CNN

They could nominate Ron Paul instead of McCain, to put a real reformer at the top of the ticket.

With the selection of a woman with absolutely no experience in international politics, a former beauty queen, McCain has blown it. If he thinks that he will secure the Hillary vote with this obvious pandering move, he is sadly mistaken. Obama and Biden look more and more like winners every day McCain campaigns. Their convention will be a joke! Hillary is probably laughing along with many others,.

Jack,

I am writing from Breaux Bridge, LA. At this point, the GOP will have to compete for air time with the Gustav. I am more interested in the hurricane.

Not letting George Bush speak at the convention would be a good start. Beyond that, maybe McCain should bring out Krusty the Clown to distract Americans from actually looking closely at Republican policy.

What do Republicans have to do at their convention to top the Democrats?

Well it seems that now it's a bit like the Beauty and the Beast. But republicans will have to scrape the barrel a bit more to top the Democrat convention. How about a beauty paegant ? Or a Bush-look-alike contest?

What do Republicans have to do at their convention to top the Democrats?

Well it seems that now it’s a bit like the Beauty and the Beast. But republicans will have to scrape the barrel a bit more to top the Democrat convention. How about a beauty paegant ? Or a Bush-look-alike contest?

Beverly from São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil

In a nutshell...they can't top what the Democrats did at their convention. The Democrats spoke with conviction from their hearts, especially Obama. This is something McCain has consistantly failed to do.

Have Big Oil companies pay for people to attended the Republican Convention. Since, they got there woman who will use her Vice-Presidency signature to overrule Congress to start drilling on the Northern part of Alaska.

I'm sorry, Jack! I'm still rolling on the floor in laughter over the selection of a VP who is under investigation for abuse of power in her own state and who is comparing herself to Hillary! Oh, PLEASE! ha! ha! ha!

Please define "top". Last night was a Hollywood spectacle, and spectacles do not automatically win elections, especially when voters in economically depressed small towns and rural areas in key states are going to decide the Electoral College. By the way, the Obama campaign has managed to diss those small town voters again just this morning, with their press release about Sarah Palin. Really smart...

Today, McCain has done something that will indeed generate great interest in his convention, and that of course is his picking Gov Sarah Palin as VP. Obama is not the only exotic candidate now, Jack. We will have to wait to see how this plays out.

And the other factor that could affect McCain's convention is Gustav, and he isn't even on the ticket!

Sen. McCain can send his new VP choice hunting & fishing in Alaska with Vice President Cheney and then he can gain the sympathy vote!

I was a Hillary supporter – I now am a McCain supporter because of his VP choice being Gov. Palin. I urge every woman in America to get behind this ticket – it's simply the best! Perhaps women have a chance in governing at the top at long last.

Simply the Best by Tina Turner – needs to be McCain/Palin theme song

Janice From Denver

1. make sure Bush is out of town (on the Gulf Coast)
2. Keep McCain from straying away from his cue cards.
3. Show photos of Mrs. Palin from the Alaska Beauty Pageant.

JPFentress
Owensboro KY 42303

One thing for sure, is to make sure McCain wears his flag pin, as he failed to do at today's unveiling of the vice-presidential pick.

McCain's VP Choice

Senator McCain’s choice for VP is the ultimate pander for votes. Choosing a woman such as Kay Bailey Hutchinson would have been a bold move. She is an accomplished, fairly well known politician that happens to be a woman. Sarah Palin, on the other hand, having served less than two years as governor and a virtual unknown is strictly a pick based on gender. This really calls into question John McCain’s judgment.

To quote a line from an earlier VP debate, Governor, I know Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton is a friend of mine. Governor, you’re no Hillary Clinton.

Also there is the question of John McCain’s age. He would be the oldest person ever elected to a first term as President. He parades his 96 year old mother around as an example of his longevity. Genetic inheritance for longevity tends to favor one sex over the other in families. His grandfather died at age 61. His father died at age 70. John McCain would be taking on the biggest pressure cooker job in the world. He already has battled cancer. He, more than most, had an obligation to pick some one who could step into the job immediately. It goes counter to all his criticisms of the Democratic candidate’s lack of experience.

