Day One as a Volunteer

Although the festivities were condensed today, the Convention was up and running. As a volunteer I had no idea of what to really expect. If anyone knows me, they know that I thrive on knowing what to expect when it comes to events and situations. I wasn't sure if I would be sprayed by the people protesting, or get lost inside the massive Xcel Center. It turned out to run smoothly enough that I made it through the day without being sprayed or my tires slashed, and without getting completely lost inside the building. As a volunteer, I didn't think I would have the chance to see or do anything spectacular, but I was wrong. I didn't get access to the floor, but being stationed by a VIP elevator outside some of the major news stations gave lots of thrills and sites to see. I saw major news personalities, some celebrities, governors, Secretaries, senators, and even Karl Rove sticking his head out of the elevator. I can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings. Maybe even another red white and blue spray painted dog! 

Kelsey Jones

ABC Gears Up

With a hard week of sometimes intense labor, ABC is coming into full swing to cover the RNC. Danielle and I have been hard at work helping to get things ready for the countless numbers of producers, talent, and other ABC employees who started to descend on the ABC workspace in the parking lot of the Excel Center in St. Paul in the past two days. One cannot really fathom how much it truly takes to put 5 days of television and radio coverage on the air. Although ABC will only be on the air covering the actual convention for one to two hours a day, shows like This Week With George Stephanopolous, Good Morning America, World News with Charles Gibson, and Nightline, as well as more than two dozen affiliates and clients of ABC News, also have to be prepped and ready to go come today. Also, something interesting is happening with hurricane Gustav. Many members of the media are being rerouted to Louisianna to help cover the storm, leaving staffs from every network stretched thin. It will also be interesting to see how the RNC handles their convention, a seemingly joyous party, in the midst of thousands of people being uprooted from their homes and businesses.

The insight we've gained so far has been tremendous, and with things just now getting exciting and hectic at the same time, I can't wait to see how it all plays out this week.

Tyler Boggess

Getting Ready to Head to Convention

As the Democratic Convention is going on in Denver this week, I am getting very excited for the Republican National Convention and Senator John McCain's formal acceptance of the Republican Presidential Nomination next week. I can't wait for the media to descend on St. Paul and the Republican Party's message to get out to Americans. Senator McCain and the Republican Party have common sense solutions for problems everyday Americans are facing, especially with the cost of fuel, energy and food. With McCain's experience and leadership, I am convinced that during next week's convention, McCain's message will get out to more Americans that what America needs most is the leadership and experience that Senator John McCain can bring to the White House. I'm so excited for the Republican National Convention next week and hope that you will follow my adventures during this historic week!

Lynn McRoberts