle, constantly growing to reach further and include more. Our Nation's founding commitment is still our deepest commitment: In our world, and here at home, we will extend the frontiers of freedom.

The times in which we live and work are changing dramatically. The workers of our parents' generation typically had one job, one skill, one career - often with one company that provided health care and a pension. And most of those workers were men. Today, workers change jobs, even careers, many times during their lives, and in one of the most dramatic shifts our society has seen, two-thirds of all Moms also work outside the home.

This changed world can be a time of great opportunity for all Americans to earn a better living, support your family, and have a rewarding career. And government must take your side. Many of our most fundamental systems - the tax code, health coverage, pension plans, worker training - were created for the world of yesterday, not tomorrow. We will transform these systems so that all citizens are equipped, prepared - and thus truly free - to make your own choices and pursue your own dreams.

My plan begins with providing the security and opportunity of a growing economy. We now compete in a global market that provides new buyers for our goods, but new competition for our workers. To create more jobs in America, America must be the best place in the world to do business. To create jobs, my plan will encourage investment and expansion by restraining federal spending, reducing regulation, and making tax relief permanent. To create jobs, we will make our country less dependent on foreign sources of energy. To create jobs, we will expand trade and level the playing field to sell American goods and services across the globe. And we must protect small business owners and workers from the explosion of frivolous lawsuits that threaten jobs across America.

Another drag on our economy is the current tax code, which is a complicated mess - filled with special interest loopholes, saddling our people with more than six billion hours of paperwork and headache every year. The American people deserve ? and our economic future demands ? a simpler, fairer, pro-growth system. In a new term, I will lead a bipartisan effort to reform and simplify the federal tax code.

Another priority in a new term will be to help workers take advantage of the expanding economy to find better, higher-paying jobs. In this time of change, many workers want to go back to school to learn different or higher-level skills. So we will double the number of people served by our principal job training program and increase funding for community colleges. I know that with the right skills, American workers can compete with anyone, anywhere in the world.

In this time of change, opportunity in some communities is more distant than in others. To stand with workers in poor communities - and those that have lost manufacturing, textile, and other jobs - we will create American opportunity zones. In these areas, we'll provide tax relief and other incentives to attract new business, and improve housing and job training to bring hope and work throughout all of America.

As I've traveled the country, I've met many workers and small business owners who have told me they are worried they cannot afford health care. More than half of the uninsured are small business employees and their families. In a new term, we must allow small firms to join together to purchase insurance at the discounts available to big companies. We will offer a tax credit to encourage small businesses and their employees to set up health savings accounts, and provide direct help for low-income Americans to purchase them. These accounts give workers the security of insurance against major illness, the opportunity to save tax-free for routine health expenses, and the freedom of knowing you can take your account with you whenever you change jobs. And we will provide low-income Americans with better access to health care: In a new term, I will ensure every poor county in America has a community or rural health center.

As I have traveled our country, I have met too many good doctors, especially OB-GYNS, who are being forced out of practice because of the high cost of lawsuits. To make health care more affordable and accessible, we must pass medical liability reform now. And in all we do to improve health care in America, we will make sure that health decisions are made by doctors and patients, not by bureaucrats in Washington, DC.

In this time of change, government must take the side of working families. In a new term, we will change outdated labor laws to offer comp-time and flex-time. Our laws should never stand in the way of a more family-friendly workplace.

Another priority for a new term is to build an ownership society, because ownership brings security, and dignity, and independence.

Thanks to our policies, homeownership in America is at an all-time high. Tonight we set a new goal: seven million more affordable homes in the next 10 years so more American families will be able to open the door and say welcome to my home.

In an ownership society, more people will own their health plans, and have the confidence of owning a piece of their retirement. We will always keep the promise of Social Security for our older workers. With the huge Baby Boom generation approaching retirement, many of our children and grandchildren understandably worry whether Social Security will be there when they need it. We must strengthen Social Security by allowing younger workers to save some of their taxes in a personal account - a nest egg you can call your own, and government can never take away.

In all these proposals, we seek to provide not just a government program, but a path - a path to greater opportunity, more freedom, and more control over your own life.

This path begins with our youngest Americans. To build a more hopeful America, we must help our children reach as far as their vision and character can take them. Tonight, I remind every parent and every teacher, I say to every child: No matter what your circumstance, no matter where you live - your school will be the path to the promise of America.

