September 04, 2008
What You Didn't See Last Night & What to Watch Tonight
Last night 37 million people watched Governor Palin's address at the
2008 Republican National. Many more watched LIVE online and people
continue to enjoy her speech on YouTube and the Elections Page at Google News.
What everyone didn't see last night was a quick biography video
that was supposed to introduce Governor Sarah Palin to the world.
Check it out below.
Be sure to log on to www.GOPConvention2008.com
to get a complete recap of the first three days and all the information
you need as you watch John McCain's speech tonight- program lineup,
speaker bios, speech texts, pictures, video, iTunes feeds,
behind-the-scenes sneak peaks and more.
You can also watch online through our official streaming provider, Ustream. Catch the full program gavel-to-gavel LIVE along with LIVE views from Radio Row, Backstage and Eagle Cam.
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September 04, 2008
Raising the Roof
On the third night of the convention, Governor Sarah Palin rocked
the convention hall as she officially accepted the Party's nomination
for Vice-President. Following a rousing keynote address from former
Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Governor Palin proved to the world that she was
the perfect pick for John McCain and that, together, they will reform
Washington.
Check out Governor Palin's full speech below and our YouTube Channel for other videos from the 2008 Republican National Convention.
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August 29, 2008
New Web Site LIVE
Early this morning we officially launched the new Web site for the week of the convention. The site includes several cutting-edge features that give journalists and other visitors to www.GOPConvention2008.com unprecedented access to convention news and information.
"The convention’s Web site will enable Americans to log on, experience the convention as it happens, and learn about John McCain’s unparalleled record of service and sacrifice. The site will offer unprecedented access to convention proceedings and will help demonstrate why John McCain is best qualified to lead our country," said Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention.
The new Web site includes a media portal, where daily and hourly schedules, press releases, media advisories, speech text, speaker bios, pictures, video, and RSS feeds will be posted. To access the portal, visit the convention Web site, www.GOPConvention2008.com, and click "media portal," or go directly to http://portal.gopconvention2008.com.
The convention Web site will also feature six live streaming video channels that will provide exclusive footage captured from within the Xcel Energy Center, including the backstage area and Radio Row. In addition, the site features state pages where people can connect with other Republicans from their state, links to social networking sites, and - of course - the Grand Ol’ Blog, the official convention blog.
Today’s launch of the new Web site is part of this week’s on-going efforts to welcome John McCain and more than 45,000 convention attendees to Saint Paul.
Following a
review of our old Web site by a "staunch Democrat" who claimed the GOP Convention Web site may cause him to "change [his] party affiliation," this new site should make the switch a no brainer.
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August 29, 2008
A Sneak Peek
Yesterday media were given a sneak peek inside the Xcel Energy Center as the finishing touches were made to the convention floor. Local FOX affiliate KMSP ran this piece and we have our very own sneak peek for your viewing pleasure below.
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August 29, 2008
Quick Work
Yesterday we unveiled the official convention podium and released a final behind-the-scenes, time lapse video of the transformation of the Xcel Energy Center in preparation for the Republican Party's nomination of Senator John McCain. This final video features the complete transformation of the Xcel Energy Center and is a compilation of all time lapse segments previously released.
Today’s unveiling of the official convention podium is the culmination of over 18 months of planning and an impressive transformation that began in late July. More than 500 workers diligently transformed what was once an ice hockey rink into what will be the setting for the 2008 Republican National Convention.
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August 27, 2008
Face-to-Face Matchup
Thousands of people are packing their bags in preparation for their trips to Minnesota. Many of those attending the convention in person, along with those who will attend online, have already become fans of the 2008 Republican National Convention Facebook Page.
The page is constantly updated with convention news, behind-the-scenes pictures and videos, links to convention information and more. Users can sign-in to Facebook to view profiles of other convention watchers and talk about the convention by posting a comment on the wall.
We’re pleased to report that in an MSNBC match-up that compared the 2008 Republican National Convention Facebook Page with the one developed for the Democratic National Convention, ours came out on top! Click on the video below to watch.
Be sure to check out our other social networks as well:
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August 27, 2008
Taking Shape
The 2008 Republican National Convention schedule is taking shape. Yesterday we announced the names of additional speakers for the program of events that will run Sept. 1-4.
More than 90 speakers will set the stage for Senator John McCain as he accepts the Republican Party’s nomination for President next Thursday evening. The speakers will emphasize the convention’s overall theme, "Country First," which reflects John McCain’s remarkable record of leadership and service to America. Their remarks will also echo the themes that have been selected for each of the convention’s four days, which are outlined below:
Monday, Sept. 1
Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman."
--Sen. John McCain
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Reform
"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them."
--Sen. John McCain
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Prosperity
"America’s best days are still to come."
--Sen. John McCain
Thursday, Sept. 4
Peace
"Our next president will have a mandate to build an enduring global peace on the foundations of freedom, security, opportunity, prosperity, and hope."
--Sen. John McCain
To see the full list of speakers, click here.
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August 24, 2008
A Family Affair
As you know, people from across the country have descended upon Saint Paul to make this convention happen. Many of the convention staffers featured on the Grand Ol’ Blog are not from Minnesota. However, for one staffer and her entire family, the 2008 Republican National Convention is both a local and family affair.
For the past few months, Rebekah Breitbarth has served as a Press Assistant in the Communications Division. This week she will be joined by her father Neal, who is 1st District delegate; her mother Juleen, who will volunteer with media operations; and her uncle Steven, who will work as a police chaplain.
"I'm just completely thrilled to be here working at the convention," Rebekah said in an interview with the Fairmont Sentinel. "... It's really like a dream job to be working on a national-scale event, and it's so wonderful having my parents involved in the convention as well."
To read the full story, click here.
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August 24, 2008
Rolling out the Red Carpet
In about one week, more than 45,000 visitors attending the 2008 Republican National Convention will arrive in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
This morning, workers began installing over 600 welcome banners which will be "hung on street poles in Minneapolis and St. Paul and at the airport," according to the MinnPost.
Click the picture on the right to watch the new story from local ABC affiliate KAAL TV.
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August 21, 2008
Thanks for Lunch!
Although we have grown accustomed to meeting online every Friday at noon for lunch, tomorrow we will have to take a raincheck.
Due to the limited time left to ensure that everything is in place for the big show to begin on September 1st, we are not only skipping the lunchtime chats this week and next Friday, but we will be fasting until the start of the convention.
We have enjoyed sharing lunch and conversation with you each week. Stay tuned to the Grand Ol’ Blog for continued updates on the convention preparations and we look forward to seeing you right here when the 2008 Republican National Convention officially starts in about 10 days.
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