2008 Republican National Convention

Sept. 3: Letter From Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention

(Video) Those attending the 2008 Republican National Convention tonight - and those watching from home - witnessed a historic moment for our party and our country. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin gave a powerful and eloquent speech - and became the first woman to address a Republican convention as the party's presumptive vice presidential nominee. Her remarks concluded with a surprise visit from John McCain, who asked the crowd, "Don't you think we made the right choice for the next vice president of the United States?" The response was resounding as the crowd cheered in approval.

Palin's remarks - and McCain's visit - were part of an exciting program of events, which featured speeches by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The evening closed with the Roll Call of the States, during which the Arizona delegation put John McCain "over the top," allowing him to secure his position as our party's official candidate for the presidency of the United States.

Much of today's program was focused on the theme of reform. Remarks from each of the participants underscored John McCain's vision for a government that is transparent, principled, and worthy of the American people it serves. In his nearly three decades of service in the U.S. House and Senate, John McCain has fought special interests and opposed wasteful spending. When the challenges in Iraq were mounting, he had the vision and experience to call for the changes in strategy that now have America winning. And his decision to add Governor Palin, a strong leader and a proven reformer, to the Republican ticket is yet another example of his commitment to the right kind of change.

We look forward to hearing from John McCain tomorrow when he joins us again to accept our party's nomination for the presidency of the United States. We look forward to hearing his remarks - and capping off a week of events that will help launch him to the White House. --Maria Cino, President and CEO

Highlights from Wednesday Night's Speeches...
In her speech to the convention tonight that was both powerful and eloquent, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced her intention to accept the party‚s nomination for vice president tomorrow. She talked with the audience about her experiences as a public servant:

"I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town. I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids‚ public education better. When I ran for city council, I didn‚t need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too. Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a Œcommunity organizer,‚ except that you have actual responsibilities."

(Video) Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani shared why he believes John McCain‚s leadership and vision for America make him the best candidate to lead our nation forward. In particular, he emphasized the importance of this election:

"This is a time for choosing - and to those Americans who still feel torn in this election, I'd like to suggest one way to think about the choice you have to make in 2008: You're hiring someone to do a job - an important job that involves the safety and security of your family."

(Video) Former Arkansas Governor Huckabee expanded on the convention‚s overall theme, "Country First," as he discussed John McCain‚s love of America, vision for the future, and long record of service and sacrifice on our behalf. Of the type of change John McCain will bring to Washington, he said:

"John McCain doesn‚t want the kind of change that allows the government to reach deeper into your paycheck and pick your doctor, your child‚s school, or even the kind of car you drive or how much you inflate the tires."

(Video) Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney expanded upon the theme for the day‚s program, which was "reform," as he discussed John McCain‚s ability to repair Washington‚s partisan environment and restrain the unchecked growth of the federal government. Near the end of his remarks, he explained why he believes the McCain-Palin ticket is the right choice for the future of America:

"Just like you, there has never been a day when I was not proud to be an American. We inherited the greatest nation in the history of the earth. It is our burden and privilege to preserve it, to renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future. To this we are all dedicated and I firmly believe by the providence of the Almighty, that we will succeed. President McCain and Vice President Palin will keep America as it has always been - the hope of the world."

To view or read the text of these remarks, please visit the convention‚s media portal by clicking here.
(Hat tip: Jeff Kubler)

Photo Credit: Reflections Photo Inc. 631 Pennsylvania Ave, SE Washington DC 20003 202-204-6700, www.reflections-photoinc.com