We are transforming our schools by raising standards and focusing on results. We are insisting on accountability, empowering parents and teachers, and making sure that local people are in charge of their schools. By testing every child, we are identifying those who need help - and we're providing a record level of funding to get them that help. In northeast Georgia, Gainesville Elementary School is mostly Hispanic and 90 percent poor - and this year 90 percent of its students passed state tests in reading and math. The principal expresses the philosophy of his school this way: "We don't focus on what we can't do at this school; we focus on what we can do - We do whatever it takes to get kids across the finish line." This principal is challenging the soft bigotry of low expectations, and that is the spirit of our education reform, and the commitment of our country: No dejaremos a ning�n ni�o atr�s. We will leave no child behind.

We are making progress ? and there is more to do. In this time of change, most new jobs are filled by people with at least two years of college, yet only about one in four students gets there. In our high schools, we will fund early intervention programs to help students at risk. We will place a new focus on math and science. As we make progress, we will require a rigorous exam before graduation. By raising performance in our high schools, and expanding Pell grants for low and middle income families, we will help more Americans start their career with a college diploma.

America's children must also have a healthy start in life. In a new term, we will lead an aggressive effort to enroll millions of poor children who are eligible but not signed up for the government's health insurance programs. We will not allow a lack of attention, or information, to stand between these children and the health care they need.

Anyone who wants more details on my agenda can find them online. The web address is not very imaginative, but it's easy to remember: GeorgeWBush.com.

These changing times can be exciting times of expanded opportunity. And here, you face a choice. My opponent's policies are dramatically different from ours. Senator Kerry opposed Medicare reform and health savings accounts. After supporting my education reforms, he now wants to dilute them. He opposes legal and medical liability reform. He opposed reducing the marriage penalty, opposed doubling the child credit, and opposed lowering income taxes for all who pay them. To be fair, there are some things my opponent is for ? he's proposed more than two trillion dollars in new federal spending so far, and that's a lot, even for a senator from Massachusetts. To pay for that spending, he is running on a platform of increasing taxes - and that's the kind of promise a politician usually keeps.

His policies of tax and spend - of expanding government rather than expanding opportunity - are the policies of the past. We are on the path to the future - and we are not turning back.

In this world of change, some things do not change: the values we try to live by, the institutions that give our lives meaning and purpose. Our society rests on a foundation of responsibility and character and family commitment.

Because family and work are sources of stability and dignity, I support welfare reform that strengthens family and requires work. Because a caring society will value its weakest members, we must make a place for the unborn child. Because religious charities provide a safety net of mercy and compassion, our government must never discriminate against them. Because the union of a man and woman deserves an honored place in our society, I support the protection of marriage against activist judges. And I will continue to appoint federal judges who know the difference between personal opinion and the strict interpretation of the law.

My opponent recently announced that he is the candidate of "conservative values," which must have come as a surprise to a lot of his supporters. Now, there are some problems with this claim. If you say the heart and soul of America is found in Hollywood, I'm afraid you are not the candidate of conservative values. If you voted against the bipartisan Defense of Marriage Act, which President Clinton signed, you are not the candidate of conservative values. If you gave a speech, as my opponent did, calling the Reagan presidency eight years of "moral darkness," then you may be a lot of things, but the candidate of conservative values is not one of them.

This election will also determine how America responds to the continuing danger of terrorism ? and you know where I stand. Three days after September 11th, I stood where Americans died, in the ruins of the Twin Towers. Workers in hard hats were shouting to me, "Whatever it takes." A fellow grabbed me by the arm and he said, "Do not let me down." Since that day, I wake up every morning thinking about how to better protect our country. I will never relent in defending America - whatever it takes.
(contd...)

[BlackGriffen]

(cont'd from first post)
So we have fought the terrorists across the earth - not for pride, not for power, but because the lives of our citizens are at stake. Our strategy is clear. We have tripled funding for homeland security and trained half a million first responders, because we are determined to protect our homeland. We are transforming our military and reforming and strengthening our intelligence services. We are staying on the offensive - striking terrorists abroad - so we do not have to face them here at home. And we are working to advance liberty in the broader Middle East, because freedom will bring a future of hope, and the peace we all want. And we will prevail.

Our strategy is succeeding. Four years ago, Afghanistan was the home base of al-Qaida, Pakistan was a transit point for terrorist groups, Saudi Arabia was fertile ground for terrorist fundraising, Libya was secretly pursuing nuclear weapons, Iraq was a gathering threat, and al-Qaida was largely unchallenged as it planned attacks. Today, the government of a free Afghanistan is fighting terror, Pakistan is capturing terrorist leaders, Saudi Arabia is making raids and arrests, Libya is dismantling its weapons programs, the army of a free Iraq is fighting for freedom, and more than three-quarters of al-Qaida's key members and associates have been detained or killed. We have led, many have joined, and America and the world are safer.

