[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/08/25/art.carvillecnn.jpg caption="Carville says the Democrats are hiding the party's message."](CNN) - Have the Democrats wasted the first night of the convention?
Yes, says Democratic Strategist and CNN contributor James Carville.
Speaking on CNN, Carville said the party was too soft in its attacks on John McCain Monday night - the same mistake, Carville says, Democrats made at the 2004 convention.
"The way they planned it tonight was supposed to be sort of the personal - Michelle Obama will talk about Barack Obama personally, Ted Kennedy was a very personal, emotional speech," Carville said. "But I guarantee on the first night of the Republican Convention, you're going to hear talk about Barack Obama, commander-in-chief, tax cuts, et cetera, et cetera."
"You haven't heard about Iraq or John McCain or George W. Bush - I haven't heard any of this. We are a country that is in a borderline recession, we are an 80 percent wrong-track country. Health care, energy - I haven't heard anything about gas prices," Carville also says. "Maybe we are going to look better Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. But right now, we're playing hide the message."
Carville also said the party needs to do a better job of communicating its message to the American people.
“If this party has a message it's done a hell of a job hiding it tonight, I promise you that," he said.
As usual, Carville has his head up his ashtray.
Michelle Obama just hit it out of the ballpark!
It is, literally, a WHOLE NEW BALL GAME!
Michelle Obama just got my vote!
Did we see the same show?
Tell Carville stop hating
Why did Carville crawl out from under his rock ?
Ms. Obama say 18 Million cracks? What a way to thank the Hillary voters...
We learned nothing new. No substance.
carvile it is people like you that continue to divide this country. When Clinton came to become president, it was time to do something new. Just like the dems gave him a chance to revitilize the party why can't you do the same for Obama. Instead you critize along with the republicans because you believe the clinton's should always be in charge. Nothing in life is given to you on a silver platter or entitled to. Hillary lost fair and square. Either be quite or help out. stop complaining.
You people at CNN are starting to get on the last nerve I have left.
Why don't you INVESTIGATE why McWarmonger sent his wife to Georgia to meet with his friend that started something that would benefit his run for presidency – THAT's what you all should be FEARING!!!!!!!!!!
Although I rarely agreed with Carville, I must agree and concede that is has a good point. They dems needs to be more agressive against John Mccain.
in one word yes...but good job to michelle obama tonight....what a great job she did....blame Obama for the rest of the evening's missteps...
PUMA
We're hearing a lot of commentary and not a lot of the convention speakers on CNN coverage – I tuned in to hear the speakers with some commentary, not spin spin spin with speaker soundbites. You say that the dems waisted the first night, perhaps, I couldn't tell by watching CNN.
It was a fantastic and historic night. Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama were riveting.
No, this was pitch perfect.
I actually heard those themes, but they were mentioned as things that we are seeking to address rather than failures of the Bush Administration. To start with an attack makes the Democrats look weak and nervous about McCain. They are trying to go back to the message of what can be done to restore America's greatness. I'm sure the barbs will be sharpened throughout the week in a crescendo-like fashion.
ATTACK?
Why is this country sooo enthralled with attacking?
James, I agree. The message is being hidden.
I can't Help but agree Mr Carville I bet Clinton would have done things differently
JAMES CARVILLE HAS BEEN AROUND HILLARY AND THE REPUBLICANS TOO LONG. . .IT'S RUBBING OFF!
MICHELLE OBAMA '08-'12
Another poster gave us the hint – NPR is not biased toward CLINTON and REPUKES like CNN and FAUX
Go to NPR
I believe you are right...and wrong. Tonight was the first night, and I am sure that as days two, three and four come along-we will have nailed the message that Barack is the best canidate. I am very sure, that if anyone else had been running the convention strategy would be the same-not just because its Obama.
Carville, shut up!
What on God's Green Earth is Carville talking about?! I was thrilled!
James Carville needs to get some where andsit down. I am so sick of him all night trying to interject Hillary Clinton into every interview segment. This is not about Hillery – Get over it! Hillery has already made a big mess that she can't even control now. Tonight was great!!!!!!! Go Michelle – you brought it home Girl!!!!!
Mr. Carville.. It will get down and dirty soon enough. Let us enjoy some civility for at least for a day.
Carville and CNN are losing credibility. Period
Nganenu