Lia Moran is an alternate delegate from Littleton, CO and a supporter of Every Child Matters. This is the first convention she has attended, although she's been watching them since 1988. Lia is politically active in Colorado and has volunteered for Republican and Democratic campaigns at all levels, from state house to the White House.

She'll be blogging every day about what's happening inside the convention.

Day 4: Thursday, Sept. 4

Everyone knows that the last day of the Convention is really just the ramp up to the acceptance speech by the nominee. After Sarah Palin's explosive speech last night, McCain was going to have to connect with voters in and outside of the Convention Hall. Before entering the convention hall, I believed that this challenge was going to be difficult for the Senator.
 
I never did make it to the floor. Because of the change in floor plan, Colorado's delegation was going to be front and center on prime time television, and the networks didn't want any empty seats, so there would be no switching of seats.

Before Thursday night, I hadn't heard in-depth what McCain thought we needed to do about improving our schools and preparing our students for the future. McCain said, "We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice. Let's remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work. When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parent -- when it fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them. Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have the choice, and their children will have that opportunity...I want schools to answer to parents and students."

It sounds to me like No Child Left Behind is going to get a makeover, which my friends who are teachers tell me is necessary.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the convention. I had always watched them on TV with great interest. Being from Denver, I was able to experience both conventions in two completely different ways. In Denver, I attended events that were open to the public and watched politicos, pundits and some celebrities take over my town. In Minneapolis, I watched some of the same politicos and pundits descend on the Twin Cities.

I met some amazing people in the Colorado delegation. Many of the delegates and alternates were significantly older than me, but it drove the point home that members of BOTH parties need to reach out and involve younger voters in their campaigns. This doesn't let the younger crowd off the hook. We have a responsibility to care about more than just our technological gadgets and for things we can only see in front of us. Both candidates have encouraged their supporters to look beyond the four walls of their homes and schools and to serve others.
 
There's a leadership style called "Servant Leadership," and I think both candidates use different aspects of that leadership style in their campaigns. Servant Leadership is essentially basing your decisions and actions on how it will affect the people you serve, not just yourself. I see elements of Servant Leadership in both John McCain and Barack Obama.
 
I have enjoyed this week thoroughly and plan to be back in 2012 as a delegate for Colorado again. See you on the road. I'll be back in the Mile High City on Saturday, while today I am visiting friends and family in the Twin Cities.

Day 3: Wednesday, Sept. 3

Wednesday's session at the Xcel Center was electric. Everyone knew the big issue for the evening was going to be Sarah Palin's speech. Every reporter who stopped any member of our delegation asked about what tonight's speech meant for Sarah Palin and Republicans. Everyone agreed, this was the biggest speech of her career so far.
 
Breakfast was at 7:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., and considering how late I was up the evening before, it was certainly earlier than I would have liked. We had a special guest for breakfast who had to work the morning talk show circuit so we had to get up early—Karl Rove, former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush. He has close ties to Colorado; he lived here as a kid and still has extended family here.
 
When I got to the Xcel Center, I wandered the halls a bit looking for famous people. I didn't see many, especially not any that I could get close to. There are Secret Service agents everywhere! But I did see Wes Gullett, the gentleman from Arizona whose daughter came from one of Mother Teresa's orphanages in Bangladesh. I walked up to him and introduced myself. I told him the most abbreviated version of my journey to America. He left me with the words, "I'm so glad you're here. I know your parents are, too. There are no words to express the feeling when your child, who has traveled across the world is placed in your arms." Wow.
 
The evening began with remarks from Michael Steele, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani. It was interesting to see Romney, Huckabee and Giuliani all stumping for McCain. When I think back to the primary season, I remember a completely different exchange.
 
There are no words to describe the feeling and sound of the Xcel Center when Gov. Palin stepped onto the stage. The hall absolutely exploded when she walked out onto the stage. I know there were people in the audience who were anxious to learn about her family and what she plans to do as Vice President. The crowd seemed touched when she introduced her family, talked about the challenges that every family has, and promised to be a champion for children with special needs.
 