This progress involved careful diplomacy, clear moral purpose, and some tough decisions. And the toughest came on Iraq. We knew Saddam Hussein's record of aggression and support for terror. We knew his long history of pursuing, even using, weapons of mass destruction. And we know that September 11th requires our country to think differently: We must, and we will, confront threats to America before it is too late.

In Saddam Hussein, we saw a threat. Members of both political parties, including my opponent and his running mate, saw the threat, and voted to authorize the use of force. We went to the United Nations Security Council, which passed a unanimous resolution demanding the dictator disarm, or face serious consequences. Leaders in the Middle East urged him to comply. After more than a decade of diplomacy, we gave Saddam Hussein another chance, a final chance, to meet his responsibilities to the civilized world. He again refused, and I faced the kind of decision that comes only to the Oval Office - a decision no president would ask for, but must be prepared to make. Do I forget the lessons of September 11th and take the word of a madman, or do I take action to defend our country? Faced with that choice, I will defend America every time.

Because we acted to defend our country, the murderous regimes of Saddam Hussein and the Taliban are history, more than 50 million people have been liberated, and democracy is coming to the broader Middle East. In Afghanistan, terrorists have done everything they can to intimidate people - yet more than 10 million citizens have registered to vote in the October presidential election - a resounding endorsement of democracy. Despite ongoing acts of violence, Iraq now has a strong Prime Minister, a national council, and national elections are scheduled for January. Our Nation is standing with the people of Afghanistan and Iraq, because when America gives its word, America must keep its word. As importantly, we are serving a vital and historic cause that will make our country safer. Free societies in the Middle East will be hopeful societies, which no longer feed resentments and breed violence for export. Free governments in the Middle East will fight terrorists instead of harboring them, and that helps us keep the peace. So our mission in Afghanistan and Iraq is clear: We will help new leaders to train their armies, and move toward elections, and get on the path of stability and democracy as quickly as possible. And then our troops will return home with the honor they have earned.

Our troops know the historic importance of our work. One Army Specialist wrote home: "We are transforming a once sick society into a hopeful place - The various terrorist enemies we are facing in Iraq," he continued, "are really aiming at you back in the United States. This is a test of will for our country. We soldiers of yours are doing great and scoring victories in confronting the evil terrorists."

That young man is right - our men and women in uniform are doing a superb job for America. Tonight I want to speak to all of them - and to their families: You are involved in a struggle of historic proportion. Because of your service and sacrifice, we are defeating the terrorists where they live and plan, and making America safer. Because of you, women in Afghanistan are no longer shot in a sports stadium. Because of you, the people of Iraq no longer fear being executed and left in mass graves. Because of you, the world is more just and will be more peaceful. We owe you our thanks, and we owe you something more. We will give you all the resources, all the tools, and all the support you need for victory.

Again, my opponent and I have different approaches. I proposed, and the Congress overwhelmingly passed, 87 billion dollars in funding needed by our troops doing battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. My opponent and his running mate voted against this money for bullets, and fuel, and vehicles, and body armor. When asked to explain his vote, the Senator said, "I actually did vote for the 87 billion dollars before I voted against it." Then he said he was "proud" of that vote. Then, when pressed, he said it was a "complicated" matter. There is nothing complicated about supporting our troops in combat.

Our allies also know the historic importance of our work. About 40 nations stand beside us in Afghanistan, and some 30 in Iraq. And I deeply appreciate the courage and wise counsel of leaders like Prime Minister Howard, and President Kwasniewski, and Prime Minister Berlusconi - and, of course, Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Again, my opponent takes a different approach. In the midst of war, he has called America's allies, quote, a "coalition of the coerced and the bribed." That would be nations like Great Britain, Poland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Denmark, El Salvador, Australia, and others - allies that deserve the respect of all Americans, not the scorn of a politician. I respect every soldier, from every country, who serves beside us in the hard work of history. America is grateful, and America will not forget.

The people we have freed won't forget either. Not long ago, seven Iraqi men came to see me in the Oval Office. They had "X"s branded into their foreheads, and their right hands had been cut off, by Saddam Hussein's secret police, the sadistic punishment for imaginary crimes. During our emotional visit one of the Iraqi men used his new prosthetic hand to slowly write out, in Arabic, a prayer for God to bless America. I am proud that our country remains the hope of the oppressed, and the greatest force for good on this earth.

