Printed on 6/28/10
The convention was initially scaled back, in deference to the hurricane along the Gulf Coast.
It is the first time the Republican Party has put a woman on the ticket.
Regardless of her gender, Sara Palin galvanized and electrified the party like few have ever done.
Pro-life principles, as well as other solid, conservative values were front and center in the platform, in speeches, and in the philosophy of both McCain and Palin.
The staging of each night was well planned and well executed.
This was a very successful convention which will undoubtedly give the McCain-Palin ticket a big boost.
But for me there was one more thing. At the conclusion of the convention I was struck by the message John McCain gave to the delegates and the American people. It was a message from his heart that essentially said: "I am here to serve my country and my fellow man, what about you?" This was not an appeal for votes as much as it was a call to join him in building the greatest nation on earth into an even greater beacon of freedom for all.
We saw a brief picture of the love John McCain has for his country. I trust it will inspire us all to do our part in making this land a better place for all who will come behind us.
Rep. Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
The first was a conversation with the owner of the restaurant where I had breakfast. As we paid our bill he told us he was closing his small business because the taxes were just too high to stay in business. For him the ever-increasing control and growth of government was driving him and his employees out of their jobs.
The second was the historic speech by Governor Sarah Palin. This governor and self-proclaimed "hockey-mom" took on the establishment. She took them on as a governor and she took them on with this masterful speech. The speech electrified her supporters (which includes myself) and I am certain won over the hearts and confidence of millions of Americans. Governor Palin proved tonight that she has the credentials, and is quite capable and ready to serve as the vice president for John McCain.
The third was a gentleman I talked to at a bus stop after tonight's meeting. He told me that he usually leaned toward the Democrat side of issues and he came to simply hear what was being said by the Republicans. His reaction to all the speeches and the people was quite positive and he left with a new respect for the Republican message. He told me he was now open to both sides and would seriously consider supporting John McCain and Sarah Palin.
This convention will not be a success if all we end up doing is nominating a presidential candidate. It can only be successful if the American people once again learn of the core Republican values and the good, honest people who make up the "Grand Old Party".
If we take all three of these experiences together I find the reason it has been worth all the time, money, and effort to be a part of this convention. The American people know that we need limited government solutions to the problems around us. John McCain and Sarah Palin are ready to lead us in that direction. This convention is starting to get that Republican message out to the people of this great land.
Back to Top
In the morning I found myself in downtown Minneapolis where the Colorado Delegation had a breakfast with the Idaho delegation. First Lady Laura Bush stopped by and gave us a few words of encouragement. By what she said it was obvious that Colorado is very high on the McCain campaign's radar screen. We are seen as a "swing state" that must be on the Republican side for a strong McCain/Palin win.
The next big event for me was the pro-life, "Life of the Party" reception in Saint Paul. Governor Sarah Palin had been scheduled as the speaker several weeks ago. Due to her new role as John McCain's running mate, she could not be at the reception, but Laura Ingram and Gary Bauer filled in with very good speeches. This event really underscores how important the issue of life is for many of us around the nation. It also showed me how significant the sanctity of life has become for this election. McCain's strong support for the unborn has been emphasized many times by convention speakers, and most of the time it is met with standing ovations. The issue of life is also one of those stark contrasts between the policies and candidates of the Republican and Democrat parties.
The main event for Tuesday began at the Excel Energy Center around 6:30 PM. This was a full night of speakers and special guests. With former president George H. W. Bush and his wife in attendance, along with Cindy McCain, several Medal of Honor recipients and others too numerous to mention, First Lady Laura Bush came on stage and introduced President Bush, who spoke via a video feed from the White House.
