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With a Nod to the Gulf Coast, Republicans Get to Work
Thurl Bailey's invocation called for protection of those in Gustav's path.
(By Toni L. Sandys -- The Washington Post)
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When the convention reconvened at 5:20 p.m. Eastern time for its second session, the sterile business continued. Delegates heard committee reports, the outcome of contested delegates and the outlines of the bulky platform, which was adopted. One might consider platform promotion a bit of pure politics, supposedly being avoided at a moment of national urgency. But some tasks are unavoidable, said GOP officials.
"I think people all over the country are heartsick about this storm," said McCain strategist Steve Schmidt, but he added, "There is business that has to be conducted."
Business. There were more resolutions, previous questions ordered, plenty of "without objection," and all ayes and no nays.
Finally, after so much mundanity, delegates were given a thrill that brought them to their feet: first lady Laura Bush.
"I see Texas back there," she said, taking the stage, waving to friends. "Hey, Texas!" The ovation went on for so long that Bush seemed a little uncomfortable with the adulation, which she couldn't seem to tamp down.
The delegates saw a video of Gulf Coast governors, talking about their crisis and service to the citizens. These governors, Bush noted, by the way, "happen to be Republicans."
After the video was shown, Bush walked back to the stage with Cindy McCain, which produced another standing ovation. McCain, echoing her husband's remarks from Sunday, called this a time "when we take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats," and she urged people to go to http:/
Just after 6 p.m. Eastern, the whole show was over, the business concluded for the day.
"I think we accomplished everything we needed to accomplish today," said Charlie Buckels, vice chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party. He thought about that for a moment and decided he saw in the day's convention proceedings something metaphorical about his party.
"We don't sit around wringing our hands," Buckels said. "We take care of business."
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