Day One

I started my day with confusion as I tried to figure out how to navigate the secure, more secure and extremely secure areas of the Convention. I arrived at the Xcel Center, ready to start working at 8 am. I figured out the maze by about 8:45 am and found that the Voice of America (VOA) trailers are right next to John Stewart’s Daily Show Bus. After a quick orientation, I set out on my first mission: get every newspaper available at the Convention, and take them to the SkyBox. It might seem menial, but to do this simple mission, I was given Floor Credentials. So, after I had my photo taken in the SkyBox overlooking the Convention floor, I took a stroll across it. As I walked across the floor of the Convention, there were crews applying Windex to the floor under the podium – did you notice the way it shined as the First Lady spoke tonight? It takes a lot of Windex to get that shine.

After I strolled the Convention Floor, I followed a few reporters from VOA to the Crown Plaza Hotel to find Texan Delegates to interview, and found them we did! The delegates were proud, impassioned and knew their issues. I took many photos of the Texan Delegation, and some of them were used by VOA on their website. Below are some of the photos and the link to the story.

Even though I felt like I had done a day’s work already, it was only noon. Next, I headed off with another reporter to the Young Republicans luncheon at the Hard Rock Café in Minneapolis. There we got to speak with Senator Voinovich and Gov. Huckabee, and an interview with a Young Republican. At age 14, this young man had some very developed political ideas and ideals. After this, we were off again in search of Ron Paul. After getting turned around, we got to the wrong Borders Books and eventually never found him. This was not too big of a loss since he will be having a huge rally at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis.

It was very difficult for me to find my way back into the Convention because the Riot Police were out in full force, and blocking the streets. After about ten blocks of walking around, trying to figure out how to get back to work, I found the entrance and made it into the Convention just in time for the First Lady’s speech. She and Cindy McCain had some very nice things to say and focused on our fellow Americans who are in need of our help. It was good to see the Party promote Disaster Relief, but I was disappointed that more was not done. There was too much focus on the glistening stage, just to have a few words and sign stating where to donate. The Party must do more. As he stood in front of destruction left over from Hurricane Katrina, Anderson Cooper asked Senator Obama if New Orleans has been forgotten. Obama responded, “It hasn’t been forgotten by me.” Due to his charisma as a leader, this draws attention from what the Republican Party has done. The G.O.P. must take a stronger stance on rebuilding, bringing the community back to New Orleans and supporting the Americans displaced by Hurricane Gustav.

The VOA story:

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-01-voa48.cfm

This Texan Delegate's name is Rex Teeter, he was great to talk with:




These Texan Delegates had a lot to say and big hats. There were pictures that showed their faces better, but I liked this one the most:




Senator Voinovich (make sure to notice his tie!):




Gov. Huckabee:




Our Impassioned Young Republican:




The Convention floor as they were taking care of business, I think they were counting delegates: