Socialist Squirrel

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening U.S. Sen. John McCain will accept the Republican Party’s nomination for President of the United States. Excerpts from Sen. McCain’s acceptance speech, as prepared for delivery, are below.

On running mate Alaska Governor Sarah Palin:

“I’m very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can’t wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming.”

On solving problems in Washington:

“The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn’t a cause, it’s a symptom. It’s what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you.

Again and again, I’ve worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That’s how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.”

On love of country:

“I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn’t my own man anymore. I was my country’s.”

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening U.S. Sen. John McCain will accept the Republican Party’s nomination for President of the United States. Excerpts from Sen. McCain’s acceptance speech, as prepared for delivery, are below.

On running mate Alaska Governor Sarah Palin:

“I’m very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can’t wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming.”

On solving problems in Washington:

“The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn’t a cause, it’s a symptom. It’s what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you.

Again and again, I’ve worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That’s how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.”

On love of country:

“I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn’t my own man anymore. I was my country’s.”

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Update: 2008 Republican National Convention
Announces Program for Thursday
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Joe Gibbs and Brian Clay Added to Program

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the full program of events for Thursday, Sept. 4. The evening’s program will feature John McCain’s speech accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the presidency. Among the other speakers participating in this evening’s program are Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.), former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.), U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Mrs. Cindy McCain. The speakers’ remarks will reflect the convention’s overall theme, “Country First,” and the theme for Thursday’s events, which is “peace.”

This release serves as an update to the schedule that was announced earlier today. Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah), Joe Gibbs and Brian Clay have been added to the schedule below.

Participants are listed below and organized by hour of participation:

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

* Entertainment (Music): Al Williams
* Entertainment (Monologue): James McEachin
* Call to Order, Introduction of Colors: Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan
* Presentation of Colors: Fort Snelling Joint Services Color Guards
* Pledge of Allegiance: Olympians Ryan Berube, Mitch Gaylord, Brittany Hayes, Barbra Higgins, Larsen Jensen, Elle Logan, Marcus McElhenney and John Naber
* Singing of the National Anthem: Trace Adkins
* Invocation: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)
* Speaker: Erik Paulsen
* Speaker: Jay Love
* Speaker: Charlie Summers
* Speaker: Aaron Schock
* Speaker: David Cappiello
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)
* Video: “Country First: Peace,” with narration by Robert Duvall
* Speaker: Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
* Statement of Rule Regarding Vice Presidential Nomination; Recognition of Delegates Making Motions; and Adoption and Announcement of Nominee: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
* Speaker: Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention
* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)
* Speaker: The Honorable Rosario Marin

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

* Speaker: Joe Watkins
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
* Speaker: Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
* Speaker with Video: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.)
* Speaker: Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, USMC (Ret.)
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)
* Video: “World Stood Still”
* Speaker: Joe Gibbs
* Speaker: Brian Clay

8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)
* Video: “Vice Presidential Nominee Governor Sarah Palin”
* Speaker: Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.)
* Video: “America’s Place in the World”
* Speaker: Mrs. Cindy McCain

9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

* Video: “Senator John McCain”
* Speaker: Presidential Nominee John McCain

10 p.m. to Conclusion

* Floor Demonstration, Balloon Drop, McCain and Palin Families on Stage
* Introduction of Presiding Officer: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
* Benediction: Pastor Dan Yeary
* Introduction of Delegate for Motion, Adoption and Adjournment: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Three House Armed Services Committee Members, Vets for Freedom Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Executive Director to Hold Press Conference to Highlight the Success of the Surge

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Rep. John McHugh (R-NY), who returned from a visit to Iraq less than a week ago, Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY) and Rep. John Kline (R-MN), members of the House Armed Services Committee, will be joined by Vets for Freedom (VFF) Chairman Pete Hegseth, (VFF) Vice Chairman David Bellav, and (VFF) Executive Director Joel Arends to highlight the successes of the Iraq surge strategy. Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) commitment to success in the Global War on Terror exemplifies why he is the best candidate to serve as Commander in Chief of the United States.

