RNC Live Blog – Day 2

Thanks for joining in on the discussion! Be sure to stop back on Wednesday and Thursday as the Republicans wrap up their convention!

Full transcript of Live Blog after the jump…

5:04
Coverage of the RNC will begin at 7pm
5:07
Until then, we’ll be discussing some of the ongoing commentary on the main news channels.
5:08
And probably taking a break to get some dinner ;)
5:08
more info is coming out on Sarah Palin
5:10
reportedly, she was a member of the Alaskan Independence Party – a movement that advocates Alaska seceding from the nation.
5:11
however, the McCain campaign maintains that Palin has been a card carrying member of the Republican Party since she first registered
5:29
Her longtime church (officially until 2002), the Wasalia Assembly of God has come under scrutiny – as has their pastor. Read more at the Huffington Post article http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html
5:31
284 protesters were arrested outside of the RNC today – all are expected to be charged
5:33
the offending protesters (out of some 5,000), were conducting a sit-in
5:33
it is expected that as many as 130 will be charged with felonies
5:34
the police used projectiles, pepper spray and tear gas to break up the protest
5:34
Governmor Palin is on the floor at the convention – speaking with delegates
5:35
she will speak to the convention tomorrow night
5:36
Governor Palin met with Cindy McCain and First Lady Laura Bush today
5:40
Governor Palin had, 3 weeks ago, retained private counsel with respect to the investigation currently going on in her office.
5:42
by the way – if any of you ever wondered – the definition of “vetting” is:

to appraise, verify, or check for accuracy, authenticity, validity, etc.:
5:46 [Be Right Back Countdown] 5 minutes
5:46 [Be Right Back Countdown] 5 minutes
5:46 [Be Right Back Countdown] 30 minutes
6:27
once nominated – the candidates will now be briefed on intelligence.
6:28
Senators McCain, Biden and Obama already, due to their committee memberships, already have the clearances necessary to get said briefings.

Governor Palin will also be privy to the inlelligence reports
6:29
Senator Obama and Senator Biden had their first briefing today
6:38 [Be Right Back Countdown] 30 minutes
6:38 [Be Right Back Countdown] 20 minutes
6:55
Ron Paul’s “Rally for the Republic” is still going on.
6:56
The Texas Representative is expected to take the stage later tonight
6:59
the current speaker, an Iraq War vet – is currently calling for a revolution
7:02
Ridge, Lieberman, Fred Thompson and President Bush will be speaking tonight
7:07
tonight’s theme is “get to know John McCain”
7:10
one indication that the selection of Sarah Palin may have been a bit of a surprise… The Alaska delegation is seated at the back of the hall
7:18
C-SPAN2 is taking a break from their coverage of the “rally for the republic” their coverage will resume at 8pm (EST) – when Ron Paul is expected to speak – he will be introduced by former congressman, Barry Goldwater, Jr.
7:20
Tom Delay of Texas is on MSNBC discussing Sarah Palin
7:21
he says that he’s never seen the conservative section of the party more excited about a candidate
7:21
she’s exactly what the conservatives have been begging for
7:22
Pat Buchanan on MSNBC loves Governor Palin
7:23
She will energize the party to win
7:25
the pundits suggest that Fred Thompson will be the “heavy hitter” tonight
7:26
[Comment From Kelly]
Buchanan loves Palin? This is crazy.
7:26
I’ve never seen him so excited
7:26
she’s a former “buchananite” of whatever they were called, back in the day
7:27
Reportedly, a team of Bush advisors have been assembled to “tutor” Palin on foreign affairs and write her speeches
7:29
Sarah Palin is definitely the topic of conversation
7:30
[Comment From Kelly]
Which is ironic, no? They’ve asked us to respect their privacy, Obama has said the same thing – and the GOP can’t stop talking about her “family values”
7:30
One difference between the RNC and DNC? the music choices
7:31
[Comment From Kelly]
Such as?
7:31
R&B vs Country Western
7:32
The convention has been called to order
7:32
[Comment From sue]
the music at the ron paul rally is good
7:32
i agree!
7:33
it’s all good – just different
7:34
One interesting tid bit – the song “only in america” by brooks and dunn, which was played after Obama finished his speech is the same song George Bush used
7:34
[Comment From sue]
true
7:34
[Comment From Kelly]
Hmm, that is interesting.
