September 4, 2008

John McCain's Big Moment

The Republican Convention ends with the candidate's rousing speech

By Kid Reporter Machaela Jensen

Senator John McCain accepted his party's nomination for President on Thursday night. When the senator stepped out on the stage, the audience at the Xcel Energy Center erupted into applause.

JOSEPHINE BILA FOR TIME FOR KIDS Mike Huckabee pauses to answer a question.

McCain told the audience about his love for the United States. "I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it for its decency, for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's," he said.

After McCain's speech, red, white and blue balloons and confetti fell from the ceiling. It looked like a giant pinata had exploded at the arena. Delegates and guests danced to the beat of the music, clapped their hands and reached out to catch a souvenir balloon or piece of confetti. The McCain and Palin families walked on to the stage to congratulate the candidates.

The People I Saw Today

Before the speeches started, I got to meet more prominent Republicans. Just walking down the halls of the Xcel Center can be exciting. Today, I ran into actor Jon Voight. I recognized him from the movie National Treasure. Voight stopped to take a picture with me and congratulated me for being at the convention.

JOSEPHINE BILA FOR TIME FOR KIDS Here I am getting ready to jump in the tank.

Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, told me he thought Sarah Palin was a "terrific" choice for Vice President. Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, said he was "very excited" about McCain's candidacy.

A Visit to the Mall of America

Earlier in the day, I took a side trip to the Mall of America. It is the largest mall in the United States. In even has indoor amusement park and an aquarium.

While at the mall, I stopped at Underwater Adventures, the largest underground aquarium in the country. I took a dip in the tropical fish tank. I got to swim with Barack Obama and John McCain--that's the name given to the two zebra sharks. It was an amazing feeling, swimming with all the animals. It was also interesting seeing the behind the scenes of Underwater Adventures.

JOSEPHINE BILA FOR TIME FOR KIDS Jon Voight poses for a picture with new Kid Reporter Eleanor Korum and me.

Carrie Hortsch, who works for the aquarium, helped me navigate around the tank. Before we began, she showed me what kinds of fish, sharks, and stingrays to look out for. She helped me become comfortable in the underwater surroundings and to understand what was going on around me. She pointed out the puffer fish, stingrays and a reef triggerfish.

Meet a New TFK Reporter

Eleanor Korum is a new TFK Kid Reporter. She lives here in Minnesota. She and her mom came to the convention. I had a chance to talk with her and tell her about my experiences as a Kid Reporter. She's looking forward to working with TFK. "Wow, this is so exciting," she said when I showed her the convention floor.

I've learned so much this past year. This week has been awesome! I hope that Eleanor will enjoy her time as a reporter as much as I have!

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