George from Stockton, Ca.

Jack, they already did even before the GOP convention started. McCain's running mate will increase the appeal of the Republican Party: McCain's VP pick may have been risky, but it will result in increased votes.

They can't. That was a brilliantly orchestrated convention that built up our interest as the week progressed and ended on a mile high note. Sen. Obama's entire campaign has been run extremely well and I hope Americans realize what great minds he will have surrounding him and all this will pay off with a victory in Nov.

HI Jack,
Seeing that McCain is as old as dirt the GOP have to elect a VP with more experience than Joe Biden (not Sarah Palin), they have to elect a VP ready to be president on day one (not Sarah Palin) and they have to invest 5 billion in Cryogenics for McBush to relieve any tensions their cult followers might have now. Sarah Palin was picked by Oil and Gas Industry that have donated $1,069,854 so far to his campaign. Alaska drilling in the future???

Nothing GOP can do to top the Dems convention.
Absolutely nada... It just ain't happening, not this time. As Kucinich said: wake up America! ... Won't even watch the republican convention ; especially now that they have picked this Palin who "Pales In" comparison to Hillary Clinton. A woman for vice president? yes, perhaps ,but definitely no Palin. She is no Hillary Clinton.

Find a phone booth large enough to hold the delegates.

'postpone' the convention due to Hurricane Gustav – wouldn't that be convenient for the republicans to create pomp and circumstance out of a natural disaster?

What a way, that would be, to attract attention to w's mistake with Katrina. I'm not insensitive, but what does a hurricane have to do with postponing the republican convention? Seriously.

If they could somehow resurrect Reagan from the dead on stage and have him utter, "I'm Ronald Reagan and I'm here to help"

They just did.....in two words....Sarah Pilan!

And the Dems are now stuck with only two words .......Uh OH!

Let's see: add a youngish ex-beauty queen, ex sports reporter, less than 2 year governor of a state that most people will never visit, who has a degree in journalism, has five children and a husband named Todd who is a oil guy. And just for a little added fun....let's make her one of the least environmentally friendly women in the U.S.

Who needs fireworks?

For starters, they can be less "conservative" and be more animated. They can throw a big party, and make President Bush in charge of bringing the drinks. LET'S CELEBRATE!!!!!!

They will have to trot out the stars and try to trump Bill Clinton. Mrs. Reagan and former president Bush would be a good start. After that, I'd go with an elephant parade and free hotdogs.

Turn back the hands of time, start over and become Democrats. Nothing less.

Absolutely not! The passion in Hillary Clinton's speech, the wisdom in Bill Clinton's speech, and the optimism in Biden and Obama's speeches are impossible to top. If McCain wheels out Bush and friends, he will be getting the endorsement he never wanted. Bush is a terrible act to follow.

Don't know, I will be for too busy watching paint dry, polishing my nails, scraping the dead skin off of my feet, cleaning out cabinets and dusting my baseboards.

Nothing!
just God is capable of doing impossibles

Thinking of the problems McCain had in his own state on getting enough donors at the convention center and having to take a venue which has fewer attendance doesn't bode well for a candidate who looks a lot like the Spinal Tap rock band which when asked why it consistently takes smaller and smaller venues answers that its audience is more intelelctual or something else beyond popular. McCain is experiencing this same phenomenon when he has to deal with fewer republican senators who will attend the convention and fewer general attendees. It has been suggested that to offset the fewer attendees, McCain needs a hall of mirrors so as to amplify the number of people and giving a larger appearance to the smaller venue. The man needs tricks to counter Obama's drawing abilities> How does one counter 85,000 people at teh Broncos stadium? Stay home and pray for rain and this is where Dobdon's prayers may be helpful!