7:35
generally, you need the okay from the artist(s) to be able to use the song…
7:35
lovely national anthem!
7:38
There isn’t a published time line (schedule) tonight.
7:40
[Comment From sue]
Did the Dems have native Americans in their color guard?
7:40
I’m not sure
7:40
Video – In Memorium
7:41
for those lost since the last convention
7:42
[Comment From Jeanne]
Hey guys! My first time over here on OVM :)
7:42
welcome! thanks for stopping by!
7:43
[Comment From Kelly]
Who performed anthem? I don’t have TV on.
7:44
[Comment From George]
How un-American
7:44
I’m afraid I didn’t take note of him name. It was a traditional tenor rendition
7:44
video tribute to Gerald Ford
7:44
[Comment From sue]
Cspan isn’t bad at least you don’t have to put up with pundits
7:44
[Comment From Kelly]
ok, thanks
7:45
John Baynor, Rep minority leader
7:45
[Comment From Jeanne]
are you guys mostly bi-partisan? neutral?
7:45
our goal is to report as objectively as possible
7:46
[Comment From sue]
I am Dem
7:46
[Comment From Kelly]
Dem
7:46
[Comment From Kelly]
But Madeline and Thursday have done a super job of keeping things objective.
7:47
[Comment From sue]
I am not interested in bashing…. trying to understand
7:48
[Comment From Jeanne]
I’m a Canadian Dem but I feel more at ease now. Thanks for answering. I will visit here more often!
7:48
Thanks!
7:48
[Comment From Kelly]
Canadians! Are you even allowed at our conventions?! ;)
7:49
Boehner- says that Washington is broken – and that it’s the Dem Congress’ fault
7:49
time for the official photo – everyone smile!
7:49
[Comment From Jeanne]
I have dual citizenship and one American-born kid but if I couldn’t get in, I’d force my way in. This election is too important. I may actually vote this year for the first time from abroad
7:52
[Comment From George]
: )
7:53
Liebermann will say (reportedly) that Country is more important than party.

He’s currently a registered Independent
7:54
[Comment From Kelly]
Could he have been VP on ticket as Independent?
7:55
excellent question – I believe that he would have had to re-register – but the party would never have gone for it
7:55
[Comment From Kelly]
Really, I thought he switched to GOP?
7:55
they threatened a “fight on the floor” – that is, they wouldn’t have approved the nomination
7:56
[Comment From Jeanne]
This blog is so amazing. I’m already learning.
7:57
Like the Dems, the GOP is taking a “musical intermission” at the break of the hour
7:57
thanks Jeanne!
7:57
[Comment From Kelly]
Me too!
7:57
[Comment From Kelly]
Who is playing?
7:57
Journey
7:57
[Comment From Kelly]
You’re kidding me.
7:57
another difference – Dems had a live band – reps, canned music
7:58
don’t stop beliving kelly
7:58
although, at times, the live band waxed a little “wedding singer”
7:59
believing
7:59
[Comment From Kelly]
You mean Journey didn’t commit to the RNC? Cause they played the Clearfield County Fair.
7:59
now you’re kidding
7:59
[Comment From Jeanne]
Canned music, lol!!!
7:59
[Comment From Kelly]
Oh sorry, it was Foreigner.
8:00
[Comment From Chris]
The Republicans would never go with Foreigner
8:01
ooh, that’s cold as ice
8:01
video of republican history
8:01
[Comment From Kelly]
btw on twitter, they’re taking shots every time George Bush says 9/11 – just saying
8:02
that’s what the speech is supposed to be about – I hope they take it easy
8:03
[Comment From Chris]
Are they skipping the last eight years?
8:03
Jo Ann Davidson
8:03
Co-Chair of the Committee
8:04
thanking those who helped with the organization of the convention
8:05
1892 was the last year Minneapolis hosted the convention
8:06
was it just me – or did she just say “Sarah Pawlenty”?
8:09
Senator Norm Coleman (MN)
8:09
welcomes us to “Pigs Eye” – the first name of Minneapolis
8:11
[Comment From Jeanne]
My daughter thought she said “Sarah Polenta” so maybe it’s not just you, lol.
