What's the greatest risk Republicans face at their convention?
By CNN's Jack Cafferty:
With Isaac drawing a bead on the city of New Orleans, the Republican National Convention is no longer at the center of this week's media storm.
Nonetheless, the GOP needs to shine during its abbreviated three-day convention if it wants to recapture the White House.
And while national conventions these days are highly scripted affairs, there's still a little room for a politician to surprise us, in a good or bad way.
Politico takes a look at past conventions and how they've been the breeding grounds for both rising stars and unintended screwups.
Barack Obama's keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention propelled him into the national spotlight and started talk of him as presidential material.
At the other end of the spectrum was Bill Clinton's 1988 convention speech. It went on for twice the allotted time, and delegates didn't pay much attention - except for cheering when Clinton finally said the words "in closing."
As for the Republicans' Tampa convention, there are high hopes for keynote speaker and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and the candidate's wife, Ann Romney.
This convention could be the Republicans' last best chance to introduce Mitt Romney to the country on their terms.
New CNN-Opinion Research Corp. poll numbers show that although the race is a dead heat between Romney and President Obama, likely voters believe the president cares more about people and better understands their needs while Romney is perceived as better able to handle the economy, always the most important issue in any presidential election.
And while the temptation might be to try to make Romney seem warmer and fuzzier, he is resisting, saying, "I am who I am." At the end of the day, it's probably easier to be true to yourself than try to be someone you're not.
Here's my question to you: What's the greatest risk Republicans face at their convention?
Tune in to "The Situation Room" at 5 p.m. ET to see if Jack reads your answer on the air.
And we'd love to know where you're writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
The greatest risk for Mitt at the RNC is Mitt being Mitt.
making romney likeable jim in mo
Accidentally revealing their true positions.
The risk is that the Christian right wing realizes that the Republican Party is Lucy Van Pelt, a theocracy is the football, they are Charlie Brown campaign after campaign.
being shown for what they really have devolved into.A bunch of corporate bag men hiding behind religion and the blood of our children.
Jack,as an independent voter I could care less about the republican party,especially since it has been hijacked by the extremist group the tea party. In fact its not even the republican party as we once knew it to be,honest abe would be ashamed to see what his party has become,thanks to the tea party. I believe the republican party as we once knew it to be will come out of the convention a new party,something like the national christian fascist party,or the christian taliban party,and as a christian,and former supporter of the republican party on some issues,I can not help but to be ashamed of the party The democrats fair no better in my book either,This is why we need more choices,and a third party to stand up to these two no good parties,who have nothing but the their parties interest at heart and not the country,God bless the U.S.A,and may God save us from these two back stabbing parties.
Scott. Fla.
Trying to define or introduce Mitt Romney to the American people after his 8th year attempting to become president. People have a clear idea of who Romney is: anti poor, pro-corporations, and disconnected to the average struggling man/woman. He made half a billion dollars advocating/defending corporate interests, that's his strongest suits, what training does he have in promoting the cause of the struggling men/women?
One of the speakers slipping up and telling the truth about the underlying goals of the party. Putting ALL the money in the hands of the 1% while turning us back into a pre- WWII nation of poorly paid renters.
Other than the hatefest that will be on display, their plans for our country. I see a party that has so lost its way by losing its humanity; to give more to the rich by taking from the poor and middle classes; cutting benefits for those in need while insisting on no capital gains taxes and giving subsidies to multi-billion dollar corporations. Or even by nominating a man who wants to run our country but has done everything possible to avoid paying taxes here. And let's not even get into what they've taken away from education. Just look at how stupid we've become. I'm in awe, and not in a good way. Disgusted is more like it.
And furthermore, where do these rich white men get off on telling women what they can and cannot do as far as their health care choices are concerned. The overreach of this christian motivated government into our homes and lives is stunning.
From florida
Well jake you want answer, I Have answers
Mitt Romney/ryan getting the Nomination Ron paul is our future, The gop and the rnc use dirty tatics to Cheat ron paul days before. This is not about left or right Its about the issues. Maybe after obama an romney fight it out and destory this country people might wake up and think them ron paul people were right
The greatest risk to the republicans is:
A- the Mention of W.
B- Release of Romney's tax returns for more than2 years
C- America will realize Romney has so many options & flip flops so much he has no opion
D – all of the above
ANSWER D all of the above
What they most likely fear most is that someone might actually expose what the party stands behind on national television.
Their greatest risk? Making their party platform public!
The greatest threat is any little distraction the media can find to deflect away from the Republican message on the economy. Romney has a couple of positive ads’ that tell what he’s capable of and what he wants to do when elected but every single ad by any Democrat is an attack ad against their opponent. So what does that tell you?
Jack,
Themselves. The GOP is so messed up with the different factions that they will do a great job of shooting themselves in the foot and alienating the groups of voters they need to win. And if they win in November then god help us all.
They've already lost their way, their values. They would rather continue the wars and take our freedoms than embrace the one man that stood for change and real American values: Ron Paul. The only thing left now is the wailing and gnashing of teeth at the party's funeral...
Standing on that stage the greatest risk is someone playing Walk like an Egyptian, wa'o wa'o
A liberally bias media
Believing that Romney Ryan will be honest is the biggst risk. Believing they will help the middle class, students, women, and seniors. If they can't be honest about their plans which are not yet disclosed, nor in their attack ads, nor even forthcoming enough to release all the tax returns and explain about when Mitt stopped being paid as CEO of Bain, or explain the ongoing investigation into the Ponzi scheme he and his son helped perpetrate and why they're asking for mediation rather than transparency (that settlement will be sealed no doubt), Mittwit's role in the Son of Boss scandal, his conundrum reconciling enormous profits from Stericycle with his anti-abortion beliefs, even throwing a bone to the birthers when he claims he has no doubts and his own father ran for president after being born in Mexico which the supreme court said was ok due to the citisenship of either parent. The hypocrisy is being glossed over rather than being called to task.
Isaac. It's kind of prophetic if you think about it.
The greatest risk is probably having Romney blamed for Hurricane Isaac damage that will take place somewhere on the Gulf Coast.
