TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2008: 3PM

After breakfast, Debbie, Jeremy and I decided to hit the Mall of America. Jeremy wanted to get an iPhone at the Apple store. We had lunch at Kokomos, a great spot to eat and checked out a number of shops in the mall. When we arrived at the hotel, Anderson Cooper of CNN was checking in. Anderson Cooper is an Emmy award winning journalist, author and television personality. He currently works as the primary anchor of Anderson Cooper 360. Cooper is the son of artist, designer, writer, and heiress Gloria Vanderbilt, granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt II of the prominent Vanderbilt Family.

Jeremy asked Cooper if he could get his photo with him- see above. Cooper said he had just gotten in from the Gulf region. Jeremy asked him how many people were evacuted and he said 1.9 million total and he indicated the levees are holding. He was very gracious and friendly and laughed when Jeremy said he had read his book after getting it at Half Price Books.

It's cloudy and rainy with temps in the mid 70s- great weather if you're an Okie used to triple digits in early September. Full night of festivities at the convention tonight.

Tuesday September 2, 2008- 10am

Tuesday morning began with breakfast at 8am. This morning's speaker was Ron Kessler , Keesler, 65, is an American journalist and author. He is chief Washington correspondent of the conservative news and commentary website Newsmax.com. Kessler wrote A Matter of Character in 2004 which was a book about George W. Bush's presidency. Introduced by Mayor Mick Cornett's COS, David Holt, Kessler's comments were brief and to the point. He predicted David Holt would one day come to Washington as a member of Congress. "Obamas achievements thus far have been purely to get him elected," Kessler said. "It's amazing a person of Obama's age has been able to achieve so little in his lifetime," Kessler said to loud applause. See Kessler's photo above.

USA Today is reporting that several members of the Connecticut were attacked by protesters when going to the Xcel center yesterday. They attempted to ripped the credentials off several members of the delegation and sprayed them with pepper spray. Over 200 protesters were arrested. A Fox News correspondent questioned a number of protesters asking them to identified well known political figures and the responses were amazing. Airing on Fox & Friend this morning, the segment revealed many of the protesters are clueless on who are are protesting.

Our second speaker this morning was Oklahoma 4th District Congressman Tom Cole. Cole said, "If Barack Obama is elected as President and the Democrats retain control of the House and Senate, he will sign anything Reid and Peloski put on his desk." Cole went on to say the Democrats will try to portray Sarah Palin as a hillbilly coming to Washington. "Someone told me they expected Palin to have a "deer in the highlights" look at the press conference announcing her selection as VP," Cole said, "but I told them remember she shoots deer." Cole emphasised that whatever the outcome, this election was going to a historical one. "I want conservatives to understand the Democrat ticket has the most liberal Senator and the third most liberal Senator running." "And the criticism about Palin's experience is unwarranted." "If Obama's experience makes him ready to be President, then Palin is overqualified to be V.P.", Cole concluded.

Walking back to the room, I visited with Dr. Ross Rumph from Enid. He is a retired physician who now participates in medical mission trips throughout the world. What a gracious man. His wife Mary is the former Oklahoma National Committeewoman.

There are a multitude of events and receptions today- the convention starts tonight with a full schedule.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2008- 11:30pm

On the way to the convention, I visited with John Tyler Hammons, the youngest Mayor in America. John Tyler was elected Mayor of Muskogee three months ago. He is currently attending NSU studying Political Science. Hammons loves history and his ambition is to be at least Governor of Oklahoma. He gives out Guitar Picks with Muskogee on them. Muskogee is Oklahoma's music center. The Chamber of Commerce came up with the idea. John Tyler's political mentor is his high school history teacher Jack Harrison. When I asked John Tyler if the office of first lady of Muskogee was filled, he said it was currently vacant, but he was taking applications. John Tyler credits his mother as "the defining person in his life." Hammons is an intelligent, engaging new man with a bright future. Mature beyond his years, he has some ambitious goals for Muskogee. Write his name down- in 2028, we may be attending a convention nominating John Tyler Hammons as a Presidential nominee. See our photo above.

