Republican National Committee debuts online news program

RAW STORY

The Republican National Committee today unveiled a new interactive Web-based news program entitled "In The Know," seeking to shore up support for Bush court nominee Harriet Miers and efforts to reach out to minority voters, RAW STORY has learned.

"In the Know" mimics a CNN-style news program. An olive-suited auburn-haired anchor sits in front of an ghosted capitol and two active LCD screens.

"Each edition of In The Know and all of GOP.com will keep you connected to President Bush," she says. To view the program, go to GOP.com.

The show begins with a segment lauding John Roberts, President Bush's recently appointed Chief Justice to the Supreme Court. It follows with praise for his second embattled nominee, Harriet Miers.

Sen. John Roberts receives warm support from Sen. John Warner, a Virginia Republican who has recently tangled with the White House over a defense bill. Warner broke with the White House to support a measure prohibiting torture.

Former RNC chairman Ed Gillespie, listed as a "special advisor," says Roberts will "not make up new laws from his seat on the bench."

Harriet Miers also receives cheers.

The anchor says Miers' "long and distinguished career...makes her exceptionally well qualified to serve on the Supreme Court," and says Bush "consulted with 70 senators to appoint a highly-qualified individual." She then calls on Americans to support Miers by calling their senators.

Her praise is echoed by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).

The show then goes on to attack Democrats for raising race in the context of Hurricane Katrina.

Set to the tune of ominous music, it includes quotes from Howard Dean, who cites "skin color," Nancy Pelosi, and Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) Democrats say Republicans are "oblivious" and "in denial."

Other segments of the show, "On the Move" and "Life of the Party," examine the latest GOP happenings and events. The first edition features the Republican celebration of Hispanic Heritage month and the RNC summer meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The "Life of the Party" segment is available in both English and Spanish.

"Mi partido is su partido," declares Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman.

Finally, the last segment of the show is an opportunity for viewers to test their knowledge with a few trivia questions in "Did You Know?"

"We are very excited about the debut of 'In The Know,'" Chairman Ken Mehlman said in a release. "This innovative program is another medium by which our grassroots supporters have unprecedented access to the current happenings in the Republican Party and an up-to-date review of today's current events."

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