2004 Republican National Convention draws Black GOPers to New York City

Jet, Sept 27, 2004 by Kevin Chappell

Touting success in the war on terror and saying that he is best suited to lead America into an uncertain future, President George W. Bush recently accepted the Republican nomination for a second term amid cheers of four more years from the Black party faithful gathered at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

With the most African-American participation ever, the Republican National Convention was deemed a tremendous success. U.S. Secretary of Education Red Paige spoke highly of Bush's commitment to education. "This election may be multiple choice, but there's only one correct choice," he said. "To go forward, not back. To choose compassion, not cynicism. To set high standards, not settle for second-best. To elect a true reformer with results, not a Johnny Come Lately with mere promises. Only one candidate has worked to create an education system worthy of a great nation. President George W. Bush."

Most convention speakers were moderate in reputation and tone. But there was a decidedly religious theme running throughout many speeches. Former Ohio representative J.C. Watts held a prayer breakfast for 700 people, and later led a strategy meeting for some 300 African-American delegates and party faithful. Flanked by Ohio Lt. Gov. Jennette Bradley and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann, Watts laid out a blueprint for attracting more Blacks to the Republican Party.

"The question that we have to ask ourselves in the 21st century as a Republican Party is: Why are there so many Black people in this country who think like J.C. Watts, who think like Lynn Swarm, who think like Lt. Gov. Bradley, who think like (other Black Republicans), but don't vote like them," Watts said to the gathering. "That's the question."

He said 35 percent of the Blacks say that they don't have anything in common with the Democrats, that they don't feel like the Democrats represent their interest. "But we haven't gotten them to the point where they can say that the Republican Party represents their interest," he said. "That's our challenge. To give that 35 percent of African-Americans a place to call home."

Bradley agreed, saying that she hopes the convention will prompt more Blacks to vote Republican this election year. "I hope Blacks have an open mind and give consideration to President Bush," she said. "I think that he has shown that he is an inclusive President. His actions speak louder than words. We have Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Secretary Paige and Secretary Jackson to show that the President has been inclusive in his Cabinet and inclusive in his decision-making."

Bradley, along with the country's only other Black lieutenant governor, Michael Steele of Maryland, appeared at many events throughout the week. The first Black ever elected to a statewide office in Maryland, Steele spoke on the convention floor on the important role Republicans played in the struggle for racial equality. "I am proof that the blessings of liberty are within reach of every American," he said.

President Bush, in his acceptance speech, presented himself as a battletested commander-in-chief who has the resolve needed in trying times, and the faith and foresight needed to ensure brighter days ahead.

Bush delivered an hour-long address heavy on symbolism and references to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an event that has defined his presidency. "This moment in the life of our country will be remembered," he said from a circular stage on the last night of the four-day convention. "Generations will know if we kept our faith and kept our word. Generations will know if we seized this moment and used it to build a future of safety and peace. The freedom of many and the future security of our nation now depend on us."

Throughout the convention, speakers portrayed Bush as an unwavering President who would keep America safe from terrorists. Bush "doesn't waffle," Vice-President Dick Cheney said. "That's exactly what we need in a president. We don't need indecision or confusion."

Perhaps the most talked-about speech of the convention was given by Georgia Democratic Sen. Zell Miller. Saying that his political party is now too liberal for him to support, Miller delivered a fiery speech supporting Bush.

GOP strategists said that they wanted to use the convention to show Bush's more personable side, including his focus on a domestic agenda. Unemployment, rising health care, and a record federal budget deficit have been areas Bush critics have pointed to as important domestic issues that he has all but ignored during his four years in office.

On the domestic front, Bush used his speech to propose several new domestic initiatives and to push for the passage of several programs he has long supported. Among his proposals: a simplification of the tax code, more help for the elderly who depend on Medicare, more financial assistance for students who want to go to college, and a revamping of the Social Security system.

Bush laid out an optimistic view of America's future. "We have seen a shaken economy rise to its feet ...," Bush said. "Since 2001, Americans have been given hills to climb and found the strength to climb them. And now, because we have made the hard journey, we can see the valley below. Now, because we have faced challenges with resolve, we have historic goals within our reach and greatness in our future. We will build a safer world, and a more hopeful America. And nothing will hold us back."