When we reached the Xcel Center around 1pm, the nearly two hour wait allowed me the opportunity to interview several fellow delegates, including State Representative Jack Williams from Alabama. A friend of former Oklahoma GOP State Chairman Steve Edwards, Williams is married with two kids and is attending his first convention. His sixteen year old son is a page. Jack is optimistic that 2008 will be a big year for Alabama with the goal for the GOP to take the State legislature in 2010. Williams said the Palin pick by McCain was "a home run." "It's historical and she is so energetic, it will help Republicans down ticket," Williams concluded.

David Lewis is from Alaska. He is also attending his first convention. He has two kids and lives in Eagle River, Alaska. David said he has met Governor Palin and is excited she will be on the ticket. When asked why he got involved in politics, Lewis said it was because "to understand the government, you need to get involved." David has been involved at all levels of activism- from knocking doors to putting out signs to contributing to campaigns.

Custer County Chairman Steve Millspaugh lives in Weatherford and is involved in the oil and gas industry. Steve is married and has three kids and 3 grandkids. He is attending his second convention- but his first as a delegate. "The convention is different and not what we expected, but we are making the best of a tough situation," Millspaugh said.

While Steve and I were talking a delegate from Colorado, Sharon Johnson came looking for my wife, Debbie. It seems that Sharon's sister lives in Duncan. Her name is Ryleen Driggs and she works at Gardentown. We enjoyed visiting with her and I told her I would love to get her sister involved in the Stephens County GOP.

After that, I went looking for my friend David Barton among the Texas delegation. David is the founder of Wallbuilders, an organization that promotes the fact that America was founded by Christian on Christian principles. I met Mark Klecka, a CPA from Houston. He is currently the President of the Cherry Tree Republicans (cherrytreegop.org). Mark is a University of Houston alumni and got involved in politics because of his concern about tax issues. He is excited about McCain and Palin and said the convention had been "great thus far."

I also met Stan Stanart, a delegate from Texas. Stan graduated from Oklahoma State. He is married and hsi wife is an alternate to the convention. Stan is a candidate- running for County school trustee- a partisan position in their county. When I asked Stan what motivated him to get involved in politics, he cited the influence of David Barton and Wallbuilders. Stan is the immediate past President of the Cherry Tree Republicans.

I found David and we visited briefly before the delegates and alternates were asked to take their seats for the start of the convention. David's organizations Wallbuilders does a great work and I would encourage you to research them and attend one of their events when they are in your area. The link to their web site is: http://wallbuilders.com/

My son Jeremy called me and said that from the Guest seating, he could see thousands of protesters behind a police line. See photo above. The local news channels are reporting that 250 were arrested at the protests, but we never saw them.

State Representative Gary Banz from Midwest City was interviewed on C-Span and fellow blogger Bobby Cleveland (www.thatsjustbob.blog.com) from Slaughterville along with Debbie and I were photographed by the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Bobby was wearing an Uncle Sam hat with dred locks and I must admit cast a pretty striking figure. He was very popular with the photographers, so I expect he will make the highlight reel and a few newspapers.

After the convention was called to order, and before the various committee broke out into their various meetings., RNC Chairman Mike Duncan asked every delegate, alternate and guest to donate $5 via their cell phone to the Red Cross for the victims of Gustav. He encouraged us to give at least that amount.

I serve on the Permanent Rules committee along with Phyllis Gorman of Oklahoma City, so before I went to the meeting, I traded my Delegate badge with Alternate Allie Burgin, Chairman from Garvin County, so he could get on the floor. After the meeting, I sat in the Alternate section for the remainder of the session with my friends- the Boydstuns from Mulhall, Oklahoma.

John and Alice Boydstun drove to Minneapolis. Alice is a long time activist from Payne County and she and John serve as the district committeeman and committeewoman from Payne County to the third district. Alice has been working in local politics for over twenty years. When I asked John about McCain, he replied, "I'm feeling better about him every day." "His POW experience illustrates that when the chips are in the dirt, that's when a man finds out what he is really made of," John concluded.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy from California is Chairman of the Platform committee. Our National Committeeman, Lynn Windel and National Committeewoman, Bunny Chambers represented Oklahoma on the committee. McCarthy was born in Bakersfield, CA, which endears him to a lot of Okies since many traveled to that area during the dust bowl of the 1930s. "We asked people from all walks of life for their input and we ripped out the political rhetoric in this platform," McCarthy said. Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina was co-chair of the platform committee and he said, "this is the most principled platform in over a generation and this platform is a testament to the American spirit." The platform passed unanimously.