Jack,they have already topped the dems,by picking Sarah Palin.Hey,Obama,ooops!!!!!

nothing the republicans do can top the democratic covention,i don't intend to watch a minute of it and be bored to death.where did they get this sarah palin?,she certainly is no hillary clinton who is a qualified canidate,but mccains choice isn't qualified,simple as that

They can make a compelling case to the voters on how they will.. uh..keep things pretty much on the same course. Are there any CEO's in the room? Show of hands.

It would probaly take a stip tease by the vice presidential candidate. That would get the attention of Joe Six Pack.

McCain just OFFICIALLY lost the election. What a good choice he made.

Ralph in NY

What reality are you living in? Even the millions the oil companies have contributed to McCain can't make Palin palatable to mainstream American. McCain's main criticism of Obama is that he is a "celebrity" (and what is a beauty queen?), too young (Palin is younger and more likely to have to fill part of his term), and inexperienced (at least Obama has been involved in national politics, Palin has not even two years under her belt as a Governor).

This will go down as the biggest Republican joke in history.

Jack: They might hold a McCain-Palin Palozza or a beauty pagent.

Cancel it!

Hi Jack:

Serve cake and coffee. I heard the hot dogs at the Democratic convertion were lousy.

Ron San Diego

What can they do to top the Dem's convention? Have Sarah Palin do a reinactment of her swimsuit competition in the Miss Alaska pageant. That's probably her biggest claim to fame.

I really don't think they can. They are not as exciting as the Dems this election. They don't have anyone on their side that is really inspirational and many americans blame them for the mess we are in. I'm going to watch to see how many times they say POW and so I can make up some good jokes off off their message of fear-mongering.

They better bring in lots of brown faces. Otherwise America will realize the GOP is the party of White America. Sorry, but the truth hurts and a few hundred token minorities will not change that.

Get the guys that played in that tease of a British movie, "The Full Monty," to do an encore performance, and actually show it this time.

Cancel It! Eight Years of Republican Disaster is enough!

Good Luck!

They can't. Don't forget their convention will be to nominate Alzheimers John McCain! He is about as exciting as watching dead grass grow!

After today's joke for VP, I just can't stop laughing, I hope they have more comedy at the convention. I thought the democrates had a great party, but comedy just might top them.

Take the convention down to New Orleans and start filling sand bags and have GOP on their shirts for everyone to see.

cancell it. That is the only way and we will be relieved and able to go back to our normal programing.

In as few words as possible Jack They can't!

Send Sarah Palin to the stage often with a sexy outfit perhaps. I can not think of anything else that they can do to top it.

- Nuwan from Houston, TX

Well, here's one thing that won't do it, the selection of Sarah Palin as VP. She's not governor of a state (a state with all of 683,000 people); she's governor of a national park. And former mayor of the booming metropolis of Wasilla, population 6,700. The sheer lunacy of McCain in picking Palain underscores the Dems assertion his judgment is poor. A candidate who rails against his opponent's lack of experience then selects a running mate with even less.

Derek
Irmo SC

Jack

I don't think they can, but hey, this is America. Let 'em do their damnedest. That's what makes politics so much fun!

Doc
in Ft. Worth Texas

That was the Democratic convention? Strange my friends and I were all yelling.."ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!"

How about a Hurricane!

This is not a question is just a trick right?

Throw McCain out Nominate Mitt Romney. McCain has clearly lost it.

They can't. They do not have the heart felt politicians that the
Democrats have.
How can they possibly speak of their love for American and
the American people when they have almost destroyed our
country with their mismanagement?
How can they possibly campaign on their accomplishments
when they have none?
How can they possibly say they care when they obviously
have not for these almost eight years?
If I were a republican who wants a future in politics,
I would call in sick for the convention.

hi jack
i guess no one will watch this one unless you like CMT thats the only music they will have maybe you can report on how rasis the GOP is.I hope CNN look at the crowd.
clearwater,fl

The Republicans have lost their minds and no convention tricks can help. As a life long republican and nurse I was already concerned about John McCain's cowboy diplomacy, lack of judgement, advanced age, history of cancer and now he adds an unknown soccer mom to the ticket! This is an insult to the intellegence of the women he is pandering. We don't want just any woman. We would like a woman who that is worthy of the job. We don't want just anyone that will go down in history that it was a mistake to allow a woman into such a high office! Pralin does not have the education or experience! Just because she "manages" a state that does not even have the population of Dayton does not make he managment material for the USA. At least Obama has some National experience, has practiced constitutional law and shown good judgement! I think it is scary that if something happens to John McCain we could end up with a soccer mom as president. As a mom I would not want my children's future put in that kind of jepardy. I just made a big contribution to Obama and for the first time in my life will vote Democrat!

