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The Republicans Get Rolling

Spanish Translation

Nellie Gonzalez Cutler/St. Paul

Red, white and blue balloons hung from ceilings. About 45,000 guests had begun to arrive in the Twin Cities, St. Paul and Minneapolis, in Minnesota. But for a few days last week, it looked as if the Republican National Convention would be wiped out by Hurricane Gustav. As the massive storm barreled toward land (see page 6), the nation's attention turned to the people of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Republican leaders decided to downplay the festivities at the Xcel Energy Center, in St. Paul.

The first day of the convention was quiet and short. President George W. Bush canceled a planned appearance. Senator John McCain called on Republicans to put "country first" and politics second. Country First also happens to be the convention's theme.

By Day 2, after Gustav died down, the convention was back on track. Speakers took turns praising McCain. President Bush appeared from the White House on a giant screen. He said that McCain "is ready to lead the nation." Fred Thompson, a former senator from Tennessee, saluted McCain's years of service as a naval officer, and his courage as a prisoner of war. Cheers greeted Connecticut senator Joseph Lieberman. He was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2000, but now supports McCain. "Country matters more than party," he said.

A Race That Will Go Down In History

The speakers energized the crowd. But the Republican Party had a tough act to follow. From August 25 to 28, the Democratic Party took center stage during its convention in Colorado (see "The Democrats' Big Show," TFK, September 5). Illinois senator Barack Obama accepted his party's nomination at Invesco Field in front of 84,000 supporters. More than 40 million people watched Obama's speech on TV. He is the first African-American presidential nominee of a major political party.

Within hours of Obama's nomination, McCain also made history. He chose Alaska's governor, Sarah Palin, as his running mate. She is the first woman to run on a Republican presidential ticket and the second to run for Vice President for a major party. In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro was the Democratic vice presidential candidate.

Palin rose to power by battling corruption. "She's exactly who I need. She's exactly who this country needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics of 'Me first and country second,' " McCain declared.

Palin is the mother of five children. Her family was in the audience Wednesday evening at the Xcel Center. "I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election, against confident opponents, at a crucial hour for our country," she told the crowd. McCain was scheduled to accept his nomination on Thursday night after TFK went to press.

Speaking Out, Everywhere

While Republicans celebrated, protesters took to the streets outside. Most protests were peaceful, but some turned violent. Police arrested several hundred demonstrators throughout the week.

For the next two months, the candidates will give speeches, shake hands, kiss babies and answer hard questions. The tough life on the campaign trail will help prepare both Obama and McCain for the challenges of a very tough job.

Next: You Know It!