Republican preview

Human Events online reports the following about the RNC thus far:

"Palin: Derided by Democrats as "desperate" and "bizarre," and celebrated by conservative activists as redemption for McCain, the Palin pick is certainly a high-risk/high-reward decision.
Conservative enthusiasm for McCain's choice cannot be overstated. The mood in Minneapolis over the weekend was giddy, and the talk among delegates and conservative activists focused almost exclusively on Palin. Support for her was nearly unanimous. McCain needed to energize the base, and he had no time to waste. He did it.

Picking a brand-new governor whose previous job was small-town mayor in a far-off state has serious potential downsides. For one, it somewhat de-fangs the attack that Obama is not ready to lead—which was the entire message of the GOP counter-convention operation in Denver last week. On the other hand, if Republicans drop that attack, the worries about Obama's inexperience will probably persist in voters' minds, and a running mate's inexperience won't be as important.

Palin not only plucks the pro-life and conservative strings in the GOP base, but she also hits the reform note that has gotten louder among GOP dissidents following the party's spending binge in Washington and crushing defeat in 2006. McCain's reform message, criticism of ethanol and sugar subsidies, and crusades against pork and waste were his strong points in the eyes of the base. Palin multiplies those virtues, standing in rebuke to the old guard of the GOP.

Her sex introduces many important dynamics to this race. First, however, it is important to understand that she will have very limited reach into the pool of former supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton. Some female Clinton voters—not likely a significant number—were already considering a vote for McCain, and this pick could solidify their leanings. Will conservative female turnout increase? If McCain can get 49% of the female vote, he will win, but there are no early signs that Palin will have such an impact."

Yesterday, the Republican convention was muted at best save the appearances of Mrs. Bush and Mrs. McCain which brought the convention hall to their feet for 5 minute ovations. The Republicans stayed above partisan politics and advocated their message of "country first" by
asking delegates and guests to keep the denizens of the Gulf Coast in our thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Bush and McCain asked the audience to take off their Republican hats and put on their American hats in light of what was happening with Gustav and the Gulf Coast states. Their were also video messages from Governors Perry (TX), Barber (MS), Riley (AL), and Crist (FL). Folks interested in giving $5 to the Red Cross can text the message "Give" to 2HELP. You'll receive a confirmation message that you will need to respond to in kind. Overall, though it was a truncated first day, it was an affective way to begin the convention considering the circumstances.

Tonight, the Republicans will feature Senator Fred Thompson, President Bush (via satellite), and Senator Joe Lieberman. The tone, again, is expected to be above partisan politics before the real fireworks begin on Wednesday and Thursday.

There are 64 days until the presidential election. And, it's been 2,745 days since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless!