"Fahrenheit 9/11" filmmaker Michael Moore, hired by USA Today to cover this year's Republican National Convention, was singled out by John McCain during the Republican Senator's primetime, televised speech. McCain referred to Moore as a "disingenuous film-maker who would have us believe that Saddam's Iraq was an oasis of peace," instigating a huge, extended ovation from the audience. Moore watched on from a booth and waved to the audience. Editor and Publisher reports on the moment, including an incident in which Moore was caught on camera being hassled for his credentials by security.
Meanwhile, Michael Moore has published his first report for USA Today, entitled "The GOP doesn't reflect America." He writes, to Republicans:
Let me also say I admire your resolve. You're true believers. Even though only a third of the country defines itself as "Republican," you control the White House, Congress, Supreme Court and most state governments.
You're in charge because you never back down. Your people are up before dawn figuring out which minority group shouldn't be allowed to marry today.
Our side is full of wimps who'd rather compromise than fight. Not you guys.
Hanging out around the convention, I've encountered a number of the Republican faithful who aren't delegates. They warm up to me when they don't find horns or a tail. Talking to them, I discover they're like many people who call themselves Republicans but aren't really Republicans. At least not in the radical-right way that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, John Ashcroft and Co. have defined Republicans.
