On the first night, Republicans gave us substance, in the form of Senator John McCain and Rudolph Giuliani. Both were hailed for passionate and powerful speeches. Day two by contrast, was all about style, albeit style that one might refer to as out of season.
Governor Schwarzenegger opened up the Prime Time coverage, as he took to the stage to extol the virtues of this country in that even an Austrian bodybuilder can rise to the very echelon of government. He spoke is in own 'trademark' style, which was straight out of an action movie. Predictably, the people in the convention hall ate it up. But watching at home, it was cringe worthy. I think the line that irked me the most was 'We've got to TERMINATE terrorism.' Obviously people went wild over this one, which made it even worse. I shouldn't express surprise at the notion of him using one of the titles of his movies in a speech. I just figured that stuff would be used out somewhere in a small California town and not on the national stage at a Republican convention. After the somber tone of the first night, with so much focus on the tragedy of 9/11, it was a complete and obnoxious about face. And that was not even the worst part. If he had to use that line about terminating terrorism, he should've gone all the way. Why stop with one movie? 'We need to TERMINATE terrorism, and eliminate the TWINS threat of Iraq and N. Korea, while making sure there is a TOTAL RECALL of danger against our country, we all need to act like COMMANDO's as we fight for justice and not give our people a RAW DEAL.' Now as dumb as that sounds, I would've respected his trying more than the little taste he gave us.
Following the Governor were the Bush twins, Jenna and Barbara. Prior to their speech I reminded myself that they were not trained politicians, and just 22 year old recent college graduates so I should not expect that much. The expectations were low going in, but what the Bush twins gave us should force us all to re-evaluate the term 'low expectations.'
What was that? First, the most obvious, why were they so underdressed? I'm not going to go all Joan Rivers on you, but this is the Republican National Convention, not a concert at Irving Plaza? Jenna, throw on a dress or at least a skirt. Barbara, try to tone it down a little. I realize you two were the token representatives to show that the GOP is hip and cool, but you both failed miserably. As for the content of their speech, well the less said the better. The jokes were horribly unfunny, despite the girls giggling each time they paused. The delivery was wooden, and although I know neither one claims to be a comedienne, it shouldn't be that difficult to poke fun at your family members. Most of all what bothered me was the tone. Was this a Political Convention or 40th birthday party for your father at the country club? Because that is the feeling I got the entire time. There were points I had to look away it was so bad, and I love watching famous people make fools of themselves. It was that bad. At least it looked as if the sisters realized it was bad. They heard the groans, they say the glazed over eyes of the delegates, the people nervously laughing, secretly hoping it would all be over soon. In fact, it was so bad, that in today's papers, the morning after, everyone is bashing them over it, even the more right wing publications like the NY Post. And when the Post speaks ill of anything related to the Republican party you know it was bad.
The evening wrapped up with Laura Bush giving a nice speech that covered several issues but most importantly tried to put a warm and smiling face on what can be a cruel and cold party sometimes. Unfortunately, coming on the heels of the Governor’s 'unique speaking style' and the 'so bad you can't even it call it funny in an ironic sense' bit by her daughters, there was little she could do. It was like a bloated Hollywood film that had a big name cast but a weak plot and weaker script that tries to take on an emotional ending. While there are slight moments of satisfaction, overall it leaves you feeling empty inside.
Following a first night of speeches that was deemed by many as Oscar worthy, the second night was most definitely a dud. Thankfully, the Governor has some experience with those in taking into account his last few movies, so I think he will probably bounce back fine. As for the Not-even-close-to-being ready for Prime Time Bush Twins, let's all hope for their sakes, and ours, that they never have to speak on television again.
