Dartblog

Yesterday, the Republican National Convention was opened in order to comply with party rules. I was there for the proceedings and, while they were mostly business, thought to share a few impressions before my liveblogging efforts this evening.

When walking into the XCel Energy Center, one’s first impression is of the stage where Republican leaders will take to the stage in support of Senator John McCain, Governor Sarah Palin, and the Grand Old Party. It presents a sharp contrast to the stage used by Senator Barack Obama last week. Rather than an ornate, Mt. Olympus style set, it is relatively simple. The stage is all black, with silver stairs while the backdrop is one giant television screen. This simple, yet sleek look is at the same time, striking and memorable. The screen gives them the freedom to alter the background as they choose for different speakers and show high quality videos. Sen. McCain’s stage suits his style. It’s straightforward, relatively uncomplicated, but powerful.

St. Paul also has a completely different atmosphere from that of the convention in New York City four years ago. The city is clean, the air is crisp, and even the protesters have a far less visible presence. A year or two ago, I might have worried that the convention would be a somber event anticipating huge losses in 2008. While it is a somber event because of the tragic destruction of Hurricane Gustav, Republicans are energized about their nominees and the upcoming election. Rather than licking our wounds from 2006 or calling it an automatic loss because of the unpopularity of President Bush with independents, Republicans supported a maverick candidate with real ideas for reform. He in turn made a historic choice with his running mate. Nominating these two reformers has, in many ways, saved the party. It demonstrates that we too can represent reform and change, but with real solutions rather than empty rhetoric.

Last night, First Lady Laura Bush and hopefully future First Lady Cindy McCain took to the stage to request assistance for the states facing a very active hurricane season. Both ladies demonstrated extraordinary poise and grace. Laura Bush in particular received a tremendously warm welcome, with a lengthy and enthusiastic standing ovation. As first lady, she has stayed above the political fray, performing her hostess duties graciously while also pursuing her own initiatives to help America’s youth. More importantly perhaps, she exudes a confidence and warmth that anyone would find appealing. Cindy McCain followed this difficult act with what I consider to be a home run. Having never heard her speak, I was delighted to find that she spoke eloquently and with sincerity. Rather than sporting a political agenda of her own, she seemed very much a wife. Some might prefer an activist First Lady, but I prefer the supportive wife and gracious hostess. The First Lady is not an elected position and should not be treated as such. Charitable interests and certain pet projects are acceptable, but the First Lady should not be out advocating or pushing their own political initiatives (think health care in 1994). This is not to say that a woman’s place is in the house or that a woman has no right to express her opinion to her husband. Obviously a woman has the right to express ideas, but a spouse (male or female) should not be interfering to such an extent in their spouse’s work. It is completely inappropriate and would be seen as such in any other position. Cindy McCain clearly understands this, just as Laura Bush did and I think that America would be well represented by her.

This evening the convention will finally begin. I will be looking for stand out speeches by future leaders of our party, discussion of Obama’s disturbing lack of experience, and speeches that reassert the values of the Republican Party to the American public. These next three days present us an opportunity to speak directly to the people of this great country and show that our solutions are the right ones to lead us forward in the 21st century.