As the Democratic National Convention opens at the Fleet Center in Boston today, the advice given to him by his advisors is one of admonishment: don’t talk about Bush.  Perhaps the reason for this is best illustrated by the level of hatred which Democrats have for the Bush administration – and it’s showing. 

Talk show host Steve Malzberg on WABC radio in New York was blasted by Democratic party icon George McGovern on Sunday, when the elder statesman broke into a wild, frenzied attack on Vice President Dick Cheney. 

“With regard to Cheney – and I say this thoughtfully, I think he’s the worst vice president in American history and a great menace to the security and well-being of this country…”.  McGovern continued with a statement, accusing Cheney that because of his status as a longtime head of Haliburton, he was able to get war contracts in Iraq. 

At the conclusion of McGovern’s ill-mannered diatribe, Malzberg calmly pointed out that former president Clinton had used Haliburton to help rebuild Kosovo – a country which Clinton sent troops to help settle the war and where U.S. troops are still stationed to this day.  That sent McGovern into a rage.  Interrupting Malzberg, he said: “Let me tell you something, young man.  You’re going to defend this administration no matter what they do.  You’re a right-wing reactionary – and that’s perfectly clear from your remarks with me today”. 

Perhaps it was these comments from a prominent Democrat, or maybe just the tone of John Kerry’s speeches throughout his campaign since Iowa which lead to his advisors telling him to tone things down going into the convention this week.  Or perhaps it was something else.  Former Boston Mayor, and former ambassador to the Vatican Ray Flynn told IRN News that he advised Kerry to, quote, “talk to the people”.  He used the example of how voters feel when President George W. Bush talks – “people feel comfortable with him”.  People felt good when former president Clinton spoke, too. 

It may well be that, Kerry’s tone, along with the rest of the speakers in Boston this week could be the deciding factor in a race for the presidency which most experts say in many areas of the country is too close to call.  One thing is certain:  Howard Dean's anger and explosive remarks toward President Bush surely didn't help him win any primaries - an example that Democratic leadership may well want to re-visit.