THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 16, 1996 TAG: 9608160721
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Tony Wharton
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: 35 lines
The big night of the Republican convention was coming up, the acceptance speech of nominee Bob Dole. But there weren't many Dole fans at the New York Deli or other locations in Portsmouth on Thursday, which probably is not surprising in this Democratic bastion.
``I thought that video the Republicans did of the president was disrespectful,'' said Barbara Anthony, a registered nurse, as she came out of the deli on Court Street. ``I understand that they had to make a point, but it went too far.''
Deli owner Jeff Cohen said he's a ``moderate,'' but he's not thrilled with the GOP tone: ``I could have been swayed. But the right-wing element scares me away from them.''
The Republicans are trying to look more moderate, but Cohen's not convinced, pointing to moderate Susan Molinari's speech as proof. ``She jumped on the party line too easily. They don't give the impression that they're willing to accept other views.''
Portsmouth Police Detective Derek Davis said he was moved by Colin Powell's speech and impressed that the Republicans let him speak.
Assistant public defender Dianne Ringer said she probably will vote for Dole, but the convention has nothing to do with it.
``It's the usual circus hype every four years,'' she said. ``Once this is over with, we can get on with the real campaign.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Barbara Anthony
KEYWORDS: REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION 1996 by CNB