A few diary entries, and many more comments in the open threads, have expressed concerns about the anti-RNC protests that are planned for NYC in a few weeks. The logic goes like this: there is a chance that protesters might help Bush, because that type of confrontational action will turn off people. Of particular concern is the potential for property destruction and other forms of violence.
Obviously, the concerns about destructive behavior are vaild. However, I doubt any amount of reasoning will work with someone who thinks breaking a Starbucks window on TV is the best way to free Mumia Abu-Jamal. While these groups will exist, they will be extremely marginal. I also wouldn't be surprised if some of them turned out to be Republican dirty tricks operatives.
However, the mass, peaceful, protest against the war (scheduled for August 29th) is a very important event. In fact, I think it has a great deal of potential to help Kerry. Right now, the major issue most people are concerned about is Iraq. It's also the issue where Bush is the most vulnerable. However, Kerry has been unwilling to clearly come out against the war, at least in a way that translates through the media din. In contrast, a huge demonstration against the war at the Republican Convention will help people make the connection between the Bush Administration and the war in Iraq.
If Kerry won't occupy the political space, someone needs to fill it. That's the job of the anti-war movement.