8:11
Maybe someone didn’t do a good job of “find and replace” when they were editing the speech…
8:12
Coleman: “i’m not indecisive, am I?” – could be Obama campaign slogan
8:13
[Comment From Jeanne]
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8:14
Coleman: “John McCain has a face that says yes because that’s what is in his soul. he has never given in to adversity”
8:15
Coleman: “let’s give americans change that Republicans can actually deliver”
8:15
oh, Pig’s eye is actually St. Paul – ooops
8:16
[Comment From Jeanne]
I thought he gave in when he signed that letter saying bad things about the States and then refused to write another one. Or did Canada get that wrong? We might have, lol
8:16
“what does the American flag mean to you” – contest winner
8:18
yes, he did, after being tortured, sign a “confession” – he later said that he learned that every man has his breaking point
8:19
[Comment From Jeanne]
okay. thanks for the clarification.
8:19
i think that many would suggest that Senator McCain has “given in” at other times as well…

8:20
[Comment From Kelly]
Like, oh say, speaking at Liberty?
8:20
[Comment From Jeanne]
Have you seen his wife? LOL. I’d say he’s given in to plastic surgery, for sure…
8:21
Miles McPherson – Miles Ahead Ministries
8:22
speaking of character -
8:23
asks the delegation to bow their heads in prayer
8:26
Ashley Gunn from brandon Mississippi
8:27
Founder of Students Aiding Indigent Families
8:28
the charity buys low cost houses – fixes them up – and then sells at below market prices – to deserving families
8:31
Cindy McCain has entered the Xcel center
8:33
[Comment From sue]
Is that John McCains mother with her
8:33
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN) has taken the stage
8:36
i believe it is. Roberta McCain hosted a breakfast at the Convention Monday morning
8:37
“Government is not a philanthropic organization. Government is not the family. and it is certainly not the church”
8:38
“when you can keep your hard earned money, you can use it to support your charities
8:39
[Comment From sue]
that is an interesting take
8:52
[Comment From sue]
thats a cool story How did I never hear it before
8:52
[Comment From Kelly]
Although the statistics support that taxes as a policy encourage donations to charity.
9:02
Lisa Keegan – AZ – advisor to John McCain
9:02
reminding us of the relief efforts for the Gulf Coast
9:04
Ron Paul is speaking to his convention on C-SPAN2
9:04
the revolution is coming (according to the Congressman)
9:04
Shanna Hansen – Minneapolis Fire Captain
9:04
takes the stage
9:05
Barbara Bush is in the building
9:05
the crowd goes wild
9:05
good ol’ Bar
9:06
And with her is former President George HW Bush
9:06
I still think that Bar was the reason the crowd went wild
9:06
[Comment From Kelly]
She is still much beloved.
9:08
breaking your leg sledding with your grandkids is a little more endearing than breaking your hand while shaking hands…
9:09
Captain Hanson is describing the Minneapolis bridge disaster
9:09
it happened last August
9:10
calling all to aid those affected by Hurricane Gustav
9:11
the 2nd Teddy Roosevelt video?
9:11
ah, history of Republican party
9:11
Reminding all that Lincoln, while maybe from Illinois, was a Republican
9:15
next up Tommy Espinoza – friend of John McCain and Democrat…
9:16
Raza Development Fund, Inc – President & CEO
9:17
Godfather of McCain’s son Jimmy
9:17
but he supports John McCain because he is a man of faith
9:17
and because of hope -
9:18
public service is more than his profession – it is a passion
9:18
and lastly love
9:19
when John McCain sees that immigrants are people
9:20
he believes in the sanctity of life from conception – and the sanctity of marriage
9:20
video tribute to George HW Bush
9:21
Naval war hero
9:24
Bill Gross of North Dakota
9:29
Capt. Leslie Smith, US Army
9:29
has taken the stage
9:30
while serving in Bosnia, she developed a blood clot and was sent home
9:30
she was diagnosed with a rare disease
9:30
she was not expected to survive
9:31
she survived but her left leg had to be amputated
9:32
she lost her sight in one eye
9:34
her message is that America is the land of opportunity – no matter the trials you face
9:36
[Comment From Laura]
Hey, folks — I was in the car at the start of the evening and while describing the hall, the NPR commentators said the rug that’s covering the team logo on the floor is “the color of Elmo”
9:37
[Comment From Laura]
Are sure Elmo’s family is accounted for? ;-)
9:37
[Comment From Laura]
Palin does like those bear rugs . . .