In an unannounced surprise visit, the First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain appeared on stage, with Ms. Bush introducing a video of four of the five Governors from the states impacted by Gustav. Texas Governor Rick Perry was standing in front of a National Guard aircraft that was unloading evacuees from Louisiana. Perry said, "This is what we do- we take care of our citizens." Next Bob Riley from Alabama addressed the convention crowd via video. Riley's message was "I want to express my gratitude to the National Guard and when adversity comes, Americans do what is right with character, courage and sacrifice."

Florida Governor Charlie Crist said, "In America, we help our neighbors and Florida is committed to doing just that."

The final Governor to address the crowd by video was former RNC Chairman Haley Barbour. Barbour now serves as Governor of Mississippi. The blunt, candid straight shooting Barbour humbly asked for the prayer of the delegates of the convention. "We need those prayers and appreciate them," Barbour said.

Cindy McCain quoted her husband when she returned to the stage after the videos by saying, "John says that it's time we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats." McCain urged all delegates to contribute to the hurricane victims relief efforts by logging onto causegreater.com.

Shortly after five o'clock, Chairman Duncan asked for a motion to recess. We headed back to the buses about 4 blocks away. A Wisconsin delegate from the 2nd Congressional District show my red Oklahoma shirt and asked me if I knew Jack Dake from Norman. Jack is a friend and the former County Chairman of Cleveland County. One of the reasons Cleveland County is so Republican now is due to Jack's tireless efforts. Regina Schaar was the ladies name and she wanted Jack to know how he had inspired her to get involved and stay involved in politics. Regina is Vice Chairwoman for the 2nd Congressional District in the Cheesehead state- sorry Dairy State.

While standing in line for the bus to pick us up and go back to the hotel, I visited with Colorado State Senator and delegate Jack Taylor from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Taylor has served sixteen years in the legislature and said about Sarah Palin- "She has a bright personality and she understands the oil and gas situation which I believe is critical at this point in time. Jack is termed out and only has about four months to go on his term. He jokingly said, "My wife said if I ran for the house, I would have to find another house to live in."

When we got back to the hotel and to the room, I noticed my phone was missing. My son Jeremy called it and it had fallen out of my pocket on the bus. A Minneapolis police officer rides the bus with us to the Xcel center, so he was kind enough to bring it back to the hotel.

Former 4th district Congressman JC Watts Jr. was in the lobby when I was down getting my phone. J.C. and I visited briefly- I invited him to break bread with me, but he had a previous engagement. He said his wife Frankie's brother had died unexpectedly, so I would urge you to remember that family in prayer as the funeral is later in the week. J.C. will be speaking at our Wednesday morning joint breakfast with Louisiana.

Jeremy, Debbie and I then made the decision to go to Civic Fest at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It has over 35 world class exhibits and lots of stuff to buy. I spent $100 of the Stephens County GOP's money on buttons, including one that said God created Adam & Eve, not Adam & Steve. Trust me, we will get a fair return on investment- We will use the buttons to raise money to help operate the party. We also took photos in a model "Oval Office" and my swearing in ceremony as prez will be a featured item at the next SCGOP Fish Fry. I was so loud in taking the Oath of Office administered by my son, that State GOP 72 hour task force coordinator and Duncan native Carissa Darling had to make her way to the festivities from across the exhibit hall to see what was going on. Carissa said, "I recognized your voice and I had to see what was going on." The favorite thing we brought was a baby bib for my nine month old grandson that says, Liberals make me spit up.

After a quiet, relaxing family dinner with our son at Outback, we made our way back to the hotel. The hospitality room was full of about 45 delegates, alternates and guests sitting in round table fashion talking and joking. After two jokes, I was booed out of the room. Those of you that know me recognize that two of my jokes are about as many as you can take. Seriously, I needed to complete my post and I wanted to get it done before midnight.

It's been an interesting and productive day. We still are unsure of what tomorrow's convention schedule will be. I will keep you updated.

