September 3, 2008
Posted: September 3rd, 2008 10:28 PM ET

From

ST PAUL (CNN) - The left wing and Hollywood celebrities are the true stars of the evening, prompting another chant of “USA!” from the crowd.

How did “USA” become a term of defiance and division? It sounds ugly, like they’re saying: “We’re real Americans – and you’re not.”

Giuliani, like Romney, relishes the attack. His language is stinging. The crowd keeps chanting “zero” – as in the talking point that Obama has no executive experience, and has never run anything. Except his own campaign. Obama beat the Clintons, and the inevitable candidacy – that’s not nothing.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Republican National Convention • Rudy Giuliani


Jeff   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Romney says Washington is liberal? Does he have a clue who has been in control the last 8 years?

Ms. RDS   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Move on people....nothing to see here! No issues here just alot of fluff and nothing much else

AnnCT   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

I agree with you Mr. Schneider and it seems you and I aren't the only ones. I copied this from another post.

"My husband who does not follow politics was glued to C-Span last week and donated to the campaign after Obama's speech. He just left the room in disgust. Way to win independent voters Rudy."

Barbara   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

It's easy to inspire love with government provided health care (state or federal) and a guaranteed salary.

NOT typical unwed mother – homeless, jobless (been shipped overseas), hungry.

Q Glenn   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

As neither a black guy nor a white guy (I will let you all guess the rest)… I watched the camera pan through the audience and is it just me or does this crowd look like a klan rally of about 18,000?

Repubs, stop making empty false statements and lame attacks…. You're desperate! A black man is going to win, get over it and let's really show why America is great. Diversity is not a bad thing!

No Hillary = No Obama   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Oh grow up.

Mark   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Guliani just gave the speech of either convention. Too bad he had to throw in a few cheap shots early on...I actually turned my TV off for a few minutes.

It's those sorts of comments that have driven me away from the Republican party – not on principles, but on their tactics for getting themselves elected. I don't think I've ever voted Democratic in the past. That will change in November.

Chuck   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

How did the word "Change" suddenly become the second coming of Christ?

martins   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

lets say its divided states of america. but did i not also hear that the independents are going to decide the voting outcome? well, maybe they are easier to court than the rest who knows

sjp   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

is it me or is it really unnerving to see republicans rejoicing in there convention, while most americans are suffering from lost jobs, high gas prices, bad economy all from the last 8 years of republican leadership. just as in the last 8 years the rich get richer and the fat get fatter. nothing will change until we as voters make it.

Duop in Colorado   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Giuliani's speech was a clear sign of his party desperation.

Stacy from Beautiful Loudoun, VA   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Wow...Country first.

Heidi   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

I totally agree. What about changing the Country? All the Republicans are doing is saying John McCain was in the military and Obama is unqualified. Get some real ideas and speak about the issues that matter please. Go Obama!!!

Breck   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

McCain has no executive experience either! Republicans are still trying to delude and terrorize America into voting for them.

NC Jan   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Well, Rudy...you, along with the other speakers tonight just reinforced my decision to LEAVE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY several months ago. The meanness of the attacks tonight has also reinforced my decision to vote for the Obama/Biden ticket come November. And, please quit ending all your speeches with "God Bless America" when you are acting so very unchristian!

(BTW: I'm certain my comments will never get out of moderation.)

Cecil   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

How did “USA” become a term of defiance and division? It sounds ugly, like they’re saying: “We’re real Americans – and you’re not.”

I Agree, Sad Sad Showing By The GOP!

It's Been More Then 18 Months, Sen. Obama And His Supporters Are Growing.

Where Still Here And Still Strong!

The Kitchen Sink Is An Old Hat!

Greg FL.   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Mitt Romney, spoke of a huge deficit since the 80's and called it liberals. He spoke about Big Brother and called it the Liberals. Is he that out of touch. The deficit is compliments of a Republican President and a Republican War. The evesdropping on US Citizens was compliments of a Republican President. Romney like the GOp is out of touch.

Brielle   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

The attacks by Romney, Huckabee, and Giuliani were disgusting. They should be ashamed of the words they spoke and the lies they told. If McCain gets elected, this country will be deeply deeply damaged.

Tim   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Tonight's speakers: Hollow words from shallow people who are bankrupt of ideas. Therefore the need to bash the media, liberals, elite and so on ad nauseum. This is more of the same. It is divisive. It is not what the country needs or wants to hear.

Remember, remember   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

all the lies in November

Rudy wreaked.......of anger, desperation

there was much pandering........ and pedaling of fear

bad news all the way around........

