
During the Republican National Convention this past week, Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) campaign worked hard to put distance between the senator and President Bush. Bush spoke briefly via satellite and Vice President Cheney didn’t address the crowd at all.
Despite these attempts, what was most evident during the convention was how similar the two men’s policies were. New ideas to address the country’s problems and actual policy discussions were given little attention. As FiveThirtyEight notes, instead, much attention was given to “the three P’s — Palin, Petroleum, and POW.”
ThinkProgress has put together an analysis based on the prepared remarks (a total of 40,752 words) of the convention speakers, looking at how many times Republicans said various words. A glimpse at conservatives’ priorities:
| Bush Administration Bush: 1 Cheney: 0 Gonzales: 0 Rumsfeld: 0 National Security Economy Other |
Health Care Health Care: 32 Medicare: 1 Medicaid: 1 Environment/Energy Science Civil Rights |
The New York Times has an analysis of the Democratic convention here.
UPDATE 9/8: This count has been updated to fully reflect non-prime-time speakers.

Oh most subtle irony:
Osama bin Laden: 1
September 5th, 2008 at 9:50 amGeorge Bush: 1
Don’t forget the none too subtle call for more war aka the sick-assed Tribute to 9/11.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:53 amSmoke and mirrors… and balloons… lots and lots of balloons…
Can balloons vote? unfortunately, airheads can…
The GOOP has to run on rage and hyperbole. They don’t have a single, substantial, meaningful success to point to over the last eight years. It truly astonishes me that at their national convention, they only mention a standing GOOPer president ONE time… whatsamatta, fellas…embarrassed to be associated /w Li’l Georgie?
Eight years in office, and they mention him once.
Sometimes what people don’t say is as meaningful as what they do say.
Speaking of which, why hasn’t Dick Cheney spoken up to endorse the “lovely Sarah”???
Anyways… whatever you have to say about the GOOPers, don’t forget…
***Drum roll…***
THEY’RE FED UP… AND THEY’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 9:53 amThe last week has made me think of something from The Simpsons, so I made this: http://img170.imageshack.us/ my.php?image=mccainpalinkangkodosvm3.jpg
September 5th, 2008 at 9:54 amMore of the cognitive dissonance among the repugs. All the mccain raging against those in charge in Washington. The repugs held the power and screwed everything up, but voters are supposed to give them four more years. mccain is going to restore honor to government in Washington. Wasn’t that the platform that w stood on?
September 5th, 2008 at 9:56 amThe difference between a hockey mom and George Bush - Lipstick
The difference between a hockey mom and Rudi Giuliani - It’s not lipstick!
September 5th, 2008 at 9:59 amraynman Says:
Oh most subtle irony:
Osama bin Laden: 1
George Bush: 1
___________
Funny… I would have thought the GOOPers would have shown more, uh, love for the man most responsible for where they are today…
No you big silly… no Bush… Bin Ladin…
September 5th, 2008 at 10:00 amBlame Canada Says:
The difference between a hockey mom and George Bush - Lipstick
The difference between a hockey mom and Rudi Giuliani - It’s not lipstick!
____________
The crease? Well, we are talking hockey here, aren’t we?
September 5th, 2008 at 10:03 amMost mentions:
National Security
War/Wars: 38
Of course…
September 5th, 2008 at 10:03 amSide by side comparisons are better for things like this.
It’s too bad they didn’t use the same formats for Dems and the Reich so that you could make an easy comparison.
The Democratic data is flashy and too difficult to follow.
Oh well
September 5th, 2008 at 10:04 amWell the Republican Platform is mostly covers war and Nation Building. The first paragraph of the first chapter quotes the Bible in defense of it. The entire first chapter reflects a country that is hated, and simultaneously bent on changing the world.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:04 amFor a mix of Palin, Petroleum and POW go to:
http://stateofthedivision.blogspot.com/ 2008/ 09/ palin-energy-reformer.html
September 5th, 2008 at 10:04 amI’m at work so I can’t do this right now, but I ran across a cool little app the other day at http://www.wordle.com which creates ‘word clouds’ based on the prevalence of words in a given piece of text.
