GOP Appeals To Middle On TV, Rallies Delegates On The Floor Terror tops prime time while other speakers address party faithful.(A)

Byline: BRIAN MITCHELL

Conventions aren't what they used to be. But so far this one's been all that Republicans need.

They're riding high on polls showing President Bush ahead and on applause lines like California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Don't be economic girlie men!"

Nowadays conventions serve two purposes. To the viewing public, they're political infomercials highlighting the party's stars and pitches.

But to the delegates, they're confirmations of the agreements they've made on what the party stands for. They want their core beliefs expressed not only in the platform, but on the convention floor, even if not in primetime.

So far everyone has gotten something of what they wanted, thanks to the meticulous control of images and actions the Bush team is famous for.

"This one is probably the best organized," said Jeffrey Gay with the Pennsylvania delegation. "They've become more scripted over time, but they're all very special events."