Step away from the foaming republican ....... for your own safety, and the safety of the nation

Susan   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Actually Obama has done nothing and run nothing. He has not been a mayor nor a governor like Palin has been. He had someone running his campaign while he was out falling more in love with himself.

17 year old future politician   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

For a campaign slogan of "country first", they divided left and right all night...very shameful...not even kiddin

Terry from GA   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Rudy can say what he wants but Joe Biden was selected as Barack's VP. So while Rudy goes home and watches tv, Barack and Joe are on the campaign trail trying to get us out of this 8 year depression caused by the republicans.

Jason   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

This is 1992 all over again. The Republicans have mistaken their hard-core base for the rest of the public.

After the DNC where every speaker went out of their way to compliment McCain, this is pretty disgusting.

Barbara   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

OMG – we're in trouble. Listen to what ROVE wrote for her to MEMORIZE

Cynthia   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Giuliani, really? Who even takes the man seriously. He did do a great job during 911, we can't take that away from him, but was he the best guy to rip Obama, particularly with his own flip flopping during his own campaign and does anyone remember him cheating on his wife. Maybe Guiliani's wife should get it in writing. I think Guiliani as a speaker was a mistake. The other speakers were expected.

Coach K   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Bill Schneider .. you have done it again! While listening to the Guiliani speech, I felt like because I'm not a Republican, I am not a true American. I was truly being open-minded about who I was voting for until after this convention. Having watched tonight, I now know that I'm going to vote Democratic.

Maverick for Obama-Biden, Oregon   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

so let's talk about family values: violating the sanctity of marriage – John McCain, divorce – John McCain, teenage pregnancy and an unwed mother – Mr. and Mrs. Palin, drunk driving – Todd Palin... Yep – sounds like family values were really on their minds...

diane08   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

The Reps get an A for cheap shots, but an F for substance...... still waiting for them to address the economy, the housing crisis, the deficit, social security, skyrocketing unemployment......guess I shouldn't hold my breath.

boston observer   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

It was truly vile. It was personal attacks, ridiculing other people's service, and the changing "drill baby drill" captured the sad shallowness - and risk - of electing the Republican ticket.

Compared to the Democratic convention, this leaves me feeling depressed. A McCain presidency would be 4 years of personal tear downs, parisan fights, and nastiness.

Tom   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

I used to have some respect for Guiliani but he's just become another shill. What do Iraq and Al Quaeda have to do with each other? Still speading the fear. Are there any people out there who actually believe there was a link "before" Bush occupied that country.

What a hatefest this convention is.

Raj, TX   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Congradulations Obama...; GOP is going in the right direction for you.., empty speeches, personal attacks, no mention of economy, war is the solution foreverything.....seems they have still not learned anything from past 8 years.

Coby   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Executive decision, the new republican buzz word. No matter how many years you were in the senate, you shouldn't run for president until you've made an "executive decision".... unless of course you're McCain.

Gracie   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Wow.... Rudy Gulliani has proven yet again that he's nothing but a "has been" a hatched man of the past.

I mean here's a guy who is NOT a Senator, he's NOT a Governor and he's NEVER been a Congressman, he was a Mayor, a bad one at that. So WHY the hell is he speaking and carrying on as if he's the man in charge or something, when we all KNOW he's in charge of NOTHING!!!

Why is this man on the stage? Will someone please tell me? Does his "attacks" mean anything to anyone in this blog? To the media?

Gulliani needs to go home and take his mistress wife with him. We've move on, we're not living in the PAST anymore. Get a clue Rudy boy.

Ranger   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Talk about flip floppers, is this the same party that 4 years ago belittled the military tradition of awarding service men and woman purple hearts?????

Don't Vote For Hate   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

There is so much hate and hostility in the this room!! I half expect to start seeing pointy hoods in the crowd shots.

Ken   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Running his own campaign is the best that you can do for qualification? That is simply lame.

Barbara   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Wait a minut d- when did the NOMINEE nominate her? I missed it. Has McWarmonger been voted on? He's still the presumptive nominee himself.

Has he nominated her? She just ACCEPTED.

How presumptuous !!!!

Vic   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Attacks and hate is all the republican party and the John McCain campaign has left.
Where is the christianity that these people profess to have in their hearts? All I see and hear is hate!

Tyler in Raleigh   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Dont forget.... Giuliani just said that all Muslims are terrorists. Nothing "insulting" about calling them Islamic Terrorists he says....

MAN... THIS IS THE PART OF RESPECT AND HONOR????