It may be very interesting to imput all of text into wordle at once and see definitively the major words and themes…
If anyone has the time, please link to the output.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:08 ambah.. wordle.net
sorry…
September 5th, 2008 at 10:08 amElvis and a dinosaur combine to get mentioned more times than the incumbent REPUBLICAN president and veep. Priceless.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:12 amAs Wayne pointed out on The Zoo, the first image of the 0-11 video shows American Embassy Hostages in Iran.
The hostage holder? It’s the man who looks surprisingly like the current Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Years ago, the Bush administration proposed that they were one and the same.
The image of Sbia university students and their radical leaders kicks off the 9-11 tribute. Fundamentalist Sunni’s carried out the attack on the Twin Towers.
Not only is it tasteless, the video is designed to lead America to its next war.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:14 amIt may be very interesting to imput all of text into wordle at once and see definitively the major words and themes…
Sorry, everyone.
I put McNumbNuts’ speech into Wordle . . . and I broke it.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:18 amstateofthedivision Says:
The image of Shia university students and their radical leaders kicks off the 9-11 tribute. Fundamentalist Sunni’s carried out the attack on the Twin Towers.
_______________
You say potatoe… I say potato… let’s call the whole thing off.
(Would you really expect them to understand the difference, or even care? Oooooo… scary brown-skinned little fellas… that does it fer me… I’m voting GOOP!)
September 5th, 2008 at 10:18 amtom Says:
Sorry, everyone.
I put McNumbNuts’ speech into Wordle . . . and I broke it.
______________
Are you saying it got violently ill and threw up?
September 5th, 2008 at 10:19 am(Would you really expect them to understand the difference, or even care? Oooooo… scary brown-skinned little fellas… that does it fer me… I’m voting GOOP!)
September 5th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Murkins don’t do ‘nuance.’ I’d have thought you’d have figgered that out by now.
If you gotta explain ANYTHING, you’ve lost ‘em. Murkins have been carefully taught for the last 40 or so years to be “literalists.” Words have one and only one meaning, but meaning is subsidiary to saying. That’s the eventual epistemological consequences of using “fonix” as the primary instructional tool to teach reading.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:32 amMcCain calls for change; but, in reviewing his speech there was no call for campaign finance reform. Until the corrupting influence of money is removed, there will be no change. McCain’s campaign is run by lobbyists: I don’t believe he’ll bring any change that the moneyed interests don’t want changed.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:38 amHockey Mom: 5
- - If Palin insists on labeling herself a “Hockey Mom” then the Democrats have only one choice - - recruit The Hanson Brothers.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:40 amRepublican Party = Something always cooking and nothing’s in the pot.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:44 amThey keep pushing generalities with the hope that millions will assume that they can and will do something about IT. Unfortunately it’s true—ask Rove! The IT is never detailed because the sheeple don’t want or need specifics (”clean up War-shington”) they just blindly trust their brainwashed brains.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:48 amZooey Says:
Don’t forget the none too subtle call for more war aka the sick-assed Tribute to 9/11.
BOO!
September 5th, 2008 at 10:49 amScared?
Vote Republican!
The local news here in Minneapolis-St. Paul basically reported that the “USA, USA” chant started up on those occasions when there was a disruption or demonstration on the floor — Code Pink and the like.
Seems to me that I an awful lot of this chanting throughout the evening.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:56 amAs for money, did you see the line of people who got to shake McCain’s hand after he delivered his “Fight with me” speech? I bet they were big donors. The first couple he greeted were Asian.
I wondered if it was Reverend Sun Myung Moon. Rev. Moon threw big money to George H.W. Bush and to Falwell’s Liberty University. I wanted to research it this morning, but CSPAN’s video ends before the hand shaking line. Darn!
Anyone think the mainstream media will research it?