After the speeches and the excitement died down, the Roll Call process began for the nomination of the GOP's pick for President. I've watched almost every convention that I can remember (both parties) and I love watching the Roll Call. My favorite part is when the person who gets to address the chairman/chairwoman and give the convention their vote count. The spokesperson for the state almost ALWAYS goes into a 2 minute diatribe about why their state has the greatest "fill in the blank".
 
Tonight, we celebrated Colorado's purple mountain majesties and Massachusetts' Boston Red Sox (yuck). Anyone who watched Roll Call tonight probably noticed about halfway through the roll, states began passing on voting. I learned that this is because as a courtesy to John McCain's home state, other states will pass on first vote, so that when the convention starts the roll call over again, Arizona will be the state to put his vote count over the limit.
 
Tonight, we will hear from our nominee, John McCain as he accepts the party's nomination. I've been PROMISED that a delegate or two will switch places with me tonight so I can spend some time on the floor...and I can bring you better pictures!

Day 2:  Tuesday, Sept. 2

Tuesday was an exciting day at the Convention. The RNC is trying to get back on track and after a program cut short on Monday, due to Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf Coast region. We knew early in the day that the evening would a be long one.
 
I love being in St. Paul. It's a beautiful city with pieces of old architecture, like St. Paul's Cathedral, to the glass and steel buildings stretching into the northern sky in the city. The Mississippi River runs through the city and at one point curves and flows east-west. The capital city is beautiful, green and breathtaking.
 
I spent the afternoon at the Minnesota History Center attending an event by The White House Project. They hosted a screening of "14 Women," a documentary following the 14 female U.S. Senators in 2006. As a Senate hopeful myself, it was inspiring to hear the stories of these women who were able to balance the different facets of their lives and campaign actively and win a seat in Congress.
 
After an emergency stop to Starbucks, I headed over to the Xcel Center ready to hear from Fred Thompson, President Bush and Joe Lieberman. The theme for the evening was getting to know who John McCain is. Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson addressed the convention supporting John McCain (Thompson ran in the primaries for President).

One of the most touching stories of the evening came from long-time friend of the McCain family, Wes Gullet, of Phoenix, AZ. When Cindy McCain was visiting Bangladesh, working in one of Mother Teresa's orphanages, she brought back to the states two baby girls who had little chance of survival. Cindy McCain knew that Wes and his wife were trying to start a family and brought a daughter to them. She also brought home a new daughter for the McCain family--without discussing it with her husband and family. I was adopted from a Sisters of Charity orphanage in India in 1979. My parents gave me a second chance at life. I firmly believe that had I not been adopted, my chances of survival would have been incredibly slim. 
 
Also speaking to the convention last night were President George W. Bush (via satellite) and Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT). President Bush reiterated his support for McCain. Senator Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats told the crowd he knew that a lot of people were probably wondering what he was going at the convention. He said,  "What you can expect from John McCain as President is precisely what he has done this week: which is to put country first."
 
Also in attendance was former President George H.W. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, Cindy McCain, Bridget McCain, Meghan McCain and 12 of the POWs who were with John McCain at the Hanoi Hilton. Tonight we're looking forward to Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney addressing the convention.  Even more exciting, it is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's night to speak.

More tomorrow...

Day 1:  Monday, Sept. 1

You know those days when you're incredibly proud to be an American? Today was one of those days. I know that politicians are known for platitudes and empty rhetoric (and that's both sides of the aisle), but we knew going into the Xcel Energy Center today that this would be different. The balloons are still held snugly in the rafters in anticipation of a party. But tonight, there was no party.

Today the party leadership, Mike Duncan and Ken Mehlman, both urged delegates and alternates and those at home to reach out to their fellow Americans and help the people of the Gulf states region.

This wasn't the opening day I expected. The federal government has the chance to begin to right the wrongs from three years ago. The scars of Katrina are still there and will be there for years to come. I've met delegates from the state of Louisiana, and they are wonderful people. They talk fast and hug you on the spot. They appreciate that other Americans are concerned about them and pray for them.

