President planning NYC extravaganza
White House goal is unprecedented convention theater
“And now, direct from Ground Zero, heeeeeeere’s the president!”
Well, that’s not exactly how President Bush is likely to be introduced when he gives his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention on Sept. 3, but it might be something equally dramatic and theatrical.
According to sources privy to convention planners’ discussions, the 2004 GOP conclave at New York’s Madison Square Garden will be unlike any previous quadrennial gathering of either party. In fact, not all of the main events will be held at the Garden, sources involved in planning the Aug. 31-Sept. 2 convention said.
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“Or, and this is a real possibility, we could see President Bush giving his acceptance speech at Ground Zero,” he added. “It’s clearly a venue they’re considering.”<snip>
But with President Bush’s nomination assured, the GOP may be looking for ways to hold the attention of a worldwide TV audience and get the Bush-Cheney campaign off to a running start.
http://www.thehill.com/under_dome/022604.aspx