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Political conventions

Republicans Use 9/11 as a Central Part of their National Convention

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Republican Party has decided to heavily incorporate the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks into their National Convention, which is being held in New York City today. This move is expected to be met with both approval and disapproval from conservative and moderate Republicans alike. The party aims to pivot to the center and seize on street demonstrations to portray Democrats as extremist.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republican Party has announced plans to repeatedly remind the nation of the Sept. 11 attacks as their convention opens in New York City today, with speeches by Senator John McCain and former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani.
  • Party aides said the convention would begin with an elaborate tribute to Sept. 11 victims, with speeches by McCain and Giuliani reminding voters of Mr. Bush's role in leading the nation after the attacks.
  • Republican officials are using the protests outside the convention to connect them to Democrats, painting Senator John Kerry as out of the mainstream.
  • The Bush campaign is seeking to broaden his appeal to the center, despite the controversy surrounding the exploitation of the Sept. 11 attacks for political gain.
  • The Republican platform includes conservative social issues, including an abortion plank that calls for a total ban, the appointment of judges who oppose abortion, and strong language against gay marriage.
  • A group of former Republican governors, senators, and other public officials have placed a full-page advertisement in The New York Times urging the party to move to more mainstream positions on the environment, the deficit, embryonic stem cell research, and cooperation with international allies.
  • The liberal anti-Bush group MoveOn.org plans to begin a $3 million advertising campaign in swing states featuring Republicans who say they will vote for Mr. Kerry.

Statistics:

  • 84% of Republican delegates have never been to New York City before (pg. P3)
  • 94% of Republican delegates have a positive impression of New York City (pg. P3)
  • 86% of Republican delegates think it was a good idea to hold the convention in New York City (pg. P3)
  • 3% of Republican delegates are very worried about a possible terrorist attack in New York during the convention (pg. P3)

Sources:

  • The New York Times (Aug. 30, 2004)
  • The New York Times (Aug. 30, 2004)
  • The New York Times (Aug. 30, 2004)
  • The New York Times (Aug. 30, 2004)
  • The New York Times (Aug. 30, 2004)
  • The New York Times (Aug. 30, 2004)

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