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Republican Convention diary Republican Convention diary
(about 3 hours later)
Meet our convention reportersMeet our convention reporters
Republican Party delegate Mike Bayham joins the BBC's Max Deveson and Jennifer Copestake to report on the drama, tension and razzmatazz of this week's Republican Convention.Republican Party delegate Mike Bayham joins the BBC's Max Deveson and Jennifer Copestake to report on the drama, tension and razzmatazz of this week's Republican Convention.
MAX DEVESON: CHAMPING AT THE BIT
1 September: 1720 local time (2320 GMT)
Republican delegates finally had something to cheer about - and someone to cheer at - this afternoon, when First Lady Laura Bush and prospective First Lady Cindy McCain addressed the convention.
And they stuck to the bipartisan script, keeping politics out of their speeches – almost.
Mrs Bush managed to drop into her remarks the fact that all of the Gulf Coast governors currently working hard to keep their states safe in the face of Hurricane Gustav just happen to be Republicans, eliciting a roar of applause from the audience.
One of the aforementioned governors - Rick Perry of Texas - also referred to the party affiliation of his fellow south coast governors, and he too received a big cheer.
The rest of the day's proceedings remained resolutely non-partisan, as per John McCain's instructions. Mrs Bush and Mrs McCain used their podium time to urge delegates to donate to a number of disaster relief charities.
But the audience's response to these small glimpses of politics-as-usual indicates that delegates here are champing at the bit for a chance to cheer on their party.
If the convention gets back on track before Thursday, they will respond enthusiastically to any and every piece of political red meat thrown their way.
MAX DEVESON: BUSH'S ABSENCEMAX DEVESON: BUSH'S ABSENCE
1 September: 1530 local time (2130 GMT)1 September: 1530 local time (2130 GMT)
What happens if you organise a protest march and the people you're protesting against don't show up?What happens if you organise a protest march and the people you're protesting against don't show up?
That's what happened in St Paul today, as thousands of anti-war protesters descended on the downtown area to demonstrate against President Bush on the day that he was due to address the convention.That's what happened in St Paul today, as thousands of anti-war protesters descended on the downtown area to demonstrate against President Bush on the day that he was due to address the convention.
The problem: Mr Bush had cancelled his speech in order to focus his efforts on disaster relief in the gulf coast area affected by Hurricane Gustav.The problem: Mr Bush had cancelled his speech in order to focus his efforts on disaster relief in the gulf coast area affected by Hurricane Gustav.
So the marchers were left without a target for their protests.So the marchers were left without a target for their protests.
It was billed as an anti-war march, but the protesters had plenty of other issues on their mind, as the range of banners they were carrying showed.It was billed as an anti-war march, but the protesters had plenty of other issues on their mind, as the range of banners they were carrying showed.
I spotted people with placards in favour of immigrants' rights, against a war in Iran, in support of the Palestinians, against big corporations and in favour of rights for Native Americans.I spotted people with placards in favour of immigrants' rights, against a war in Iran, in support of the Palestinians, against big corporations and in favour of rights for Native Americans.
But what the demonstration lacked in focused messaging, it made up for in numbers - between 2,000 and 10,000 people took part, depending on whether you believe the police or the organisers.But what the demonstration lacked in focused messaging, it made up for in numbers - between 2,000 and 10,000 people took part, depending on whether you believe the police or the organisers.
Although the majority of marchers appeared to be behaving peacefully, a few blocks away from the route of the demonstration I saw a police car with its windows smashed in and its tyres slashed, parked outside a Macy's department store which had had two windows shattered.Although the majority of marchers appeared to be behaving peacefully, a few blocks away from the route of the demonstration I saw a police car with its windows smashed in and its tyres slashed, parked outside a Macy's department store which had had two windows shattered.
There have also been reports that police used pepper spray on a group of protesters who had attempted to break through a cordon.There have also been reports that police used pepper spray on a group of protesters who had attempted to break through a cordon.
These protests tell us little about the internal workings of the Republican Party. After all, most members now appear to be supportive of the surge in Iraq, and John McCain's consistent support for the war in Iraq was key to his success in the primaries.These protests tell us little about the internal workings of the Republican Party. After all, most members now appear to be supportive of the surge in Iraq, and John McCain's consistent support for the war in Iraq was key to his success in the primaries.
