Republicans who back gay rights and abortion rights want to be heard at the convention
President Bush and his political lieutenants want the Republican National Convention in New York this month to exude the same sense of unity that characterized the Democratic love fest in Boston.
But away from the spotlight, infighting appears about to break out over the GOP platform's stance on gay rights. The issue is important to the White House because the appearance of intolerance could sway critical swing voters.
Do they mean 'the stripping away of the appearance of tolerance'? Trust those 'professional' reporters to get it right. In any case, the LCR and other GOP moderates (both of them) are suggesting a floor fight (which, of course, won't happen):
The Log Cabin Republicans plan to hold a news conference Monday with Republicans for Choice and the Republican Youth Majority to outline their strategy.
Pitching a "party unity plank," they are suggesting that the platform declare that "Republicans of good faith disagree" on family issues -- language sure to be an anathema to the president and his base of social conservative supporters.
The fact that it has gotten this far with just days to go prior to the Republican National Illusion is unusual to say the least. Wow. A convention that makes news. Oh, well. It couldn't happen to a nicer group of people.
Update [2004-8-15 12:10:13 by DemFromCT]:
Within, RonK has a fascinating alternative POV re what the convention's about. Read it here.