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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: tejek who wrote (199690)	9/2/2004 1:10:52 PM
From: tejek	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1577076

Bush twins embarrass themselves and the GOP with off-kilter introduction The corniest moments in the history of politics and pop culture collided Tuesday night when the Bush twins referenced the wisdom of rap sensation OutKast to make the case for their father's re-election. Mankind would be hard pressed to find a comment or speech that missed the point more than the debacle exhibited on night two of the Republican National Convention. In an attempt to relate to Generation NEXT and tout the same cultural flavors as the common, unprivileged 20-something, the Bush twins came across as giggly airheads and likely insulted the intelligence of those they hoped to win over. While flag waving and pride beating may be a staple of Republican strength, appearing hip and grounded is not. The administration's speechwriters were hoping to use the twin's youth as an attempt to humanize the otherwise cold, dark image that is the Republican ticket. But clearly, this was communications at its worst. "It was absolutely the most embarrassing thing I've ever seen in my life," my 50-something Republican boss stammered the following morning. "They detract votes when they open their mouths!" Somebody forgot to tell the twins they were at the Republican National Convention. A smarter campaign would have realized the girls were working with limited appeal and would have relegated their role to that of a quick introduction. But no, the Republicans had to get greedy and try to be cool, something they seldom are. Obviously, it backfired. Whatever young swing voters they were looking to convince were either too busy laughing or groaning to digest the desired effect. Political geeks who don't know the difference between hip hop and hop scotch either stared in confusion at the OutKast reference or rolled their eyes in disgust. I did both. When the wealthy daughters of an administration that brandishes the Federal Communications Commission like a weapon against expression begin borrowing the words of the most creative voice in contemporary music, you know the conservatives have over-stepped their bounds. Then there was the "Sex and the City" reference. Barbara Bush senior squirmed nervously as if her granddaughter had just sworn allegiance to a fascist regime. It was so bad it was awesome. The image of Dick Cheney trying to muster a forced smile while the girls blabbered about him as if he were just the mailman or some other regular guy, drove the point home — these aren't the normal, fun-loving American folks their party touts them as. They are calculated, scripted, and painfully out of touch with America, and American youth. Conventions are a time for the respective party to tout its greatest strengths and hide its biggest flaws. It is the moment to remind Americans why we should believe in their cause. It is not a good time to be something they aren't. While the Bush twins' speech may not be the highlight of the convention, certainly for a good number of my peers, it was creepy and staged enough to drive them away from the phony, everyday warmth the conservatives wish they had. seattletimes.nwsource.com