ABC On Day Three of the RNC
Reported by Melanie - September 1, 2004 -
I report here on ABC's coverage of tonight's (September 1, 2004) RNC.
Peter Jennings opened from the floor of Madison Square Garden. Jennings said Dick Cheney's "hugely popular" and "they [the audience] can hardly wait" to hear Zell Miller. Convention delegates stood on their chairs and danced as Jennings said "but, for the moment, let them party."
As Miller began to speak, Jennings said "when you hear Zell Miller talk," remember "he's about to retire."
(I will not comment on the text of the speeches. I decided instead to note impressions that came to my mind as I watched, and I've noted them in italics.)
Zell Miller began.
I haven't heard the term "red army" since the l960s.
He looked so angry.
He looked hateful.
He looked vicious.
The delegates look frightened.
As Miller ended his speech, Jennings said Miller's in his 70s and about to retire. George Stephanopoulis said, "this was red meat for the red states tonight."
Next came Lynne Cheney.
Looked bored.
Next Dick Cheney.
Uncharacteristic smiles.
Looked like he was wearing a girdle.
Corny backdrop (a prairie scene with a cabin or small barn and a squat grain silo).
He looks sincere.
Cheney begins to talk about the military.
Looking serious.
Distortions.
No detail.
Lies.
Knows how to milk the crowd for applause
Cheney begins to talk about Kerry "flip flops."
Crowd energy is strong.
The RNC built-in a lot of applause time.
Young, applauding audience members will pay for deficits in the future.
Cheney's speech ends.
Dick and Lynne Cheney stand on stage, waiving to the audience. Their "straight" daughter, her husband and their children join them. Missing was lesbian daughter Mary.
Jennings said the only one who's missing is Mary Cheney, the "gay" daughter, and that [Zell] Miller "turned on his party in partisan ways," and Cheney came out and did what he was supposed to do.
Then George Stephanopoulis said Monday's speeches were about "raising the stakes," and last night (with Arnold) was about "inspiring" the voters. About tonight, Stephanopoulis wondered "if it was smart to have him [Miller] out in such a hot fashion." Then, without a wrap by Jennings or Stephanopoulis, the programming computer kicked in and cut to a sitcom which began at 11:00 p.m. ET.
