If you're like me, you found yesterday's RNC to be one of the most depressing political theaters ever. An entire party joined together to say that we don't stand for anything other than attacks on our opponents. It was a deeply cynical day, one where 8 years of George Bush government was described as liberal, where the VP pick could promote her opposition to a bridge that she campaigned on, where "change" was defined as having different people do the exact same thing.
Other than drilling for oil, tax cuts, and Iraq, no policies at all were mentioned. Instead it was attack, attack, attack on Obama, not on issues but on his personal history. As if that weren't bad enough, the ultimate mockery was made on those who work long hours for low pay to help out the less fortunate. The Republicans don't stand for only helping the rich; they just think that the government shouldn't help those who need it and we should mock the private citizens who want to help.
Sure it angered us, but by staying away from issues, the Republicans left us an opening. There's one question that can be asked that would destroy their bounce. It's above ground, not cheap, strictly on the issues, and appears below the fold.
This is my call for all reporters in the next few days. Have a Republican guest on your show? Ask them this. "You say that John McCain represents real change. Name one issue where a McCain administration would differ from the current one."
I spent an hour trying to think of one example where they differed and I couldn't. Last night's convention was a call for four more years; they just couldn't say the words. Ask that question and people will either change the subject or stammer to an answer. It's simple enough that it's hard to stonewall around it without making it obvious.
This could be the question that launched a million ads. Saying McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time is one thing, having McCain supporters being unable to come up with a simple example of where they differ on policy would be more powerful. The Republicans are making their case on personalities. Let's force them to stick to the issues.
"Name one issue where a McCain administration would differ from the Bush administration." Spread this around.