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5 Ways Dems Could Ruin Their Own Convention

Bill Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, and Occupy: all possible hazards

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2012 1:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – The RNC ran into its share of snags—a hurricane, Clint Eastwood, frustrated Ron Paul supporters—but the Democratic convention has a few potential pitfalls too. Politico lists five:

  • Bill Clinton. He remains popular, but also has a slight case of foot-in-mouth disease—which Republicans will pounce on if given the chance. He's already implied support for a GOP plan on Bush tax cuts, and doesn't like taking talking points from Team Obama.
  • Elizabeth Warren. Can Dems trust the Massachusetts Senate candidate to glow in her debut on the national stage? Plus, she might aim for voters in her home state—and say something that doesn't play well in Middle America.
  • Occupy. Protesters will surely be on the streets, but what to do about them? A harsh crackdown would make the Democratic establishment appear insensitive.
  • Turnout. The Obama campaign kickoff at Ohio State University attracted 14,000 people—but that left 4,000 empty seats. Will the Dems do better in Charlotte, NC? Democrats are giving away tickets, which could open the floodgates to protesters or nasty hecklers.
See Politico's fifth DNC "landmine" here.

A delegate shows off her President Barack Obama button in the convention hall before the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012.
A delegate shows off her President Barack Obama button in the convention hall before the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Sue Hamill, from Walnut Creek, Calif., waits to pay for her convention souvenirs ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012.
Sue Hamill, from Walnut Creek, Calif., waits to pay for her convention souvenirs ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 76 comments
HANKHILL
Sep 4, 2012 3:09 PM CDT
nope there is only one way! THAT IS TO SHOW UP!!
el_polacko
Sep 3, 2012 10:58 PM CDT
the hurricane by-passed tampa...ron paul who ?...and eastwood is being quoted extensively while his 'empty chair' has taken on a life of its own.  those are what you consider negatives for the republicans ??
MisterPlinkett
Sep 3, 2012 10:57 PM CDT
I just don't see how any moderately intelligent person can support either major party. They're both a disgrace.  Things won't change as long as the people still support them.
 

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