It's in the Democrat's DNA.
They know no other tactics.
Jack,
Discounting Hurricane Isaac, which probably won't even be noticed given all the other hot air that will be swirling around at the Republican Convention, the greatest risk is that the speakers, including Ryan and Romney, will cement the present image of the GOP as hopelessly trapped in right-wing extremism, and further feed the growing conviction among the poor and middle class voters that they have nothing to gain and everything to lose from a GOP victory.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
Nominating the Romney, Ryan/Akin ticket.
I think the worst that could happen is to have some speaker like Santorum or Huckabee go off on some "social issues" rant make the republican party look way religious crazy. I honestly DO NOT know WHY those two have speaking slots. for a "cautious candidate" like Romney, it seems like that's a HUGE risk.
That voters will see who they are and what they stand for which is certainly not for Joe Public.
Matt
Rockford
Living up to President Obama's depiction of them as radical, extreme, anti-immigrant and anti-woman's rights. Americans still trust Obama by an overwhelming majority. He has set the table so in that regard the GOP is still playing catch-up/
Nominating the Romney, Ryan/Akin ticket. Even God is trying to warn them by sending Hurricane Issaic.
One of their speakers getting overly excited and telling the truth about the fact that Obama is the best republican president since Reagan. Obama put social security and Medicare on the chopping block, he gave us romneys version of healthcare, he's kept the wars going, and renewed bushs' tax cuts for the wealthy while calling himself a democrat. If the republicans move any further to the right knowing Obama will follow, they'll have to start wearing tiny mustaches under their noses and saluting with their arms fully extended.
Who knows. Front page CNN complained about not inviting Sarah Palin... I honestly thought that lady had been reduced to the funnies.
Head injuries, from delegates nodding off into each other. Doug, Pepperell, MA.
Slipping and telling the truth. Oh my Akin Head when they do.
Jack: Mitt Romney acceptance speech goes for hours. Senior citizens of Florida show up to protest Romney-Ryan Medicare Plan, and they are beaten by police and private security for Romney. Mr. Akin shows up and the Missouri delegation rapes him. Katie Kouric shows up to interview Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan, and he has a brain freeze combined with a meltdown in prime time. Mitt and Ann Romney confess to tax evasion in front of the convention while NBC, CNN, ABC, and CBS. FOX decides to have an ad on the proper use of a shotgun by NRA.
Nominating Romney
Opening their mouths and speaking.
That one of them accidentally tells the truth about how they intend to keep screwing over the middle class, or tells the truth about anything for that matter. Then, of course, we can hope that Todd Akin gets loose and runs amok again.
Someone says something that makes sense to reasonable people, not the draconian right wing.
Hi Jack, a splendid time is guaranteed for all. It has been many years in preparation; the Tea Party hasn’t a clue they’re being played at all. Corporate Sponsors assure the public their production will be second to none. And of course Rafalca the Horse dances the waltz-!
Opening their mouths.
It's themselfs ' Jack" You never know what dumb backward comment is coming next.
Michael Tampa Florida
One word Jack.......EVERYTHING
Both in the convention and the campaign, the greatest risk for the GOP is being prevented from building a coalition with more moderate Republicans and Independents on social issues. Fiscal conservatism and social moderation could be a winning combination. But, fiscal conservatism combined with social conservatism results in an Obama victory by a significant margin. Tough talk on the federal deficit, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security would work well, but tough talk on immigration, gay rights, and abortion will not.
They better hope that no one reads their archaic platform.
The greatest risk is that the Press blows up little gaffs into mountains. Something they would never do to the Democrats.
Failing to stick to the issues of direct concern to voters. Personal attacks on Obama and Biden are a "no no". Voters want answers to the pressing questions of the day - unemployment, the economy, the national debt, health care, social security and the list goes on. To stray from these would be a genuine risk.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
Convincing the public Romney is the best choice, and then winning the White House. The next President will be in office when the markets go south, and the depression comes down on us. That would doom Jeb Bush in 2016, indeed the party favorite.
listening to each other. Yawn!!!
. . . That the cameras will pan out too far and capture all of the empty seats, Jack.
The greatest risk comes election time when we the people decide not encourage this group and don't vote. Think of the embarassment. Think of the justice. For all of us who pay for people who live better than we do so they can live even better.
the news coving this one sided attack on the GOP. CNN NBC NEWS NBC CBS ABC all are line up behind obama. just watched mattrews attack a the GOP leader and the others just sat there. as always chris was Obama greats support and would not let the GOP leader answer the question with out being cut off every time.
Well, at first, I was hoping God would use Isaac to wipe 'em out - but now, I guess the greatest risks are Romney & Ryan opening their mouths.
Ron Paul and his supporters won't be happy with Mitt and his deal. Bigger risk than
the hurricane, looks like.
The greatest risk the TeaPartyGOP convention faces during their convention are....."US electorate will figure out who they really are and stand for"....big risk since they've been hidding every discrepancies they have from the public eye...
The biggest threat to the GOP Convention is either Isaac raining on Mitt's Parade or the Republican's eating each other alive. The real mystery is when are the other sister wifes coming forward? You really think all 5 sons are from Ann?
That Romney goes 'off script' and puts his foot in his mouth
Jack: According to Michelle Bachman--their greatest risk is the "spiritual Hurricane ISSAC."
Besides the possibility of being overshadowed by Hurricane Isaac, there's the high probability that Mitt won't be able to shake the Etch-A-Sketch a create yet another new personality for himself. I think we all know Mitt pretty well, and those of us who actually understand what he wants to do will definitely vote against the medieval nightmare he plans for this country. Personally, I don't want to be a powerless serf to the wealthy people and corporations, as the Republicans want.
The biggest risk: Romney's speech will be so bad that he will banish any hope of winning, but most delegates won't even realize it because they will be asleep.
They are probably hoping Mitt Romney doesn't nominate Paul Ryan for president, he seems to be confused about that. Maybe he really thinks Ryan would make a better President.
Republicans risk accidently revealing their true beliefs.
