Convention Concludes

This event may have been the highlight of my 2008. To actually be present and live at one of the two historical Presidential Conventions this year is truly a dream come true to this political/news junkie. To add to this experience was the amazing connections I made with other volunteers, a couple of them having connections to Drake. The first woman I met on my volunteer team was a Drake Grad who now has her own marketing consulting firm in Minneapolis and will be heading down to DSM in a couple weeks. Another man I met actually has a daughter who is a senior at Drake. What a small world.

Wednesday night was the much anticipated Palin Speech. This woman has been unfairly attacked on a personal level. Does the media have a right to look at her record and experience? Of course they do. That is their job, and they need to continue to do that. Do they have a right to look into and dwell on Bristol's life and pregnancy and then attack Governor Palin's parenting? No. Do we really want the media to spend their time reporting on the two decade old DUI her husband got? No. They should spend more time questioning her experience and record, asking questions about her political past and why she deserves our vote. That is their job. But what about asking and prying into the past of the other candidates for president? How about really picking apart Senator Obama's record and political past, including his political relationships, and reporting on that? If we are going to investigate into these people like we should, we need to do it fairly so that the American people get a clear resume from all candidates. 

As for her speech, I think Governor Palin did an amazing job rallying the crowd. She could have played it safe. A speech talking about her family, her goals for the future, and why she is the best choice for VP. By then of course all of the Delegation from Texas would have probably pulled their cowboy hats over their eyes and fallen asleep. Sarah Palin needed to show that she isn't going to be pushed around. A lot of people were upset about all the talk of Obama only being a community organizer. I have great respect for Senator Obama and the work he did before he was Senator. I'm sure he did have a lot of responsibilities, and I'm sure he tackled them well. I mean that with all sincerity. But we all know that part of what the VP does is go after the other candidates. This doesn't just happen at the Republican Convention, but also at the Democratic Convention. Throughout both conventions the speakers would take facts and spin them their way. This is a big PR event, and that's what works. Biden did the exact same thing against McCain in Denver, and so did Senator Obama. This year is no different from any past campaign for President where the same tactics were used. It was all fair game.

Last night's speech by Senator McCain was the event everyone was buzzing about. Some said he could never top Governor Palin's speech, but I don't think that was the point. Senator McCain needed to come out and prove to the people that he is not your typical Republican, and that he does have a plan for changes in Washington, and solutions to the problems of our day. His speaking style is not the same as Governor Palin, but he got his message across clear. It wasn't as thrilling and wild because he spent a majority of time reminding the people of what he stands for, and what this party should stand for, instead of controversial zings against the other ticket. By the end of the speech Senator McCain had proven that he does put his country first, and it was evident that he loves and will serve this country for as long as he lives. The crowed wildly applauded, and he had won them over for sure.

No matter what side you are voting this November (and everyone should vote), remember that Political Conventions are fun to watch, and are historical moments in our history. They are not deal makers or breakers. To be truly informed on how to vote, don't just look at one speech. Don't just jump on the bandwagon because other people in your party or your friends may be. Look at the issues. Look at the records. Be your own investigator. Take the time and effort so that you can confidently walk into that voting booth, and pull the lever for the ticket that you think best will lead our country down the right path for the next four years. Don't trust anyone else to do it for you. It's your choice. Your right. Your responsibility. 

That's all from the Twin Cities! See everyone back in Iowa :)

Kelsey Jones

RNC Wows Some, Not All

Being a young moderate to liberal student at the RNC is frustrating, as I have found the past two days. Technically as a member of the media, I should not voice my political views, but I have to take issue with some things being said here in St. Paul.

First of all, Mike Huckabee, you lost months ago. Starting off your speech saying John McCain was your #2 pick for the nomination wasn't funny, especially after you held on for so long after it was over. It did your party no good and received nervous muffled laughter from the crowd. You also stooped once again, as many of your collegues did, to the low of making fun of candidates across the aisle and the media. You called the coverage "tackier than a wardrobe change at a Madonna concert." Before you dig yourself into a hole any further, let us remember the event and the people we're covering...

Secondly, I'm so sick of people calling Barack Obama a community organizer, and then using the title as if it is in any way a bad quality. You are not only putting down the thousands of people that give their lives to making the towns of this country run, but you're leaving out one huge fact: Barack Obama went on to be a state senator and serve in the U.S. Senate. So, Governor Sarah Palin, just as no one is calling you "Mayor of a town of 6,000 in the middle of nowhere whose only job was to run city council meetings Palin," please have some respect for the guys who have accomplished more than you.

