Race for the White House - "Just the Facts, Ma'am"

Watched the two Conventions that the major parties threw;

Listened to the speeches; saw too much red, white, and blue.

First came the Republicans in Tampa...  Platitudes -

Only thing on offer in those southern latitudes.

Heard about Mitt Romney's heart - how he's a lovely guy.

Listened to Paul Ryan, up on stage, tell us a lie.

Saw a lot of older people - most of whom were white -

Speaking of the values represented by the Right.

Then I watched the Democrats in Charlotte all this week;

(Moved to tears the night I heard Michelle Obama speak)

But, I feared that - once again - there wasn't any meat.

Next night, though, Bill Clinton had me glued into my seat.

Using facts and numbers and the details that I crave,

He reviewed Obama's record - gave the man a rave.

Made a cogent argument while laying out his case;

Something that's been lacking in this Presidential race.

Last night as Barack Obama stepped to center stage

(Can't believe how much that Office caused the man to age.

Why on Earth would any person ever want the job?

I could not be paid to take it...  I'm a lazy slob.)

He, unlike Mitt Romney, offered more than just cliche' -

Spoke about specifics.  Romney/Ryan?  Who can say?

They won't tell me why to trust them.  President just did.

That's why I'll support him in his re-election bid.

Race for the White House - Paul Ryan Goes To The Convention

Paul Ryan addresses the convention in Tampa.  (Photo credit: Mary Altaffer/AP)

Yesterday I promised I would try to keep it nice;

Said I'd pay attention to my mother's good advice.

Then I watched Paul Ryan's speech and good intentions flew.

Once again Republicans won't tell us what they'll do.

Pundits say the gauntlet's thrown on Medicare...  So what?

Everybody knows it's broken.  Tell me how a cut

In the tax of wealthy folks will help my mom and dad?

We've tried "trickle down" before and the results were bad.

Saying that you've built a business doesn't pave the streets;

Doesn't pay for teachers, cops, or any Naval fleets;

Doesn't keep your parents covered now that they are old.

That, my friends, takes government - and, government needs gold.

Loyal opposition is another thing it needs.

Currently, though words are speaking louder than their deeds,

G.O.P. - with faces straight - accuse the President...

Blaming him for failures when that isn't how it went.

I don't see John Boehner having any kind of luck

Leading the Republicans and, thus, Obama's stuck.

They have been disloyal; offered nothing but complaint.

Yes, I know that isn't nice but, hey - I'm not a saint.

Race for the White House - The Republican Convention

Ann Romney at the Republican National Convention. (Photo by CBS News)

Hard to have a party with a hurricane next door.

Florida in August, though? It's what you're asking for.

Wonder how Pat Robertson explains this hurricane?

(Actually, I really don't...  He's clinically insane.)

Last night Mrs. Romney spoke; I found her sweet and warm.

Though I was distracted by the radar of the storm

I still heard enough to know she loves her husband Mitt.

Charming, poised, and elegant - Ann Romney was a hit.

Other speakers didn't come across as well, I thought.

Christie of New Jersey spoke about himself a lot.

Boehner said the patrons of his bar would always throw

People out the door who disagree.  I'd never go.

Ryan has his speech tonight.  It's one you shouldn't miss.

Don't know if I'll rhyme about it - promised mother this;

If I can't say anything that's nice, I wouldn't speak.

Maybe I should just avoid Republicans this week.