But they do suggest that should Mr McCain win in November, the opponents of his policies will not keep their opinions to themseves. But they do suggest that should Mr McCain win in November, the opponents of his policies will not keep their opinions to themselves.
MIKE BAYHAM: THE SHOW MUST GO ONMIKE BAYHAM: THE SHOW MUST GO ON
1 September: 0320 local time (0820 GMT)1 September: 0320 local time (0820 GMT)
Will There Be a Convention? Will There Be a New Orleans?Will There Be a Convention? Will There Be a New Orleans?
I am taking part in the pre-eminent event in the Republican political calendar, but I have found myself more concerned with the weather 1,200 miles down the Mississippi River, as Hurricane Gustav churns its way towards the Louisiana coastline.I am taking part in the pre-eminent event in the Republican political calendar, but I have found myself more concerned with the weather 1,200 miles down the Mississippi River, as Hurricane Gustav churns its way towards the Louisiana coastline.
During Hurricane Katrina, my hometown of Chalmette, a suburb of New Orleans, was inundated with over 4m of water in many areas. Almost that much engulfed my townhouse - I had 30cm of it on my second floor. It's been suggested that Gustav could very well send an even greater volume of water to a city still struggling to find its feet again on the third anniversary of Katrina.During Hurricane Katrina, my hometown of Chalmette, a suburb of New Orleans, was inundated with over 4m of water in many areas. Almost that much engulfed my townhouse - I had 30cm of it on my second floor. It's been suggested that Gustav could very well send an even greater volume of water to a city still struggling to find its feet again on the third anniversary of Katrina.
And though St. Paul, Minnesota, is on the opposite side of the US from New Orleans, the same hurricane that threatens Louisiana's largest city also threatens the 2008 Republican National Convention.And though St. Paul, Minnesota, is on the opposite side of the US from New Orleans, the same hurricane that threatens Louisiana's largest city also threatens the 2008 Republican National Convention.
Talk of cancelling or shortening the convention has evolved into a plan to limit celebrations. More than a few party leaders feared a potential media backlash and political exploitation by the Democrats of images of Republicans hitting the cocktail circuit while people were stranded on top of their roofs.Talk of cancelling or shortening the convention has evolved into a plan to limit celebrations. More than a few party leaders feared a potential media backlash and political exploitation by the Democrats of images of Republicans hitting the cocktail circuit while people were stranded on top of their roofs.
I incurred great loss in Katrina, but my view is that the show must go on.I incurred great loss in Katrina, but my view is that the show must go on.
While anachronistic in many ways, party conventions officially name the candidates in the election. It is up to the assembled delegates at the convention to go through the process of actually naming the party standard-bearers in November. So between the partying, schmoozing and socializing important stuff gets done at these events.While anachronistic in many ways, party conventions officially name the candidates in the election. It is up to the assembled delegates at the convention to go through the process of actually naming the party standard-bearers in November. So between the partying, schmoozing and socializing important stuff gets done at these events.
Furthermore, there was little for Louisiana delegates to do but remain in Minnesota. Orders for the mandatory evacuation of residents in much of south Louisiana had gone into effect the day before so staying home - hardly a preferable choice due to possible severe flooding and probable loss of electricity for many days - was not even an option.Furthermore, there was little for Louisiana delegates to do but remain in Minnesota. Orders for the mandatory evacuation of residents in much of south Louisiana had gone into effect the day before so staying home - hardly a preferable choice due to possible severe flooding and probable loss of electricity for many days - was not even an option.
The evening closed at a Rock the Vote/Myspace.com event populated by young people primarily interested in guzzling free drinksThe evening closed at a Rock the Vote/Myspace.com event populated by young people primarily interested in guzzling free drinks
As it was the Sabbath, I and several members of my state's Catholic delegation felt a need to seek Divine intervention for our home and attended Sunday evening Mass at St Paul Cathedral, a massive granite building capped with an impressive dome. The Archbishop of Minneapolis-St. Paul celebrated the ritual and invited those delegates from other states to attend a modest reception on the cathedral's grounds at the conclusion of Mass.As it was the Sabbath, I and several members of my state's Catholic delegation felt a need to seek Divine intervention for our home and attended Sunday evening Mass at St Paul Cathedral, a massive granite building capped with an impressive dome. The Archbishop of Minneapolis-St. Paul celebrated the ritual and invited those delegates from other states to attend a modest reception on the cathedral's grounds at the conclusion of Mass.
