When you look at two conventions the two parties clearly set out on two different strategies.
The Democrats, realizing that more voters are self identifying as Democrats than Republicans this election cycle spent a large amount of Convention time focused on building party unity. Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton did all that they could to deliver the message to Democrats that they supported Barack Obama.
Hillary reached out specifically to the "sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits" and directly appealed to women to rally to Obama’s cause.
So far the Republican convention has taken a very different path. Governor Sarah Palin has excited the GOP base – but everything else, from the convention message to the speakers list, is about reaching beyond the party base. Palin will talk about taking on corruption in her own party. Literally beating up on corrupt Republicans. George Bush talks about John McCain speaking his mind "believe me I know".
Joe Lieberman presents himself as a Democrat willing to put country before party. And asks the GOP convention its indulgence as he speaks to Independents and members of his "own party."
One party, the Democrats, clearly felt if it could bring its own home it would emerge victorious in November.
The Republicans clearly feel there are no longer enough self identified Republicans to win the Presidential contest – they have to reach out well beyond the GOP to stage a comeback in November.
That is why a convention floor energized by the pro-life Palin bit its lip and applauded when Bill Clinton was lauded by name for balancing the federal budget. A feat he accomplished with a tax increase most assuredly opposed by every single GOP delegate in the hall.
But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see who the GOP is targeting – Sarah Palin is selected as the Vice Presidential nominee, and the first hours of the GOP convention are filled with Cindy McCain and Laura Bush. A bid for the votes of the "sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits"? I think not.
Sarah Palin the Pro-Life working class mom and PTA member, with a pregnant teenage daughter gives a nod of thanks to Pro-Choice Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton. Will she be able to attract support from pro-choice women who see her as a change agent?
Barack Obama’s campaign isn’t taking any chances — today it launched a "broadside" radio ad in 7 states telling voters McCain "will make abortion illegal".
Two conventions, two parties, two strategies with one target – women.
-Joe Trippi, www.joetrippi.com