What can they do? Rent their own stadium and PUNT! Game Over!

free beer from Cindy McCain's beverage company?

I don't think they can do anything. It would have to be something terribly funny to beat the joke they gave us today. The Democrats have laughed so hard –they are still holding their sides because it hurts so much. Talk about pandering for votes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The truth is that they can't. Because the GOP is to blame for the mess this country is in. Jack, the GOP is the party that said that we are a nation of whiners and that the economic troubles we are suffering are all in our head. The Republicans have nothing to run on but their failures. This election is for the Democrats to win.

Nothing. Their candidate is an angry, senile old man. They have NOTHING!

They can't. This is Barack Obama's destiny and John McCain's ambition.

Nominate someone other that John McCain Jack!

They can't Jack. The reality of it is those who can do and those who can't say negative things and complain about it.

Nothing. John Mccain lost my vote today with his obviously inept choice for v.p. Good grief. She would be one step from presidency if something should happen to Mccain. That is scary. I think the republicans have been trying to mock the office of presidency with the weak candidates they keep putting up for president. It seems like they are making fun of we the american people. I am not completely comfortable with Obama, but Mccain is a loose cannon, not to be trusted at all. It seems he lacks integrity, foresight, and good judgement.

Very hard to follow an awesome spectacle like the Democratic convention. After todays event there is no hope for McCain now. It would best to concede to Barack Obama to save himself the embarrasment of losing in a landslide.

Will never happen unless they all dance naked in the moonlight. They probably need to call their convention Comedy Central. McBush can get Bush to be the bartender serve beer from his wife's company and get shotgun Chaney to put on a shooting exhibition. McCain could explain how to crash Navy fighter planes, having crashed four should qualify him as an expert on crashing planes.

Well to start, show the American public they know about rising fuel costs and not have a parade of Suburbans out front. Secondly, nominate, second and approve their selection, make a couple of speeches, and go home. All this hoopla, and patting on the back, celebrity sighting, concerts,and other circus acts is getting old real fast. Turn the clock to November as fast as they can.

Jack,

lol.

Brian
Moscow, Idaho

The GOP's best bet to top the Democratic Convention ... cancel their convention completely! I'm sure there will be something much more entertaining and informative on the Cartoon Network than anything this floundering party could possibly cook up!

Jack...between McCains choice of Palin as his VP candidate an all the Republicans that are up for election bailing out on attending the event, I think the RNC should call it a wash an forget the whole thing

Jack, the question should be, "What can they do?"

They could ask Obama to come and make a speech.

They can't......McBushRove is boring.

Bit/Alabama

The Dem's convention is like the Bejing olympics you cannot beat it. Just do your best and try to get your party back in order since the last 8 has been a joke.

THEY CAN'T

Jack,That would be very simple, McBush could concede, save the taxpayers 84 million federal funding. Connie from Indiana

Win Barack Obama's endorsement.

They cannot top the Dems. Supporters flocked to Obama's convention because they're passionate about the candidates. I can't say the same for McCain!

Jack, The Republicans should move their convention to the New Orleans Superdome. What a perfect way to showcase their brave, resolute support for all of America's less fortunate citizens. News images of Reublicans handing out lifejackets to the citizenry as they float by would be priceless.
Hiram Rapids, Oh.

Just prior to his acceptance speech, John McCain would have to do backflips across the stage, then leap up screaming: "I have seen the light"! Like Jake Blues at the Triple Rock church.

