The line-up at the Republican convention – full of social moderates and liberals, in direct contrast to the hard-right social policies of the Bush administration – is beginning to anger the fundamentalists. Here’s a passage from the Family Research Council’s latest email bulletin:
The party seems poised to keep some of its most articulate spokesmen such as Senators Sam Brownback and Rick Santorum and Representatives Henry Hyde and Mike Pence and other leaders on life and family issues behind the scenes. By keeping them on the sidelines they have missed a chance to emphasize the real heart of the party and the sharp contrast between the Republican Party and Democratic Party. By treating the vast majority of the GOP faithful like “fly over” country, the convention organizers douse the enthusiasm of pro-family voters – meanwhile they may show up to vote, they may not bring two or three friends along with them to the polls. Note to Republican Party organizers: Find a primetime spot for a speaker who the pro-family community knows and trusts and who will speak to the issues that have driven so many voters to pull the lever for the GOP in the past.
They’re right. The current line-up is so out of line with what the GOP now stands for it ranks as an act of outright deception. I’m told I’d complain either way. Nope. I’d love Arnold and McCain and Pataki and Giuliani to speak out and represent an inclusive party – if that were the case. But since the GOP is now at its core a Christian fundamentalist party – and non-fundamentalists are suspect members – the line-up should reflect that fact. Put Brownback and Santorum up there. Have them explain their views about abortion (always illegal) and homosexuality (potentially a criminal offense). And let the voters decide.
The Dish 