August 2008 Archives

Day One

We were stressed with the usual rush to LAX that we all experience for a 6:30 AM flight. Parking, luggage, security, a Starbuck's coffee for Gayle and then finally we relax in our seats on the plane. Gayle reviews the schedule of events and we chat about which we will be attending. The flight is smooth and we arrive in Minneapolis a few minutes early. Our hotel is designated as the official hotel for the California Delegation.  We are greeted by great volunteers and friendly staff.  

Once we have our credentials we depart for the opening reception "Tiki in Minnesota". A beautiful paddle boat tour of the lakes make us understand very well why our Lakers were named "Lakers". There are literaly thousand of beautiful lakes and waterways. We enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Twin Cities. We met old friends and make new ones. We discuss the upcoming campaign and enjoy the evening.

When we return to our room we hear the very sad news about huricanne Gustaf. Our hearts and prayers go out the people of New Orleans. We understand the seriousness of the situation and turn our eyes to the progress of the storm.

The convention has taken a quiet tone as we pray for the people affected by the coming huricanne. All the new here is concentrated on the progress of the storm. We are told President Bush has canceled his appearance at the convention as did Governor Jindel of Louisiana.

Tomorrow will be another full day.

The excitement of going to the Republican Convention was heightened today as Senator McCain announced his selection for a running mate, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin. Our day began early as we were busy printing boarding passes and beginning to pack. By 7 AM rumors were rampant and by 9 AM Fox News confirmed that Sarah Palin was to be selected as the Vice Presidential candidate. Senator McCain made the announcement in one of the key states that he needs to win, Ohio, and there he introduced Governor Palin to the throng of people cheering and waiving their approval of the selection. 

What a powerful beginning to this day as we prepare to travel to St. Paul Minneapolis. The excitement was visible on my wife Gayle's face as she stood rivited to the television set, her eyes filled with tears, as we listened to the hockey mother of 5 children, proud of being pro-life and not ashamed to show her conservative credentials to the world and proclaiming that women will shatter the glass ceiling that has held women down for so long. On the day that women gained the right to vote so many years ago, this exceptional woman stood side by side with the next president of the United States, Senator John McCain. The excitement continues to build. Tomorrow we will be in Minneapolis, busy getting our credentials and settling in for the week ahead. We will anxiously be waiting for the time they come on the stage together. We can already feel the crescendo of joy and expectation the Republican Convention has not seen in many years. Stay tuned for more excitement tomorrow.