Photo for Headline Surfer / Dana Doughterty Swanson of DeBary was a delegate to the Republican National Convention as shown here. Besides her blog, "Dana's Docket, she's also a panelist on Headline Surfer's weekly online show, "The Roundtable."
DEBARY -- I have to admit this year was the first time I watched the big speeches at the DNC. Normally I just watch the highlights of the speeches on cable news channels or the Internet.
When you compare the RNC and DNC there are definitely differences. The RNC was about introducing Mitt Romney to the American public while the DNC was a plea to give President Obama 4 more years.
When comparing to Ann Romney’s speech that the American public was able to learn more about Mitt Romney as a family man and personal side of him that has not been publicized by the media.
Michelle Obama’s speech did not have much substance but her energy and the way she connected to the audience is what made it a homerun for her. Her charisma was much like what her husband has been in the past.
Obama was making the case for her husband about giving him more time to fix things. A constant theme in her speech (and the speeches later on during the DNC) is of the poverty or dire circumstances these different speakers have overcome and the troubles the current American is going through and how the government will take care of them.
While I commend the delivery of Michelle Obama’s speech, I am reminded of the lavish vacations she has enjoyed and golf trips of President Obama and wonder if they are really understanding the average American anymore otherwise they would not be taking them.
While I commend the delivery of Michelle Obama’s speech, I am reminded of the lavish vacations she has enjoyed and golf trips of President Obama and wonder if they are really understanding the average American anymore otherwise they would not be taking them.
The next night there was the king of “smooth talk,” formr President Bill Clinton. If anyone can make a case it is him. I think that anyone listening not fully educated on the issues would buy what he is selling.
The Democratic Party leaders felt they had to bring out its big gun to impress the audience and he did just that. Bill Clinton knows how to put on the charm. He was able to charm the American public into a second term and into believing that “he did not have sexual relations with that woman” and the Democratic Party believes he can charm the public into voting for President Obama despite our bad economy.
Now let’s get to the last night of the DNC. In regards to the vice presidential nominee and his incumbent counterpart, Republican Paul Ryan did a much better presentation than incumbent Joe Biden.
Ryan came across as caring and compassionate towards family yet hit hard on the current administration. Vice President Biden tried to connect to the audience by welling up tears during some points of his speech. Yet other times, he came across as angry by yelling, which does not look well to the television viewer.
Now I will agree that the Republicans did make a glaring oversight by not mentioning the war in Afghanistan, but Biden’s comments did not come off as sincere. Instead, he was pandering to the audience. Our troops deserve sincere -- not staged.
When comparing Mitt Romney, his speech and everything leading up to that, presented a complete picture of the candidate: personal, professional and charitable. We were able to hear about the 5-point plan.
With President Obama, I was extremely disappointed. Gone was the great orator we are so use to seeing. There was no substance and there was not that charisma I was expecting. Instead, all the charisma was with Michelle Obama. Maybe they should have had President Obama the first night and Michelle Obama do the final speech of the DNC.
While comparing Republican National Convention with the Democratic National Convention, the RNC did have at least two things the otherr side was missing.
First, there was Clint Eastwood. Even someone from my church sent out “empty chairs” pictures. Through the November election, the Eastwood inspired chair pictures will continue. That 12-minute skit created a lasting impression and hit home its point.
Second, the balloon drop. What is a convention without a balloon drop to properly end it? At the RNC where I was, the balloons were almost 5 feet deep on the floor. They were at my chin with me standing up in heels. The balloons help solidify the energy with the crowd.
The RNC told us about the candidate on all levels while the DNC told us how bad it is but it is not our fault and give us more time we can fix it. At the RNC, the Republicans asked: Are you better off than you were four years ago? And my honest answer is “no.”
The DNC asked that we give President Obama four more years. I cannot afford four more years of President Obama’s economy. Can you?
The DNC asked that we give President Obama four more years. I cannot afford four more years of President Obama’s economy. Can you?
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