I should mention something about the stage. It is simple, but extraordinary. The stage is not very high and has nothing behind it except a hugh screen. The stage floor has a high gloss black surface. When a picture of a landscape, or some other scene is projected on the screen, between the huge size and the reflection on the stage floor, it looks more like a big picture window into America. When a speaker addresses the convention from the screen, their bigger-than-life size and bright, crisp clarity gives one the sense that they are right there. I have done some work in projecting big images in big venues and I know how difficult it is to make all of this come together right. The staging at this convention has come together very well.
Now, back to the evening program. It concluded with a rousing speech from Fred Thompson and a historic speech from Joe Lieberman. The first made the case for John McCain's qualifications for the presidency in a powerful way. The second was a stunning political statement. Just eight years ago Senator Lieberman was the Democrat's vice-presidential candidate. Now, still a Democrat, he gave a strong endorsement for John McCain. Politics often makes "strange bedfellows", but Senator Lieberman tried to put it in terms above party politics. He said we are in very challenging times and in his judgement, John McCain is clearly the best choice.
-Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
It was scaled back, in deference to the Gulf Coast hurricane, but the legally required elements went forward, as well as most of the smaller, localized activities.
Thankfully our prayers for protection were honored as the hurricane was much less than it could have been. In addition, there were several opportunities presented to the convention attendees to help with several relief funds set up for each state affected. This was similar to what Senator Renfroe and I did, on a much smaller scale, at the Colorado Republican State Convention for the Windsor tornado relief.
In the morning we attended a meeting for the Colorado delegation. Two members of the President's cabinet spoke, a governor, a member of Congress, John McCain's son, Andy, and a Colorado delegate, Colonel Tom Kirk. Col. Kirk had been a prisoner of war with John McCain. He gave us a picture of the Senator that few could reveal and I gained a much greater respect for John McCain's perseverance, integrity, and honor.
At 2:30 PM the gavel came down and the official business began. The most significant action was the approval of the Party's Platform. I recommend everyone read this document, when it is available. It is an accurate and comprehensive record of Republican principles for good government. It also stands in stark contrast to the Democrat platform and should be used as a guide for choosing who you think will best lead our nation forward.
Before our limited schedule ended for the day we heard from Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, as well as video reports from all of the Republican governor's affected by the Hurricane.
The final note I would make for today is the incredible support I am picking up for Governor Palin. Despite the media's attempt to sully her record with rumors and personal attacks on her family, even the mention of her name from the podium elicits a roar of approval from the convention. When I have caught some media reports, they are focusing on her daughter's situation. I suspect this might be an attempt to erode the conservative Christian support for her. What they seem to be missing is that Christians know that none are perfect, just forgiven. The real test of Governor Palin is not her daughter's actions, but Sarah Palin's reactions. The highest, and most commendable application of real family values exercises mercy, offers forgiveness, and honors the sanctity of every human life.
-Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
Over the next few days I hope to be passing on to you my impressions and experiences here at the RNC. I trust this first-hand view of a national convention will help give you a better understanding of how our election process works.
The convention begins tomorrow, but the activities are already starting to happen. We had the opening reception at the Minneapolis Convention Center. I met a few friends, saw some extraordinary presidential memorabilia (such as the limousines for Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan) and for the first time I was with several thousand of the people who have come from every part of our country to officially select our party's nominee.
The big news of the day is the dramatic change in tomorrow's schedule. Because of the hurricane threatening the Gulf Coast, much of the speech making and other official parts of the program have been cancelled. At this time we do not know how severe the hurricane might be, but the convention planners are trying to immediately lower the profile of the convention and let the nation focus it's attention and resources on this real-life challenge.
The party is obligated to nominate our president and vice-president candidates, but party celebrations are not appropriate while some of our states are engaged in a real-life struggle with the elements. Please join me in praying for the protection of life and property as this storm slams into our Gulf Coast.
-Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
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Republican Convention Blog
Home / The Issues / Archives
- Thursday, September 4
- Wednesday, September 3
- Tuesday, September 2
- Monday, September 1
- Sunday, August 31
Thursday, September 4
Much can be said about this historic convention.The convention was initially scaled back, in deference to the hurricane along the Gulf Coast.