Hillary Supporter   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

What a joke. Whenever they get in trouble they start chanting USA? Is that all they have? Trying to scare people into voting?

richard j h   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

truth often "Stings"

Nicky   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Amen. That was just about the most vile, purely mean-spirited speech I've seen. I'm sure the ugliest core of the base will love it, but that's no way to appeal to independents.

carl   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Instead of talking about how to dealt with issues, all they can do is attached ..

Jon   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Well when you can't attack the other side on the issues you have to resort to lies and division.

The GOP hasn't run on the issues since 1996. They have used fear and division to keep the American people in check.

It's time to take our country back from Rovian politics.

O the President   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Didn't she already say that?

17 year old future politician   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

This guy said "this is the ONE time they (republicans) agree with hillary. Wow...and this is who a small portion of hillary supporters want?....this speech was extremely shameful for any public administrator of America to use. It was seperating left and right, not joining america

TexasDem   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

I am just completely disgusted by the lack of "Americans" in the audience. It all looks like white america to me......

Chris   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

It's clear that these guys don't get it. It's pathetic and scary.

Dylan in CA   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

How did “USA” become a term of defiance and division? It sounds ugly, like they’re saying: “We’re real Americans – and you’re not.”

...well said, BIll. I'm a liberal and just as proud an American as any of those disillusioned people in that arena.

How disgusting.

Vic   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

The republican party is truly pathethic now – the past 8 years of hate mongering and war mongering is showing in their words.

Barbara   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

One of the 1st shots – pandering by using the Down Syndrom Baby. How low can John McCain go????

OMG there SHE is – Mother Theresa of the Repukes !!!

Ain't she HOT (to quote Mitt Romney)

RichDett   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Still...no content.....no issues.... always attack, fear, attack, fear.

Charla in TX   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

I have never...NEVER...in my life heard or seen such an awful and childish display.....both by Giuliani and by the crowd.

Disgusting and shameful. I would never now vote republican if Jesus himself came down and ran for president on their party ticket. Shameful.

bill m   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Rudy's Speech in paraphrase:
"9/11, Osama Bin Laden, Liberals, Terrorist, 9/11, Bombs, Islam, Jihad, Russia, Progression, North Korea,, Liberals, Osama Bin Laden, 9/11, Putin, War, 9/11, ! Beware!!!!"

Vote McCain or Evil will come.

O'Biden '08

Mark   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

The more rhetoric from these Republican speech makers, the more my resolve to ensure that they lose.

Sam   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

This speech was BY FAR the most disgusting thing I have ever witnessed in my entire life.

Chuck   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

You betcha! You Dems deserve every bit of this and it is great I have to tell ya. GO REPUBS!

changing times   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

That speech was mean and nasty and makes me ashamed to be an American. How dare he say God bless America behind that unadulterated hate he just conjured up. These people don't have christian values. their self-centered and disgusting.

hick   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

how did she ever win a beauty contest?

Obama- Next Stop.. White House   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Yawnfest Continues.......

Don   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

They'll still be chanting zero on Nov 5, that is, zero electoral votes for

McReformer. Why is no one mentioning Bush?

Matt   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Giuliani's belittlement of Obama's community service work is am INSULT to the thousands of Americans who work every day to better the lives of Americans; often for little money and no recognition.

What we see here tonight is the Republican Party as a DESPERATE PATHETIC MOB chanting hateful, false statements to scare the American voter into voting for a candidate (McCain) that promises more of the same.

CM   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

It'll hurt them even more when this 'zero' becomes a hero on Nov 4th and trumps McCain.

Trust the GOP to lower the bar on what is termed executive experience.

average joe   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

republicans just lost all my respect

kriss g   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Where is the plan? where is the talk of their direction? All I hear are attacks on Obama. Is that how they plan to solve the nation's problems?

Yvonne   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

I was really nervous about tonight. I thought they would really destory Obama and the Democrats. But they're trotting out old, worn chestnuts that could have been used in 2004. And Rudy's lisp ain't helping the case.

Tonight is pathetic for the Republicans. Just like last night.

Peggy   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

You are a bunch of loosers.

jill   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

When will they realize that fear will not work this time with Americans...you can't scare us into voting for you.

hick   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

their implications are despicable. they will crash. their party is over. their last grasp at power has has missed.

obama '08

Marie-Lynn   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

This is republicain but we are not fool... Real shame from the bottom of the BS

Steve - southern Illinois   September 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

The arrogance coming out of Rudy is the arrogance of the Republican party. It is the same attitude that George W. Bush has had for the past eight years.

Wake up!

Robert   September 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Wow, Guliani was off his rocker. The Republicans just look angry. I can't believe how gross that was. I think they are tone deaf on the national mood.

Independents are going to leave this party in droves.

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