September 5th, 2008 at 11:01 amThe republican agenda is clear. McCain made reference to the pain suffered by a couple who’s investment portfolio was devastated by the housing market crash. The ‘crash,’ not one mention of anyone losing their homes, just those who had looked to get rich on the housing bubble created when McBush stripped regulation on the market (one of many).
The sickest thing is that they will flat out tell you this, sure it is muffled in between the Drilling and USA chants, but they say it no less.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:14 amwas the mention of tyrannosaurus in reference to McBraindead?
September 5th, 2008 at 11:24 amhe certainly has the arms of one.
It looks like McCain’s historic speech hasn’t inspired Wall Street any more than Pistol Packin’ Palin’s did.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:37 amPutting our economy where their mouths are?
Right-o. We all know that, if the American electorate were capable of truly assessing the issues and candidate in terms of their actual records, Obama would walk away with this election.
And if you’re talking about a simple, surface assessment of the landscape — Americans want change, and in that case, which brand name is going to do a better job of delivering it; an old, geezery white guy from the party that is responsible for the mess, or a young, charismatic black guy from the other side?
Again, Obama wins in a walk.
To have any chance in this election, the Republicans have to aim for that sweet spot in American stupidity: the point at which the actual facts are too complex to matter, but the spin still has some purchase.
It’s not impossible, and if anyone can pull it off, it’s the GOP. But I wouldn’t bet the house on it.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:38 amLividLib Says:
“was the mention of tyrannosaurus in reference to McBraindead?
he certainly has the arms of one.”
I think it was during one of the introduction speeches. A story was regaled about a long ago young maverick who saved what would much later be known as “America” by singlehandedly slaying a Tyrannosaurus with his bare hands. Apparently the dinosaur was a librul and the maverick later celebrated by crashing a plane into a lake or something and drawing love letter “t”’s in the sand with his new Vietnamese BFF. It’s a very personal story that McThuselah is reticent to talk about being all humble and all.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:41 amIs anyone else getting tired of being reminded of 9/11 and having fear used as a tool by the GOP? I keep hearing republican trolls remind us that those “Islamo extremists” want to kill us all and all of our children.
Okay if this were true on the scale that they say wouldn’t we be seeing IED’s going off all around our country? God forbid that ever happens but seriously if these scary muslims wanted to kill us wouldn’t they use cheap IED’s? With our borders still wide open and supposed “sleeper cells” within our country are we to believe that these “killers” only draw up big, costly attacks like 9/11? The war on terrorism is so f**king phony and the idiots on the reich still fall for it.
How does putting our military in one country when the so called enemy is found in 90 countries world wide help fight against terrorism? Especially when said country didn’t have any terroists in it before we invaded and occupy it.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:42 amPerhaps it was just a long day but it seemed to me that mccain almost admitted Obama would be the better President last night. He finally realized how far off the track the republican administration has gone. He didn’t seem to have the fire to win that I expected.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:43 amI was blinded by light-colored faces on the convention floor.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:45 amNot a whole lot of diversity out there. These are not the people who represent the real America.
tom Says:
The local news here in Minneapolis-St. Paul basically reported that the “USA, USA” chant started up on those occasions when there was a disruption or demonstration on the floor — Code Pink and the like.
Seems to me that I an awful lot of this chanting throughout the evening.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:46 am“““““““““““““““““““““““““““““`
In my opinion the “USA, USA” chant was canned and used to cover up what a protestor may have been shouting. They’d hit the play button and then fade the volume. Others in the corowd may have joined in on the chant but it did seem like the chant was canned.
McCain did a great job. The simple rhetoric that McCain is the “same” is lame, but because it’s easy to remember I suppose a lot of far left liberals will cling to it. The same way they thought they “taught” Lieberman a lesson in CT, only to learn that most voters won’t support far-left (or far-right) politics. Be careful TP’ers!–you are subject to a great fall in the same manner as with your support of Lieberman’s opponent for the Senate in CT only recently.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:46 amFunny how respectful people were of the Dems’ convention in Denver, but how disrespectful they were of the Repubs’ convention? Code Pink sure looked like a bunch of @sses…
Ad hominen attacks begin in 1, 2, 3….
