Preview of Republican National Convention

THIS WEEK, we will be keeping our eye on the speakers at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN. Here is a preview of the themes that we expect to see and hear.

He’s Not Like Us
Look for messages about how Obama is “different.” No one will mention his race, of course, but there will be suggestions about how he’s too liberal, too elitist, too naïve, etc. These are claims that would be made against any candidate, but they work differently because Obama is black. That is, it is always effective for a conservative candidate to claim that his or her opponent is too liberal. But when used against a black opponent, the effect is stronger because it plays into stereotypes about African Americans and liberals: they want government to do everything for them, they’re lazy, they’re permissive (not concerned with personal responsibility), and they want to take things from folks who have worked hard and earned what they have. McCain and Palin will be portrayed as “normal,” while Obama, specifically, will be portrayed as “other.”

McCain is Change
No one is going to vote for status quo this year, with the exception of the super wealthy and corporate leaders. To win a plurality of votes in any state, a candidate will have to convince voters that he stands for change. The question, then, is what type of change. Obama gave a fairly detailed policy speech on Thursday night, but look for Republicans to accuse him of being vague about his vision of change. Since McCain does not favor many changes in policy from the Bush Administration, look for the Republicans to emphasize “change in Washington,” where McCain is portrayed as a maverick independent and Palin is characterized (rightly so) as a Washington outsider. Look for rhetoric that signals a break from the Bush Administration, particularly since Obama is trying to tie McCain to Bush.

McCain is Conservative
Here’s a drinking game for you: Do a shot of your favorite liquor each time Ronald Reagan’s name is mentioned at the convention. Then call Alcoholics Anonymous.

Republicans are Inclusive
Republicans need to make sure that white folks do not feel guilty for voting against Obama since he is black. To make a vote for McCain not cause cognitive dissonance among whites who fancy themselves post-racial (i.e., “color blind”), the Republicans will show – in words and images – as much diversity as possible. Choosing Palin was a strong step in that direction. Every person of color in the hall will be seen on television at least once. As many black Republicans as they can find will speak. Many Latino leaders will speak. There will be language about how revolutionary (change!) it would be to choose a female vice-president. Remember, they will imply, the Democrats treated their female candidate poorly.

As with the DNC, we will not be able to watch every speech. So please feel free to post your observations of the accuracy or inaccuracy of our predictions in the comments section below.