Do they really believe this?

As I'm watching Day 2 of the RNC, listening to them talk about the horribly underfunded "No Child Left Behind" and the supposed strong economy, I can't help but wonder if those on the floor really believe what they are trying to sell. At least I know those not on the floor know the truth.

U.S. consumer confidence (news - web sites) sank in August while Chicago-area business activity slowed, according to reports on Tuesday that added to worries the economy's patch of sluggish growth may last beyond the summer.

A four-month slowdown in hiring and record oil prices took a bite out of confidence, with the Conference Board (news - web sites)'s monthly index falling more than 7 points in August to 98.2 from a revised 105.7 in July. The reading was well below economists forecasts of a smaller slip to 103.5.

And they realize that Bush will still be in charge next month, too:

Consumer hopes soured on both the current state of the economy and the outlook, with the present situation index sliding to 100.7 in August from 106.4 the prior month. The expectations index also fell sharply, to 96.6 from 105.3.

Maybe someone should pass that info out on the floor there?