Paladin

Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: News

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The Republican National Convention was held in Saint Paul, Minnesota Sept. 1 through 4. But Hurricane Gustav delayed the convention delegate's arrival. Because Hurricane Katrina is still imbedded in the Republican's past, Arizona Senator and Republican presidential nominee John McCain had to make a careful decision in order to separate from past mistakes.

"We are deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of the residents of the Gulf State region," said Rick Davis, McCain's campaign manager. "This is not a time for politics and celebrations, it is a time for us to come together and assist the residents of the Gulf States."

Because of Gustav, all appearances were postponed. The only speakers on Monday included Cindy McCain, wife of John McCain and First Lady Laura Bush.

They spoke about helping those devastated by the hurricane and bringing in support. "I think that things are being handled a lot better than they were before," said Robert Noyes, a bio-chemical engineer major and Democrat, about the response to the hurricane.

After Gustav had passed, causing only minor damage, the RNC was set to kick off, but another problem occurred.

Controversy spread about the Republican vice presidential nominee's unwed, pregnant teenage daughter. "The vetting process was completely thorough and I'm grateful for the results…I just want to repeat again how excited I am to have Sarah Palin," said John McCain about his running mate. With the support of McCain, Palin still had to accept her nomination with the controversy looming.

With her first national televised speech on Sep. 3 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, Palin wowed the crowd. "I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America, and I accept the privilege of serving with a man who knows how tough fights are won, the next president of the United States, John S. McCain," Palin said. "Our family has the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and the same joys."

With her poise and connection to the people, Palin received warm reviews. "I think she is a great speaker. She made an impression on me," said Groden. Noyes said, "I think McCain knows what he was doing, he made a good decision in picking Sarah. Obviously he saw something nobody else did."

Continued...

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