Mas de Underwhelming
September 1st, 2008 at 7:27 pm
The Republican National Convention got off to a low-key start today, although delegates were in high spirits. It’s a big pep rally after all, funny coordinated clothing and all.
It’s usually pretty easy to spot the Texas delegates. The delegation’s scheduled Thursday attire:
The protests outside the Xcel Center on this first day were just as underwhelming as the convention inside (though we hear journalist Amy Goodman was arrested). The atmosphere outside was not that much different than being at the state fair, which wrapped up here today.
Of course, much of the real action happens at the many private events happening after official business at places like the Science Museum and the Minnesota Historical Society. Both are within walking distance of the hockey arena-turned-GOP-glee-fest.
More on that later in the week …
The convention kicked off subtly today, amid tension about arrival of Hurricane Gustav.
The ever-weakening storm was the center of attention here. Texas Gov. Rick Perry appealed via telecast to delegates to donate generously to hurricane relief efforts. Laura Bush and Cindy McCain also implored attendees to donate generously.
A “Hurricane Information Center” at the convention had jumbo TVs tuned to storm coverage. President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Gov. Perry all canceled their convention appearances due to the storm. (We have to believe the McCain people are relieved that the unpopular Bush and Cheney won’t appear.)
It’s no secret that parts of the Republican base aren’t thrilled with McCain, but so far the GOP is doing a decent approximation of the Democrats’ show of unity last week. Delegates appear to be in lockstep behind John McCain. Only one delegate even hinted that support among the 138 Texas delegates was anything less than 100 percent. “About 99 percent,” he said.
Another delegate said it was more important to have a president with a “conservative ear,” regardless of whether they agreed completely on policies.
Inside the arena, the slogan “Country First” rings the floors. An over-sized, slowly waving digital American flag provided the backdrop. We’re thinking they’re going to stress patriotism.
By the way, Texans wore chambray shirts and cream-colored cowboy hats today, some with blinking pins that illuminated their section whenever the lights dimmed. As always, the Texans weren’t hard to find.
