Posted by SamFelder
The first night of the Democratic National Convention offered red meat to those of us starving for a strong message from our party. For seven hours, the event proceeded perfectly. Everyone stayed on message, repeating again and again that John Kerry’s military and political experience best prepares him to lead America.
As Andrew Sullivan observed, it was like watching a Republican Convention. “Tightly scripted, elegantly choreographed, seamlessly on the centrist message of war, unity, maturity and judgment.” Sullivan goes on to make the very prudent point that if the Convention continues on this theme, it will effectively steal 9/11 from the Republicans.
From the moment they scheduled their convention in New York City in September, we knew that the Republican strategy would be to coopt 9/11. In order for this strategy to work, they must remind American voters that they should be scared and that only Bush can help them.
Last night’s speeches and a powerful memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks showed America that the tragedy belongs to all Americans. The lessons of that tragic day truly belong to each of us.
By giving the podium to a Muslim-American and following that with a Jewish-American playing Amazing Grace the Democrats proudly displayed that uniting America is a top priority. They displayed that the threat of terrorism is front-and-center in their minds as they offer America a new vision of the future.
In a Democratic future, the President will understand that military power is not the only source of strength. As Jimmy Carter noted, Bush has united our allies, only he has united them against us.
By emphasizing military experience as a premier value, the Democrats reminded America that the military is not populated exclusively by Republicans. Bill Clinton reminded America that he, like our current President and Vice-President, did not go to Vietnam. John Kerry responded differently to that difficult time. As Clinton repeated again and again, “John Kerry said ‘send me!'”
This mantra drives home what the Democrats mean by values. Personal sacrifice, honor, hard work and shared responsibility are as American as apple pie. The Democrats used last night to remind us all that America can work towards these goals but that George Bush and the Republicans spent the last three years squandering the goodwill of the world and dividing us here at home.
I am eager to see what tonight’s speeches will bring!