• Giuliani, McCain open Republican convention with theme of the “courage of a nation” post-9/11. Giuliani hails Bush as aggressive, “rock solid,” attacks Kerry‘s inconsistencies; McCain strongly defends Iraq war, calls Michael Moore “disingenuous.” [WP, NYT, LAT, BG, USAT]
• Kerry‘s gains on security and leadership vanish in new WP/ABC poll. Bush leads by 18 points on handling of terrorism; majorities dissatisfied with direction, say Bush is more qualified, honest, trustworthy, better able to handle Iraq; voters not interested in Vietnam. [WP]
• Bush: “I don’t think you can win [the war on terror]. But I think you can create conditions so that those who use terror as a tool are less acceptable in parts of the world.” [WP]
• Convention designed to remind voters of post-9/11 emotions and Bush highs. Giuliani: “I do believe there are times in our history when [Republican] ideas are more necessary and more important and critical, and this is one of those times when we are facing war and danger.” [WP, NYT, BG, USAT]
• Bush portrayed as steadfast, manly. [LAT, LAT]
• McCain finds SBVFT ads “completely nauseating,” says “we’ve got to get that garbage off the air as soon as we can.” [NYT]
• Bush-41 calls SBVFT ads “rather compelling,” supports Dole‘s comments. [NYT]
• Giuliani, changed by 9/11, looks to future races without comment. [WP, NYT]
• Expect the expected: speeches assert party line. [NYT]
• Republican platform shaped by conservatives, BC04. [NYT, NYT, LAT]
• Schwarzenegger‘s address to test his popularity, awkwardness, effectiveness among independents. [WP, WT, BG]
• Edwards: “John Kerry and I believe that this war on terror is winnable; they don’t.” [WP, WT, USAT]
• Moore swamped, booed at convention, sees attention increasing profits. [WP, WT]
• Bush, Cheney families roll out soft side in television interviews, profiles. Jenna describes Laura as “bizarrely clean.” [NYT]
• Bush directs federal funds to swing state causes. [LAT]
• Money meets power over cocktails. [NYT, LAT]
• Laura seen as top surrogate for husband; Jenna, Barbara take on larger public role. [LAT, WT]
• Some delegates stay clean and sober. So far. [NYT]
• Democrats try to voice response from makeshift headquarters. [NYT, NYT]
• Staging to show Bush among the people. [NYT]
• 20,000 demonstrate for low-income New Yorkers. [WP, WP, NYT]
• 15,000 “media types” pampered by complimentary gifts, services, food, drink. [WP]
• Producer of convention is veteran of Radio City Christmas Spectacular shows. [WP]
• City relatively quiet outside MSG. [NYT]
• Chairman of College Republicans: “Karl [Rove] is brilliant.” [NYT]
• Ron Silver, self-described as “well-recognized liberal,” defends Bush at convention. [LAT][AP Photo/Laura Rauch]
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