Monday September 1, 2008: 11:50pm

PALIN'S DAUGHTER PREGNANT!

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2944356420080901?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true
ST. PAUL (Reuters) - The 17-year-old daughter of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant, Palin said on Monday in an announcement intended to knock down rumors by liberal bloggers that Palin faked her own pregnancy to cover up for her child.
Bristol Palin, one of Alaska Gov. Palin's five children with her husband, Todd, is about five months pregnant and is going to keep the child and marry the father, the Palins said in a statement released by the campaign of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
Bristol Palin made the decision on her own to keep the baby, McCain aides said.
"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us," the Palins' statement said.
"Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support," the Palins said.
The Palins asked the news media to respect the young couple's privacy.

"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media, respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates," the statement concluded.

MCCAIN KNEW
Senior McCain campaign officials said McCain knew of the daughter's pregnancy when he selected Palin last week as his vice presidential running mate, deciding that it did not disqualify the 44-year-old governor in any way.
In the short period since she was announced last Friday, Palin has helped to energize the Republican Party's conservative base, giving the McCain camp fresh energy going into the campaign for the November 4 election against Democrat Barack Obama.
McCain officials said the news of the daughter's pregnancy was being released to rebut what one aide called "mud-slinging and lies" circulating on liberal blog sites.
According to these rumors, Sarah Palin had faked a pregnancy and pretended to have given birth in May to her fifth child, a son named Trig who has Down syndrome. The rumor was that Trig was actually Bristol Palin's child and that Sarah Palin was the grandmother.
A senior McCain campaign official said the McCain camp was appalled that these rumors had not only been spread around liberal blog sites and partisan Democrats, but also were the subject of heightened interest from mainstream news media.
"The despicable rumors that have been spread by liberal blogs, some even with Barack Obama's name in them, is a real anchor around the Democratic ticket, pulling them down in the mud in a way that certainly juxtaposes themselves against their 'campaign of change,'" a senior aide said.

This reinforces who McCain is- a guy who thinks outside the box. Can you imagine Barack Obama making a decision to keep someone on the ticket whose minor child was pregnant? McCain could have taken the easy road and perhaps the smarter political move, but as his son said, "Every decision my Dad makes is based on Country First."

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2008: 10:30am

Breakfast for the Oklahoma delegation started at 8am. What a line-up of speakers. Congresswoman Heather Wilson from New Mexico, the only woman veteran in Congress and a graduate of the Air Force Academy spoke first. She was introduced by Oklahoma Congresswoman Mary Fallin. Wilson addressed the changes in the convention schedule. "We take care of our neighbors first." The first priority is to take care of the people," Wilson said. She announced that a Hurricane Information Center had been set up for delegates for states that could be potentially impacted by Gustav. "The conditions on the ground in the gulf coast will impact the convention as needed," Wilson stated. Addressing the difference between three years ago and Katrina and today, Wilson said, "One of the major differences is Louisiana now has a Governor which is doing the right thing."

Wilson was followed by former Secretary of Veteran Affairs Jim Nicholson who also headed up the Republican National Committee. Nicholson spoke of a defining moment in 1995 when Senator McCain came to Colorado to campaign for Senator Phil Gramm. "After a long day of campaigning, John McCain wanted to make an unannounced visit to the local VA Hospital." "He didn't want the media or the cameras and his interaction with those veterans was unbelievable."

The next speaker was Governor John Huntsman from Idaho. Huntsman has been a long time supporter of McCain and said Americans need to elect McCain for three reasons- (1) He is a man of vision and leadership, (2) He is an original and (3) He is a phenomenal Dad. Huntsman said, "I have seen him with his children- Bridget, his adopted daughter from Mother Teresa's orphanage and his son who is serving in Iraq without the media around." "He is warm and loving and doesn't reveal that side often." On Sarah Palin, Huntsman said, "Those who are under estimating Sarah Palin and her ability- I can't wait." Huntsman, a former Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Senator, quoted Ronald Reagan when he said, "Only in Washington D.C. would the agency in charge of the outdoors be called the Interior Department." Huntsman said during a recent luncheon with former British Leader Tony Blair he said, "I pay that whomever America chooses is tough, because of the potential crisis's we will face in the future."

