Published: September 02, 2008 12:03 am            

Republican Convention Insider: Cindy McCain, Sarah Palin shine in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. — DAY 4

Sarah Palin absolutely electrified the crowd at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night.

Her appearance was greeted with wild cheers and applause and the Xcel Center was alive with chants of “Sarah!” She literally rocked the house!

She has added a new energy to this race and her passion and spirit were contagious.

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend a luncheon at the Hilton in Minneapolis honoring Cindy McCain. The event was hosted by Elizabeth Hasselbeck of The View. She introduced actor John Voight, who was witty and charming as he spoke of Cindy McCain and shared some stories of his own childhood. Then came Todd Palin, husband of Sarah. For a newcomer to the national scene, he did very well and is quite a likable guy.

Cindy McCain spoke of her humanitarian causes and was not scripted. She was very open and genuine. It is apparent that women are taking a major role in this election.



Thursday was the big night and the culmination of a long road. We were warned that protesters are out in force.

The delegate buses were rerouted Thursday afternoon due to some threats and incidents on the highways. Instead of the regular route, we were sent through a maze of side streets and suburban areas.

Upon arrival at the Xcel Center, it was apparent that security was very tight and I noticed more helicopters over the Xcel Center on Thursday night.

Thursday night we heard from Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and former Sen. Bill Frist of Tennessee.



All of the delegates are very friendly, and it is great to meet so many different people from all over the United States. I have collected many business cards and e-mail addresses over the past four days and will be adding a lot of new names to my address book.



We anxiously await our former governor and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and of course look forward to the official nomination of John McCain.

The democratic process is alive and well in St. Paul, Minn.



DAY 3

The crowd was energized after rousing speeches Tuesday night by Joe Lieberman and Fred Thompson.

At our delegate breakfast Wednesday morning, we heard former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee discuss the political scenario. On Wednesday, the common talk among the delegates was all about (vice presidential candidate) Gov. Sarah Palin. Everyone was excited about Palin, and the mood was upbeat. Her appearance Wednesday night was greatly anticipated.

On Wednesday, the delegates went to the Minneapolis Civic Center and helped assemble comfort packs for the victims of Hurricane Gustav. There also was an event at the center called Civic Fest, which had an impressive display of American memorabilia. There were such exhiibits as first ladies’ dresses and a replica of Air Force One, samples of White House china and various items from all the past administrations.

The Civic Center is beautiful. Here vendors were selling political buttons, T-shirts and convention souvenirs.

As we approached the evening’s events, there was a growing excitement about Palin – the first Republican woman ever to be on a national ticket. Wednesday night we heard from Michael Steele, the former governor of Maryland, and from Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York.

And there is no doubt that the star of Wednesday night – and possibly the entire convention – was Sarah Palin. That night, history was made.



DAY 2

Tuesday began with a delegate breakfast. All of us were greeted by state Chairman Rob Gleason. There was clearly a lighter feel to the day since everyone knew that Hurricane Gustav had done only minimal damage and the Gulf states were out of real danger.

After the breakfast there was some free time. A fellow alternate delegate, Susan Layton, and I took a bus trip to the famous Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. This mall is approximately 3 miles around and boasts hundreds of stores and an amusement park – complete with a roller coaster and Ferris wheel. Quite a sight to behold – it is enormous.

Apparently, an indoor shopping venue is a necessity with what I hear about Minnesota weather. Sounds like Johnstown has mild winters compared with Minneapolis-St. Paul!

The entire Pennsylvania delegation was invited to an afternoon session at Lord Fletchers Old Lake Lodge, a picturesque restaurant on Lake Minnetonka. The food and atmosphere were wonderful, and all enjoyed the lakeside event. One of Minnesota’s nicknames is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and it is truly beautiful here. The weather has been warm and pleasant, and the people have been gracious and welcoming.

After the reception it was off to the Xcel Energy Center. It appears that the Republican National Convention is back on schedule.

Arrival at the Xcel Center is under tight security, and we are shielded from any signs of protesters.

As you approach the Xcel Center, there are sharpshooters on the roof. A police officer rides with us on our bus as we leave the convention. Security is tight, and we constantly are reminded to carry our delegate credentials and ID at all times.

The convention opened with a patriotic flair that was moving as well as inspiring.

After a series of speeches, the crowd anxiously awaited the keynote address.

All of the sudden during a lull in the program came another surprise for us – in walked former President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush. Chants of “41” filled the Xcel Center – the excitement was building!

There was a moving tribute to our veterans and first lady Laura Bush came on.

I am overwhelmed by the spirit of patriotism and pride I feel in my country.

We await the president (via satellite) and other keynote speakers – more to come ...

And the spirit of this evening: God Bless America.



DAY 1

The Republican presidential convention officially began Monday under a cloud of uncertainty and angst regarding Hurricane Gustav.

The hurricane posed a serious threat to the Gulf states. With that unfolding, all delegates and party officials were informed Monday morning that the RNC would suspend regular sessions and stick to an abbreviated format to handle convention/party business only.

The tone was somber as all Pennsylvania delegates attended a mandatory breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m.

Former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman spoke, addressing the hurricane situation and the need to help.

The third speaker was Col. Tom Moe, a former POW who was imprisoned with Sen. John McCain in a North Vietnamese prison camp.

You could have heard a pin drop as Moe told the story of how these POWs communicated – and ultimately survived – their ordeal. Many in the audience Monday were visibly moved to tears.

After Moe’s speech came a surprise guest, Roberta McCain, John McCain’s mother.

She was absolutely lovely – and 96 years old!

She spoke of her personal connection to Pennsylvania and was articulate and gracious.

The mood remained somber throughout the day, and a delegates’ luncheon was markedly toned down in deference to news about the hurricane.

After lunch, the delegation was off to the Excel Energy Center for roll call and business.

First lady Laura Bush appeared and spoke of the aid to the Gulf states. Web sites and information were furnished to all for donations, and many prayers were offered for these in harm’s way.

Cindy McCain joined the first lady and also asked for assistance for the states affected by the hurricane.

The good news is that Gustav was downgraded to a tropical storm, and it appears that damage is not as intense as originally predicted.



Ann Wilson, Johnstown city councilwoman, is executive director of the Cambria County Republican Committee and an alternate delegate at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

        

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