Others understand the historic importance of our work. The terrorists know. They know that a vibrant, successful democracy at the heart of the Middle East will discredit their radical ideology of hate. They know that men and women with hope, and purpose, and dignity do not strap bombs on their bodies and kill the innocent. The terrorists are fighting freedom with all their cunning and cruelty because freedom is their greatest fear - and they should be afraid, because freedom is on the march.

I believe in the transformational power of liberty: The wisest use of American strength is to advance freedom. As the citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq seize the moment, their example will send a message of hope throughout a vital region. Palestinians will hear the message that democracy and reform are within their reach, and so is peace with our good friend Israel. Young women across the Middle East will hear the message that their day of equality and justice is coming. Young men will hear the message that national progress and dignity are found in liberty, not tyranny and terror. Reformers, and political prisoners, and exiles will hear the message that their dream of freedom cannot be denied forever. And as freedom advances - heart by heart, and nation by nation - America will be more secure and the world more peaceful.

America has done this kind of work before - and there have always been doubters. In 1946, 18 months after the fall of Berlin to allied forces, a journalist wrote in the New York Times, "Germany is a land in an acute stage of economic, political and moral crisis. [European] capitals are frightened. In every [military] headquarters, one meets alarmed officials doing their utmost to deal with the consequences of the occupation policy that they admit has failed." End quote. Maybe that same person's still around, writing editorials. Fortunately, we had a resolute president named Truman, who with the American people persevered, knowing that a new democracy at the center of Europe would lead to stability and peace. And because that generation of Americans held firm in the cause of liberty, we live in a better and safer world today.

The progress we and our friends and allies seek in the broader Middle East will not come easily, or all at once. Yet Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of liberty to transform lives and nations. That power brought settlers on perilous journeys, inspired colonies to rebellion, ended the sin of slavery, and set our Nation against the tyrannies of the 20th century. We were honored to aid the rise of democracy in Germany and Japan and Nicaragua and Central Europe and the Baltics and that noble story goes on. I believe that America is called to lead the cause of freedom in a new century. I believe that millions in the Middle East plead in silence for their liberty. I believe that given the chance, they will embrace the most honorable form of government ever devised by man. I believe all these things because freedom is not America's gift to the world, it is the Almighty God's gift to every man and woman in this world.

This moment in the life of our country will be remembered. Generations will know if we kept our faith and kept our word. Generations will know if we seized this moment, and used it to build a future of safety and peace. The freedom of many, and the future security of our Nation, now depend on us. And tonight, my fellow Americans, I ask you to stand with me.

In the last four years, you and I have come to know each other. Even when we don't agree, at least you know what I believe and where I stand. You may have noticed I have a few flaws, too. People sometimes have to correct my English - I knew I had a problem when Arnold Schwarzenegger started doing it. Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called "walking." Now and then I come across as a little too blunt - and for that we can all thank the white-haired lady sitting right up there.

One thing I have learned about the presidency is that whatever shortcomings you have, people are going to notice them - and whatever strengths you have, you're going to need them. These four years have brought moments I could not foresee and will not forget. I have tried to comfort Americans who lost the most on September 11th - people who showed me a picture or told me a story, so I would know how much was taken from them. I have learned first-hand that ordering Americans into battle is the hardest decision, even when it is right. I have returned the salute of wounded soldiers, some with a very tough road ahead, who say they were just doing their job. I've held the children of the fallen, who are told their dad or mom is a hero, but would rather just have their dad or mom.

And I have met with parents and wives and husbands who have received a folded flag, and said a final goodbye to a soldier they loved. I am awed that so many have used those meetings to say that I am in their prayers - to offer encouragement to me. Where does strength like that come from? How can people so burdened with sorrow also feel such pride? It is because they know their loved one was last seen doing good. Because they know that liberty was precious to the one they lost. And in those military families, I have seen the character of a great nation: decent, and idealistic, and strong.

The world saw that spirit three miles from here, when the people of this city faced peril together, and lifted a flag over the ruins, and defied the enemy with their courage. My fellow Americans, for as long as our country stands, people will look to the resurrection of New York City and they will say: Here buildings fell, and here a nation rose.

We see America's character in our military, which finds a way or makes one. We see it in our veterans, who are supporting military families in their days of worry. We see it in our young people, who have found heroes once again. We see that character in workers and entrepreneurs, who are renewing our economy with their effort and optimism. And all of this has confirmed one belief beyond doubt: Having come this far, our tested and confident Nation can achieve anything.

