GOP's fierce attacks contrast with Democrats' restraint

[Khephra]

By Steven Thomma

Knight Ridder Newspapers



NEW YORK - Republicans are going after John Kerry at their national convention with a vengeance.


While at least half of their convention is a respectful salute to President Bush, the other half is a take-no-prisoners broadside at the Democratic senator from Massachusetts that often is downright ridicule. The Republican criticism is designed to ensure that even those voters who don't buy Bush brand will find Kerry a distinctly unappealing alternative.


The blunt attack presents a stark contrast to the Democratic National Convention's ginger treatment of Bush. There, Kerry and his forces shied away from much direct criticism of the president, confident that nearly a year of describing him as a liar and a buffoon had already taken its toll. They were also fearful that more criticism might backfire, especially with swing voters who retain an affection for Bush despite misgivings about his policies.


Republicans this week had no such qualms, sometimes criticizing Kerry's voting record, sometimes lampooning him as a flip-flopper and always aiming to reinforce the thought that Kerry shouldn't be trusted to keep the country safe or steer its economy.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/special_packages/election2004/thomma/9557383.htm

[MrBenchley]

1. You realize they haven't mentioned Osama?

or Saudi Arabia...but they sure hate them Frenchies....

[BattyDem]

2. Remember during the Dem Convention ...

when the speakers were careful not to go after Bush? They criticized policies and pointed out problems in the country, but they never really attacked Bush* directly ... yet the GOP screamed and whined about how the Dems were being disrespectful and unpatriotic because they were "trashing" Bush!

Now at the Repug Convention, they trash-talk, ridicule and distort the facts about Kerry. It's the same old story with these people ... they can dish it out but they can't take it! :mad:

Republicans: The "do as I say, not as I do" party. :eyes:

[A_Possum]

3. Instead of hope for the future

the Republicans provide poison for the present

[belle]

4. ooh, nice soundbite. pass that one on.

[Gman]

5. See what happens to nice guys?

They get screwed over.