From Contributing Editor Kevin Holst:
After taking a 6:30 a.m. flight from Denver, I arrived at the MPLS/St. Paul Airport which appeared rather quiet this AM and nearly a RNC volunteer can be seen. Based on reports (half joking of course) from the DNC in Denver, there were more volunteers than delegates at DIA. No such ratio here.
Besides my desire to save a few dollars, I decided to exhibit my green, sustainable character by taking Minneapolis’ relatively new light rail from the airport to Downtown. Memo to Denver’s RTD: What a truly earth shattering and thoughtful idea; build the first light rail line from the airport to Downtown. After a short 15 minute ride to downtown, I strolled down the Nicollet Mall to have some breakfast and find Minnesota’s own Caribou Coffee. In the end, I decided on my old favorite, the Local.
The Local is a popular Irish bar/restaurant on Nicollet Mall and is frequented by the locals for its traditional Irish breakfast (i.e., lots of meat, bangers and creamy hash browns). I decided to forgo the creamy hash browns for a side of fruit, because I am from Boulder County after all, and I have the pressure of living around some of the fittest people on the planet.
Unlike Denver’s showing of law enforcement might, Minneapolis’ finest are barely visible. Either Minnesotans are too nice or Denver went a little overboard. The latter perhaps . . . . Nonetheless, Nicollet Mall (i.e., Minneapolis’ version of the 16th Street Mall) was abuzz with locals and RNC visitors. As one might expect at a Republican event, there were a lot of blue blazers around.
On my way cab ride over to the Colorado delegation hotel, I was able to see the nearly completed I-35W bridge over the mighty Mississippi River. It is hard to imagine that a bridge could be completed that quickly, but the State’s determination (and likely strong Governor) got it done.
At about 3:30 p.m. (CST), Senator John McCain appeared on television to announce that the Convention’s Monday agenda would be scaled back as it is not time for partisanship. Without notes and speaking from his true convictions, Sen. McCain asked Americans to focus their attention on what we can do as a country to support the Americans whose lives will be turned upside down from the effects of Hurricane Gustav. The obvious conclusion from his announcement was that Sen. McCain is ready to lead on day one.
Moving onto the selection of Governor Sarah Palin as Sen. McCain’s running mate . . . . The Colorado and Oklahoma (same hotel as Colorado) delegates who I spoke with are nearly unanimous in their support of this selection. As one delegate mentioned, Gov. Palin has more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket combined. As only the Democrats can spin it, they have attacked her by alleging she lacks experience (e.g., foreign relations). One Colorado delegate correctly responded that she is the only one who has served as a commander in chief (i.e., the Alaska National Guard).
Evidently, the Democrats also fail to realize that Alaska shares a border with Canada and is right next door to Russia. The geopolitical challenges faced by the Governor of Alaska are a bit more than that of a community organizer and state legislator from Illinois. The Democrats will also soon learn that she is keenly aware of the challenges faced by our dependence on foreign energy sources.
The selection of Governor Palin has been effective at firing up the Republican base. As America gets to know her, Americans will gain an appreciation for this dynamic and strong leader. As the polls are now showing, the Obama/Biden ticket’s expected bounce from the DNC has been completely deflated by Sen. McCain’s selection (e.g., CNN Poll has it Obama 49 to McCain 48).
The Host Committee held a delegation welcome party at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Sunday evening. I was floored and amazed by the event. The event was a sneak preview of the Civic Fest, a free public exhibit commencing on Monday. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Besides memorabilia of every imaginable type, exhibits were spread throughout the convention center, including U.S. flags since the 1780s, White House place settings, a replica of Air Force One, a video of the Civil War in 4 minutes, a presidential bus from the 1940s, and a replica of the Oval Office. Sprinkled throughout the convention hall were sections on Minnesota’s history. The Minnesota sports history exhibit was definitely exciting for this kid who grew up in small-town Minnesota.
After the event, I left for a Sammy Hagar concert at First Avenue. First Avenue is a Minnesota institution that has hosted the who’s who of music for the last few decades. This is where I will leave off.
Monday’s report will include comments by Congresswoman Heather Wilson (N.M.), former Secretary Jim Nicholson, Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Governor John Huntsman (Utah), and Andy McCain. They are all expected to speak at the Colorado Delegation’s breakfast. God Bless.