GOP convention seating chart

A week ago Sunday, I showed you the seating chart for the state delegations at the Democratic National Convention.

The Republicans' chart, however, is a little different, albeit much more appropriate:


(h/t to Eschaton commenter Richard)

Remind me: which party is divided again?

If you're not in Florida or Michigan, you might have missed the fact that both states had their full delegations and voting rights restored at the Democratic National Convention -- but not so with the Republicans. Yes, the GOP is sticking it to Florida and Michigan by giving them only half the votes to which they're entitled -- meaning that, for example, Florida's votes count just as much as Indiana's, a state a third the size of America's Wang™.

But it's the Democrats who are hopelessly divided? Puh-LEEZ.

Still, the bright, shiny faces representing Florida at the GOP wankfest in St. Paul are making the best of their "honored guest" status.

"It makes not one bit of difference," said Nancy Watkins, an honored guest from Tampa.

"It's much better to be an honored guest," deadpanned Jamie Johnson of Winter Garden. "That's what it says on the pass I have and that's what I'm sticking to."

Even before Hurricane Gustav prompted historic changes in the 2008 Republican National Convention, the gathering of GOP faithful was destined to be odd for the Florida and Michigan delegations. As punishment for holding their primaries earlier than sanctioned by the national party, the votes and floor seats of those states were initially cut in half. Thus was raised the specter of delegates with half a vote.

However, a compromise was reached last week where all the delegates would be seated — 114 in Florida's case — but half of them would be called "honored guests" and not have votes.

In Florida, the "grassroots workers" were given delegate passes and higher-ups and elected officials were designated as honored guests, said Jim Greer, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, who wore an honored guest pass himself.

"Being an 'honored guest' is an honor," said Margi Helschien of Boca Raton.

Asked if she felt slighted, she said, "Not at all. I get to be a part of everything."

Sure, Margi, and if you keep clapping, maybe Sarah Palin's political career will live again!

Seriously, these Republicans are creeping me right the fuck out. Sure, there's no controversy -- allegedly -- over their party's choice for the presidential nomination. But the blast fax orders from On High must have been pretty serious in tone for these non-delegates to be all smiles over their vote being taken away from them.

Don't worry -- you won't hear this from the mainstream corporate media. But it wouldn't hurt for you and me to spread the word that Florida and Michigan are second-class states as far as the Republicans are concerned ...

GOP fashion = GOP politics: turn back the clock

The Republican National Committee unveiled their official Convention gear yesterday in Bloomington, Minn. Shortly thereafter, the 1980s called and asked for their style back.

Zubaz? I mean, fucking Zubaz?!

Political conventions and fashion have never been compatible running mates. It's all about logos and ball caps and track jackets in a sea of eyeball-tormenting red, white and blue. Which makes this convention's merchandise almost disappointingly tasteful.

Cyndi Lesher, president of the convention's local host committee, said she'd wear the pink polo shirt she had on again.

"It's a decent color," she said.

She's right -- and what kind of quality is that for a convention outfit? The clothes, made by Minnesota company St. Croix Promotions and Retail, sport plenty of the aforementioned fashion don'ts, but in a restrained way -- almost too restrained. One sky-blue t-shirt's screenprint is a colorful drawing of the St. Paul skyline with a little airplane toting a "MSP 2008" sign. On another shirt, a donkey and an elephant hold a communal sign reading "Let's Party!"

They might as well be Bambi and Thumper, singing "Kumbaya." Come on, people, what's a convention for if not a little sartorial enemy-baiting?

Okay, I'm sorry, but on what planet is Zubaz "tasteful [and] restrained?" I don't think I've seen Zubaz since the Reagan administration. Then again, I think that's the whole point.

According to the article, much of the merchandise is bipartisan, as the RNC chooses to emphasize "history" and "civic engagement." Good idea, since the number of people who want to call themselves Republican is dwindling by the day ...

Of course, that's not true for everyone. Case in point: this lovely Republican model at yesterday's, um, "fashion" show.

Seriously, now, lay off the snide remarks. After all, by GOP (and especially Huggy Bear's) standards, she's firmly in the prime demographic.

(h/t DP, Blast Off!'s favorite wingnut)