The Republican Party's biggest risk is speaking about issues that they are I'll equipped to speak about. In this case that has been ussues from our countries economics to women's rights. This party is so out of touch with the majority of Americans who actually have to work for a living as opposed to getting rich off of the backs of these same Americans. Then again there are those that are just out of touch all together such as Mitt Romney andvPaul Ryan.
The greatest risk for them is the truth coming out. It's that simple.
Willard is their greatest risk. Nobody really wanted him, nobody really believes him, and he has the charisma of an eel. Either Willard, or Paul Ryan, will open their mouths and some incredibly stupid statement will come tumbling out and land right in the middle of the media spot light. Their biggest fear should be that someone will actually watch the convention and see what dangerous people really look like.
The big risk is in alienating the moderate people in the GOP and independents who will make them successful. If there is too much ballyhooing by the speakers and the press about narrow social issues like abortion, designed to assuage a small nervous fringe and the rest of the world sees that as "the message" they might as well pack it up and go home. . However, if the message (and the responsible MSM coverage) is balanced among the divergent views it will provide all of us with a clearer picture of our choices in November
If Issac is hammering New Orleans and they talk about cuts to FEMA and emphasize cutting minimum wage then they'll lose even more votes than medicare and ss. Too bad the Donald isn't talking.
The GOP fears that Romney will have an Etch-a-sketch moment at the convention, where his lack of backbone and personal beliefs becomes instantly clear to voters. After all, Romney was for gun control, abortion rights, and Obamacare, before he was against them. With a strong-willed Paul Ryan as his vice president and Tea Party innertia, Romney will go even further right to appease his base. We saw a similar dynamic with none-too-bright Bush and the more-willful Cheney, and America does not need an encore.
The greatest risk the Republician's face is that they will be disgraced on live TV about all their blatant lies.
The greatest risk, Jack? That Americans see Republicans for what they really stand are, norrow-minded, fear-mongering bigots.
Ron Paul having enough delegates buried in the Romney camp to actually change the rules and steal the election. The other threat is another speaker pulling a Pat Buchanan and alienating swing voters. I suspect that the entire program might if they let the true believers go to far down the road attempting to have their own facts.
The GOP fears that Romney will have an Etch-a-sketch moment at the convention, where his lack of backbone and personal beliefs becomes instantly clear to voters. After all, Romney was for gun control, abortion rights, and Obamacare, before he was against them. With a strong-willed Paul Ryan as his vice president and Tea Party innertia, Romney will go even further right to appease his base, but way too far for this country's mostly centrist voters.
The likes of Bachman et al LOVE to drag God into the conversation – to get votes – what are they gonna say when Isaac descends on them?!
It's like buying a new car these days, one can get all the details, rebates, performance indicators and not even take a test drive to make the decision. what worries the GOP? legally taking down companies, ruining peoples futures, then legally keeping the money in legally protected trusts off shore. If no one showed up for the convention, it would still be held as a day at Camp GOP!
That Chris Christie can't get there. He's the only one with a sense of humor or personality on the agenda.
Carol in Northampton, Ma
Nominating Mr Romney for President and Mr Ryan for Vice-President because their stated beliefs put forth as their policy, will , by law, impose them on all USA citizens. I will not be forced to be legally bound by the cultural and religious beliefs of the Christen right wing to the exclusion of secular law. We are a secular nation, not a nation of one religous group.
The conventions are generally very well scripted, so; if they stick to the script not much will be at risk. The media of course are going to be on the floor of the convention and any off hand comment may be picked up, that is where the risk is. Both party conventions share these same risks.
Jack, the only fear is being too overconfident. If this election is truly about the economy then Romney/Ryan cannot lose. Just talk economics and it is over.
The greatest risk they face is, the average American voter realizing that virtually everything they say is a lie, and understanding that the main reason America has not yet recovered from our massive economic collapse is Congressional Republicans' refusal to help the nation recover; they've done nothing but lie and roadblock for 3-1/2 years, and for that they want to be given the reins of our economy again. What complete idiots!
Jack, the greatest fear is what to do if Joe Biden tries to join up. I hear he is lurking around down there and I wonder if he is ready to break the chains and join the Republicans.
Greatest risk Jack is that GOP supporters actrually come to see Mitt for what he really is – an opportunistic pretender – A phony who benefits from the unfounded and unjustified hatred of so many Americans towards the President. I honestly believe if the President was white he would win in a landslide andthe Republican Congress would have been much more reasonable to deal with. America still has a long way to go to overcome it's racist roots.
Voter apathy is the biggest threat for the Republicans. They must "get out the vote" if they hope to unseat the incumbent.
keep there hands on there wallets
Their proposed platform. It's way too far right. In other words, when they look in the mirror they can say "I see the enemy and it is I"
Showing the reat of the country what racil pigs they really are
That someone could actually ask a penetrating question that they'd have to tell the truth to answer. I.E.: Gov. Romney gave a speech last week stating how we could become energy independant. Prior to this when prices went up they blamed Obama. When the prices went down they said that oil is a global commodity and the markets set the price. If Romney opens up unlimited drilling for oil and gas and unlimited coal mining, then (heaven forbid!) there's a fire in a Venezoalin refinery and the Chinese out-bid U.S. companies (being a free market commodity), is Romney going to nationalize our energy production so China can't have it? It's either open or closed markets. It can't be both at the same time. How does he reconcile this with what he's promised to do?
Themselves. They are not a homogeneous group as they would like to be, and have a tendency to say things that cause controversy amoung themselves. This convention could risk great fracturings within the Republican party.
I think there will be a backlash for Romney making such a big deal about his wife's illness. It's offensive in that it says absolutely nothing about his ability to be our President and our leader. It's distracting from the issues that we should care about: the economy, his ability to represent our country in foreign affairs, his ability to work with a bipartisan Congress. I feel that Ann Romney is being used to take our minds off Romney's poor likeability and his checkered record. Personally, I resent it and if I had any doublts before, I now have made my mind up NOT to vote for Romney.