The highlight of the session today was a visit from First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, wife of John McCain, who both asked the delegates and alternate delegates to donate to various hurricane relief funds and to encourage their friends to do the same.

Before the session started, I attended "Walk the Red Carpet" at the Ordway Performing Arts Center. The event's purpose was to shed light on the issue of heart disease and women. The guest speaker for the event was one of my favorite women in politics, Mary Matalin. She spoke on one of my favorite topics, women's leadership and encouraged the women in the room to run for office and pledge to make a difference in the lives of others. She also said, "If you want something said, elect a man. If you want something done, elect a woman."

I did not know until I returned to the hotel that there had been a scuffle between protesters and police near the capitol. The Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments have kept protesters as far away as possible. I didn't see any protesters, but I could hear a rally a few streets away. Only by watching the local news in Minneapolis did I learn that the protesters were demonstrating against the Iraq war, the Bush administration, and the GOP convention. I am safe.  More tomorrow...

Comments (16)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

the Truth
written by lynn, September 05, 2008

Whether you are Republican or Democratic, you should want the truth about your candidate's positions. The McCain/Palin ticket is an extreme ticket that has fought funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200...gnancies_4) and thinks the pill and IUDs are a form of abortion. They promote abstinence-only sex education and don't want to fund early childhood education. Their budget promotes home schooling and school choice (http://www.openeducation.net/2...education/) along with grants to let kids get online tutorial help.

coffee shop owner, wife, mother of two
written by Fran Hesch, September 05, 2008

I was a city council member for 8 years. One thing I learned is how important it is not to alienate anyone with whom you will have to work to create relationships that are good for your city and your citizens. I hope Sarah Palen's insensitive and insulting remarks about community organizers (something to the effect of "I was Mayor which is like a community organizer only with responsibilities) was simply a mistake and not the tone for the future, should she remain on the national scene. Being a huge parent activist for many years with the Council for Civic Parent Leadership, I also made the choice NOT to get involved in politics until my youngest child started school as even as council member you must oftentimes sacrifice your family for the greater good. Anyone who says differently either hasn't been in politics or isn't doing a good job as an elected official. There simply isn't enough time to do both well and I believe the politics should wait until after the children have been nurtured in their early years. No, I don't think Sarah is a great role model for family values.

Director, Idaho Women's Commission
written by Kitty Kunz, September 04, 2008

I hope that anyone making negative comments about Sarah Palin will consider taking a second look. The comments had a partison twist to them. We should be proud of any women or man that speaks up for children and families. It is proven that families are the best place for children. Let's not jump to judgement by listening to the negatives without taking the time to check out the facts and to listen to what the person has to say. I have a special needs grandchild and I think anyone that recognizes the struggles families face in dealing with a child of special needs is wonderful. All children need help, but those of special needs need even more help.

parent, grandparent, child care provider, early childhood educator, community voulnteer, middle class citizen
written by Debi Dawe, September 04, 2008

First of all what the Republican VP's family has or has not done in a personal world should be just that, PERSONAL! I never got a memo from God announcing he appointed a co-pilot.
Second of all I believe EVERY voter in America should visit D.C. I'm afraid the reality of what LITTLE power our over paid President has, would be a real eye opener. You voters need to ask your state Senators and Congress what their views are, they are the people who are the real driving force. It makes me sick to see both parties spending millions of dollars to live in a glass house when we here in America have children living in poverty, starving, homeless, abused, getting a poor education setting them up to fail and Americans allow it, even turn our heads, ignore it. I would challange both parties to look at our children's issues. After all aren't they the future. If you want to know what our future leaders are facing I encourage you to visit www.everychildmatters.org. Be a real voice for OUR children. Make a statement, return the mail politions sent. Write refused, use this money to feed help our children! I have asked this question to both parties and NOT gotten an answer. You need to ask too! If we keep asking what about the children MAYBE we will draw attention to the issue and get answers.