To everything we know there is a season ? a time for sadness, a time for struggle, a time for rebuilding. And now we have reached a time for hope. This young century will be liberty's century. By promoting liberty abroad, we will build a safer world. By encouraging liberty at home, we will build a more hopeful America. Like generations before us, we have a calling from beyond the stars to stand for freedom. This is the everlasting dream of America - and tonight, in this place, that dream is renewed. Now we go forward - grateful for our freedom, faithful to our cause, and confident in the future of the greatest nation on earth. God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.

[LoganCharles]

Learn to spell, beegee.

[MindFad]

It's twice as depressing to hear him speaking it now, and hearing people cheer it on. Stockholm syndrome at its finest on such a grand scale.

[BlackGriffen]

Originally posted by LoganCharles:
Learn to spell, beegee.

Do you need to work on your targeting? This looks like a reply in the wrong thread.

The only words I'm responsible for spelling in the first to posts are:

Link:
(contd...)
(cont'd from first post)

Which are all spelled well enough.



BG

[MindFad]

(Pssst, BG: "speech.")

[LoganCharles]

Originally posted by BlackGriffen:
Do you need to work on your targeting? This looks like a reply in the wrong thread.

The only words I'm responsible for spelling in the first to posts are:
Which are all spelled well enough.



BG

dum, dum, dum...

Luuk at yure su'ject hedder.

[BlackGriffen]

Originally posted by MindFad:
(Pssst, BG: "speech.")

D'oh! Ooops.

BG

[Buck_W]

Originally posted by MindFad:
It's twice as depressing to hear him speaking it now, and hearing people cheer it on. Stockholm syndrome at its finest on such a grand scale.

I'm one who is cheering him on. A vote for Bush is a vote for the Constitution of the United States. A vote for Kerry is a vote for terrorism. There are many, many, many more differences, but those two stand out quite clearly.

Go Bush! It will be landslide

[BlackGriffen]

Edit: B'ah, never mind, you're not even worth reporting and a return insult, LC.

BG

[PacHead]

Originally posted by Buck_W:
I'm one who is cheering him on. A vote for Bush is a vote for the Constitution of the United States. A vote for Kerry is a vote for terrorism. There are many, many, many more differences, but those two stand out quite clearly.

Go Bush! It will be landslide

This is absolutely true. Some people just don't get it, but that's their problem.

[LoganCharles]

Originally posted by BlackGriffen:
Edit: B'ah, never mind, you're not even worth reporting and a return insult, LC.

BG

Nice try.

The mods let me know when I step over the line.

[MindFad]

Originally posted by Buck_W:
I'm one who is cheering him on. A vote for Bush is a vote for the Constitution of the United States. A vote for Kerry is a vote for terrorism. There are many, many, many more differences, but those two stand out quite clearly.

Go Bush! It will be landslide

[itai195]

I missed the beginning and end, but did he mention Osama bin Laden or unemployment at all? I didn't hear it.

[BlackGriffen]

Originally posted by itai195:
I missed the beginning and end, but did he mention Osama bin Laden or unemployment at all? I didn't hear it.

cmd F is your friend:
Osama - not found
Laden - not found
unemployment - not found
Al-Qaeda - found under alternate spelling (al-Qaida), three times.

[itai195]

Thought so. He looked uncomfortable up there to me, I don't think it was one of his better deliveries.

[BlackGriffen]

Originally posted by itai195:
Thought so. He looked uncomfortable up there to me, I don't think it was one of his better deliveries.

He even had to deal with protesters interrupting him.



BG

[MindFad]

Originally posted by BlackGriffen:
He even had to deal with protesters interrupting him.



BG

Man, I heard about it on, but I didn't catch it. I heard Bar and the her granddaughters looked horrified and then rather miffed. Hopefully someone posts video of it; I'd like to see.

Change is in the air, and it ain't hurricane Frances.

[BlackGriffen]

Originally posted by MindFad:
Man, I heard about it on, but I didn't catch it. I heard Bar and the her granddaughters looked horrified and then rather miffed. Hopefully someone posts video of it; I'd like to see.

Change is in the air, and it ain't hurricane Frances.

CSPAN should post it in not too long.

BG

[PacHead]

Kerry is crapping in his pants now. He's so desperate, he's going to hold a midnight rally/speech they're saying.

If he's smart, it'll be where he concedes defeat.

[PacHead]

Originally posted by BlackGriffen:
He even had to deal with protesters interrupting him.



BG

Yeah, I hope they have fun. They're going to be sitting in some dirty holding cell for the next 36 or so hours. And their childish antics won't end up making any difference at all.

[itai195]

Originally posted by PacHead:
Kerry is crapping in his pants now. He's so desperate, he's going to hold a midnight rally/speech they're saying.