It is the first time the Republican Party has put a woman on the ticket.
Regardless of her gender, Sara Palin galvanized and electrified the party like few have ever done.
Pro-life principles, as well as other solid, conservative values were front and center in the platform, in speeches, and in the philosophy of both McCain and Palin.
The staging of each night was well planned and well executed.
This was a very successful convention which will undoubtedly give the McCain-Palin ticket a big boost.
But for me there was one more thing. At the conclusion of the convention I was struck by the message John McCain gave to the delegates and the American people. It was a message from his heart that essentially said: "I am here to serve my country and my fellow man, what about you?" This was not an appeal for votes as much as it was a call to join him in building the greatest nation on earth into an even greater beacon of freedom for all.
We saw a brief picture of the love John McCain has for his country. I trust it will inspire us all to do our part in making this land a better place for all who will come behind us.
Rep. Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
Wednesday, September 3
Three experiences from today stand out:The first was a conversation with the owner of the restaurant where I had breakfast. As we paid our bill he told us he was closing his small business because the taxes were just too high to stay in business. For him the ever-increasing control and growth of government was driving him and his employees out of their jobs.
The second was the historic speech by Governor Sarah Palin. This governor and self-proclaimed "hockey-mom" took on the establishment. She took them on as a governor and she took them on with this masterful speech. The speech electrified her supporters (which includes myself) and I am certain won over the hearts and confidence of millions of Americans. Governor Palin proved tonight that she has the credentials, and is quite capable and ready to serve as the vice president for John McCain.
The third was a gentleman I talked to at a bus stop after tonight's meeting. He told me that he usually leaned toward the Democrat side of issues and he came to simply hear what was being said by the Republicans. His reaction to all the speeches and the people was quite positive and he left with a new respect for the Republican message. He told me he was now open to both sides and would seriously consider supporting John McCain and Sarah Palin.
This convention will not be a success if all we end up doing is nominating a presidential candidate. It can only be successful if the American people once again learn of the core Republican values and the good, honest people who make up the "Grand Old Party".
If we take all three of these experiences together I find the reason it has been worth all the time, money, and effort to be a part of this convention. The American people know that we need limited government solutions to the problems around us. John McCain and Sarah Palin are ready to lead us in that direction. This convention is starting to get that Republican message out to the people of this great land.
Back to Top
Tuesday, September 2
A convention of this size happens in many places.In the morning I found myself in downtown Minneapolis where the Colorado Delegation had a breakfast with the Idaho delegation. First Lady Laura Bush stopped by and gave us a few words of encouragement. By what she said it was obvious that Colorado is very high on the McCain campaign's radar screen. We are seen as a "swing state" that must be on the Republican side for a strong McCain/Palin win.
The next big event for me was the pro-life, "Life of the Party" reception in Saint Paul. Governor Sarah Palin had been scheduled as the speaker several weeks ago. Due to her new role as John McCain's running mate, she could not be at the reception, but Laura Ingram and Gary Bauer filled in with very good speeches. This event really underscores how important the issue of life is for many of us around the nation. It also showed me how significant the sanctity of life has become for this election. McCain's strong support for the unborn has been emphasized many times by convention speakers, and most of the time it is met with standing ovations. The issue of life is also one of those stark contrasts between the policies and candidates of the Republican and Democrat parties.
The main event for Tuesday began at the Excel Energy Center around 6:30 PM. This was a full night of speakers and special guests. With former president George H. W. Bush and his wife in attendance, along with Cindy McCain, several Medal of Honor recipients and others too numerous to mention, First Lady Laura Bush came on stage and introduced President Bush, who spoke via a video feed from the White House.