I also spent some time at Civic Fest, a kind of political junkie conclave in which attendees can view travelling exhibitions pertaining to American history and politics, buy gaudy elephant memorabilia and take novelty pictures inside a faux Oval Office or in front of a mock-up of Air Force One. One does not need be a delegate to attend the event.I also spent some time at Civic Fest, a kind of political junkie conclave in which attendees can view travelling exhibitions pertaining to American history and politics, buy gaudy elephant memorabilia and take novelty pictures inside a faux Oval Office or in front of a mock-up of Air Force One. One does not need be a delegate to attend the event.
The evening closed at a Rock the Vote/Myspace.com event at a club in Minneapolis that was populated by young people who were not necessarily Republicans but were primarily interested in guzzling free drinks and listening to one of the two bands that performed.The evening closed at a Rock the Vote/Myspace.com event at a club in Minneapolis that was populated by young people who were not necessarily Republicans but were primarily interested in guzzling free drinks and listening to one of the two bands that performed.
Towards the end of the evening I received some positive news on Gustav from home: the storm had not only weakened but its position changed such that a repeat of Katrina's mess seemed unlikely. With the eye of the storm due pass over Louisiana at 1400 on Monday, even the formal nomination of man for what American's consider the most powerful position in the world didn't seem as important as the weather down south.Towards the end of the evening I received some positive news on Gustav from home: the storm had not only weakened but its position changed such that a repeat of Katrina's mess seemed unlikely. With the eye of the storm due pass over Louisiana at 1400 on Monday, even the formal nomination of man for what American's consider the most powerful position in the world didn't seem as important as the weather down south.
MAX DEVESON: A SLIMMED-DOWN CONVENTIONMAX DEVESON: A SLIMMED-DOWN CONVENTION
31 August: 193031 August: 1930
This will be a very different convention.This will be a very different convention.
Because of Hurricane Gustav, the Republicans have decided to scale down the event dramatically.Because of Hurricane Gustav, the Republicans have decided to scale down the event dramatically.
We are going into the first day of the convention not knowing if there will be any convention (in the traditional sense of the word) at all.We are going into the first day of the convention not knowing if there will be any convention (in the traditional sense of the word) at all.
All we do know is that at some point over the next four days, John McCain will officially become the Republican Party's presidential candidate.All we do know is that at some point over the next four days, John McCain will officially become the Republican Party's presidential candidate.
But as to whether there will be rousing political speeches, passionate policy debates, or riotous parties - we just don't know.But as to whether there will be rousing political speeches, passionate policy debates, or riotous parties - we just don't know.
Day One of the convention, which had been scheduled to feature a speech from President Bush, will now consist simply of procedural motions.Day One of the convention, which had been scheduled to feature a speech from President Bush, will now consist simply of procedural motions.
Decisions about the schedule on subsequent days will be made each morning, as officials monitor the situation in the hurricane zone.Decisions about the schedule on subsequent days will be made each morning, as officials monitor the situation in the hurricane zone.
Senator McCain may even cancel his speech and accept his party's nomination by satellite from the affected area.Senator McCain may even cancel his speech and accept his party's nomination by satellite from the affected area.
What effect will all this have on the Republicans' fortunes?What effect will all this have on the Republicans' fortunes?
Well, they will be losing their chance to present their best face to voters - and introduce John McCain's virtually unknown running-mate Sarah Palin to the country.Well, they will be losing their chance to present their best face to voters - and introduce John McCain's virtually unknown running-mate Sarah Palin to the country.
But slimming down their convention to deal with a natural disaster could help the Republicans by allowing them to appear serious, self-denying and presidential.But slimming down their convention to deal with a natural disaster could help the Republicans by allowing them to appear serious, self-denying and presidential.
And it will also draw attention away from the smallness of their convention, compared to last week's Democratic shindig.And it will also draw attention away from the smallness of their convention, compared to last week's Democratic shindig.