If he's smart, it'll be where he concedes defeat.

I have to give it to you, you've certainly got an active imagination

[greenamp]

Originally posted by BlackGriffen:
(bush speech leaked)

I have a feeling it was intentionaly leaked.

Congratulations, you just helped advance a strategy

[BlackGriffen]

Note also that he doesn't talk much about what his administration has accomplished - only the most broad and sweeping terms. He's even brought up no child left behind again. What, George, I thought that was on the agenda for the first term. Can't you accomplish anything you promise? If there are any children left behind still, wouldn't that imply that you failed in your first term?

BlackGriffen

[BlackGriffen]

Originally posted by greenamp:
I have a feeling it was intentionaly leaked.

Congratulations, you just helped advance a strategy

It was definitely given out early to the press, but there was an embargo on it until Bush has actually spoken.

BG

[PacHead]

Originally posted by itai195:
I have to give it to you, you've certainly got an active imagination

The midnight rally/speech part was true though.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/s...470660,00.html

Nobody has ever done that before. They are clearly desperate.

[greenamp]

Originally posted by BlackGriffen:
Note also that he doesn't talk much about what his administration has accomplished - only the most broad and sweeping terms. He's even brought up no child left behind again. What, George, I thought that was on the agenda for the first term. Can't you accomplish anything you promise? If there are any children left behind still, wouldn't that imply that you failed in your first term?

BlackGriffen

he only had an hour

[LoganCharles]

Unless there is another terrorist attack Bush has the election wrapped up.

It's not that Bush has been a great president it's just that Kerry is such a weak canidate.

[PacHead]

Haha ! Fox was showing Kerry speaking live right now, and he started talking about "Do you really know what RNC stands for ? Really not compasionate".

Then they cut to a commercial right now in the middle of it.

[smacintush]

Originally posted by LoganCharles:
Unless there is another terrorist attack Bush has the election wrapped up.

It's not that Bush has been a great president it's just that Kerry is such a weak canidate.

Oh I don't know, check this out.

That's it! That's the clincher! Kerry will be a great president because Cheney got deferments!

[Jansar]

That speech really hit it home...in fact, I bet some Dems are starting to lean Bush's way. Anyone who denies the truth in the speech is just biased in general...there's no way Kerry's going to gain ground...he's pretty much dead in the water. I mean, we have two sides: a liar who would rather hide behind closed doors (Kerry) versus a hero who takes his chances to lead a large force to eliminate terrorism in order to keep this world safe (Bush).

[greenamp]

Originally posted by smacintush:
Oh I don't know, check this out.

That's it! That's the clincher! Kerry will be a great president because Cheney got deferments!

geezus, is Kerry ever gonna quit talking about Vietnam? It's really getting old.

[BlackGriffen]

Originally posted by greenamp:
he only had an hour

So many failures, and so little time. So many broken promises and so little time.

I know, it's tough.

BG

[greenamp]

Originally posted by BlackGriffen:
So many failures, and so little time. So many broken promises and so little time.

I know, it's tough.

BG

heh, that's what I woulda said if I were you

[OldManMac]

Originally posted by Jansar:
That speech really hit it home...in fact, I bet some Dems are starting to lean Bush's way. Anyone who denies the truth in the speech is just biased in general...there's no way Kerry's going to gain ground...he's pretty much dead in the water. I mean, we have two sides: a liar who would rather hide behind closed doors (Kerry) versus a hero who takes his chances to lead a large force to eliminate terrorism in order to keep this world safe (Bush).

LMAO. There's nothing heroic about ordering a bunch of troops into battle. He didn't "lead" anyone anywhwere. He ordered them to batlle. There's quite a difference.

[smacintush]

Originally posted by Jansar:
Anyone who denies the truth in the speech is just biased in general...

This is the problem with the mainstream democrats. They tend to vote based on emotion rather than what really counts. They voted for Clinton because they "liked" (read: "loved") him. Now they just HATE GWB. They can't stand his voice, his mannerisms, his style.

Just look at what they say:

�He's stupid, he's an idiot, etc. - NO man could do that THAT job with ANY measure of success and be "an idiot."

�He lied about WMD's, he's a "liar" - The U.N.S.C., and most EVERY single nation in the world were sure he was a threat.

From the UN resolution on Iraq:
Recognizing the threat Iraq's noncompliance with council resolutions and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles poses to international peace and security,

�He's a "cowboy" - WTF does this have to do with being a great president? Bubba Clinton was from one of the most ass-backwards lowly states in the US and they LOVED him.