9:37
[Comment From Kelly]
That’s funny.
9:37
I agree
9:38
touching video about a fallen Navy Seal
9:38
[Comment From Laura]
Chris Matthews hair is doing something odd — check MSNBC
9:39
Have you noticed, btw – the mirrored floor?
9:39
[Comment From Laura]
His bangs were straight down surfer like
9:39
[Comment From Laura]
Is the mirror to reflect the two Americas?
9:39
or up Cindy McCain’s skirt
9:40
Orson Swindle has taken the stage – anyone who follows college football on the internet just laughed out loud
9:40
President Bush’s speech is late
9:41
[Comment From sue]
was cindy mccains daughter sent home
9:41
[Comment From Laura]
just like FEMA
9:41
[Comment From Laura]
the late part
9:42
[Comment From Laura]
I haven’t seen Bridget either
9:42
[Comment From Laura]
Did they think the Christian rock was too rowdy for her?
9:43
I thought I saw Meghan earlier
9:44
[Comment From Laura]
I know I glimpsed Bridget, but then she seemed to be gone pretty quickly — don’t know about Meghan
9:45
Laura Bush is taking the stage – it must be time for W
9:45
well, the reps definitely like to cheer
9:45
[Comment From sue]
Maybe Cindy is just playing musical chairs for photo ops
9:45
lol
9:46
laura (bush) seems a little rushed.

and one guy is yelling really loud
9:46
loudly, that is
9:46
An exciting ticket – hero John McCain and proven Sarah palin
9:47
i’m proud that America’s first female VP will be a Republican Woman
9:47
thank you to the dedicated women in the audience for making our party so strong
9:47
proud that strong women have served in my husband’s administration
9:48
President will address the convention in just a moment, from the White House
9:48
But first she’s going to tell us a little about the man she loves
9:52
[Comment From sue]
Ron Paul is getting quite an ovation I wonder how many are at that rally
9:53
over 10,000 tickets were sold (they sold out) -
9:53
[Comment From sue]
wow
9:53
George W Bush, President of the United States
9:54
staying in Washinton to coordinate relief efforts following Hurricane Gustav
9:54
thankful that damage was not as bad as once feared
9:54
[Comment From Laura]
less than we’d feared — he’s forgetting that Baton Rouge got an unexpected whallop that was the worst hurricane in their history, worse than Betsy
9:55
[Comment From Laura]
half of EBR parish and all of Assumption Parish have been told to expect a MONTH without power
9:55
so sad
9:56
President Bush says that John McCain is ready to lead the country
9:56
[Comment From Laura]
but I guess only New Orleans counts since it was the potential “Katrina Pt II” at least the loss of life was less this time
9:57
if the Hanoi Hotel did not break John McCain’s will to do what is right for his country, you can bet that the angry left never will
9:57
[Comment From Laura]
“the angry left”
9:57
[Comment From Laura]
“human life must be defended” — does that apply to war?
9:58
lift the ban on drilling
9:58
an independent man who thinks for himself…believe me, I know
9:59
he said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war
9:59
Sept. 11
9:59
The man we need is John McCain
10:00
[Comment From Laura]
Palin an “oustanding leader”
10:02
[Comment From Laura]
Is that the Texas delegation with the hats?
10:03
Laura is now touting the charity work of Cindy McCain
10:03
[Comment From Laura]
Sounds like Cindy may have more international experience than Palin — maybe she can help train her for the job
10:04
my understanding is that Gov Palin has never traveled outside of the US
10:04
[Comment From Laura]
Only once last year on a gov’t trip to visit troops.
10:04
[Comment From Kelly]
I read that she only got her passport last year.
10:05
[Comment From Laura]
Yes, for that trip
10:05
Reagan video
10:05
[Comment From Laura]
At first they claimed she had also “traveled to Ireland” but that turned out to just be the refueling stop on that trip.
