Dem Campaign Chatter 9-3-2008

George Wenschhof

Today, Obama is in New Philadelphia and Dillionvale, Ohio - Biden is in Sarasota, and Ft. Myers, Florida.

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Day Two Republican Convention concludes - Even plenty of patriotism and country first phrases repeated all night in front of a giant screen with the American Flag waving in the background will not divert the attention of American voters dissatisfied with a sinking economy, lack of affordable health care and a failed U.S. foreign policy.

Whether it was President Bush via satellite complaining about the angry left, former Senator Fred Thompson (Tenn.) talking (when he wasn't clearing his throat) about how inexperienced Obama is, or Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) saying Country matters more than Party, the red meat phrases were flying for the Republican faithful last night.

What wasn't said was anything substantive on any of the important issues facing Americans today.

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Day 3 of the Republican Convention - Vice President nominee, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will speak tonight. Former Republican candidates for President, New York Mayor Rudy Giuiani, Mitt Romney, and Mike Huckabee are also expected to speak tonight.

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Obama had meeting with Fox News - The Washington Post reports today, a meeting took place three months ago between Obama and Fox News owner Bill Murdoch and chairman Roger Ailes. Remember the Democratic candidates for President refused to appear at a debate held in the primary by Fox News. This action due to what was felt was anything but fair and balanced reporting.

The meeting apparently cleared the air somewhat as Obama is now scheduled to appear tomorrow night on Fox News "The O'Reilly Factor". Tomorrow is also the night McCain will be delivering his acceptance speech at the Republican Convention. You can read the Washington Post article here.

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Palin selection shows intent of Republicans to use family values in the campaign - in an effort to divert attention from McCain's support of eight years of failed Bush administration policies. The Palin selection is sure to fire up the sleeping Evangelicals and far right Republicans who had been lukewarm in their support of McCain.

In addition to the "I can keep the country and you and your family safe", the campaign argument presented will be another old one; "right to life" versus a "woman's right to choose". Also expect the Gay marriage debate to come front and center. These arguments serve to polarize Americans, rather than bring them together. Politico.com has a good read here.

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Gallup daily Tracking poll has it Obama - 50%, McCain - 42% - shows Obama gaining overall and McCain among Republican women. Gallup.com has more here. Expect a dead heat or a slight lead by McCain following the end of the Republican Convention tomorrow night.

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More Pakistan troubles - a motorcade presumably carrying Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani came under fire. He is reported as being unhurt and it is unclear at the moment if he was even in the motorcade when it came under fire. Gilani was elected prime minister in a special Parliamentary election earlier this year. The election for President, as a result of the Musharraf resignation, is scheduled for September 6. CNN.com has more here. Stay Tuned.