�He's destroyed the economy - The economy is far from destroyed. I keep hearing the he may the first president since Hoover to have fewer jobs when his term is up. How many Presidents since Hoover have had to deal with Clintons dot.com bubble bursting, a large attack like 9/11, and several large corporate scandal all at once? Considering the GLOBAL economic downturn we've had America is doing damn good as usual.

�He's allowing all of our jobs to be outsourced - Too bad that issue is all
B.S. too.

Why is it OK to call someone a liar and then tell lies about him yourself?

[Sock Puppet Theater]

versus a hero who takes his chances to lead a large force to eliminate terrorism in order to keep this world safe (Bush).

Right, the world is safer now. Whatever you say.
I'm sure his intentions are good, but you will excuse me if I find his methods...ill-advised.

I'm not sure how you see him as a hero though. Is he a Republican hero? Hmm, he has dramatically expanded the size of the government, increased the national debt, and lose the budget surplus that we had (somewhat due to terrorism). He also wants to ammend the constitution to "protect" his definition of marriage. The official Republican platform would even try to close off the ability for states to allow gay unions. So no, I guess he doesn't score any "keep the government out of my life" points there either.

Maybe he's a war hero. He went into the air national guard as his youth. Got to fly around in some jets over the US. Not quite fighting in a war, but it's something.
Maybe because of 9/11. He was the president when that happened. He did react well, waiting until he had mustered up some allies and intel before invading Afghanistan. He could also conveniently blame the actual 9/11 attacks on failures of the past administration and underlings who would remain in office long after it was apparent they were incompetent. And surely, if Gore was in office he would have simply rolled over, presented his rear, and asked the terrorists for another. Because only George W Bush had the cajones to react. Only Bush would have acted. Only Bush could have rallied the country.

That's BS. Gore would have reacted in much the same way. When the republicans at this convention insinuate (and flat out say) that Kerry wants to disarm the troops, wants to get permission from the UN to act militarily, and doesn't care about the safety of Americans, they're lying. I don't think democrats would argue that Bush isn't acting for the best interests of Americans, they just disagree with how he goes about it. Republicans at this convention, however, seem unable to do likewise. It's a good tactic, I'll admit. Play on fear and talk about their children being in danger of being killed by a terrorist. Even if you think that Kerry won't fight the war on terror effectively, if you believe that he doesn't care about you and the safety of your family, I feel very very sorry for you. Partisanship in the face of logic is a terrible thing.

[smacintush]

Originally posted by Sock Puppet Theater:
Right, the world is safer now. Whatever you say.

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20040829_1690.html

[BlackGriffen]

Originally posted by smacintush:
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20040829_1690.html

AP story

The worm has turned.

BG

[Jansar]

Originally posted by KarlG:
LMAO. There's nothing heroic about ordering a bunch of troops into battle. He didn't "lead" anyone anywhwere. He ordered them to batlle. There's quite a difference.

He has the lives of soldiers on his conscience. Do you think a weak-minded leader would have the heart to send soldiers to battle, even if it was for good reason (in this case, it is to keep the world a safer place)? That's heroic...and something Kerry wouldn't have the "heart" (or should I say hearts) to do

[smacintush]

Originally posted by KarlG:
LMAO. There's nothing heroic about ordering a bunch of troops into battle. He didn't "lead" anyone anywhwere. He ordered them to batlle. There's quite a difference.

Any grown-up SHOULD know that the right thing to do is rarely easy.

If faced with a choice do you do what you feel is right, or do you do what you feel is wrong because you want to please people?

[Kristoff]

The world is safer now.
If you don't believe that, fine...it's your right, that someone else fought for and died to give you. Have fun with it.

But if Kerry had his way, our armed forces would be armed with spitballs (thanks Zell).

Some of us bust our ass so you can walk around with rose colored glasses on.

[Sock Puppet Theater]

Originally posted by Kristoff:
But if Kerry had his way, our armed forces would be armed with spitballs (thanks Zell).

You actually believe that? I'm very sorry.

[itai195]

I thought tonight's RNC theme was going to be "F*** you, what're you gonna do about it?" The Daily Show has let me down once again...

[angaq0k]

Originally posted by Buck_W:
Go Bush! It will be landslide

Landslide

Downslope movement of a relatively dry or coherent mass of earth and/or rock along an interior surface slope at a rate fast enough to be readily perceived. Movement of a wet mass is called a mudslide.

Yeah.. I can see the Republicans lose their footing and go down the drain...

[angaq0k]

Originally posted by smacintush:
Any grown-up SHOULD know that the right thing to do is rarely easy.