My first thought on entering the Republicans' convention venue (the Xcel Energy Centre in St Paul, Minnesota) was how much smaller it felt than the Pepsi Center in Denver, where the Democrats held their convention, let alone the 75,000 capacity Invesco Stadium, where Barack Obama made his acceptance speech.My first thought on entering the Republicans' convention venue (the Xcel Energy Centre in St Paul, Minnesota) was how much smaller it felt than the Pepsi Center in Denver, where the Democrats held their convention, let alone the 75,000 capacity Invesco Stadium, where Barack Obama made his acceptance speech.
There is no doubt that by opting to scale down the convention, John McCain is putting the national interest ahead of his party's interests.There is no doubt that by opting to scale down the convention, John McCain is putting the national interest ahead of his party's interests.
But it might just be that in this case his party's interests actually coincide with his country's interestsBut it might just be that in this case his party's interests actually coincide with his country's interests
OUR DIARISTSOUR DIARISTS
Mike Bayham is a Republican delegate from the state of Louisiana. He is chairman of the New Orleans Young Republicans and has served on the Louisiana Republican State Committee since 1996. He's pledged to back John McCain for the party's presidential nomination, though he personally supported Mike Huckabee in the primaries. "I guess you could call me a Reagan Conservative," he says. "I believe the party should stand by its social conservative base, while also reaching out to new voters. The GOP is known for being too stuffy - I think it needs to be a Big Tent."Mike Bayham is a Republican delegate from the state of Louisiana. He is chairman of the New Orleans Young Republicans and has served on the Louisiana Republican State Committee since 1996. He's pledged to back John McCain for the party's presidential nomination, though he personally supported Mike Huckabee in the primaries. "I guess you could call me a Reagan Conservative," he says. "I believe the party should stand by its social conservative base, while also reaching out to new voters. The GOP is known for being too stuffy - I think it needs to be a Big Tent."
At the age of 34, this is already Mike's fourth convention. "On the floor of the convention, if you are a delegate, you are officially on the same par as congressmen, governors and wealthy power brokers. Among the people I have met at previous conventions are a future president (George W. Bush in 1996), Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rudy Giuliani," he says. "I can't imagine any other country having a political event like this."At the age of 34, this is already Mike's fourth convention. "On the floor of the convention, if you are a delegate, you are officially on the same par as congressmen, governors and wealthy power brokers. Among the people I have met at previous conventions are a future president (George W. Bush in 1996), Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rudy Giuliani," he says. "I can't imagine any other country having a political event like this."
Max Deveson, 30, is the BBC News website's Washington reporter. He joined the BBC in 2001 to work as a political analyst in Westminster, later moving to the online world news team. He has an obsessive interest in the US and its politics and was particularly excited to land an interview with Ted Kennedy on his first assignment in Washington this year. When not obsessing about US politics, Max enjoys attempting to play Iron and Wine songs on the guitar.Max Deveson, 30, is the BBC News website's Washington reporter. He joined the BBC in 2001 to work as a political analyst in Westminster, later moving to the online world news team. He has an obsessive interest in the US and its politics and was particularly excited to land an interview with Ted Kennedy on his first assignment in Washington this year. When not obsessing about US politics, Max enjoys attempting to play Iron and Wine songs on the guitar.
Jennifer Copestake, 25, is an online video producer for World News America. She's been with the programme since its first broadcast in October 2007. After the conventions she'll be video-blogging from a BBC election bus on a 38-day road trip across the country. Jennifer was born in Canada and has reported for the CBC, the Hill Times, the Observer and More 4 News. She's been in Washington since early summer, but will return one day to London, where she lives with her fiance and two cats.Jennifer Copestake, 25, is an online video producer for World News America. She's been with the programme since its first broadcast in October 2007. After the conventions she'll be video-blogging from a BBC election bus on a 38-day road trip across the country. Jennifer was born in Canada and has reported for the CBC, the Hill Times, the Observer and More 4 News. She's been in Washington since early summer, but will return one day to London, where she lives with her fiance and two cats.
The BBC News website will also publish a diary of the Republican Convention, featuring Louisiana delegate Mike Bayham.The BBC News website will also publish a diary of the Republican Convention, featuring Louisiana delegate Mike Bayham.
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What do you want to ask about the convention? What about the state of the Democratic Party? Or the Obama-Biden ticket? Send us your questions now using the form below:
What do you want to ask about the convention? What about the state of the Democratic Party? Or the Obama-Biden ticket? Send us your questions now using the form below:
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