This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: September 2, 2008 - Life at the convention is busy but great. Monday I spent some time on the floor and was there for the opening gavel. Lots of famous faces -- NYT's David Brooks, CNN reporter Dana Bash, Sean Hannity and the fabulous McCain women. The main focus, while celebratory, was on Hurricane Gustav and those affected by it. We were excited to hear from the First Lady and Cindy McCain.
After the convention business ended, some of us law students made it to the Minneapolis City Hall for the National Republican Lawyers Association reception--a great time.
I'm a little tired today after staying out late at a 'Political Chicks' event at the Bar Fly in downtown Minneapolis. John Rich of Big and Rich performed, and there were lots of young Missourians there. We had a great time (I was on the lookout for Meghan McCain--no luck!), but we did make it to the chic VIP floor, where Justin and I hung out with the always hilarious Republican blogger John Combest and his lovely fiance Monica Durrwachter.
We just left the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad-sponsored breakfast on the rail cars. The Missouri delegation enjoyed coffee, mimosas and breakfast and then heard short remarks from Sen. Christopher Bond, BNSF officials, U.S. Roy Blunt and Gov. Matt Blunt. It's a little rainy today in the Twin Cities, and we're heading back to the hotel. Later we're supposed to hear from Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Roberta McCain during lunch. More later!
We're lunching now with Bond, Roberta McCain, Bud Day, John Bolton. Roberta McCain is tough, radiant, inspirational and a sprightly 96.
Surprise! Rudy just walked in -- and calls McCain/Palin a 'terrific ticket' and the 'right ticket,' saying the GOP has their candidates in the right order, the most experienced one running for the No. 1 spot. Crowd loves him!