If faced with a choice do you do what you feel is right, or do you do what you feel is wrong because you want to please people?

It is that "feeling" thing that bugs me about a leader. I do not rely on a leader for his feelings, but rather for his intellect, his diplomatic skills, his will to make it better, use of resources around him, and making decision based on reality.

Regarding his Foreign Policy, the only thing that worked, and that did not last long, was the search for OBL in Afghanistan. The day he announced to the world that "You are either with us, or against us", America lost its credibility, and most of its friends, at the hands of that president, and everything went downward since then.

If the Iraq campaign had worked, things might have been different. But it has not been successful, and it got worse after he announced that "the mission" was accomplished.

"Okay Sam, play it again, but this time, with feeling"

[Buck_W]

"Surveys show many protesters are simply loons, calling for the destruction of the American system, calling for retreat in the face of terrorism. Here's a bulletin for you Bush haters: These protesters are not helping John Kerry. Most Americans loathe their beliefs and resent their presentation in a time of war."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,131259,00.html

[UNTeMac]

The entire RNC has sounded like they want to pull the wool over America's eyes with talk about how America has a divine duty to spread freedom throughout the world. Bush and his handlers have used the power of fear, optimism, and ignorance of more complicated facts to lull the entire Republican party into the most fiscally liberal and socially conservative agenda I think the U.S. has ever seen.

If you vote for Bush, you will be responsible for the attack on Iran, North Korea, or Syria that will come. You will also be responsible for the ensuing draft when we still can't get out of Iraq, but the president wants to go on to the next country. It truly scares me to think what will happen if the current administration has a mandate from half the country to do whatever he wants for the next four years.

John Kerry talks a lot about what he wants to do for the next four years; especially what he wants to do for the American people. George Bush talks about America's God-given purpose to bomb people into freedom. I'm voting for Kerry. That speech just confirmed it.

[UNTeMac]

Originally posted by Buck_W:
"Surveys show many protesters are simply loons, calling for the destruction of the American system, calling for retreat in the face of terrorism. Here's a bulletin for you Bush haters: These protesters are not helping John Kerry. Most Americans loathe their beliefs and resent their presentation in a time of war."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,131259,00.html

What surveys? How many protesters?

I welcome any act of free speech so long as it is peaceful and lawful.

Welcome to America: Where free-speech is ok unless you disagree with the president.

[dreilly1]

Originally posted by itai195:
I thought tonight's RNC theme was going to be "F*** you, what're you gonna do about it?" The Daily Show has let me down once again...

I haven't had the time to see any speeches this year, but I try and take up some of my employers' time to read the transcript the next day if I can.

I thought it was a very good speech: reading it after the fact gives me the advantage that I don't have to endure W's terrible delivery. I know that Peggy Noonan took a sabbatical from the Wall Street Journal to work on the Bush campaign; she was one of Reagan's speechwriters and is one of the few conservative journalists that I take seriously. (Disclaimer: I don't take any Liberal journalists seriously now that Paul Krugman is firmly in the Loony camp, except maybe for Jon Stewart, if he even counts) I'm not sure whether she participated in the writing of this speech, but I think I can see her influence in it.

But beyond that favorable first impression, the content of the speech itself (especially on domestic issues) makes me wonder if he has the same model Reality Distortion Field that Steve Jobs has. He insists that he'll be able to restrain federal spending and simplify the tax code, and yet he also insists that he's going to reform the health care system for poor Americans, make sure Social Security stays solvent, and increase funding for job retraining and community colleges. He then has the balls to criticize Mr. Kerry for being a "tax and spend" polititian who expands "government, not opportunity".

Make no mistake about it: Mr. Bush is a "don't tax but spend anyway" polititian. And Mr. Bush established a whole new Federal department (DHS), got the Government involved in the business of paying for prescription drugs, and has single-handedly made the federal deficit balloon by cutting back revenue while he is increasing the government. And that doesn't even count the military spending in the Middle East. Are there any Fiscal Conservatives left in the Republican Party? If there are, they must not have gone to the convention.

I think that Mr. Bush has grown and learned a lot over these past four years, but there are still fundamental things about his philosophies that I object to. I've just covered some of the financial stuff here, and I still haven't gotten into the moral stuff. But I don't see much more with Mr. Kerry, either. He and Mr. Edwards are much too close to the Trial Lawyers for my comfort, their Protectionist stand on foreign trade would be bad for the country, and Kerry's nominating speech was simply awful.

Neither one would make a good president IMHO. So, I'll be holding my nose when I vote, hoping that whoever wins doesn't screw up the country worse over the next four years...