The most catastrophic would be a sizable number of Republicans walking out and backing Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich as a third party candidate. Not likely, but that would probably be the worst situation. (at least for Republicans)
That people will see that they are truly the anti Christ.
The party need to change their names to the Grover Norquist puppets.
He owns them.
Judging by the controversy over race-baiting, they risk having that becoming the big topic of discussion and turning off white suburban voters?
People might learn who they really are.
That Joe Biden will rush the stage like Kanye West and start singing "Take tThese Chains Off Me" while Todd Akins and Sarah Palin are giving a joint speech on Roe vs. Wade, Jack.
What's the greatest risk Republicans face at their convention?
Short Answer : The weather / cancellation of the first day / not having the most exposure of airtime /
not to mention that you've got some people on the other side that wants distraction – and wants attention at the same time.
Greatest risk they face is empty seats, Jack. Not because of the hurricane, though. Maybe they will all be at the local strip clubs...I heard the republicans spend 3 times more on strippers than democrats do. A little ironic, dontcha think, since their platform is the conservative – religious – family value one. Put up a stripper pole, bring in some babes scantily clad in stars and stripes, and watch the place fill up!
Romney isn't very well know and what people think they know about him, they don't like. President Obama is well liked (personally). The name calling ('Food Stamp' President) and dishonest attacks about welfare–coupled with the attention on their abortion views–put Romney and the Republicans at risk being labeled as intolerant and bigoted
They risk the election by trying to dictate womens personnal issues.
Telling the truth, in my 70 plus years I've never saw a campaign where the Republicans have streatched the truth, fabricated stores and just flat out lied about what Obama was doing or had done, example the 700 billion he took from Medicare, it would take a complete idiot to believe what the Republicans are saying but I guess there are some people that believe it. I heard that the Old fat evangelical Republicans have taken over the strip clubs in Tampa to the point that the locals can't get in, this is a case when they're away from home they show their real side.
The biggest risk they run is ditching the 'center'. If they appear too far to the right, 'embrace the crazy' in an attempt to fire up the base, they will alienate what few independents and moderates left. This will make Obama appear like the 'adult in the room', and a much more responsible choice.
The Republican convention is going to be a crapshoot from the opening bell to the closing blessing. The biggest risk they face is not coming off as sincerely flippant and arrogant as opposed to being just plain flippant and arrogant.
There's NO RISK. The fix IS IN. You don't beat Karl Rove. axelrod, messina and plouffe = brazile 2000. The guy beat GORE. obama is child's play. It's Over. DONE. SILENT MAJORITY. GO MITT 🙂
Showing the world how really stupid and head-in-the-sand they are.
They have already self destructed, except to the very loyal party.....faithful........now the risk they face is that the Hurricane will wash away whats left of their pathetic platform.
Accidentally saying what they really mean and believe. You know, like Todd Akin did last week.
Keeping a straight face!
Franklin, TN
TV coverage of hurricane Issac and Neil Armstrong's funeral.
Pretending that they believe the lies they're telling are true
.
Franklin, TN
from Canada! Why is God upset with the Republicans with the bad weather (see previous ) forgot to include where I am from.
That the media actually covers their political platform.
Hurricane Isaac turns into a category 5 storm, hits New Orleans and Obama handles it quickly, effectively and with dignity for the survivors. Or Romney's five other wives show up.
The biggest problem Republicans face at their Convention is quite obvious, trying to sell "snake oil" by bashing Obama. Let's start with Romney as their candidate, Romney then picks Ryan as his VP who just happens to be the author of "The Ryan Budget Plan" and in addition Ryan was never on the VP short list, next, none other than Governor Crist Christie who was on the VP shortlist will be their Key Speaker. If that's not the workings of a "snake oil salesman", then you go figure because I've had enough work experience in the Corporate world not to recognize how it works.
No problem!
That's what Republicans are all about party while others suffer.
To be themselves.
the greatest risk is if all the republican hemorrhoids pop at once.
The largest risk is that it will just be an Obama bashing party leaving little room for Republican candidates to clearly state what they want to do if they win.
Looking at the platform they will adopt and the radical speakers they have on the agenda their biggest risk is that undecided voters in critical states will get a first hand look at just how extreme the GOP has become. The Republicans may get the usual bump in the polls initially but as the painful reality of their agenda sinks in to moderate voters their ratings will go the way of the Titanic. The vast amjority of American voters simply are not ready to accept an extremist ideology. This convention is the end of the GOP as a serious political party. And we LOVE it !
The greatest risk is an 'Akin moment' and that they say what they think instead of following the script.
Romney is being out-shined by almost any politician you name. He is not an effective speaker and feels insincere and uncaring. The fact that he continues the welfare ads when he knows they are distortions or lies, shows he is more interested in winning than bringing the country together. The biggest threat that faces the Republican convention....they realize he is telling the truth when he says "I am what I am" and the nation realizes that isn't what the nation needs.
The embrace of fraud and corruption.
The worst risk is that people might really find out whaty Mit is like.
That every time he opens his mouth a lie comes out and his bigest problemis that he can no longer keep track of them.
METALWORKER in ILLINOIS
What i find so interesting is NOBODY IN THE GOP wanted Romney as the nominee. Now that all idiots have fallen to the wayside and the GOP is stuck with Mitstwer they pretend to like him. I swear they would put a monkey in the white house if they thought he was a Rebum- Ryan will economically slaughter the middle xclas if he gets in. KOCH BROS ARE BANKROLLING HIM-beware of littel skinny dumbo (Ryan)
Being caught in another lie. Or Romney flipflopping again. Or the media actually watching all the shenanigans going on outside the convention–those Family Values folks watching a few too many strippers or having lots of Lap Dances.
Jack, come on, the greatest risk for republicans during the convention is that Mitt is going to have to talk. The more he talks, the less, WE, the working-class dislike him.
If I were Mitt, I'd just say "I accept the nomination, now I'll let Christie and Rubio speak, God bless these United States, good night."
That they talk about anything other than the economy.
The greatest risk the Republicans face at their convention is if someone tells the truth and it gets out.
