RNC - Day 2

You know those days when you're incredibly proud to be an American? Today was also one of those days. I know that politicians are known for platitudes and empty rhetoric (and that's both sides of the aisle), but we knew going into the Xcel Energy Center today that this would be different. The balloons are still held snugly in the rafters in anticipation of a party. But tonight, there was no party.

Today our party leadership, Mike Duncan and Ken Mehlman, both urged delegates and alternates and those at home to reach out to their fellow Americans and help the people of the Gulf states region.

This wasn't the opening day I expected or hoped for. But ultimately, we have to do what's right those in need. The federal government has the chance to begin to right the wrongs from three years ago. The scars of Katrina are still there and will be there for years to come. I've met delegates from the state of Louisiana and they are wonderful people. They talk fast and hug you on the spot. They appreciate that other Americans are concerned about them and pray for them.

The highlight of the session today was a visit from First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, wife of John McCain, who both asked the delegates and alternate delegates to donate to various hurricane relief funds and to encourage their friends to do the same.



Before the session started I attended "Walk the Red Carpet" at the Ordway Performing Arts Center. The event's purpose was to shed light on the issue of heart disease and women. The guest speaker for the event was one of my favorite women in politics...Mary Matalin. She spoke on one of my favorite topics, women's leadership and encouraged the women in the room to run for office and pledge to make a difference in the lives of others. She also said, "If you want something said, elect a man. If you want something done, elect a woman."



Protests: I did not know until I returned to the hotel that there had been a scuffle between anarchists and police near the capitol. The Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments have kept protesters as far away as legally possible. I didn't see any protesters, but I could hear a rally a few streets away. Only by watching the local news in Minneapolis did I learn that the protesters were demonstrating against the Iraq war, the Bush administration and the GOP convention. I am safe!