GOP: We’ll crash party: Repubs want equal time if Kerry snubs nomination

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Andrew Miga
Monday, May 24, 2004

WASHINGTON - President Bush's campaign yesterday threatened to hold four days of campaign rallies to yank the media spotlight from Boston's Democratic National Convention if Sen. John F. Kerry delays accepting his party's nomination.

``Certainly, we would give strong consideration that there be (Bush) rallies all four nights of their four-day political rally in Boston, should Kerry decide to delay his nomination,'' said Bush campaign spokesman Steve Schmidt.

The Kerry camp, already catching flak from some party officials complaining the delay could render the Hub event irrelevant, brushed off the Bush threat.

``We would expect that the Bush campaign is going to try and run counter-activities during the convention,'' said Kerry campaign spokesman Michael Meehan.

more: http://news.bostonherald.com/election2004/view.bg?articleid=29122

[Davis_X_Machina]

1. ... four days of campaign rallies

What if no one shows up?

[pinto]

2. keep them cards and letters coming....Kerry's got them dancing.

[trumad]

3. Oooooo...we're so scared!

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Boy, I Bet They Wish They Had The Fairness Doctrine Now!

The Professor

[KuroKensaki]

5. Why?

Why is he delaying acceptance of the nomination? To hold off choosing a running mate? To give Kucinich a chance to get more nominees so he can help shape the platform jussa lil bit?

Honestly, I say, let Bush hold his rallies. It won't affect us at all. Because there are very, very few people on the fence in this election. Over 70% of people have already decided who they're going to vote for. Support for each candidate is about 50/50 with almost nobody in the gray area. Bush has polarized this country, and now he'll pay for it--because the one strong vote tactic Republicans always had was attracting the swing voters.

[Mixxster]

8. Why is he delaying acceptance of the nomination?

Because once he accepts, Kerry is longer allowed to raise funds. He is only allowed to use the $75 million in federal money. Since the Republican convention is so much later, Bush has that much more time than Kerry to raise contributions.

[RoyGBiv]

9. The Why...

Kerry is considering delaying acceptance to counter what the Repubs did by moving their convention so far forward.

Once the candidate accepts the nomination, campaign finance rules will prevent Kerry from using money he has raised for the primaries. Meanwhile, Bush can spend away what he's raised. That would give Bush a five week advantage of nearly unlimited spending while Kerry is having to budget a smaller amount of money. Bush wouldn't have the adhere to the same budgetary restrictions until September.

[Warren Stuart]

10. Moolah, Cash, Bucks, Dough, Show me the .....

It's so Kerry can continue to raise cash and counter the Republican advantage in fund raising. Which is probably why the Republicans have their convention so late. If Kerry let them get awsay with it, all the media would talk about is how smart the Republicans are. This ploy takes this away.

It's a smart move, plus if the Republicans have counter rallies this may backfire on them in New York. Obviously the Democrats will want to have counter rallies also, which will be rejected and be seen as unsportsmanlike.

[AntiCoup2K4]

6. Uhhh.... they HAVE equal time

It's called the Republican convention, you fucking Busheep morons!!

[qb]

7. Dems should point out the Repug's motivations for their convention date:

1. Close to 9-11 (in time & proximity) to further politicize the tragedy.
2. Delay *'s nomination for the same reason the Kerry campaign is suggesting: to maximize fund raising.