I'm looking forward to the Republican National Convention like I'd look forward to the next appearance by the New York Mets bullpen - if I were managing the phreaking Phillies.
This baby has all the potential of being one of the wildest chapters in modern political stagecraft history, and like the Mets pen, it's a good bet to get very ugly very quickly. What a cast of characters! (And that's just the ticket). Hiding the Bush legacy will be like trying to eke out a save from Aaron Heilman: an acrobatic managerial trick few can possibly pull off.
I will say this: it's suddenly appointment-level television, whereas during the pre-Palintological Era, the RNC could be easily ignored. Now I'm laying in a supply of popcorn and hooting for the beer vendor. This thing's going to extra innings, and I don't want to miss it.
Then too, Hurricane Gustav steadily descends on the Gulf as a deadly reminder of our national government's failure three years ago under this current president and his party. Yes, it's a mixture of pure politics and goodwill for both Obama and McCain to dedicate their resources to helping out in what seems like a near-certain crisis; McCain by turning the RNC into a telethon for aid, and Obama for raising money and making plans to mobilize his army of volunteers. Even the cynic applauds.
I have a post up over on my book blog about how social networks and online technology may play a greater role this time around; the first chapter in CauseWired opens in the aftermath of New Orleans, when online social activism really soared just as Web 2.0 technology took off. Some great comments there from online organizers, so head over if you get a chance.
UPDATE: Digby - "It's great seeing President McCain on CNN speaking directly to the country, directing the convention and the hurricane efforts and all, but I would think even the media sycophants could find time to talk to a Democrat or two in this weird HurriConvention coverage." Oh, Lord.