...
written by Don Shank, September 04, 2008

As a childless 84-year-old, my wife and I failed to be blessed because of her health problems beginning the first year of our marriage. We did not adopt, but always loved children, and being led by our Creator, have contributed with joy to their well-being. I'm thrilled at the prospects of Sarah Palin, mother of five, helping lead this country come January.

Keep up the good coverage
written by Becky Updike, September 03, 2008

Great blogging Lia-- I'm enjoying following along. I hope we hear more about child poverty, children/families at-risk and health coverage for all children (from both parties). Keep up the good coverage.

Who is Palin?
written by Candace, September 03, 2008

I feel that John McCain selected Palin as a "strategic" plan due to the OUTSTANDING DNC that took place last week. I think McCain is learning about Palin more and more each day, just like us!! A representative for McCain could not even answer the question of what was the one thing Palin did that made her the final candidate. America is serious trouble, and to reiterate what was said at the DNC, we can not afford more of the same..that is a scary thought!

You've Got to be Kidding
written by Val , September 03, 2008

Couldn't agree more with Lawrence and Carol. The last 8 years of Bush and company have made the gap between the "haves" and the "have-nots" the largest in history. This is inexcusable and unacceptable in a country as wealthy as the USA.

That is funny
written by Sherry, September 03, 2008

CJ Notsnave, I heard she was pro-choice yesterday! She made the decision to keep her baby but would respect others choice to choose not too. Yes, lets find out the 'real' story here!

...
written by CJ Notsnave, September 03, 2008

Yesterday while listening to NPR I heard a commentator say that Sarah Palin supports gay rights (in addition to being pro-life.) I think this is interesting, but can this be confirmed?

...
written by crystal, September 03, 2008

As a mother of 3 young children, nothing makes me more proud as an American than to hear the number of people that are committing to "stepping up for children". The future of our country depends upon the children we are raising, and we need to make sure they are afforded every opportunity when it comes to education. And while I may not agree with all of the actions that Bush has taken, I firmly believe that he has kept our country safe over the past 7 years, which is vitally important to all of us, especially our children, as they are the future. I think we have to look at where we are and realize that some of the challenges that we as a country have been faced with over the past 8 years, were years in the making, and prior to the Bush Administation. Look back line by line at the 8 years of the Clinton administration, study it. You will find a great many of the things the media has broadcast are entirely false, I have spent the last 3 years researching it. The Clinton Administration left quite a mess for the next administration to clean up that was never mentioned by the media.

...
written by Lawrence, September 03, 2008

I will be participating in the Step Up for Kids Day event here, but have been sorely disappointed in the record of the Bush administration over the last 7 years. I guess the recent lack of real committment toward helping our kids is the reason we have to have events like this. Who is going to step up? For goodness sake, talk to some of those folks you are hugging about supporting SCHIP and after-school programs, and daycare, etc. You are amongst the very people who have slashed funding for useful kids programs. Please get them to do something positive and supportive.

...
written by Sherry, September 03, 2008

Thanks for blogging from a bipartisan platform. I am anxiously awaiting to hear from Palin this evening. I am excited that there is a female in this race, I think that is exactly what this country needs. This will be a historic election and I can't wait to watch it unfold. The only thing I don't like is the haters, and boy oh boy I have heard alot of them this time around.

Can't say Palin makes me want to vote for my party
written by jamie tschilda, September 03, 2008

but I'm glad there is a someone making sure that real issues affecting childrern get a little attention in the convention aside all the media chaos.

...
written by Carol, September 03, 2008

I cannot imagine anything that can be said or done to untangle the past 8 years especially as a poor person when you have survived so far. We all know that people with money and power and position can do and will do good things that can be notable, but for the masses those deeds are always selective and almost always have alter motives, such as those mentioned. But when you stand at the gates and hurl misery to millions, its hard to be compassionate and understanding, but many of us are forgiving, but simply not trusting - not again

...
written by Gordy Gadsden, September 03, 2008

What is the McCain/Palin position on early education?

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Add Comment