I should mention something about the stage. It is simple, but extraordinary. The stage is not very high and has nothing behind it except a hugh screen. The stage floor has a high gloss black surface. When a picture of a landscape, or some other scene is projected on the screen, between the huge size and the reflection on the stage floor, it looks more like a big picture window into America. When a speaker addresses the convention from the screen, their bigger-than-life size and bright, crisp clarity gives one the sense that they are right there. I have done some work in projecting big images in big venues and I know how difficult it is to make all of this come together right. The staging at this convention has come together very well.
Now, back to the evening program. It concluded with a rousing speech from Fred Thompson and a historic speech from Joe Lieberman. The first made the case for John McCain's qualifications for the presidency in a powerful way. The second was a stunning political statement. Just eight years ago Senator Lieberman was the Democrat's vice-presidential candidate. Now, still a Democrat, he gave a strong endorsement for John McCain. Politics often makes "strange bedfellows", but Senator Lieberman tried to put it in terms above party politics. He said we are in very challenging times and in his judgement, John McCain is clearly the best choice.
-Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
Monday, September 1
Today the Convention began.It was scaled back, in deference to the Gulf Coast hurricane, but the legally required elements went forward, as well as most of the smaller, localized activities.
Thankfully our prayers for protection were honored as the hurricane was much less than it could have been. In addition, there were several opportunities presented to the convention attendees to help with several relief funds set up for each state affected. This was similar to what Senator Renfroe and I did, on a much smaller scale, at the Colorado Republican State Convention for the Windsor tornado relief.
In the morning we attended a meeting for the Colorado delegation. Two members of the President's cabinet spoke, a governor, a member of Congress, John McCain's son, Andy, and a Colorado delegate, Colonel Tom Kirk. Col. Kirk had been a prisoner of war with John McCain. He gave us a picture of the Senator that few could reveal and I gained a much greater respect for John McCain's perseverance, integrity, and honor.
At 2:30 PM the gavel came down and the official business began. The most significant action was the approval of the Party's Platform. I recommend everyone read this document, when it is available. It is an accurate and comprehensive record of Republican principles for good government. It also stands in stark contrast to the Democrat platform and should be used as a guide for choosing who you think will best lead our nation forward.
Before our limited schedule ended for the day we heard from Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, as well as video reports from all of the Republican governor's affected by the Hurricane.
The final note I would make for today is the incredible support I am picking up for Governor Palin. Despite the media's attempt to sully her record with rumors and personal attacks on her family, even the mention of her name from the podium elicits a roar of approval from the convention. When I have caught some media reports, they are focusing on her daughter's situation. I suspect this might be an attempt to erode the conservative Christian support for her. What they seem to be missing is that Christians know that none are perfect, just forgiven. The real test of Governor Palin is not her daughter's actions, but Sarah Palin's reactions. The highest, and most commendable application of real family values exercises mercy, offers forgiveness, and honors the sanctity of every human life.
-Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
Sunday, August 31
Today (Sunday) I arrived in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul for my first time of attending a Republican National Convention (RNC).Over the next few days I hope to be passing on to you my impressions and experiences here at the RNC. I trust this first-hand view of a national convention will help give you a better understanding of how our election process works.
The convention begins tomorrow, but the activities are already starting to happen. We had the opening reception at the Minneapolis Convention Center. I met a few friends, saw some extraordinary presidential memorabilia (such as the limousines for Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan) and for the first time I was with several thousand of the people who have come from every part of our country to officially select our party's nominee.
The big news of the day is the dramatic change in tomorrow's schedule. Because of the hurricane threatening the Gulf Coast, much of the speech making and other official parts of the program have been cancelled. At this time we do not know how severe the hurricane might be, but the convention planners are trying to immediately lower the profile of the convention and let the nation focus it's attention and resources on this real-life challenge.
The party is obligated to nominate our president and vice-president candidates, but party celebrations are not appropriate while some of our states are engaged in a real-life struggle with the elements. Please join me in praying for the protection of life and property as this storm slams into our Gulf Coast.
-Kevin Lundberg
Back to Top
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