The next speaker was retired Air Force Colonel Tom Kirk. He was shot down by the North Vietnamese in October 1967 and was a POW until 1973. He shared a cell with John McCain in Hanoi. Col. Kirk flew combat missions on two tours in Vietnam and one tour in Korea. He retired after 28 years in the United States Air Force and resides in Vail, Colorado. During his captivity, Kirk said he lost ninety pounds. As he described the conditions of he and McCain's imprisonment, tears flowed in the audience. "In my 80 years, I have never met a man with more absolute integrity and resolve than John McCain," Kirk proclaimed. As he described McCain's leadership skills, he did it with a matter of fact, military style that was refreshing and so much different than what you normally see at a political event. "I would walk the last mile of my life with John McCain," Kirk concluded. I had my photo taken with this American hero (See above)

The last speaker was Andy McCain, who is McCain's son from his first marriage. "We used to tease Dad about his service to our country." "He was always saying he owed a debt to our country, but what a lot of people don't know is that before he was shot down, he wrecked 5 fighter jets in battle, so he may still need to work a few more years to pay that debt off." Andy was complimentary of his father. "Every decision my Dad has every made has been country first." "He instilled a sense of patriotism and service to our country that was passed down to him by his father and grandfather." "He's a great Dad."

Morale is high and many of the Oklahoma delegates asked me to see if the local Salvation Army could use us today since we had some down time due to the changes in the convention schedule. Because it is a holiday and the local Salvation Army operation is in disaster mode, they really didn't feel they could accommodate us, however Lisa Mullelur the Captain of the SA in St. Paul said she would call me if they needed some help with the disaster relief. After some housekeeping items and recognition of Brenda Jones, of Jones Public Relations, who organized the breakfast, the event was concluded in prayer led by Tony Lauinger, the Chairman of Oklahomans for Life.

A COUPLE OF OUR INTERNS DID NOT

WANT THEIR IDENTITIES REVEALED!

We have four wonderful young ladies helping with registration, credentials, and hospitality at the National Convention. While I dearly love to tease them, they are a blessing to the delegation. They are so gracious and truly manifest "the fruit of the spirit" in their lives. They are involved in the Character Training Institute program in Oklahoma City. I'm trying to match them up with some good Christian young men- all four are beautiful and are of marrying age, so email me if you think you might be interested- maybe I can stop selling jelly and start a competitive operation with e-harmony.

Sunday August 31, 2008- Midnight

After picking our son Jeremy Fair, a minister from Arlington, Texas at the airport, we rushed back to the hotel and changed clothes to head to the official Welcoming Event at the Minneapolis Convention Center. We "walked the red carpet" and grazed on some "Little Food" as Rodney Dangerfield would say. There was lots of activity at the reception including a display of the former Air Force One- that was retired after George HW Bush. We were able to walk through and tour it. I got my photograph at the door waving and so did Debbie- see above.

I visited with several delegates from other states including a couple from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Their names were Stacy and Eddie Napolitano. Eddie is a Gulf War vet and a big McCain fan. "McCain is a great leader who has character and is a compelling guy," Eddie told me. Stacy and Eddie have been married twelve years and she has been battling cancer ten of those years. He is President of the SE Broward County GOP Club and is an Alternate delegate to the convention. It's his first convention.

I talked with Mary Jones, our State Party Chairman's wife. Mary Jane is a kindergarten teacher in Cache. She said she had enjoyed the evening at Game Works on Sunday evening. The Louisiana delegation had sponsored the event and because of Gustav, they had several extra tickets. Game Works is an adult game place kind of like Chuckie Cheese for adults. Mary works behind the scenes- laboring without recognition. Much of the time no one knows what Mary has done and she likes it that way, but her support of Gary and the party is under appreciated.

I also talked to Rebecca, a volunteer working the red carpet at the Welcoming Event. Rebecca isn't a Republican, she was only volunteering as her "civic" duty. She was gracious and said the Republican delegates had been very nice.

I saw my friend Representative Gary Banz and his lovely wife Linda at the event. Marc Nuttle, a Norman attorney and political operative was at the event and we visited. Marc is a principled man who ran Pat Robinson's campaign for President. Marc is a joy to be around.

