Republican Convention 2008

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

We woke to a steady warm rain, but were pleased to see, that the sun was out in Louisiana as we watched the weather reports for the gulf region. We quietly said our prayers in thanks for the reduced impact of Gustav that was downgraded from a Category 5 to a 2 hurricane.

We were thankful that the 2 million Americans, who had been evacuated from their homes and businesses, would soon be allowed to return home. We were also hopeful that the convention activities would resume. As we met with our California Delegation at breakfast we received the good news, we were back on track. We heard from both Frank Luntz and Hugh Hewitt who gave us their perspective on the candidates. Their very positive analysis and comparison to the Democrat candidates, left us energized and excited as we headed for the Excel center for interviews.

At the Excel Center the atmosphere was bustling with excitement. Everyone was in great humor, hopeful and wonderfully expectant of the speeches to come. Printed signs with the word SERVICE printing on one side and COUNTRY FIRST on the other were distributed. Hand painted signs, made by student volunteers, were also handed out. 

The session began with the Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem and our Flag Salute. Native Americans wearing their tribal colors and beautiful headgear of feathers and beads made it a splendid and spectacular display of patriotism. The Boy Scouts bearing the colors of our country gave us a stirring display. It took our breath away and we sat mesmerized. A beautiful rendition of our national anthem followed and we were ready for business.

Several local government elected officials and three small business owners spoke of how Republican policies helped them to improve their businesses, while the proposed policies of Senator Obama would create new and larger tax burdens on them.

The always elegant and beautiful Laura Bush addressed the accomplishments of the last 8 years and then introduced President Bush who spoke via satellite. President Bush spoke glowingly of the accomplishments of Senator McCain and that often Senator McCain had shown his maverick ways by opposing President Bush as well. Without going to great detail he said he had great respect for the man he described as an American Hero that had shown his loyalty to his country time and time again. In closing President Bush stated John McCain "is ready to lead this nation."

Senator Fred Thompson spoke next. Starting rather slowly as is his usual approach, Senator Thompson soon turned on the heat on Senator Obama. Speaking of how Senator Obama had done little in creating legislation helpful to American taxpayers. Speaking of Obama's  proposed package of tax increases, Senator Thompson accused Senator Obama of having little experience to become President. Speaking of the Vice Presidential choice by Senator McCain he said, "What a breath of fresh air Governor Sarah Palin is".  Calling her courageous, and a successful reformer, then saying she is not afraid to take on the establishment.

Next Senator Lieberman, starting out by saying that "eloquence is no substitute for a record."  Speaking of Senator Obama's record he accused Senator Obama of failing to work across party lines to get anything done. One strong comment was that Obama's accomplishments were meager compared to those of Senator McCain. Then speaking of Senator McCain he said, "I'm here to support John McCain because country matters more than party". That became a repeated cry by the delegates. In contrast he called Obama a "gifted and eloquent young man who might do great things in the future, but that he is not read to lead now".

Senator Lieberman has given a speech that clearly embarked him on a course that will certainly alienate his relationship with fellow Democrats because of his strong support for Senator McCain. Truly this was an evening of putting Country before self.

Stay tuned for more from the Republican Convention tomorrow.