Jack, The Republicans should move their convention to the New Orleans Superdome. What a perfect way to showcase their brave, resolute support for all of America's less fortunate citizens. News images of Republicans handing out lifejackets to the citizenry as they float by would be priceless.
Hiram Rapids, Oh.

If Gustov hits the Gulf coast, maybe Bush and McCain could have a cake party in the parking lot.

I would like to see Sarah Palin play her flute, model her swimsuit and evening-wear, and answer the question: If you became President of the U.S., what is the first thing you’d do and why?

Speak in 2 mile high stadium.

There is nothing that they can do. They are old, boring, corrupt, and stuck in the past. They have driven this nation into bankruptcy, and they still tell lies about it. Theirs is a fantasy land without substance, or answers. Ms. Eisenhower couldn't have said it better last night about what they really are.
So, not only can they not top that, but Gustav and then Hanna will steal what little limelight that they may get. CNN will not see a record rating with the GOP coverage like you did last night with Obama.

Put the former beauty queen in a bikini and give her a fishin' pole!!

I hope the GOP does not top the DEM convention, it would say to me that they care about the expense of such a Glitzy affair. We the taxpayers pay for much of these conventions and there is no speech that is worth that kind of expense.

Rose
AZ

I wish I knew something they could do. I suspect it might be worth a small fortune to them and then I could use the money to help the economy!

Tell us the heck Palin is...

They can't.

Obama/Biden '08

They need to take a stand on issues. Show more substance than juvenile name calling. Does anyone know what McCain plans to do besides continue the Iraq War?

First, they have to show up. Polls notwithstanding, every time I've seen photos and coverage of the Republicans and John McCain's stops along the campaign trail, the rooms have been half empty. And the people who are there are usually dozing. They wake up confused and befuddled when McCain starts yelling at a protester who was, inadvertently, allowed to use his right to free speech and ask a question. But they'll do better next time if McCain wins....then those pesky civil rights will finally all be off the books.
-Teri in Hagerstown

Lay back and relax. McCain killed all hope of a GOP victory for choosing a VP under investigation in her home state. A first-term govenor who is as green as new college graduate. The VP is supposed to be able to step into the presidency at a moment's notice. Looks like McCain found himself a new hot, young thing.

PUT ON DUNCE HATS AND PIN THE TAIL ON THE ELEPHANT

Lets see... They'd reasonably need...

George H.W. to give a rousing speech to top Bill Clinton's.

Mitt Romney will have to top Hillary Clinton's inspiring speech.

Sarah Palin will have to count on her 30+ years of experience and sharp wit to give a great vice presidental speech topping Biden (oops)

Dick Cheney will have to speak about his great moral crusade in the same brilliant and self-depricating way Al Gore did.

Rudy Guiliani and his lisp will have to give a keynote stressing his impeccable record and bipartisan work as good as Mark Warner's.

In other words, they don't stand a chance. They don't even have Ron Paul to fill Kucinich's insanity role.

By handcuffing George W. Bush on the spot, and forfeiting the election......

Stay home, save their money and wait 67 days and vote for Obama.

Oh let see give McCain a makeover that makes him look ten years younger. Tell Bush and Cheney that the convention is in Denver. Don't let McCain stand with Liebermann and the other old men of the party.

L.M.,AZ

Have John McCain stop reading his speeches and realize the American people do not feel his sincerity.

They can't because McCain already destroyed most of the fervor of his fans by selecting a noname girl without experience as his VP.

$2300.00 to MCCain today, he's going to clean up the you know what in Washington – of course he's never been for Pork Barrel.
We have changed our minds now.
Jones'
Billings Montana

Not much they can do...they will have movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger (if his state can pass a budget), McCain (who has been in movies himself) and now Palin (A former beauty queen) on stage and they call Obama a "celebrity"....

Also, I have heard one of McCain's speeches and I would rather watch a snail cross the street...hopefully someone will give him a Red Bull before he starts talking....

I know how the Republicans can have a better convention. Next monday President Bush walks out on stage with Cheney and McCain at his side and proclaims to america that the GOP will never run for office again.