September 5th, 2008 at 11:48 amWhy didn’t anyone tell gramps that a long speech doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great speech. It was too long, too boring, too full of slogans, lite on substance, short on facts and void of any real answers.
I also find it laughable when the media was all over that McCain attacked his own party. Big deal, he still supported Bush hole heartedly 90% of the time over the past 5 years. To say he represents change just because of what he said in a speech is very, very laughable but the idiots on the reich with IQ’s that match a gnats will eat it up.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:51 amGo away, jt… you’re just embarrassing yourself this morning.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:53 amAnother nail in the coffin…sweet
Oh, and those USA! chants were SOOO contrived. Anyone think they had teleprompters?
I mean, there were a few moments of chanting during Obama’s speech, but they seemed to come at appropriate times, weren’t overused, and didn’t seem, well, faked.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:54 amJT Says:
Funny how respectful people were of the Dems’ convention in Denver, but how disrespectful they were of the Repubs’ convention? Code Pink sure looked like a bunch of @sses…
Ad hominen attacks begin in 1, 2, 3….
“““““““““““““““““““““““““““`
Are you sure they were “real” code pink protestors? Are you sure they weren’t planted or allowed into the event to make democrats and protestors look disrepectful?
Have you ever tried getting into a convention before. In this day in age with security, etc, I find it hard to believe that someone as visible as Code Pink could actually slip threw the tight security, again unless they were allowed in to create a spectacle or for drama. You decide.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:55 amBesides JT American’s are more pissed off at the republicans who have been in control and who have gotten us into two failing wars. But hey you think what you want. I guess this just proves whose security is better doesn’t it.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:57 amBe careful, Uncle Fester…
… if JT has to think about that too much, it’ll just get a head ache.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:57 amJT Says:
Funny how respectful people were of the Dems’ convention in Denver, but how disrespectful they were of the Repubs’ convention? Code Pink sure looked like a bunch of @sses…
Ad hominen attacks begin in 1, 2, 3….
Which people are we talking about here JustTrolling? The punditry who kept harping on the “spectacle” of it all? Palin who erroneously mentioned the Greek columns that WEREN’T serving as Obama’s backdrop? Which people do you mean?
The Denver police certainly were more respectful - they didn’t even raid and detain JOURNALISTS.
The Republicans made their convention another way to squeeze “fear capitol” out of 9/11 and to attack the Democrats - not on substantive issues mind you, but the same “ad hominem” attacks that you predicted will come your way after making an obviously dishonest statement.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:58 amThe Republicans deserve a lot more than so called “disrespect”. What the right wing has done to our nation while they held the reins in unforgivable. The Republican Party should be disbanded and barred from ever being a part of politics in America ever again. They have acted so recklessly in their attempts to rule this nation, serving no one but themselves and their masters the neocons, lobbyists and big business. ANY troll that tries to come here and whine about someone showing disrespect for ANY Republican needs to step back and remember that a large majority of this Nation are hurting financially, while corporate big wigs float away to off shore tax havens on their golden parachutes paid for by the hard work, sweat and blood of average American workers and soldiers. The Republicans ruled this Nation like a pack of hyenas stripping the Treasury and sh1tting all over our Constitution. You want respect??!! People should literally spit in the face of anyone bold or stupid enough to wear a Republican pin in light of their party’s un-American “party before country” attitude and actions!
September 5th, 2008 at 12:12 pmSorry, I forgot to add my “ad hominem” attack-
In 3,2,1…
Piss of JT, you bottom feeding troll! Johnny McCrappedhispants is a major part of the entrenched Republican problem! Step aside and let the adults clean up your mess…AS USUAL!
September 5th, 2008 at 12:17 pmWhat you have here is a lot of fancy numbers that add up to one thing:
Johann McAwesome!
Just kidding.
He’s not a great speaker, but he did do what he needed to do to help his odds.
