CURRENT AGE: 20
CROWD REACTIONS AT 2008 RNC
I learned later that more than 40 million viewers also were waiting for the country’s first date with the Republican vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin.
As the 2,380 delegates took their seats state by state, the atmosphere resembled one of my family reunions, with greetings such as:
“Hey man, haven’t seen you in forever! How have you been?”
“Can’t wait for Palin’s speech!”
“Did you get much sleep?”
Among the sea of people, the vibrant red Michigan delegates’ hockey jerseys stood out. So did the Pennsylvania delegates, who were swinging bright yellow Terrible Towels just as they would at a Pittsburgh Steelers game. Similarly, the Florida delegates waved orange towels, and the Texans waved their cowboy hats.
Between the speeches, people swayed, waved signs and lip-synched to the words of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People.” As the program proceeded, delegates sat and listened. Those not on the floor seemed apathetic – they read programs, got refreshments, and talked on their phones.
That changed with the entrance of Michael Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland who was not only the first African American in that office, but the first Republican as well. “MICHAEL STEELE!” “MICHAEL STEELE!” the crowd roared. After he prefaced his speech on the Republican Party’s energy policy by saying, “Drill, baby, drill!” the crowd followed suit.
Mitt Romney’s speech was well-received, while Rudolph Giuliani’s jabs at Barack Obama produced laughter, boos, and chants of “ZERO! ZERO!” in reference to Obama's experience.
Finally, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Gov. Palin walked onto the stage amid cheers and other shows of support. The entire left side of the arena was a sea of white signs: PALIN POWER, HOCKEY MOMS 4 PALIN, and MCCAIN PALIN.
From that moment on, Palin mesmerize the crowd. They laughed and cheered as if on cue, especially at her joke about the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull (the answer: “lipstick.”)
They booed long and loud when Palin remarked, “I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.”
As I watched Palin’s rock star-like reception, I felt like the Republicans finally had a response to Obama’s celebrity. Instantly, she seemed to unite the party and add new fire to the campaign. No matter how you stand politically, you had to be impressed with her speech that night. I know I’ll remember it for years to come.
Copyright 2008 Y-Press