Near Little Rock, Arkansas
if they come off as fear mongers and play to much to the base... it will be bad all the way around... I would suggest lay off the dog whistle comment...
Mr. Cafferty – there is no risk – the whole point of a convention is to "rah rah rah" bluster and give people the impression that you have a coalition of delegates that support you. Considering that the political theater this year is more like fans of a sports team, this election is exactly like "Americas Next Top President" – than anything surprising.
Bash the other side, and ignore anything of substance.
Being themselves is the riskiest move. They keep telling people they want to take away their Social Security and health care and give huge tax cuts to the rich, they've even proposed removing capital gains taxes nearly zeroing the tax burden for most of the rich. I think people may be starting to listen to the actual words they are saying. The smartest move they could make is to keep their mouths shut.
Show again the delegates with no color.Too lilly white
Mr. Romney has based his entire campaign on the GOP's hatred of the black President. So the risk has already been taken. Seems like it is working. However, it reeks like day old trash. I have absolutely no interest in either Christie or Ann Romney speaking. Will not watch any of the convention. These people are certifiable. Add faux news to the pot, and you have a complete picture of lies and innuendos. The inmates are in charge at the asylum!
Republicans will vote for Romney, the key is not to alienate independent and centrist democratic voters. If the speeches are
democrat bashing event, it will not help Romney. Romney was never a right wing republican, that is why he won the nomination. If he swings to the right now it will be a big mistake.
The biggest risk for the Republicans at their convention this year is showing the American people who they really are. Today's GOP is pushing failed economic ideas that only benefit the most privileged Americans, willing to derail all of President Obama's efforts to improve the country for political gain, in the pockets of the biggest corporations, dead set against protecting the environment, and willing to take away rights of women, the LGBT community and other minorities.
Andrew
Mechanicsburg, PA
The greatest risk for the Republicans is there will not be a podiatrist and an oral surgeon in attendance.
The greatest risk is the convention losing to hurricane coverage.
If a hurricane were bearing down on a Democratic Convention, the religious right would be explaining to all of us how God was showing his anger at the godless liberals! What will they tell us is the focus of God's anger at the Republicans? Nominating a Mormon? How poorly they treated dear old Congressman Akin?The right-wing is (or should be) the biggest fear the rational Republicans have–tho, of course, they can't admit it!
It is all too easy to say something in front of a cheering crowd of believers that will not sound so attractive to independents. I still recall Buchanan's speech a few conventions ago that sounded like something that could have been delivered in front of the Reichstag.
Their biggest risk is saying anything at all.
The vitriol in this country does not allow free speech.
It is all "racist" if it even questions Obozo.
The greatest risk is not hitting home the Obama administration has been a failure. Jack this is coming from an Independent who voted for him in 2008. His "Hope and Change" is gone. The only "Hope" left is that he loses, and the new "Change" is a different President. My family and I are fed up with this snake oil salesman who talks a good line and does nothing!!
The greatest risk the GOP face is further alienating voters outside their traditional voting bloc. With Governor Romney significantly behind in the polls when it comes to women and minorities it is vital that the convention delivers a message of inclusiveness. To not do this or fail to get the message across is not only detrimental to Romney's chances at being elected it also pushes the GOP closer to becoming a minority in and of itself going forward.
Giving the Democrats fodder for their misinformation campaign. This is a case where the evidence speaks for itself and the Republicans would be wise to focus on the failures of the Democrats while controlling both the White House and Congress to improve the economy. Romney would also do well to avoid appearing in the thrall of the religious right. The fact that this group wields power in the Republican Party beyond their ability to deliver votes bodes poorly for Romney to appeal to more moderate voters, but those moderates are the key to the election and his chances to end the four years of madness that the Obama administration has become (the gross inconsistencies between the platform and the delivery is a betrayal of the American people).
The risk started when the nominees for the Republican ticket appeared to see who could be the "craziest" in order to receive far-right social conservatives and Tea Party support. I listened in astonishment as each tried to outdo the other. At the convention, I expect to hear more of this type of thinking. They will verify that the Republican party has the right to make it impossible for me to get an abortion should I be raped. They have no such right. They will further state that Medicare should become a voucher program.. It should not. We all know Medicare and Social Security need changed and adjusted but by a sharp knife and not the Republican-thinking sledge hammer. There are many intelligent and educated women who realize the R Party is a danger to their ability to control their own lives. We women have worked long and hard for many, many years to get where we are, to become educated, to become independent and to make our own decisions. We will not be driven back. I will listen to the Republican convention but, what I expect to hear, will verify that the Republican Party does not have my best interests at heart and does not represent me.
Spending all their money by "making it rain"
having the convention. with all the media attention every time one of them opens their mouth someone will have a gaff.
we need to get on with what the country needs and forget about abortion, religious beliefs, and who is swimming in the nude. none of this matters if the government is falling apart.
The cold hard facts are, they are their greatest risk. First Romney was for health care, getting it for his home state (have not heard anyone complain) and now he's against it. Then he was for some abortion rights (rape and incests)now he's against. He was for women's rights now he's for some type of Sharia law for women. He brags about saving Capitalist money by selling off companies and laying off workers and says this taught him how to create jobs...Then there is the "Religious right" so against Mormonism... now telling their flocks to embrace a Morman president. Talk about your flip flopper's. And worst of all he picks a young whip who out shines him. I'm sure he comforts himself with the thought that the Capitalist and the Supreme court are supplying the loot.
Jack, the biggest risk for the GOP is that Romney tax plan and Medicare plan after fact checks don't pan out. Will the GOP just tell Romney to continue the lies? Will that work in the debates? I'm thinking not.
They live thru it
Some wacky Southerner will say there will be civil war if Obama wins. Oh wait, they already said that. Then maybe some wacky religious zealot will say if a woman gets raped, her "body shuts that thing down." Oh wait, they already said that. Maybe some wacky numbers cruncher will say we'll lower taxes for the rich and that will "trickle down" to prosperity for all. Oh wait, that already failed in the 80's. Maybe some libertarian will say we should let Wall Street regulate itself cause nothing can go wrong. Oh wait, the financial market will collapse and Wall Street will want a bailout. Greatest risk for Republicans at their convention? Probably showing up and talking.
