So I had the chance to see firsthand the hoopla of Day four of the RNC in St. Paul…
It was really a mission in political people-watching, if nothing else. As I had blogged previously, I don’t see much to get excited about at the conventions, for both parties, every four years. Their purpose in the political machine doesn’t much matter to the average American. And the predictable formula of speech after speech really doesn’t make for compelling television no matter what your politics are. I had hoped McCain would try something different, but of course the play-it-safe mentality of modern PR wins out every time.
My thought is, if a pastor can adlib a sermon three times a weekend, can’t we expect a candidate for president to prepare well enough to be able to junk a teleprompter for a primetime TV appearance?
In any case, I feel privileged to have been able to be on the floor during John McCain’s acceptance speech, courtesy of my day job. I had a floor pass, and a video camera, and walked around before McCain took his place at the podium. It was odd to see so many delegates sitting in chairs on the floor, yet were unable to see the speaker because of all the media and other delegates walking around them. Security made us all kneel when McCain was speaking, except when the crowd stood to cheer.
Security was extremely tight getting into the RiverCentre, and the Xcel Energy Center. The fencing all around the perimeter was crazy to see. I’m sure the restaurants in the area didn’t see anywhere near the boost in business during the RNC… few people ventured out once they got in, I’m sure.
I could ramble more, but my lasting memory of the RNC – beyond the confetti and balloons hitting me on the floor – is the idiot on a bullhorn shouting at all of us walking out the fenced in area at the conclusion of the evening.
“F— you, Republicans!”
Nice. Get a job.
