The RNC has issued a press release announcing the full program for the convention as well as the final lineup of speakers. It looks to be an exciting convention with many highly popular republicans set to address the nation.
I am especially looking forward to hearing Cheney and Rudy speak, as they are two of our most powerful and intelligent leaders. I am also looking forward to hearing Arnold and Sen. Norm Coleman, the only jewish republican in the Senate. Joe Lieberman's speech should also be very controversial and exciting to hear.
Of course, hearing McCain slam it home for the American people will be the ultimate thrill, and finally finding out who wins the veep-stakes and hearing that speech will be equally thrilling.
My top choices for VP are Conde Rice and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Hutchinson is scheduled to speak on Wed night, the same as the VP's speech. Is that a coincidence or a signal?
The entire schedule is below the fold....
'Country First': 2008 Republican National
Convention Announces Full Program
Convention Announces Additional Speakers and Program Details
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the names of additional speakers for the program of events that will run Sept. 1-4. The convention’s overall theme, 'Country First,' reflects John McCain’s remarkable record of leadership and service to America. Each day of proceedings will center on a touchstone theme that has defined John McCain’s life and will be central to his vision for leading our nation forward as president.
'The 2008 Convention program will bring together Americans who will speak to John McCain's vision for reforming our government, building prosperity and ensuring peace for future generations. We are excited about next week and we are looking forward to showcasing John McCain’s life-long record of putting his country first,' said Jill Hazelbaker, McCain 2008 communications director.
Among the new speakers announced today are Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.), U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas), former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (Tenn.) and Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission Michael Williams. Their remarks will echo the themes that have been selected for each of the convention’s four days: service, reform, prosperity and peace.
'We are thrilled to announce our full program of speakers and program participants. We look forward to presenting a convention program that will share Senator McCain’s unparalleled record of experience and service with millions of Americans,' said Maria Cino, president and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention.
The program of events follows. Additions to the program appear with an asterisk (*).
Monday, Sept. 1
Service
'Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman.'
--Sen. John McCain
John McCain’s commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Monday’s events will highlight John McCain’s record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest.
Speakers will include:
- President George W. Bush
- Vice President Richard B. Cheney
- First Lady Laura Bush
- Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)*
- Gov. Rick Perry (Texas)*
- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
- Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.)*
- U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.)*
- U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)*
- U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)*
- U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
- House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)*
- U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.)*
- U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)*
- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (Fla.)*
- U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake (Va.)*
- U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (Ill.)*
- U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif)*
- Robert M. (Mike) Duncan, Chairman of the Republican National Committee*
- Jo Ann Davidson, Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Chairman of the 2008
- Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements*
- Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention*
- Tommy Espinoza*
- Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)*
- Bill Gross*
- Ashley Gunn*
- Chris Hackett*
- Doug Leatherdale*
- Jay Love*
- Cynthia Lummis*
- Erik Paulsen*
- Capt. Leslie Smith, U.S. Army (Ret.)*
Program participants will include:
- Victoria Blackstone, Stars and Stripes Winner, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
- Boy Scout Troop 738 of St Louis Park, Minn. will serve as the Color Guard
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Reform
'If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them.'
--Sen. John McCain
John McCain’s life is a testament to the fundamental truth that every American can be a force for change. A restless reformer who has dedicated his career to taking on special interests and the status quo, John McCain will deliver the right kind of change and reform to meet the great challenges of our time. On Tuesday, the convention program will underscore his vision of a government that is transparent, principled and worthy of the American people it serves.
Speakers will include:
- Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
- Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
- Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
- Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
- Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
- Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
- U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (Okla.)*
- Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
- House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)*
- U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)*
- U.S. Rep. Luis Fortuño (Puerto Rico)*
- U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam (Fla.)*
- Dennis Hollingsworth (Fla.), President of the National Conference of Republican County Officials*
- Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer
- of the United States
- GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele
- Chris Collins*
- Carolyn Dunn*
- Phil Hayes*
- Lisa Keegan*
- Ruth Novodor*
- Dr. Elena Rios *
- Shirley Sadler*
- Joe Watkins*
Program participants will include:
- Mary Leavitt will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
- The VFW of Red Lake, Minn. and the American Legion Post 513 of New Brighton, Minn. will serve
- as the joint Color Guard
- Rabbi Ira Flax will lead the convention in prayer
- Dr. Robert Certain will lead the convention in prayer
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Prosperity
'America’s best days are still to come.'
--Sen. John McCain
The American story is one of perseverance. Even in the face of tough times, the ingenuity and spirit of the American people has ushered in a new era of prosperity. Wednesday’s program will focus on John McCain’s plans to get our economy back on track and continue our long tradition of meeting the challenges we face and using our prosperity to help others. The day will conclude with an address by the vice presidential nominee.
Speakers will include:
- Mrs. Cindy McCain
- Republican Party’s Vice Presidential Nominee
- Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
- Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
- U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
- U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas)*
- U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (Ind.)*
- Mayor Mick Cornett (Okla.)*
- State Sen. Abel Maldonado (Calif.)*
- Carly Fiorina, Victory ‘08 Chairman for the Republican National Committee and former Chairman and
- CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co.
- Meg Whitman, National Co-Chair for McCain 2008 and former President and CEO of eBay
- Renee Amoore*
- Anne Beiler*
- Jessica Colon, Chairman of the Young Republican National Federation*
- Christy Swanson*
- Raul 'Danny' Vargas*
Program participants will include:
- Sharon Clahchischillage will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
- The Law Enforcement Memorial Association of Minnesota will serve as the Color Guard
- Father Edward Reese will lead the convention in prayer
- Rev. Eva Rodriguez will lead the convention in prayer
Thursday, Sept. 4
Peace
'Our next president will have a mandate to build an enduring global peace on the foundations of freedom, security, opportunity, prosperity, and hope.'
--Sen. John McCain
John McCain understands the challenges that America faces in the world and the sacrifice necessary to defend our freedom in a way that few others can fathom. Thursday’s events will reflect his vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world. The evening will close with John McCain accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States.
- John McCain
- Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
- Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
- U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
- U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)*
- U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
- Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (Tenn.)*
- U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)*
- Michael Williams, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission*
- David Flaum*
- Christopher Fussner*
- Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)*
- Charlie Smith*
Program participants will include:
- The 934th Airlift Wing Air Force Reserves Joint Color Guard of Minn.
- Pastor Dan Yeary will lead the convention in prayer
- Archbishop Demetrios will lead the convention in prayer
About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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written by Jay Golub , September 01, 2008
http://www.startribune.com/politics/27723509.html
Gustav has changed the dynamic of the Convention. I would say that the Democrats have not handled this situation well.
McCain has done well to "postpone" the convention until the difficulties down south stabilize as it shows his true colors as to what type of leader he would be.
As well, it has the enormous effect of aiding McCain's candidacy by simply hitting the day the most unpopular President his party has ever known was supposed to speak.
Although i don't prescribe to what the above links says, it would be incorrect to point out the fact that Bush and Cheney will have a significantly reduced presence and effect on the McCain candidacy because they are not speaking tonight.
McCain will also benefit from the fact that Bush and FEMA have done a much improved job - as it seems today - in New Orleans. Comparing McCain to Bush on a day when the feds were prepared is not so bad.
If only Palin doesn't stall the McCain engine...
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