I have no respect for political speeches that focus on poking fun of the other candidates. It's easy, it's a cop out, and you're not convincing anyone to vote for you, unless you plan on auditioning for Last Comic Standing. Quit making jokes and tell us why we should keep the Republican party in power after the past 8 years. Do that, and I'll start listening.

Finally, John McCain, or anyone else who throws this fact out, Alaska is NOT the largest state in the country. Alaska has the most uninhabited land in the country, which makes it the biggest geographically. Last time I checked, governors didn't gain experience by leading uninhabited nature and wildlife. Alaska is the fourth least inhabited state in the country. Stop trying to mislead everyone, you're making yourself look bad.

Sarah Palin succeeded in establishing herself last night. Time will only tell if it holds up. From the convention,

Tyler Boggess

Day 3: Sarah Palin's Speech

I'm going to make this quick since I just got home and need to get to bed to start the process all over again in about 6 hours.

So today was by far the best day of the convention yet! Another long day, but the convention has been incredibly exciting and tonight was a historic moment that I will never forget! Speeches by Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina, Former Governor Mitt Romney, Former Governor Mike Huckabee and Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Speech of the night was of course Governor Sarah Palin's. What an awesome speech! As a young woman in the Republican party, it gives me great pride to see Governor Palin accepting the Vice-Presidency on the McCain-Palin ticket. She is an awesome person, a true reformer and is going to stand up to Washington, which is exactly what this country needs. Another exciting tidbit was that I was on the floor helping rally the delegates and so was right in the middle of the action during the whole speech. What a night to remember.

Also, following Palin's speech, the states did a roll call and officially nominated Senator John S. McCain as the Republican nominee.

I will update tomorrow night after the convention is over, but this week has been amazing!

Lynn McRoberts

The Show Finally Begins

After a day long pause in action for both the convention and media outlets due to Hurricane Gustav, the coverage here came into full swing last night. Network correspondents and producers were showing up left and right yesterday afternoon to prepare for the primetime coverage of speeches by President Bush, Fred Thompson, and Joe Lieberman. If you were watching, ABC's coverage, and a lot of other media attention, was focused not solely on the speakers but on Sarah Palin. The story developing out of St. Paul yesterday was that she will have this one main audition tonight to show America who she really is.

Although the speeches ran a bit long for my taste, the day was not without action and excitement. Protestors were once again unruly outside the Excel Center. Concussion bombs and other sounds of rioting could be heard from the ABC workspace in the parking lot. It's becoming apparent that the once seemingly excessive and inconvenient security measures that have been put in place here are really most justified and of the utmost importance. Being greeted every morning by police in riot gear and dogs searching my car doesn't seem like such an outrageous idea as the days wear on. It's obvious from being here that events like this bring out the craziest and most radical people.

Hopefully I will continue to run into big names not only from ABC, but people like Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper of CNN, and, my favorite of yesterday, former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jared Allen. From the convention,

Tyler Boggess

Life as a Volunteer Day 2

Day two was a little less hectic as day one. The RNC had figured out who can exactly ride elevators, and maps and lists were handed out to us so we could answer questions a little more clearly.

My volunteer group headed over to the convention a little early so we could walk around and see the stage and the floor. We took some pictures around the arena and then headed to our respective locations.

While walking to my elevator, I was greeted by a massive crowd gathering right outside the Fox News stage room. The action started early. I looked at the monitor and saw Mayor Giuliani on the Fox Business show with Neil Cavuto. We had to clear the path to the elevators so that Giuliani and his wife Judith could come and use them.

Throughout the day there were little crowds assembled again to see some of the Fox Commentators such as Brit Hume, Juan Williams, Bill Kristol, and the ever popular Bill O'Reilly. Even some of my fellow volunteers would leave their posts and come over by my station to get a glimpse of the Media Celebrities.

At one point we were told by Secret Service that there were some VIPs coming up and we were asked to help with crowd control to keep people out of the general area of the elevators. As it happened to be, the whole McCain family (except for the Senator himself) had come up and to their seats in the most secret of fashions, without hardly anyone seeing. (I did turn at the right moment and get to take a glimpse.)

At the end of my shift I met up with some of the volunteers on my team and we sat down in some empty seats to enjoy the show. We saw some very touching stories of people who have served our country, including a man who jumped on a grenade to save his fellow soldiers, and even the story of former President George H. W. Bush. First Lady Laura Bush, as graceful as ever, addressed the convention to talk not only about John McCain, but also about the forgotten facts and successes of her husband. You can tell she loves and will always support the "love of (her) life." President Bush addressed us via video, and got the crowd going.

