Let's talk about that tomorrow -- The GOP trying to be the big tent party

Brian Basinger of Morris News Service writes:

Heeding a request from party leaders for unity, Georgia delegates to this week's Republican National Convention are putting aside their intraparty squabbles over divisive issues like the federal deficit and abortion to focus instead on helping President Bush win re-election.

Still the call for cohesive convention hasn't stopped some delegates from pointing out that they differ from the president on several key issues and want to see some changes made if Bush nets a second term.

The White House has drawn criticism from within its own ranks this year after forecasting the federal deficit will hit a record $440 billion. Some say the Bush's administration's handling of the nation's purse strings runs counter to the economic policy held by many Republicans, who have long prided themselves on being fiscally responsible.

Preventing hot-button issues from dominating this week's convention speeches is critical for Bush, especially in this year's close presidential horse race where appealing to moderate and swing voters will be key, said Merle Black, an Emory University political science professor.

"The Republicans can't win without the support of independent and perhaps some conservative Democratic voters," he said.