Thursday was the third and final day of the Republican National Convention, and it was definitely my favorite. I spent much of the day exploring the convention hall. I went to the Google lounge, which had brightly colored egg-shaped chairs to sit in, and a souvenir photo booth. There were also large touch-screen computers, which were giving updates and news about the convention.
At Radio Row, former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain was giving a radio interview. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cain and getting a photo with him. Later, at an indoor seating area made to look like a park, with fake grass and picnic tables, my mother and I were playing an oversized Jenga game. Cain walked by and saw us near the tower of wooden bocks. "Did you build that?" he asked. It was a reference to the convention’s “We Built It” theme.
Later, at the Forum, I interviewed delegates. I wanted to know what issues matter most to people in this election, and why the election matters to kids. “Hands down, for me, this election is about the economy,” said Caroline Shinkle, a 19-year-old delegate from Massachusetts. “As a young person looking to graduate from college in a few years, I want a job. I want opportunities, and based on the record, Mitt Romney is the only candidate that can make that happen.”
Of course, the night belonged to Mitt Romney. After being introduced by Florida senator Marco Rubio, Romney walked through the crowd, smiling and shaking supporters’ hands as he made his way to the podium. He received thunderous applause. In his speech, Romney discussed his plans for the country. At the end of his remarks, thousands of red, white, and blue balloons fell from the ceiling in celebration. Romney’s grandchildren and Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan’s kids were on the stage with him. They were practically swallowed up by the balloons, and they looked like they were having a great time.