NEW YORK, 1 September 2004 — The highlight of the Republican convention, currently under way at Madison Sqaure Garden, so far was the presence of Michael Moore in the press box on Monday night. His film, “Fahrenheit 9/11” presented a scathing attack on President George W. Bush.
Sen. John McCain, who spoke to the delegates Monday evening, mentioned “a disingenuous filmmaker” being present while looking directly at Moore.
Seated in the stands with other journalists, Moore said he was there because he’s “writing a column for USA Today.” The hall booed Moore and broke into chants of “four more years,” in reference to the Bush presidency.
Moore responded by holding up two fingers, saying, “two more months,” then tipped his hat in acknowledgement to McCain’s address, gave a wave and held up his hand in the shape of an L, for loser as the boos rose around him. Some delegates and their guests also took his photo.
Midtown Manhattan is the last place you want to be this week: Everyone here seems either has a GOP identification badge or a police uniform. Helicopters constantly whir overhead while K-9 dogs patrol the ground and sniff at passers-by.
New Yorkers have given the GOP a split verdict on their presence in town, since New York is a Democratic town, but the GOP delegates don’t mind.
When not at the convention, delegates are managing to enjoy the best spots in town: planned events include my favorite — a private shopping and reception at Cartier’s — nice idea to start the convention with a shiny new bobble. More accessible shopping events include breakfast and fashion shows at Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s department stores. And these are only warm-ups to parties being held by night...
But the media have raised their collective eyebrows at the GOP’s decision to present on the convention floor their own party-appointed interviewing “convention jockeys,” who pose as journalists to ask friendly questions to the delegates and supporters, giving a sense of a faux news event, or a sophisticated infomercial.
