Two theories on that:
The RNC has finally decided that the worst way to get Bush re 
-elected is to let him run on his actual politics. They don’t sell.
Variation on 1. – the RNC is hedging its bets. If the Pubbies lose this one, their plan is to run as a more liberal party in 2008. That would leave no party in the field truly representing the neocons and radcons. 
They have charisma? I fell asleep during every one of those speeches.
Jesse Helms is back! And this time he’s black! [sup]1[/sup]
[sup]1[/sup]: Full disclosure: Whilst Mr. Robinson adopted that slogan and has been endorsed by Jesse Helms in past races, Mr. Helms endorsed one of Mr. Robinson’s opponents – one who didn’t make the runoff. Not sure if he’s made an endorsement for the runoff. But yeah, he’s alive and about as likely to speak at the convention as Robinson is.
Geez, I knew Zell Miller acted Republican in positions and voting, but giving a speech at the RNC? That’s pretty messed up. Can’t the Democratic party there just not allow him to run as a Democrat next time?
Every Black Republican will be trotted out of course. I remember that one guy was really pissed off after the last RNC convention because he was the only black republican elected official who was not given a speaking role . He was a city counselor in Cleveland or some such.
Since I believe that he is not running for reelection, I don’t believe that he gives a damn what the DNC thinks. Kudos to him for sticking by his conscience rather than kowtowing to the party line, no?
The guy has no principles. He has done a complete 180. One need only read his keynote address to the Democratic convention in 1992 to see this is so.
Miller has long been known in these parts as Zig-Zag Zell. Now we see why. He is regarded as a traitor by Georgia Democrats. If he really is the foaming-at-the mouth Republican he seems to be, the sorry bastard should have had the guts to say so instead of defrauding the Democratic Party and its constituents to get his Senate seat.
I attributed it the extra dose of prozac she appeared to have taken.
Oddly enough, I don’t recall you expressing similar sentiments when James Jeffords hopped across the aisle.
Oh man, the convention needs Chris Rock bad!
Yes, he is a registered Republican.
You fell asleep during Obama’s speech? You need to get that narcolepsy treated.
Cite?
I’ve heard him rip the shit out of Bush in public appearances.
God, what a roll call of losers that list of is. Not a charismatic speaker in the lot. Interesting that the most popular speakers are liberals. I guess it’s simply impossible to find a real conservative that the swing vote would not find repugnant. Maybe Mccain, but a lot of his appeal to the middle is that he’s not perceived as a water carrier for Bush. So when they see him…well…carrying water for Bush it kind of diminishes his appeal.
Is Santorum the designated hate speaker, chosen to spew homophobic nonsense to rally the idiot base? Are we going to hear a drumbeat about the importance of protecting marriage spoken by a parade of adulterers and sleazeballs like Giuliani and Schwarzenneger?
The last is rather heartening for us Kerry supporters. There are no Clintons or Obamas, and the top two headliners- Cheney and Bush- are guaranteed to suck the most ass. Even though the Pubs are wisely avoiding trotting out some of the real ideologues some of the ones they are sending out are pretty cringe inducing. Elizabeth Dole is a horror show of phoniness and smarm, Dick Cheney gives Dracula the shivers, Bill Frist is an uninspiring, cadaverous asshole, Santorum is just an asshole, Laura Bush is totally from Stepford.
Where is Colin Powell, btw? Where is Nancy Reagan? Are they unwilling to put aside their undisguised contempt for GWB anymore?
Who’s going to give the speech that people talk about? Who’s going to tear the roof off? george Pataki? I don’t think so.
I can’t see how the Pubs will get any good bounce out of this. They’ll rally the true believers but they already had those anyway. I think Kerry will still have a lead after the RNC and then it only gets worse for Bush with the debates.
They (almost) won last time by lying about how Bush was a moderate and uniter. They’re going to try it again. The interesting thing is to see if the fundies are far-righties are satisfied with no one by Santorum speaking. Maybe we should send them all email attacking them for letting those sodomite lovers like Giuliani speak. 
(typo in original article fixed)
Some GOP officials aren’t taking it too well
“Something happened”?? Pssst, she lost her husband maybe?
In any case, the Reagans are giving the Republicans fits. The Republicans are upset enough with Ron Jr., not just because he spoke at the Democratic Convention, but also for things like the scathing article in Esquire magazine, The Case Against George W. Bush. I think they would love to have his mother to counteract such doings, and she’s not playing along. Many think he’s influencing her, as if she didn’t have a mind of her own. They could, and maybe will, get Michael.
If anyone’s taking a poll, this liberal plans to watch the Republican convention. I’ll probably even dub off Santorum’s speech. I’m still kicking myself for not recording Buchanan’s speech in 1992. That was a classic.
Actually, prominent Hispanic Republicans would be more likely to be trotted out. Probably a Martinez or two down here. And since they badly need to take Florida I can’t imagine Jeb Bush not given a prominent role. Maybe his wife will introduce him in Spanish.
I think the Republicans will show the diversity of their party at the convention.
Look for…
George W. Bush
George Bush
Laura Bush
Barbara Bush
Barb Bush
Jenna Bush
Jeb Bush
George P. Bush
I thought it was fairly well known that the Reagans and the Bushes were never exactly bosom buddies, even in the days of Ron and George.