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So this is my first day at the convention. I’m so excited to be here! I finally meet up with Brandon a few blocks from the Excel Energy Center after walking almost 3 miles to find him. Lots of major streets are blocked off and some guy gave me horrible directions to get around all the blocked off areas. But I am finally here and able to rest my weary feet

The internet connection is really iffy right now, but Brandon and I are trying to post as frequently as possible.

There were 6-7 speakers before the big lineup tonight. Some of them were ok, but very repetitive. I do wonder how they pick these speakers. Some of them were from nonprofits, others from state legislatures, etc.

Now onto the major lineup:

Michael Steele
Mitt Romney
Mike Huckabee
Gretchen Wilson performing
Rudy Giuliani
Governor of Hawaii (Brandon cannot remember her name)
PALIN!

7:55 – Michael Steele, chairman of GOPAC

He’s ready to “party in this house tonight.” I’m excited for this one.

Reminds us that we are gathering as Americans not just as Republicans to achieve a goal greater than ourselves.

He stresses putting other things above the self, such as family, community, country, especially in critical times like this.

Steele calls for someone who works for the public interest. He says, “We need John McCain.” McCain has never forgotten the importance of the individual. Government should be limited so it never infringes upon the right of individuals. Taxes should be kept low so families can keep more of their hard-earned money. Principles of a republican society are worth fighting for because every person is an individual not just a member of a specific group.

He also speaks of “change.” This change means putting country first.

“Do you want to put your country first?” He stresses choice in education in achieving this. I like it. He continues on about lowering taxes.

I really like this “Country First” theme. Much more concrete and definitive than “Change You Can Believe In.”

Energy independence is a major theme in the speeches so far. Drill here, drill now, baby!

He has a great speech so far.

Putting the country first is winning the War on Terrorism. Putting the country first is electing John McCain and Sarah Palin.

Rousing applause for Michael Steele. Much more enthusiasm for him than most of the previous speakers.

Steele continues on about McCain’s experience, judgment, and character that can lead America and have a positive impact on the world.

To paraphrase America should never be damned for being a place that they want to call home.

He points out that the ambiguous promise of change does not bring about positive policy and progress to our country.

What is best about America: the only label that really matters is that we are Americans. Partisan labels should not be primary.
I really enjoyed his speech. He had some great lines and made great delivery.

8:05 – former governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney

Big applause for him.

He bashes the liberal elite media. Always appreciated.

He asks if Americans are liberals and conservative. Runs through a number of rhetorical questions and receives much crowd response. He proclaims changing Washington from a liberal one to a conservative one. Big applause.

He says that we have a prescription for America, and it’s not more cowbell. It’s electing John McCain and Sarah Palin.

Major liberal bashing from Romney.

Romney stresses that the American people, not the government, is the source of America’s strength. Opportunity let’s hope become reality, he says.

Stresses family values. I like it.

America cannot lead the family of nations if it cannot lead the family at home.

Liberals would replace independence with dependency on government – gives example of Medicare and other social programs. Time to stop the spread on government dependency.

P.S. Heritage has a great report on government dependency. Once I get better internet connection, I’ll link to it.

Romney: It’s time for the Party of Big Ideas not the Party of Big Brother.

Romney reminds us about the economic hardships that have confronted us and the empty liberal promises. He makes a reference to the conservative policies of Reagan and declares that McCain and Palin will follow in his footsteps. I hope so!

He, like previous speakers, calls for domestic drilling.

Direct quote: “Let’s keep Al Gore’s private jet on the ground.” LOVE IT!

Refers to the DNC last year. Notes that the Democrats did not discuss terrorism. Reminds us that Republicans including John McCain believes in real good and evil. Implies liberals are morally relativists. Which I think is an accurate assessment.

Crowd starts chanting, “USA! USA! USA!”

John McCain will not let America retreat in the face of extremism.

Makes closing remarks. Good speech, Romney!

I actually really enjoyed his speech. His speeches started out kind of slow, but he had a great ending. Made some good jokes and made well-deserved jabs at unions, which I really appreciated.

I think Michael Steele had a better speech, but that was just me.

Country music interlude. Getting ready for Mike Huckabee. I am still not a fan, but maybe he’ll have a decent speech.

• Of course the MSM is not going to report this - October 31st, 2008
• Barack Obama is not a terrorist - October 31st, 2008
• This needs to be McCain's next stump speech - October 13th, 2008
• "My bracelet has peace sign charms on it!" - September 26th, 2008
• Hugh Hewitt Debate Score Card - September 26th, 2008