Right On!

Tuesday……rain, CA delegation meeting…. RJC event…..convention

Hello again from the rainy Midwest.  The natives are quite friendly but the alien invaders seem a bit restless today.  The distances between events is perilously long for anyone trying to stick to a schedule.  Nice concept to hold convention events in twin cities, but in reality, a day cannot go by without either an expensive cab ride or a lengthy shuttle bus journey.  The Target Center is quite distant from the two California hotels, the Sofitel and Sheraton, but even the distance is not dampening the growing energy that marks this day.

On the persistent media asking questions about Sarah Palin’s daughter mar the seemingly energized early morning.  In the bar, in the hallways, in the elevators, waiting for the buses.   They are like gophers (pardon the Minnesota pun) that pop up everywhere.  Persistent little buggers.

First thing this morning, some folks took a leisurely five mile run around one of the many local small lakes.  The heavy rain that began during the run was refreshing.  California’s delegation, the largest at the Convention, had a wonderful brunch at the Lafayette Club while listening to featured speakers, Frank Luntz and Hugh Hewitt.

Oh, and did I mention the gophers, sorry, reporters, asking about Sarah Palin’s daughter?  Still asking.  Waiting with impatience for that one delegate who will say something terribly embarrassing.  Still waiting as of noon.

The convention opens with the most resounding renditions of the Star Spangled Banner I have heard in recent years and it brought the crowd to a roar.  You could feel the energy in the room, anticipating the evening speakers, especially former Democrat nominee, Joe Lieberman.  Word was the President will be introduced by Laura Bush and that’s exactly what happened.  Laura ticked off a few of the accomplishments of her husband, most of which have either been long forgotten or never remembered.  After a brief address by George W., a tribute to Ronald Reagan brought some tears, but also pride as up stepped former Presidential candidate Fred Thompson.

He spoke highly of both Palin and McCain. The crowd clearly, not seemingly too upset by the media gophers mentioned above rose to their feet in support of Governor Palin.  Thompson did a great job of introducing the John McCain that the media seems to have forgotten, or maybe just never remembered.   Tears of pride drenched the convention and it was the supreme hope that enough Americans listened to, or witnessed the televised speech so that they would understand the difference between speaking of honor and judgment and living honor and dignity.  Time and time again, Thompson cited McCain’s ability and willingness to buck the system, even his own political mentor, Party icon, Ronald Reagan.  Quite simply, this was one of the most effective, rousing intro/support speeches I have ever heard.

Believe it or not, there was a break in the Sarah Palin’s daughter questions during the speech.

Next up, former Dem VP Joe Lieberman.  Must be one of the only times a former Dem ticket member addressed a Rep convention.  A more than warm welcome to a man who has the same backbone of his good friend, Senator McCain.  Asking the question, “what in the world is a Democrat like me doing at a Republican gathering like this”?  He followed that question with a strong message to Independents and Dems – Obama is clearly not ready to lead our country, nor does he have the ability to bring us together even though he talks incessantly of change and unity.  Now, I would guess most of the delegates would not want Lieberman on the ticket, they clearly have taken a liking to this man.

At the end of the evening, a new energy filled air and dare I say a new hope beat in the hearts of the delegates.  Seeing no protestors this time, everyone departed the Center somehow a bit lighter, far more optimistic and ready for the next two nights.

God knows this spirit will not be reported.  And sure as shootin’ there will be some reporter back at the hotel ready to ask us about Sarah Palin’s daughter…….

Goodnight from Minnesota

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