Dan Rather on Convention: DULLSVILLE

[Endangered Specie]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/27/politics/main632346.shtml


(CBS) Now it’s official: This convention really is duller than those the parties held four years ago. Inside the hall, it’s scripted down to the nanosecond. Outside the hall, security is battened down tighter than the lug nuts on a ’55 Ford. Remember DNC 2000’s anti-globalism protestors and the Rage Against the Machine concert in the Staples Center parking lot? Nothing of that sort this time around — perhaps if they put an exercise wheel and a water bottle inside the so-called “protestor’s cage” (a.k.a. “Free-Speech Zone”)….

In all fairness, today was the lull day — between yesterday’s kickoff and big-ticket Democratic speakers and tomorrow’s roll-out the Democratic ticket, starting with soon-to-be veep nominee John Edwards. The pictures of him — picturesque family in tow — arriving in Boston not only promise a soupcon of excitement for the day to come but also emphasize that the value Edwards brings to the ticket is not limited to geography and his “Two Americas” stump speech.

[Norquist Nemesis]

1. Hahahah! They wonder why their ratings are down?

It's not because the convention is boring but because the talking heads have pushed everyone over to CSPAN! I would check out MSNBC...briefly, but as soon as those Bush/Cheney '04 posters popped up behind them, I switched it!

It might be the Dems platform for freedom of speech and right to dissent, but I sure do wish they'ld put up a curtain behind Chris Matthews et al so I don't have to see freepers in the crowd. :puke: With listening to Scarborough and others from the rabid response rogues, I don't need the extra effect of a freeper backdrop.

[donco6]

2. Sorry Dan, watching C-SPAN.

Way better - you actually get to HEAR THE SPEAKERS! Maybe you should try it sometime, CBS. Perhaps you'll find Americans aren't QUITE as stupid and short-attention-spanned as you think.

My partner and I actually watched for the entire evening and found it very enjoyable. Inspired by Obama and Teresa. Dean was OK, but off his usual game when not on his own turf. Brooks' analysis was sometimes a bit harsh, but often more accurate than I'd like (e.g., Teresa started out gangbusters, but sorta fizzled a bit at the end).

Will watch again tomorrow night.

[PVnRT]

17. It's great, isn't it?

C-Span rules for things like this.

[ashling]

3. Trying to justify the lousy minimalist network coverage.

I am so tired of news people saying that conventions are obsolete just because they don't meet their need for mystery and suspense. Hell, read the 911-Report. I understand it reads like a novel.
:puke:

[leftist.]

4. "Scripted ..."

They are really pushing this "scripted" angle, aren't they. I'm hearing it everywhere.

[bpilgrim]

9. they DESPERATELY don't want ANYONE watching

people might get the idea that they are not alone :evilgrin:

peace

[thebigidea]

14. I bet that won't come up ONCE during the RNC.

Instead it'll be "flawlessly executed"

[thebigidea]

5. going on about that dumb Kerry picture... what a bore...

"the prospect of Ralph Nader, press credentials hanging from his neck, roaming the convention floor strikes fear into the hearts of the Democratic party"

Yeah, fear. More like contempt, boredom, and annoyance. But fear?

[whirlygigspin]

8. if it's excitement Dan wants...

I'd bet on the RNC convention in NYC...I just keep getting the feeling it will look like the Chicago "riot" convention.

or am I just hoping?

[Supormom]

6. Send them an e-mail.

There is a link at the bottom of the page for feedback.

[Norquist Nemesis]

15. Done!

RE: Dullsville piece

If you guys are wondering why your ratings are so low, it's not because Americans aren't watching. They are. But the negative spin you and all of the other networks have chosen to adopt along with giving unprecedented face time to Republicans is appalling.

I started watching the network coverage eagerly anticipating commentary that would be positive or, at a minimum, balanced. It didn't take long to recognize what was going on. I have chosen to watch the gavel to gavel coverage on CSPAN.

I'll surely be watching the GOP convention in September though. I'm ready to see the same type of unprecedented face time for Democrats and democratic-favoring pundits! Will it be the same game plan? Somehow, I doubt it.

[yardwork]

7. Dan is Dullsville

Doesn't he co-own a ranch with Rummy? There you go.

[drdtroit]

10. "What's the frequency Kenny?"

[AngryLizard]

12. "Scripted"??

Uh, yeah. Like the speakers at the RNC Convention are just going to be FLYING BY THE SEAT OF THEIR PANTS!! Woo Yay, baby!

Moron.

Can't wait to see the ratings on Clinton's speech last night.

[AP]

11. Is that an observation or a wish? My observation is that they're great:B&B

Bill and Barack. And tomorrow, Edwards.

[xxqqqzme]

13. just curious cuz I was stuck

on C-span all night - still am w/ the re-plays - Did ANY 'news' channel broadcast the 12 yr old Wexler 'Kids for Kerry' speech. We quickly switched to CNN as she finished and all we saw were hairdos talking about THK, so I'm guessing no media coverage of the kid - what a shame. I was hoping the RNC, in an effort 2 top it, would trot out Babies 4 B**h.

[NightOwwl]

16. I sent him an email

telling him he was no longer relevant and he should take a page from Tom Brokaw's book and retire on Dec 1.

[NWHarkness]

18. How would he know?

It's not like they are covering it.

[emulatorloo]

19. Seems like they wrote this last week. . .

Doesn't it seem like they pulled this piece together BEFORE the convention started?