10:09
[Comment From Laura]
Ronald Reagan “saved our century” — isn’t that overstating it a little?
10:10
fred thompson – former TN Senator
10:10
and, of course, actor
10:10
[Comment From Laura]
Can he run for re-elction as D.A. on Law and Order now?
10:11
and, I’m sure that many Americans think that he is the DA of NYC
10:11
according to Thompson – the washington pundits are attacking Sarah Palin
10:11
[Comment From Laura]
Wonder what Babs Bush thinks of Palin?
10:12
they said that Thompson would be the heavy hitter
10:12
she’s a courageous and successful reformer who isn’t afraid to take on the establishment
10:13
Thompson keeps clearing this throat – it’s a little distracting
10:13
[Comment From Laura]
makes him sound like an old man, too, kinda
10:13
He does remember that John McCain has been in Washington for 26 years…
10:14
John and Cindy McCain have one son who just finished his 1st tour in iraq and a 2nd who will be returning in December
10:14
and one in the Naval Academy
10:14
all the children are here
10:15
John’s mother Roberta
10:15
[Comment From Laura]
All the children? But not all of McCain’s kids are Cindy’s kids
10:15
exactly
10:16
[Comment From Laura]
It’s like they ignore that first wife
10:16
John wasn’t just a trouble maker, he was the leader of the troublemakers
10:17
this combination of rebellion and honor prepared john for the next chapter of his life
10:18
[Comment From Laura]
this story is one of those McCain has told so many times (no matter what he was actually asked) that they’re starting to be less moving, I think (the dying kid asking after his friend)
10:19
[Comment From Laura]
OK, giant POW image of McC on the screen
10:19
[Comment From Laura]
Some of these gals in the audience look so pained it’s as if they’ve never heard this before
10:20
[Comment From Laura]
Fred tells it better than McCain himself
10:20
this is why Fred was chosen for this speech
10:20
[Comment From Laura]
I’m even seeing man tears out there
10:20
[Comment From Laura]
yep — he’s the right choice
10:22
When McCain was in Pittsburgh – it was the offensive line of the Steelers
10:23
his bones may have been broken, but his spirit never was
10:23
being a POW doesn’t qualify you to be president, but it does reveal character
10:23
[Comment From Laura]
Everyone in Pitt probably thinks Thompson messed it up! ;-)
10:25
[Comment From Laura]
Man, if Thompson could have sold HIMSELF this well . . . we might have had a different nominee
10:26
Thompson got into the race too late – and his lack of historical and political knowledge was quickly exploited.
10:30
[Comment From Laura]
even got pledging allegiance to the flag in there
10:33
[Comment From sue]
He’s telling them what they want to hear
10:34
[Comment From Laura]
crack about pay grade
10:34
[Comment From Laura]
Obama’s regretting that line now, I bet
10:34
[Comment From sue]
your values are better than their values
10:34
[Comment From Laura]
giving it straight to the camera like a pro to close the deal now
10:35
[Comment From Laura]
and there’s the flag on the GOP jumbotron
10:37
“go Johnny go- Johnny be good”
10:37
Lieberman should be out soon
10:37
i’m thinking that Thompson will be a tough act to follow
10:38
it’s very interesting that Lieberman would get the closing speech – he was supposed to speak early yesterday.
10:39
or at least that’s the way the schedule read – there’s no telling what the order would have been
10:39
Here comes Joe
10:39
to a very impressive amount of applause
10:39
[Comment From Laura]
Yeah, I’d have finished strong with Thompson if I were planning it — but maybe he got more audience in this time slot
10:40
Lieberman, of course, ran as Al Gore’s running mate in 2000
10:41
[Comment From Laura]
if Lieberman had gone first he might have bored people into switching over to Law & Order — which is, of course, running opposite this on cable someplace
10:42
in 2006 Lieberman lost his party’s primary – but he won the election as a 3rd party candidate
10:42
[Comment From Laura]
so Thompson wins either way, but not McCain ;-)
10:43
Lieberman delivers the line “a democrat like me…
10:43
I hear tonight to support my friend John McCain
10:44
of course, Lieberman is listed as an indepedent
10:44
[Comment From Laura]
OK, is he implying the Dems aren’t Americans?
