McCain's Speech

What a great evening for the spirit of bipartisanship! Finally, a presidential candidate that says what most Americans- Republican, Democrat, Independent or Other- really want from their elected leaders. An acknowledgement that we all have to work together in Washington regardless of party, move forward the best ideas, and share the credit with all who help change our country for the better.
Sen. McCain stated what good leaders say when they are ready to lead. Here's the vision, why it's necessary, and how we can all work together to succeed.
This Convention was very successful from all accounts. But most importantly, the American people are now able to get a clearer picture of where Senators McCain or Obama would take us in the next four years. Over the next 60 days, that contrast will sharpen and voters will make decisions accordingly and rightfully so. But in the meantime, McCain said it very well: "We don't have to argue all the time. Let's work together and solve our problems and share the credit." I think the American people are ready for just that.
And by the way, wasn't that a great balloon drop at the end of his speech? The best ever!!

Day three

The Convention was absolutely electrified tonight by the speeches of Rudy Guilliani and Gov. Sarah Palin. There was some apprehension on how Palin would do, especially given criticism by some in the national media about her background and experience. But the great consensus was that she was poised and confident and laid out a strong case for Sen. McCain and herself.

These national conventions are well-choreographed events meant to express important messages to the nation's voters. But they are also meant to heal wounds within the political parties that follow bruising primary battles and bring the parties together for the November election. If the comments from the Pa. Delegation are any indication of the broad GOP consensus, then the GOP's unity is growing and its energy intensifying. What kind of "bump" the McCain-Palin ticket gets from this Convention is still unknown, but a political party must unite and be energized to win, and the GOP is taking a big step toward unity and energy this week.

Day two of the convention

Arrived in MN today and immediately joined up with the Pa. Delegation at the Marriott Southwest approx 40 minutes west of the Twin Cities. When we went to the Convention, we came to realize how far out of town we are, but attending the Convention itself was thrilling.

It's clear that attendees believe the that McCain-Palin ticket is a winner- the best in a record of leadership and service to country. But it was the speech by Sen. Joe Lieberman that cemented that notion. Here's the Democrat nominee for Vice President just eight years ago standing in front of the GOP Convention endorsing McCain. His sincerity was evident as he explained that, at times like these, party affiliation is secondary to our nation's future. It was a great message and moved the crowd beyond description.

Right afterward, we got in the bus to drive the 40 minutes back to the hotel and his speech was the buzz the whole way back. Tired Convention-goers, but excited by an historic speech!

Convention Day One

Today's opening of the 2008 Republican Convention is certainly unique. With Hurricane Gustav slamming the Gulf Coast, and Republican delegates sitting on the Convention floor making hurricane relief donations to help their storm-smashed fellow Americans, it's not the way a national convention typically opens.

But hats off to Sen. McCain for recognizing the importance of the Republican Party to first focus of our fellow Americans' plight and not the politics of the day. We'll see how Gustav plays out and the Convention day-to-day activities will, I am sure, be adjusted to make sure daily business rightfully focuses on and reflects the great concern Republicans, and all citizens, have for those impacted by the storm.

Otherwise, I am still home and won't be heading to Minneapolis until tomorrow morning. I wanted to participate in today's Reading Labor Day parade and we are getting our youngest off to her first day of her high school junior year tomorrow. But I am excited to attend the Convention and anticipate a big week to highlight the differences between Sen. McCain's approach to change Washington and move our nation forward versus that of Sen. Obama.

Hopefully voters of all partisan affiliations will be listening!

Over and out- Jim