After we got back to the hotel, we went to the hospitality suite where I visited with Lukus and Ellany Collins. Lukus is an investment analysis and an Alternate Delegate. He was elected at the 5th district convention. Lukus and Ellany have a beautiful two year old daughter they brought to the convention with them. He was home schooled and is a graduate of ORU. "I decided in the summer that I wanted to get involved in politics and really Ron Paul inspired me to get involved," Lukas said. Lukus worked on a local state legislative race- Andrew Winningham who narrowly lost to Jason Nelson. Collins plans to attend the Rally for the Republic which will be on Tuesday all day at the Target Center. Congressman Paul is speaking, as is Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr.

I also visited with Toby Pedford is a delegate from the 5th district. Toby is married and has two girls and this is his first convention. He works in investments and insurance. Toby is an African-American whose candor and openness was refreshing. "What black people are looking for in politics is liberty," Toby said. "In reality, that's what Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X were proclaiming to African-Americans," Toby said.

"Blacks vote primarily for someone who recognize that blacks are part of the community," Pedford stated. "It's amazing that African-Americans vote for Democrats when so much of what the Democrats stand for- same sex marriage, abortion on demand- the black community does not support," Toby said. I mentioned that former Oklahoma Congressman J.C. Watts had pointed out that Republicans sort of "write off" the black vote and Pedford agreed that is a problem.

Pedford is also a big fan of Congressman Paul and said that Paul's proposal to allow non-violent inmates to retain their right to bear arms would impact the African-American community in a positive way. "It would reduce violence and allow fathers to protect their families," Toby said. Pedford is an intelligent, rational thinker. I I hope he seeks elective office someday. He has the iron rail up the shirt tail necessary to make a difference.

I visited with former Keating Chief of Staff Howard Barnett briefly. Howard is a Co-Chair of the McCain campaign. He said it is a possibility the Senator may accept the nomination via satellite hook-up due to Gustav. Howard is an unassuming, approachable gentlemen with an easy wit and outgoing personality. Too bad he was unsuccessful in his bid for State Treasurer- he would have been a good one.

Gary Jones and I went to the ballroom to check it out for tomorrow night's events when Grace Hickman, the 1st District GOP Chair cornered me and said that Wolf Bitzer from CNN was staying at our hotel and I should interview him. We waited in the lobby for thirty minutes until someone with a CNN badge came by. She is a producer for CNN and while she said I could not publish her name due to my blogging for Fox, she was candid and engaging. As we began the interview, others joined in until finally I was writing as fast as I could. She asked the following question:

What was our reaction to McCain's pick of Sarah Palin for Vice President?

State Representative Sally Kern said, "If you heard her speech on Friday, you understand this lady has passion and conviction." "She is not afraid to go after the good old boys," Kern concluded. Gary Jones, State GOP Chair, said "Palins primary assets are her integrity and judgement." Don Burdick from Tulsa pointed out to the CNN producer, "You note that none of us have mentioned Palin was picked because she is a woman." "She was picked because she has the ability to lead."

The unnamed producer pressed the point about Palin's inexperience, but with multiple voices attempting to point out that Palin's resume has more executive experience than McCain, Biden or Obama and that Obama's resume is thinner than a fruit rollup, I could not list all the names of those pointing that out. Over thirty people gathered in the lobby listening to the discussion. It was civil and gracious. During the discussion, Donna Brazil, a CNN contributor and a Democrat Super Delegate, listened in. Brazil publicly thanked the Oklahoma people for their response to Katrina and offers to help with Gustav. "I love Oklahoma and their people. I will continue to love them until after Gustav and when they play LSU," Brazil joked.

Several people asked the CNN producer about her political views, but her journalism training kept her from tipping her hand too much. "As a journalist, both tickets bring a historical perspective to the equation," she concluded. We never did see Wolf Bitzer- perhaps he was out howling at the moon.

The day was long and the events fun, but the highlight of the day was the spontaneous gathering in the lobby that had delegates stating their opinions in a civil way. As Toby Pedford had said earlier in the evening, "Sometimes we have to agree to disagree." But allowing people to express their opinions and listening to others speak about their political philosophy forces one to defend their own opinions- that's not a bad thing.