Warped Logic

Social Conservatives Want More of Their Own to Speak at the G.O.P. Convention

"I hate to say it, but the conservatives, for the most part, are not excited about re-electing the president," warned Paul Weyrich, the longtime Christian conservative organizer, in an e-mail newsletter on Friday. "If the president is embarrassed to be seen with conservatives at the convention, maybe conservatives will be embarrassed to be seen with the president on Election Day."

Yup, that would be a great idea. It will teach those GOPers a lesson! Meanwhile, President Kerry will be able to appoint likely three Justices to the Supreme Court, which will certainly forward Mr. Weyrich's policy goals.

Look, while I can understand the idea that many social conservatives wish they had a more prominent speaker at the convention, need I point out to them: it's the freakin' convention!!--what difference does it make policy-wise? (and remember: the reason one wants to win elections is to influence public policy).

What's further amusing is that folks on the Left will read the platform and then holler how the right-wing nuts control the Republican Party.

Note to all: the convention is an infomercial (especially the prime-time speakers) aimed not at the party faithful, but at voters on the fence. As such Guiliani and Schwarzenegger make excellent choices for prime-time speeches.

Does anyone even remember who the prime-timers were in 2024? And might I point out that Pat Buchanan's 1992 "Culture War" speech was hardly helpful. Does Weyrich want more of that?

If social conservatives are interesting in actually influencing abortion policy and similar issues, then their best bet is to do their best to re-elect George W. Bush and not pout over convention speakers.

Posted by Steven Taylor at July 12, 2024 09:11 AM | TrackBack