From the Convention – Day 4

Here’s the last update from Karen and Darla who were on site all week for the GOP Convention in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

We were honored to attend the last night of this historic occasion: John McCain accepted the presidential nomination “with gratitude, humility and confidence,” during the Republican National Convention.

Following initial business on the agenda, the evening began with a number of speakers including Senator Sam Brownback from Kansas, Senator Mel Martinez from Florida, Senator Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, Oklahoma Congresswoman Mary Fallen, and Minnesota Governor Tom Pawlenty.

Cindy McCain introduced her husband, Senator John McCain.

During his acceptance speech, Senator John McCain told us, “We believe in … a culture of life – personal responsibility, the rule of law and judges who dispense justice impartially and don’t legislate from the bench.  We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods, and communities.”  His was an inspiring, confident speech as he accepted the nomination.

Governor Sarah Palin joined Senator McCain on the stage at the conclusion of his remarks.  Balloons and confetti fell as the crowd roared their approval of their new nominees.

The 2008 Republican National Convention has now adjourned. The delegates have voted, the candidates have accepted, and the Republican ticket for president and vice president is decided. Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin are the Republican nominees.

As they waved to the cheering crowd, we thought to ourselves – what a great pro-life team!

From the Convention – Day 3

Here’s the latest from Darla & Karen, still keeping up with the RNC Convention in St. Paul:

What an amazing night! We had the privilege of watching as Sarah Palin accepted the Republican National Committee’s vice presidential nomination. The arena (the Minnesotans affectionately refer to it as “The House That Norm Built”) was packed tonight. Everyone was filled with excitement as we anticipated Sarah Palin’s speech. 

We heard from a number of speakers including Michael Steele, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Former Governor Mike Huckabee spoke on behalf of John McCain and pointed out that John McCain understands the importance of protecting human life from conception until natural death.

At long last, pro-life Governor Sarah Palin made her entrance. She was poised and confident as she took the stage. 

Sarah Palin introduced her family to us: her children, her husband Todd, and her parents. She talked about her youngest son, Trig, who was born with Down Syndrome in April.

She shared,

“…in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.

“That’s how it is with us.We were moved, some of us to tears, as she shared this message.  Some research journals and magazines report that approximately 90 percent of babies diagnosed in the womb with Down Syndrome are aborted.

“Our family has the same ups and downs as any other … the same challenges and the same joys.

“Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.

“And children with special needs inspire a special love.

“To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.

“I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.”

 Did we mention the place was packed and the only open seats were in the media section? The media sat stone-faced throughout her speech, especially when she pointed directly at them and said, “…here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion – I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country.” She was bold and to the point and confronted them head on.  Those of us sitting in the media section who supported her stood out as we had a difficult time containing our laughter at this point.

At times we laughed and other times we cried as she shared her message. It is evident to those who were there that Governor Sarah Palin will bring much energy to the campain over the next nine weeks.

At the end of the evening to the delight of the crowd, Senator John McCain joined Sarah Palin on stage.

Following the speeches and entertainment, the delegates officially unanimously nominated John McCain as the Republican nominee for U.S. President.

More tomorrow as Senator John McCain accepts his party’s nomination.

From the Convention – Day 2

Darla St. Martin and Karen Cross were again on the convention floor for Day 2 of the Republican National Convention.  Here’s their latest report:

Even Gustav didn’t dampen the spirits of those attending the Republican National Convention tonight. Fortunately, the hurricane wrecked far less havoc than anticipated, with the residents of the Gulf Coast still on everyone’s minds, the Convention resumed its normal schedule and is on track to complete the business of nominating pro-life candidates Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for US president and vice president.

Pro-life Senator Norm Coleman (U.S. Senator from Minnesota) welcomed everyone to Minnesota. He was followed by pro-life Congresswoman Michele Bachmann from Minnesota’s sixth Congressional district. Congresswoman Bachmann emphasized the importance of everyone coming together and encouraged all Minnesotans to carry on the tradition of “Minnesota Nice”.

Wes Gullet introduced his daughter, Nicky, who was one of two babies Cindy McCain brought back after Mother Teresa told her about two babies who would die if she didn’t take them. One had a severe cleft palate and the other was suffering from severe malnutrition. The McCains adopted one of the babies and the Guttners adopted the other, Nicky. Nicky wrote an essay describing how proud she is to be an American. She is now a U.S. citizen.

First Lady Laura Bush introduced President George W. Bush, a great friend of life, who spoke by satellite.

During former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson’s rousing speech, he brought down the house when he pointed out that “we need a President who doesn’t think that the protection of the unborn or a newly born baby is above his pay grade.” The crowd erupted. It was great! 

More tomorrow…

From the Convention – Day 1

Here’s the latest from Darla St. Martin, our co-executive director and Karen Cross, our political director, who are in Minneapolis for the GOP convention:

Greetings from Minneapolis and Day 1 of the RNC Convention. 

Today, obviously, all of our prayers are going out to the residents of the Gulf Coast coping with Hurricane Gustav.   Because of the storm, the convention schedule today has been shortened.  Most of the country will only see the prefunctory issues (credentials committee, rules committee, platform committee, etc) regarding the governance of the convention and the part on C-SPAN.  First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain each gave brief remarks before the convention gaveled to recess for the evening.

One special note: the platform committee report was adopted by the entire convention making the GOP’s platform — containing the strongest-ever language on life — official.

Of course, the entire convention and, indeed, the entire country are abuzz with the selection of Governor Palin as Senator McCain’s running mate.  As our press release noted last week, Governor Palin is a strong pro-lifer and has served as a positive witness for life. 

We look forward to the days ahead and we’ll keep you posted.

Darla & Karen

Look for more updates from Minneapolis!  Thanks Darla & Karen!