But, it’s a tough year. Conservatives don’t like McCain (he got Palin). Americans don’t like Bush (he spent a lot of time distancing himself and even opposing Bush’s legacy), he understands it a change election (he highlighted the idea that he’s actually got a record of making changes).
Opposition will poke holes in the speech. But, in terms of what McCain needed to do, this week was the best that it could have been for McCain.
Probably, still not enough.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:29 pmJT Says:
“The simple rhetoric that McCain is the “same” is lame, but because it’s easy to remember I suppose a lot of far left liberals will cling to it.”
All campaign slogans are lame, but I suppose you’re here to tell us which policies differentiate McCain from Bush… I’ll wait.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:31 pmEven the trolls sound defeated today. the fact that mccain is going to campagin against himself (entrenched government) and palin (earmark pork)seems to have them even more confused than usual.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:34 pmJT Says:
Funny how respectful people were of the Dems’ convention in Denver, but how disrespectful they were of the Repubs’ convention? Code Pink sure looked like a bunch of @sses…
If mccain can’t even protect his own convention from “terrist” attacks, how will he protect the country?
September 5th, 2008 at 12:36 pmThe Code Pinkers got their tickets from disaffected Republicans. It’s sad when a political party has to contract out their protests…
September 5th, 2008 at 12:53 pmIf John McCain actually believed what he and his keynoters had to say at that convention, he would be running as an Independent, like his courageous sidekick Joe Lieberman.
But, he’s just a sad old ambitious lying Republican’t.
One word to describe the RNC = Incoherent
September 5th, 2008 at 12:55 pmbackup Says:
Who really cares? Backedup is a civil troll - but a troll nonetheless.
I still think he is David Brooks - sitting in his Mother’s basement, sucking the Cheeto dust off of his fingers, and wracking up “McCain Points”.
Hey Backedup - just few more posts and you should have enough McLame Points to get that “Country First” doormat you so covet.
Whatever.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:58 pmTweedster, I’m sure closed minded opponents to your ideas, feel a similar way about you.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:12 pmbackup Says:
Tweedster, I’m sure closed minded opponents to your ideas, feel a similar way about you.
When those opponents are people like yourself, I couldn’t care less.
Time and time again you come on here and pretend to encourage discourse - except when it comes down to answering for your positions without the endless use of qualifiers and tired excuses for your Rightwing buddies.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:48 pm“Don’t forget the none too subtle call for more war aka the sick-assed Tribute to 9/11.”
Olbermann obviously wants to forget.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:12 pmJT Says:
McCain did a great job. The simple rhetoric that McCain is the “same” is lame, but because it’s easy to remember I suppose a lot of far left liberals will cling to it. The same way they thought they “taught” Lieberman a lesson in CT, only to learn that most voters won’t support far-left (or far-right) politics. Be careful TP’ers!–you are subject to a great fall in the same manner as with your support of Lieberman’s opponent for the Senate in CT only recently.
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HA, that was a good one. McSame IS the same as Bush on the majority of the issues. More tax cuts for the rich more war more beligerence more stupidity. As for simple easy to remember rhetoric that was rich. The hivemind is on YOUR side. Bumpersticker logic and endless repetition is pretty much ALL the GOP has had for a couple of decades. It has worked but A) it has run its course and B) The projection involved in you saying it is the left that does this is priceless. I know simpleminded idiots can NEVER see their own faults or those of THEIR OWN so they unconciously project them on others whether they are there or not but its the RIGHT not the left that doesnt think for themselves. You need to stop drinking the koolaid it is obviously reaching toxic levels and has intoxicated you
September 5th, 2008 at 2:26 pmJT Says:
Funny how respectful people were of the Dems’ convention in Denver, but how disrespectful they were of the Repubs’ convention? Code Pink sure looked like a bunch of @sses…
Ad hominen attacks begin in 1, 2, 3….