10:45
[Comment From Laura]
“That one is John S. McCain” (so we’re sure not to vote for John R. McCain by mistake?) echoing that “The One” commercial
10:47
[Comment From Laura]
The code he will carry with him into the White House? (DaVinci’s? No, maybe not . . .) ;-)
10:49
[Comment From Laura]
God only made one John McCain — has he checked 411 to be sure of that?
10:49
[Comment From Laura]
They’re all using “my friends” or “friends” — I guess all the cool old dudes are sayin’ it now
10:50
interesting how Lieberman assumed that the Reps wouldn’t get his sarcasm
10:50
[Comment From Laura]
Like the crowd shot of the bored lady eating nuts or something
10:51
[Comment From Laura]
“Liberals : pick on someone your own age” says one lady’s hat button
10:51
a few words about the great lady that John McCain has chosen as his running mate
10:52
A leader that we can count on to help John shake up Washington
10:52
[Comment From Laura]
Is she talking about McCain or little Bristol?
10:52
[Comment From Laura]
the hat lady, I mean
10:52
[Comment From Laura]
flag on the jumbotron again
10:52
the real ticket for change is McCain Palin
10:53
Lieberman was a historical nominee himself, being a Jewish American
10:54
[Comment From Laura]
Think if he sticks around at the convention too long the fundies will try to ship him to Isreal to help trigger the rapture? Be careful, Joe! They just might. That’s their favorite hobby.
10:57
Lieberman is now speaking to the Democrats and Independents – some of you may never have voted for a republican- but this is no ordinary election – and trust me John McCain is no ordinary candidate
10:57
[Comment From Laura]
And here’s the altar call for Dem converts . . .
10:57
you can always count on him to let you know where he stands
10:58
a restless reformer who will clean up washington and get our gov’t working again for all of the american people
10:59
vote for the person that you think is best for the country, not for the party you happen to belong to
10:59
[Comment From Laura]
“vote for the person” “vote for the leader” hmm. maybe it really isn’t about the issues, as they said earlier
11:00
lots of cheers for lieberman -
11:00
the crowd is cheering “country first”
11:01
[Comment From Laura]
Olbermann just pointed out JL is an indy not a dem
11:01
[Comment From sue]
democrats for mccain sign on camera (the same sign)
11:01
the convention closes with the benediction.
11:02
[Comment From Laura]
the part about foreign leaders respecting McCain is apparently an ad lib from JL — MSNBC points out they slammed Obama for the same thing
11:03
he said that our friends will trust him and our enemies will fear him – I thought he should have added the line “and both will respect him”
11:03
[Comment From Laura]
Matthews hair is still a mess, btw
11:03
okay, you got be to turn off of C-Span – and you are right – his hair is hilarious
11:04
[Comment From Laura]
it was even funnier earlier
11:04
[Comment From Laura]
maybe he thinks Palin looks like Gidget and is trying to fit it
11:04
[Comment From Laura]
fit in
11:04
freudian?
11:05
I think he looks like bo radley from to kill a mockingbird
11:05
[Comment From Laura]
just bad typing — unless Matthews is sending me subliminal messages
11:05
interesting, robert duvall narrated one of the early videos
11:06
[Comment From Laura]
Maybe Chris is trying to look younger to score with the Christian rock chick at the after party
11:06
or that lady with the hat pin
11:07
[Comment From Laura]
oh, yeah, cause SHE was a babe
11:07
[Comment From Laura]
not
11:08
So, on that note, we’re going to close up the live blog! thanks for you participation, as always!

be sure to stop by tomorrow for more discussion.
11:08
[Comment From Laura]
Gingrich says it’s “baloney” that Palin isn’t experienced
11:08
[Comment From Laura]
bye
11:08
okay, maybe on that note
11:08
wink
11:09
wait – one more thing
11:09
cnn is showing the protests earlier today
11:09
[Comment From Laura]
oh
11:09
[Comment From Laura]
wow
11:09
many were arrested
11:10
[Comment From Laura]
it’s like a war zone
11:10
according to earlier reports
11:10
over 300 were arrested
11:10
almost 300, that is – and 130 were to be charged with felonies
11:10
[Comment From Laura]
I’ll have to call Pam and see if it’s on her local news
11:11
well, good night all – thanks again!