Greatest risk...attempting to explain how cutting a Republican party member's(i.e.1%) taxes improves "this economy".
Dow from 13000. Unemployment from 10% to 8.3% Bill O'Reilly making 20 million. Sean Hannity 15 million.
Pretty good economy.
the greatest risk is Americans watch and see them for who they really are,
simple, mitt discloses he endorses the radical rethuglican platform, ryan acknowledges his devotion to the atheist Ayn Rand. both acknowledge their determination to destroy women's rights, gay rights, education wile endorsing huge tax breaks for the rich and continued subsidizes for corporations. am looking for a great gaff that reflects how they really feel and exactly who they are representing–hint, it is not the 99% they are representing.
Romney's consistent statements such as "I am who I am" is one of the greatest risks republicans would face. When Floridans find out that Ryan is who he is that adds to the risks. No one wants Romney the way he is/was – rich and not being able to understand the problems of average americans.
The Republican's greatest risk is that they will miss their opportunity to define Romney in a way that appeals to undecided voters. It's easy to attack an incumbent president, but difficult to convince the nation that a challenger can do a better job. Romney has put a great deal of effort into convincing voters that he is the Republican candidate, but otherwise has not yet demonstrated how he would represent a change from Obama's administration.
The greatest risk is becoming less important than a natural disaster.
Isaac is giving the GOP what they need – a space to hide in instead of letting all their linens hang out in public, from the Akin affair to the secret undies, from the Ryan budget not really balancing for the next ten years to the great investment in American jobs and American business made by Romney in parking his wealth in foreign banks.
The GOP seem to want to throw good money after BAIN.
Wow – Romney says "I am who I am"...that's a first. Maybe if he was more confident in whoever it is that he is, the voters would feel more comfortable with his administration. As it is he will say and do anything to be the person he thinks we want.
Obama shows up in NOLA during a hurricane to show his support to the city, while the Republicans are partying in Tampa on the anniversary of Katrina.
Mr. Cafferty:
The republican's risk losing the independents which may decide betweeen human values and corporate valuation. Mitt is a cool and collected business man. One might ask, among my friends and likeables...who are the cool and collected in business that I can relate to. Aye, there's the rub!
The biggest risk GOP faces is that the over shoot the Obama bashing "line" and cross over into all out hate-speak. This will energize their base but totally turn off the Independents and undecideds that are on the fence.
Some of these comments are so sickening wishing ill on other people. I can understand that you disagree with the republican policies but to wish ill tells us that we, as a country, have our lost our way. That is why there is so much suffering here in this country because we never wish the best for people always the worse. The only thing I hope is that the republican party's convention is not met with liberal/democrats hating or violence. Let the better man win in November/12. We have really lost our way with so much hatred. This is not the America I grew up knowing and I am really sorry for our children living in this type environment. We seem to have forgotten God, our Father. We sure do need him because there is too hatred in our day to day lives.
The biggest risk is keeping viewers from falling asleep.
The greatest risk Republicans face at the convention is being discovered as the rich protecting the very wealthiest Americans if elected. The party of NO had an agenda to make President Obama a one term President and blocked all legislation including all jobs creation plans. I hope Americans catch on before time to go in the booth and vote in November.
Unless a lot more of the paid protesters show up with machetes I think they are relatively safe. Oh that kind of harm....ok...how about Obama's Harvard records showing that he was born in Hawaii rather than Kenya?
One of them slips up and says something truthful.
Mitt Romney's synthetic skin falling off, revealing his cold, metal android internal structure.
Biggest risk?.... where do I start?...... their mouth, their brains, their stupidity.........
They face the same risk they always face, slipping up and telling the truth!
Whats the risk, they'll go off script of all the lies and bashing that they have been telling and the public will see them for who they really are. The public will see them for the lying greedy filthy rich that want more power, less regulation and mo money, mo money, mo money!
Mitt the tweet and a flood of non -voters for him !
That everyone will c them as they r......a bunch of radical right wingers
The biggest risk Republicans face is not making a fool out of themselves.
That the hooker will tell.
In all seriousness their biggest risk is that people will not only watch but pay attention. If that happens they'll be exposed for the self-righteous, elitist party they've become. Folks will realize that they believe in small government when it hits their pocketbooks but, huge government intrusion when it comes to telling you what you can or can't do with your body, who you can and can't love, and what God you can or can't believe in. They've lost their ability to govern for the masses choosing instead to govern for their largest campaign contributors only, and if this evident fact gets out (i.e., the American electorate awakens) they'll feel the pain at the polls.
Biggest risk?..... Jack, do you really have that much time on camera to list?
There is a storm and it really does not like him !
The greatest risk Republicans face is looking insensitive to a potential crisis in the Gulf Coast States. If the storm intensisfies and causes damage when it makes landfall, Republicans should put their convention on hold and charter every available bus to take delegates and staff to help those impacted by the storm.
Having one of the uninvited members of the Tea Party Rep Walsh or Bachmann saying something "legitimately" stupid while the other folks are at the rich guy's party.
Republicans remember who they are nominating, Independants actually listen to the double talk version of "trust me" and the IRS knows where to serve the audit notice for Mitt's 2010 tax return.
Jack,
Sadly, people on the extreme left have been threatening some kind of terrorist action during the Republican convention. Let's hope there won't be any violence at either convention and during this campaign. That would be unfortunate and makes our country no different from other countries where freedom is only a dream.
i would say the biggest risk is taking it safe. the gop needs to excite the voters and just there base is not good enough they need independents the silent majority and so far have not appealed to this group. they have not traveled back to the center as most would expect. if all they do is rip on Obama not offer solutions they will do there self a great injustice. personally doubt the gop can do these things and myself favor the president on most issues so as liberal independent i feel mr president has good chance.
Come on Jack, you know this is a silly question. The greatest threat to the GOP is the GOP itself!
