“All’s well that ends well” appears to be the mantra of the 2008 Republican convention in St. Paul. A gathering that started late and in a far from celebratory atmosphere, is ending strong. McCain gave his speech on Thursday with the party unified, party activists energized and the polling virtually tied.
This 2008 Republican convention marks the eighth one attended by David Tyson, past state party official and current delegate. Discussing the different gatherings, he contrasted the energy of this convention to the lack of enthusiasm at the 1996 convention that nominated Bob Dole.
At that convention Dole’s selection of Jack Kemp did little to energize the conservative base. In contrast, McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin did much to unify the party and energize the base.
Tyson met Palin’s brother and father at the Minneapolis convention center. They were looking for Palin buttons, just as Tyson was. The fact that none could be found was an indicator of the Governor’s popularity after her Wednesday speech.
Palin’s address electrified the convention audience. A factor in the response was the perception that the media attacks on the Governor of Alaska were personal, sexist and elitist. Palin’s speech prompts one to believe that her theme song will be John Mellencamp’s “I was born in small town.”
Her address was interrupted eight times by boos from the audience. One time when she referred to journalist attacks, many of the delegates turned and booed the media section in the stands
McCain’s nomination is a tribute to persistence. Many of the West Virginia supporters were with the Arizona senator in his 2000 campaign and in 2008 stayed with him in the dark days before New Hampshire when he had low standings in the polls.
Today the voter surveys have McCain tied with 60 days left. The degree of parity in the polls suggests that each party accomplished their convention goals when it came to party unity and activists’ energy.
It seemed appropriate that a session would close with country music star John Rich singing “Raising McCain.”
- Dr. Rupp is professor of political science and history at West Virginia Wesleyan College
No comments:
Post a Comment