RNC "View from the Floor" - Day 3

From Mark Crowley...

Wow! Things just keep getting better! The day started with the Mass delegation hearing from a fellow POW of John McCain. No matter how many times you hear about McCain's experience, the story is moving and a true insight to his character.

The afternoon was a volunteer effort organized by the RNC. Target donated supplies and each delegation spent an hour assembling care packages for those on the Gulf Coast impacted by Hurricane Gustav. Although each group was scheduled for an hour at a time, most stayed longer to get even more done. It felt great to help others in need.

Wednesday night was the big show, and what a line up. In anticipation of Governor Romney's speech and the Roll Call of the States, several us wore our Red Sox jersey's. Our sign was then topped off with a Sox cap.

Governor Romney kicked things off and just continues to impress the party. We had people from other states keep coming up to the Mass delegation to say how much they liked Mitt and still had great expectations for him in the years to come. After his speech, he came down to the Mass section for a meet & greet. I got an autograph and picture with him!

Gov. Mike Huckabee came after Romney and charmed the crowd as he did audiences throughout the primary. The line about Palin getting more votes as Mayor of Wasilla that Joe Biden did in the primaries - priceless!

Next up was Mayor Rudy Giuliani who almost stole the show and almost made it hard to have Palin live up to him. The applause was so extensive, our "handlers" in the aisles had to keep telling us to cut the applause short, or Palin wouldn't lose her prime time speaking slot. But, it was hard to bottle up the excitement.

Finally, Sarah Palin was incredible. I, like others on the floor were cautiously optimistic at first about her, but after her speech, there's no doubt she's the real deal. The energy on the floor was off the charts. We were jammed in like sardines, but no one cared. And when McCain himself came out for a cameo at the end, the place shook!!

If this campaign this year is about change, then the McCain-Palin ticket is where it's at. You could see the media types wandering the floor just trying to get delegates to express some doubt, using incredibly leading questions. But, it was clear that they were grasping at straws for a sound bite to use against her.

So, tonight is the big show. Come back tomorrow for more!

...Mark