The biggest threat to the GOP convention is biased media coverage. Don't pick and chose what you want to report as usual.
That the undecided voters realize what they are planning to do if elected.
The biggest risk for the GOP is letting Romney speak or trying to be funny with more birther jokes.
The biggest risk is trying to sweet talk women in liking Romney and trying to cover up the abortion issue,nd a woman's right, and not be bashing Obama.
They face ME. I'm a 37 year old female physician. I HATE Obamacare. I'm upset Obama hasnt done more with our economy... BUT: I also value my womb. Contrary to Republican claims, my private parts ARE important to me. My job, others jobs, and the economy are all important too, but I will not be told what to do with my body in a way that is sexist and antiquated by a group of wealthy, white, OLD, and horribly ignorant men. The Republicans have cost themselves a TON of votes from intelligent, educated, informed women! They have certainly lost my vote!
Jack, The greatest risk is that the GOP realizes their ticket should have been Christie/Rubio or Bush/Rubio.
Come on Mitt, no reason why the rest of us well to do's pay an effective tax rate at least double and in many cases triple your effective rate. Sorry, but 13% is not a fair share for someone making 20 million per year.
And Mr Ryan, Medicare vouchers? Are you serious? Let's see you support that with a serious illness or when you are disabled and in a wheel chair.
The greatest risk is that the GOP realizes their ticket should have been Christie/Rubio or Bush/Rubio.
Hurricane Christie and Marco Rubio was the one ticket that could have beaten Obama in 2012.
When Republicans decide to move back to the center, instead of staying far right – As Jeb Bush has rightly pointed out, they will have a chance in a Presidential election again.
I think that, just like in 2008, the GOP is INTENTIONALLY trying to lose the presidential election. By their actions throughout 2001-2006, Bush and the Repubs destroyed the economy, so knowing they didn't know how to fix things and to deflect the blame, they threw the election in 2008 by putting up an unelectable candidate (Palin), thus setting the stage for shifting the problems and the blame to Obama. Same story for 2012. Leave Obama in offcie, continue to roadblock economic solutions and fixes, continue to blame Obama and the Dems for it all, and shoot for Jeb in 2016. Romney and Ryan are red herrings.
Jack the greatest risk the republicans face at their convention is when they officially nominate Mitt Romney.
Someone inadverdantly speaking truth, and the RNC spending the next 70 days explaining what they really meant.
The biggest risk to the GOP is American women, waking up from their "reality" TV stupor and realizing what the Republican party has in store for them.
The GOP needs to control the rhetoric to avoid alienating those doggone, unprincipled, wishy-washy, undecided moderates who don't care much for either candidate. Those losers are going to decide the election and they don't want to hear about hot-button issues. If the GOP can convince that pathetic group of apostates that their economic plan is better than Obama's, they can take this thing. I know this from personal experience, I'm one of those degenerate sinners.
Their biggest risk is someone blowing the whistle on their “Debt Clock”! Have the Republicans lost their mind? They are waving around the “Debt Clock”—when their proposed VP—Paul Ryan voted, under Bush II, to add $5 TRILLION TO THAT DEBT! And when is our media going to demand the Republicans APOLOGIZE for the damage they caused—before they are allowed to criticize anyone? See: “Why President Obama Lost The 2012 Election: A Wake-up Call” on Amazon/Kindle
Jack,
The biggest problem that Republicans will have at this convention, trying to introduce Romney to America, is trying to introduce Romney to America. With all the back and forth attack ads, people are fed up with politics. Ratings will be down, even on CNN. If anyone is like me, and I am a Republican, we don't really want to hear Governor Chris Christie or any other of the extreme right. I see this as a Tea Party convention. Real Republicans are tired of the Tea Party.
The biggest risk they face is simple: revealing too much on their own fiscal plan. The republicans, under pressure from the tea party, are running on cutting the debt by cutting spending, but the have left out the fact that these cuts won't create jobs, they cut them. Yes, expenditures and the debt need to be dealt with, but cutting spending and jobs during bad economic times is something many economists say is foolish.
Revealing their true goals of providing their rich donors with everything their non-existent hearts desire– no EPA, no union interference, no regulations on their finances, disappearing taxes (and tax returns), promising all the evangelical redmeat necessary to fool "some of the people all of the time," among others that we won't even be aware of until it is too late, hence the secrecy of the cuts to programs.
The greatest risk is the Liberal media and the bs they spew. How you can turn any statement around and make it a negative. Yet the democrats can say anything and get away with it. Romney cares more for this country and has the best qualifications to fix the problem then Obama and Biden have put together. Lets stay with the issues and talk about the issues. Look at Romneys track history of saving businesses and the Olympics. Yes some businesses were not able to be save but more were then were not. He will save this country. Obama will destroy it. I use to like CNN and have got turned off more and more by your left wing bias. Get back to reporting the news without opinions.
There are four pboblem ares the Republicans do not want brought up:1) The question of transparency; 2) Why UBS will not disclose tax cheats until after the elections; 3) Why the Democrats are called the party of Tax and Spend or why the Republicans are caled the party on No-Tax and Spend; 4) The democrates put out the movie "Willard" to influence voters.
The greatest risk for the GOP is that people will tune in to the convention and see just how radical the party has become,..there is no clear platform of what will be done differently , only that the current situation seems intollerable... the religious right and the tea party has brought the country to a crossroads,.. will we submit to talaban like religious zelots and right wing loonies that obstruct every idea that doesnt fit there narrow view of there interpritation of democracy ?.. I sincerley hope the masses watch and then go to the poles.! WAKE UP YOUR RIGHTS ARE BEING TAKEN AWAY!
That Seamus (Mitt's dog) will have a 'Carrie' (the movie) moment(the prom scene) while hiding out in the rafters with a bucket of pig's blood just before Mitt is announced to give his speech.
Mitt Romney he will have the same problem, Having an Epiphany that the real problem is Congress and Senate ""in both parties"" there are a bunch of smoke and mirrors narcissist that do not like each other.
