Republicans Emphasize Terrorism and Security at National Convention

Strategic Insights -

With opinion polls showing President George W. Bush in a dead heat with Democratic challenger John Kerry, Republicans are focusing on terrorism and security as the key issues to ensure victory in the upcoming presidential election. The Republican National Convention, held in Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, saw a plethora of speakers, including former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Senator John McCain, emphasizing the importance of national security and the need to defeat terrorism. Delegates also approved a platform that backs Mr. Bush's efforts against terrorism, his handling of Iraq, and plans for constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage and limit abortion rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republican National Convention emphasized terrorism and security as the key issues in the upcoming presidential election, with President George W. Bush being portrayed as a wartime leader comparable to Winston Churchill.
  • Opinion polls show Mr. Bush in a dead heat with Democratic challenger John Kerry, with only two months left until the presidential vote.
  • The Republican platform approved at the convention backs Mr. Bush's efforts against terrorism, his handling of Iraq, and plans for constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage and limit abortion rights.
  • Senator Bill Frist led the committee that approved the non-binding platform, stating that the party stands "squarely, fully and firmly with President Bush at a time of profound national and historical consequence."
  • Former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani praised Mr. Bush's leadership on terrorism, saying that he "sees world terrorism for the evil that it is, and he will remain consistent to the purpose of defeating it."
  • Senator John McCain praised Mr. Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq, calling it a "necessary, achievable and noble" thing.
  • The crowd booed when Senator McCain mentioned Michael Moore, director of the anti-Bush film Fahrenheit 9/11, as a "disingenuous filmmaker."
  • The platform also includes measures to strengthenSocial Security, extend tax deductions for health-insurance premiums, and reform high schools and early education.

Statistics:

  • Only 2 months remain until the presidential vote, with opinion polls showing President George W. Bush in a dead heat with Democratic challenger John Kerry (70).
  • The Republican National Convention saw a plethora of speakers, including former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Senator John McCain, emphasizing the importance of national security and the need to defeat terrorism (74).
  • The Republican platform approved at the convention includes 14 official positions, covering security, the economy, energy, education, and health care (75).
  • The party platform also includes measures to strengthen Social Security, extend tax deductions for health-insurance premiums, and reform high schools and early education (76).

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Republicans Emphasize Terrorism and Security at National Convention"
  • Reuters, "Republican Party platform Official positions approved at yesterday's Republican National Convention"