Tag: RNC Convention

The ideals of "country first," and "service" won lavish praise at the Republican National Convention last night. The realities of the Republican party and President George W. Bush got rather less respect.

It’s been a long road to Minnesota for Joe Lieberman. Eight years ago he was the number two on Al Gore’s ticket against President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. At the time, he stood before the Democratic National Convention and made a rousing acceptance speech that promoted the progressive agenda: better health care, campaign finance reform, a stronger public education system. He invoked the memory of Jack Kennedy while energizing Democrats to stand up and support their party, his party.

On Monday, the McCain campaign website ran a quote from the candidate himself smack-dab on the homepage: "I pledge that tomorrow night and if necessary throughout our convention, we will act as Americans and not as Republicans because America needs us now." Darn right — you better not act like Republicans if you want to help America.

So his choice as a running mate of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is supposed to help Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain with voters in the critical American West? Well, I’m one pale male Colorado voter and a father of three who is singularly unimpressed.

At the end of a long and eventful first day outside the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, we asked the people who covered events for MnIndy to pick an image that struck them as emblematic and add a few thoughts.

Three journalists with the popular radio program “Democracy Now!” were arrested in St. Paul while covering protests outside the Republican National Convention on Monday, including internationally acclaimed reporter Amy Goodman, the show's host.

Time's Swampland reports Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, said Friday afternoon he has changed his mind and plans to vote for John McCain.

Earlier today I wrote that McCain’s pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin seems a little odd, and noted in reply to a comment that at least she’ll keep the Republican base happy. I had no idea at the time just how happy. During her race for Governor of Alaska, Palin said that she wants not just intelligent design, but full-on creationism taught in our public schools.

Read more of Jeff's commentaries: • Who the heck is Sarah Palin • Biden on Biden • Hickenlooper can throw one hell of a party • Protesters police and bigots invade dnc • Thanks for turning my city into a fortress

John McCain’s announcement this morning of his Vice Presidential pick shows perfect timing. Historically, nominating conventions give their candidate about a 5% jump in poll numbers. The faster McCain can shift focus away from the soaring speech Obama gave last night and on to the week ahead in Minnesota, the better. Only one problem — who the heck is Sarah Palin?

Sarah Palin, serving her second year as governor of Alaska might not have a deep government resume, but she brings to the McCain ticket valuable experience as the No. 2 pick in a contest. In 1984 Palin came in second in the Miss Alaska pageant, assuming the same duties she'd have as vice president: biding her time in the event the winner becomes unable to fulfill the duties of the office.