“”Say a lot but Say nothing Windbags””
Any number of things come to mind Jack....and I really can't determine if any one is more destructive than the other. So, I've determined that the best way to prevent any damage to the Republican platform or Mitt or Paul is for them all to take advantage of the opportunity to..... not say a word.
The biggest risk they face is Mitt having a Gov. Perry "OOOPS" moment because he's flip-flopped and pancaked so much he's forgotten his own script. That would make my year, hahahaha. Good stuff.
Why so much coverage on Romney these days? Trying to convice the CNN readership he is worth electing?
Won't happen. The Tea Party has polarized this country to such a degree there is no chance a reasonably liberal voter would even look at the R lever in the voting booth.
The biggest problem is America does not know which Mitt Romney will be giving the acceptance speech and whatever he says we cannot believe him because he flip flops and lies and says whatever suits the moment, he is sorta like a chameleon changing colors.
Jack – the greatest risk the Republicans face at the convention is telling the truth to the American People and revealing what a bunch of right wing religious extremist nut jobs they really are. In other words, showing up. Can you imagine a Party where leading spokespersons are a loud mouth fat guy named Christy, a cry baby named Boehner, a cadaver named Mc Connell and a cheerleader named Bachman. Not to mention the talking head fools Trump, Hannity and Limbaugh. It could only be made funnier if Bush and Cheney showed up.
The nomination of Mitt Romney and the selection of Paul Ryan as his running mate. De ja vu, McCain/Palin, all over again. The country needs and has needed for several administrations, a president that is representative of the working class and Americans, wealthy and poor, are aware of that fact more than ever at this point in history, since the industrial revolution and organization of labor. The RIGHT, even though they refuse to admit it, know it is true. They are also very aware that Romney and Ryan are not working class representatives. Not to say, Obama is, either, but he is more so than Romney and Ryan. Also, Biden is without dispute for the working class, so will be more help to Obama than Ryan to Romney this fall. Couple this with America's working class awareness of who Romney and Ryan represent, it is a foolish ticket, once again.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
The biggest risk GOP or DNC faces is the biased reporting that is allowed on our so called National News Outlets.
I do not want your opinions, I want real old fasion reporting the facts not opportunistic questions driving toward personal agendas. Wolf Blitzer is the best example cnn has of a true reporter that is believable.
The worse two things that could happen to the GOP would be voters realizing how the Grover Norquist pledge means they can't think and will never solve a problem. And that the "strategy" pf ,mot doing anything that would help Obama is why the economy can't be fixed as long as not fixing it is the Republican priority.
That Foghorn lLeghorn . . .Oops, I mean Herman Cain will be seated next to Mitt 's wife Ann , Jack.
The biggest threat is biased media coverage. Editing out what you don't like is not coverage.
The greatest risk is that they run out of food and whiskey. Running out of hot dogs and donuts will put keynote speaker Chris Christie in a bad mood. Running out of liquor means we have to listen to Mop Head Donald Trump sober.
Let's bring back Herman Cain. He may sound crazy with his 999, but he is the most sane when it comes to views on leadership, the economy, taxes and energy independence.
Vouchers for Medicare? Yeah right..... Election killer right there.
Getting fair treatment from the PRO-OBAMA media. When you get caught reading the talking points memo on air, you'll say and do anything in your attempt to be the water boy for obama.
Jack,when they open their mouths,its gonna sound like cannons going off,only thing is,they are shut gonna be shooting a lot blanks,so just showing up is bad enough,but when they start talking,a lot people are going to go deaf listening to nothing but lies,poor honest abe would be disappointed with his party today,now that the tea party has killed it.
Scott, Fla.
The greatest risk is that Romney gets the nomination. His economic plan would have dissolved the American auto industry and created a million jobs(overseas).
Jack:
The greatest risk the Republicans face, and which they are too arrogant to accept....is winning the election and having only four years to make a difference like President Obama. It cannot be done after decades of corruption and abuse of the system. Go Mitt go ! No I mean it Mitt....go !
Probably the greatest risk would be for American voters to actually think about what is said there – and what is not said, but implied. But, actually, not a huge risk, since apparently a very large number of Americans are not sufficiently educated to think rationally – which pretty much defines the republican base.
The biggest risk is that their extreme far-right ideas will be put into plain sight for everyone to see, that they will say nonsensical unscientific 'religiously' based things revealing their profound out-of-touch backwardness, that there will be thousands of empty seats. It is almost guaranteed that many really stupid things will be said, and it will look like a sweater-vest, comb-over, bible thumping Wednesday prayer meeting.
Simple. Telling the public the outcome of their plans. They campaign on cutting spending and promoting business, but the results will have the opposite effects. With cuts in spending, jobs will be lost, as those on government payrolls must be laid off. With their tax breaks for companies and incredibly wealthy individuals who move jobs overseas, they simply reward poor behavior. I think if people realized how much these cuts in employment would hurt our nation in this struggling economy, the republican party would see terrible loses this November.
The greatest Risk is that the American people realize how much Mitt Romney resembles Norman Bates from Psycho and that they find out that Paul Ryan used to drive a WeinerMobile around. Not very Presidential on either point.
The greatest risk is that thThe greatest risk is that the public learns the Republican Party has no interest in helping our country to prosper. The middle class will be exterminated, women will be lose their right to choose, and minorities will be marginalized as the one per cent trades the demands of the dogmatic, self-righteous right for lower taxes and a regulatory environment that facilitates unfettered greed. The needs of the middle class has no relevance to the needs of the special interests driving the agenda. e public learns the Republican party has no intention of helping our country to prosper. The middle class will be exterminated, women will be reduced to chattel, and minorities will be disenfranchised as the one per cent accepts the demands of the religious right in order to secure lower taxes and a regulatory environment that facilitates unfettered greed.
Rush and "The Donald" shot into the convention by a huge canon!!!
the greatest risk is that everyone is forgetting about the "other" important story, namely the congressional elections, which, in many respects, are more important than the "big show". many of us here in the trenches believe that by the time it all trickles down to our level, the white house occupant doesnt really matter. its congress where the action is!
It's no longer about the republicans or democrats it's about all elected official being bought.