But the event of the night (well, when I was there) was the speech of Former Senator Fred Thompson. That man knows how to get a crowd going, and how to give a great speech. At least Hollywood was good for something in the Republican Party.

Tonight will be very full of action with the speeches of Giuliani and Gov. Sarah Palin. Can't wait for another day at the RNC :)

Kelsey Jones

Convention: Take 2

Update: I realized that after reading my post over again, I mistated about Governor Sarah Palin's historic vice-presidenital status. She is the first female VP on the Republican Party ticket.

Today was another very exciting day in the Page program at the Republican National Convention. A very long day though (we left at 7 this morning and I just got back about 30 minutes ago- which makes this a 16 hour day).

Spent the morning with some speakers- panel discussion on the role of media in the 2008 conventions and then a panel discussion on the youth vote in the 2008 elections. Both very interesting and informative.

Also got to hear from Mr. Kennedy (a WWE Friday Night Smackdown Superstar). I don't watch wrestling and didn't know anything about him but he was a very entertaining guy and a strong Republican!

After all the speakers, we headed over to the Xcel Center where we put all the documents on the chairs for the delegates and alternate delegates. In addition, we played a big part in rallying the crowd tonight with leading sign waves and chants!

The theme for the evening was Service and the evening focused on the service of former Republican presidents, our military and Senator John McCain. Keynote speeches came from Former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee and Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut. It was great to have both of these wonderful men who have served our country present at the convention to celebrate McCain and his service to the United States of America. Senator Thompson's speech focused on McCain's background, whereas Senator Lieberman's speech focused on McCain's commitment to his country. This election is not about being a Republican or a Democrat or an Independent, but about being an American and choosing the best person that is ready to lead this country.

Country First!!! Vote McCain-Palin 2008.

Tomorrow's agenda at convention is Governor Sarah Palin's speech to the convention. This is a historic moment for America as a women is accepting the Vice-Presidency on a major party ticket for the first time ever. I am really pumped for her speech and what this means for America and especially the women of this country!

Lynn McRoberts

Convention, Day 1

I came up to Minneapolis/St. Paul on Saturday and spent the majority of Saturday and Sunday in orientation, getting a behind the scenes look at the convention site and doing some cool Minnesotan things (like Mall of America and the Minnesota State Fair). Today kicked off the first day of convention, and although much more abbreviated than originally anticipated, it was a great day.

I spent the morning doing some volunteer work around the Twin Cities area. One of our projects was a Mississippi River clean-up. We removed an invasive species (buckthorn) that has taken over the banks of the Mississippi. Following this, we headed over to another part of the Cities where Homes for Our Troops was giving the keys to a newly custom built home to Sergeant Marcus Kuboy. Homes for Our Troops is a bipartisan organization that builds homes for injured veterans. Sergeant Kuboy was hit by an IED in March of 2007 and suffered massive injuries, including 28 broken bones and a brain injury. After spending 10 months at Walter Reed Medical Center and another 6 months at the Minneapolis VA, he is getting along better, and Homes for Our Troops expressed their gratitude for his service to our country by building him a home and turning over the keys today. At the ceremony, Governor Tim Pawlenty spoke about Sergeant Kuboy's sacrifice and thanked him for everything he had given. It was a great opportunity to be part of this ceremony and show our support for not only Sergeant Kuboy, but Homes for Our Troops and all those in the military that serve this great nation of ours around the world.

After the morning spent giving back to the local community, we headed over to the Xcel Center. After quite an adventure getting to the complex (protesters surrounded our bus and the National Guard and local authorities had to escort us around downtown St. Paul), we headed to the floor to make sure that things were running smoothly. When it was determined that everything was, we were able to watch the proceedings as official business was taken care of. In addition, First Lady Laura Bush and Mrs. Cindy McCain addressed the convention in response to relief efforts to Hurricane Gustav.

Although today was not quite what everyone expected for the first day of the Republican National Convention, it was a day that we were able to celebrate being Americans! My thoughts and prayers are with all those in the Gulf region and I am anxiously awaiting the initial evaluation on the damage Gustav has done.

In the meantime, we are on stand-by up here, waiting for word from Chairman Mike Duncan that the convention can reconvene.

Hopefully I will have an update for you soon!

Lynn McRoberts