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Ok since you asked for one you are a moron of astonishing magnitude. Did you really think that transparent and frankly stupid tactic would work? Baiting us then SAYING we would attack you… Did you think that might make us cut your abject stupidity some slack? I assume you do understand how incredibly ignorant it is to call someone asses because you dont agree with them then toss out a pre-emptive snivel about how you might be attacked back? It must suck to be as stupid as you.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:30 pmTweedster. I’m sure you don’t like most my positions, but I’ll answer whatever question you have.
You can criticize qualifiers and/or excuses, but when progressives see them in Obama, they’re characterized as nuance.
It you want discourse, I’m here. But, please don’t confuse discourse with a comfortable place, where everyone shares your views.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:35 pmbackup Says:
What you have here is a lot of fancy numbers that add up to one thing:
Johann McAwesome!
Just kidding.
He’s not a great speaker, but he did do what he needed to do to help his odds.
But, it’s a tough year. Conservatives don’t like McCain (he got Palin). Americans don’t like Bush (he spent a lot of time distancing himself and even opposing Bush’s legacy), he understands it a change election (he highlighted the idea that he’s actually got a record of making changes).
Opposition will poke holes in the speech. But, in terms of what McCain needed to do, this week was the best that it could have been for McCain.
Probably, still not enough.
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A pretty good synopsis and humor from a conservative that wasnt meanspirited and unfunny, I am impresssed. No McCain isnt a very good speaker which is ok. Obama is one of the better orators of our time so that magnifies problem but it isnt his biggest one. Bush is. He is a catastrophe that walks like a man like Bill Mahar said. An albatross around McCains neck. He can TRY to distance himself but it is a tough sell. McCain would have had to run an almost perfect campaign to win and he has done anything but. A very large part of the American middle isnt all that interested in politics. So they listen give on side a shot either they like it or they dont if they dont they give the other side a shot. I dont think McCain really has much chance in this election.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:37 pmTweedster Says:
backup Says:
Who really cares? Backedup is a civil troll - but a troll nonetheless.
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I disagree. A troll either says things simply to incite us or to derail the topic. Backup does neither he simply disagrees and has another take on the issue. I think it is a good thing to welcome and discuss the issues with those who disagree. IF they are REALLy trying to have that discussion. I also think we ought to tell trolls who are giving us the re run of the Rush Limbaugh show or just try to annoy us in no uncertain terms what pieces of crap they are. I dont see backup as deserving that kind of treatment. Preaching to the choir has limited appeal. It has its place but isnt all the intellectually stimulating. Also IF a reasoned dialogue is maintained the weaknesses of each position and strengths of each position can emerge well formed as each of us dig deep and in elucidating our positions we find nuances and insights we werent conciously aware of IN our positions and a third more sophisticated position can be discovered. Now granted in a McCain Vs Obama that isnt an option or in most threads but there are complex issues offered in some of the threads. I dont think it wise to limit the gene pool of the discussion to just us lefties. I think it a good idea to encourage people who disagree when they are civil, on point and TRYING to have a discussion not regurgitate the hivemind talking points
September 5th, 2008 at 2:47 pmEugeneDebs. I read your rebuttal the other day about Bush getting credit for the absence of WMD in Iraq. It was very good.
I also agree with what you saying here.
I think McCain could pull it off, but something very significant would have to happen. (Monumental Obama gaffe, some incredible Obama scandal, etc).
But, that’s not going to happen. I’d have to put odds on the race today at about 80/20 Obama.
Although I wish he had more experience, Obama’s better on social issues, a much better speaker, has been less divisive and would be a signal to the rest of the world that Americans are serious about setting a new course.
All those reasons, will go along way towards mollifying whatever fiscal or energy apprehensions I have about Obama.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:53 pmLooks like ‘wars’ won. Big freakin’ surprise.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:25 pmI SEE A DEM TALKING POINT RIGHT HERE:
Osama Bin Laden - 1, Afghanistan - 0
Elvis: 1
REPUBLICONS LITERALLY SHOWED AS MUCH INTEREST IN ELVIS SIGHTINGS AS “CHASING BIN LADEN TO THE GATES OF HECK.”
September 6th, 2008 at 2:07 am