Nothing. I seriously doubt Mr. Magoo knows how to throw a decent party.

And where the heck was his lapel pin? Lapel pins are the only way show you love our country, I guess he never really did.

Nothing. They can't even get 10,000 people from Minnesota to fit their convention.

Move it to New Orleans.

Jack I think they just did!

GOP has to send McCain to Russia and Iran and make their folks hold the American Flag and weave it, and it better not be on fire! then the GOP will top the DNC convention

Peter, Dallas

Not that Curmudgeon Cafferty and I would watch... but John McCayan might invite his biker buddies to show up and host a rerun of that Dakota contest... featuring his new running mate, his current and past wives, and Vickie.... that lobbyist he helped!

Gieven the blatant sexism of the DNC and Obama campaign, McCain already has topped the Democrats.

Hey Jack, would you see if someone or other will ask Gov.Palin just WHEN she will be turning in her RESIGNATION letter to her home state so that THEY can "adjust" for surely she is in it to win it and figures herself on a winning team (thou am NOT so sure McC is really in it to win it with this selection and display of hs judgement faculties !!!)

Jack, remember Bush nominating Harriet Miers to the US Supreme Court? Looks like McCain is trying to outdo Bush.

D.R.
Dearborn MI

It just isn't possible. The GOP is a joke with these recent turn of events. Just pitiful.

Have John McCain come out wearing Hip-Hop gear and a platinum grill for his nomination acceptance speech so he can get the young vote.

Not possible. The omens are there. Obama accepted on the anniversay of one of the greatest moments in our history, McSame nominates Miss Thing on the anniversary of one of the lowest. Those rediculous Jesus junkies were praying for " a flood of biblical proportions" to destroy Obama's speech, instead it looks like they'll have a hurricane keeping us occupied and keeping thier little party out of the limelight. Looks to me like OurLord has shown us what he wants, he's given our country one last chance, it's upto us to listen.

What a terrible choice on part of McCain. Shows poor poor judgement and is just what a long term political operative would do – put aside ideals to try and jdo what it takes to win the election. I as a woman am outraged by his choice of candidate.

Jack there is only one way. Concede the election now and save this fine country alot of money.

Call me crazy but, I think John MCain knows that he's defeated and when all is said and done he'll place the blame for his loss on Palin. His audacity to think that the loyal Hillary supporters will be swayed by Palin is a sign of his senility and poor judgement.

Starting off by Jumping the Shark with the VP selection is soooooo not a good idea.

Tom
Silverdale, Wa

To answer your question quite simply: The Second Coming! Jack, stick a fork in the GOP, they're done!

Doug Rombough,
Ottawa, Canada

Oh, Thats Easy....Invite Obama to give the welcoming speech on Monday!
There is nothing that can do, they don't even have a prayer!

The G.O.P. can't top the Dems, especially now that McCain's V.P. selection is Palin. . .Palin comparison to Biden, Palin comparison to Hillary, even Palin comparison to Dan Quayle!

They better make sure they eat their Wheaties and drink a lot of Red Bull's!

You won't like the answer and certainly, I don't expect it to be posted.
Republicans? Just show up. Barack Obama is no more than a cult of personality with whose liberal agenda is cloaked in "unifying the country" What bologna! Like it or not we are and will be conservative and liberal in this country. What foolishness to think one group will lay down it's diametrically opposing viewpoint! Why would we have two parties for gosh sakes? Get real! If Obama gets elected and when he flops will Mr. Cafferty own up to his bad choice?? and add critical commentary if need be? Probably not..liberal is as liberal does..

They could try saying "April Fool!"

Hi Jack,
I don't know if the GOP could top the Dems' convention, Jack. But in an ironic twist of fate, it looks like the Dems will have the option of praying for rain 'of biblical proportions' to ensure that it won't!

How about telling the truth? Unique thought?

Get rid of McCain and Palin

McCain should go on the convention floor, formally move to suspend the rules and concede the presidency to Obama, by acclamation.

Jack, the best thing that the Republicans can do to top the Democratic Convention, is to not show up.