Details are as follows:

WHAT: Press Briefing
WHO: Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY), member of the House Armed Services Committee
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), member of the House Armed Services Committee McHugh (R-NY), member of the House Armed Services Committee
VFF Chairman Pete Hegseth
VFF Vice Chairman David Bellav
VFF Executive Director Joel Arends
WHERE: Xcel Energy Center
Press Briefing Room
RiverCentre - Upper Level
Ballroom A
Saint Paul, MN
DATE: Thursday, September 4, 2008
TIME: 1:00 p.m. CST

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Excerpts: Remarks by Mrs. Cindy McCain

Excerpts: Remarks by Mrs. Cindy McCain

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening Mrs. Cindy McCain will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Excerpts from Mrs. McCain’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

On Americans’ duty to their country:
“That duty is what brings me before you tonight. And it’s much larger and more important than just me or John or any of us: It’s the work of this great country calling us together - and there is no greater duty than that, no more essential task for our generation — right now.”

On John McCain’s character:
“It’s going to take someone of unusual strength and character - someone exactly like my husband - to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead. I know John. You can trust his hand at the wheel.”

On John McCain leading by example:
“Forgiveness is not just a personal issue: it’s why John led the effort to normalize relations with Vietnam retrieve the remains of our MIAs… to bring closure to both sides. That’s leadership - national leadership. And it’s leading by example.”

Personal reflections on John McCain:
“If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain…a man tested and true…who’s never wavered in his devotion to our country…a man who’s served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider…who always speaks the truth no matter what the cost…a man of judgment and character…a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father!”

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Republican National Convention Announces Program for Thursday

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Program for Thursday
John McCain to Accept Republican Party’s Nomination for President

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the full program of events for Thursday, Sept. 4. The evening’s program will feature John McCain’s speech accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the presidency. Among the other speakers participating in this evening’s program are Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.), former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.), U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Mrs. Cindy McCain. The speakers’ remarks will reflect the convention’s overall theme, “Country First,”and the theme for Thursday’s events, which is “peace.” Participants are organized by hour of participation:

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

* Entertainment (Music): Al Williams
* Entertainment (Monologue): James McEachin
* Call to Order, Introduction of Colors: Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan
* Presentation of Colors: Fort Snelling Joint Services Color Guards
* Pledge of Allegiance: Olympians Ryan Berube, Mitch Gaylord, Brittany Hayes, Barbra Higgins, Larsen Jensen, Elle Logan, Marcus McElhenney and John Naber
* Singing of the National Anthem: Trace Adkins
* Invocation: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)
* Speaker: Erik Paulsen
* Speaker: Jay Love
* Speaker: Charlie Summers
* Speaker: Aaron Schock
* Speaker: David Cappiello
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)
* Video: “Country First: Peace,” with narration by Robert Duvall
* Statement of Rule Regarding Vice Presidential Nomination; Recognition of Delegates Making Motions; and Adoption and Announcement of Nominee: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
* Speaker: Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention
* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)
* Speaker: The Honorable Rosario Marin

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

* Speaker: Joe Watkins
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
* Speaker: Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
* Speaker with Video: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.)
* Speaker: Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, USMC (Ret.)
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)
* Video: “World Stood Still”

8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)
* Video: “Vice Presidential Nominee Governor Sarah Palin”
* Speaker: Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.)
* Video: “America’s Place in the World”
* Speaker: Mrs. Cindy McCain

9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

* Video: “Senator John McCain”
* Speaker: Presidential Nominee John McCain

10 p.m. to Conclusion

* Floor Demonstration, Balloon Drop, McCain and Palin Families on Stage
* Introduction of Presiding Officer: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
* Benediction: Pastor Dan Yeary
* Introduction of Delegate for Motion, Adoption and Adjournment: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Excerpts: Remarks by Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge

Excerpts: Remarks by Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.) will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Gov. Ridge will expand on the convention’s overall theme, “Country First,” as he discusses John McCain’s unique qualifications for the presidency.

Excerpts from the governor’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

On his friend, John McCain:

“I speak to you about a warrior who has sometimes stood alone … and always shown the way … in fighting for the most vulnerable of our citizens, for the country he so dearly loves and for the founding principles we all so deeply cherish.”

On John McCain as a leader:

“Where some people see adversity, John McCain accepts a challenge. Where some people see a crisis, John McCain creates an opportunity. Where some people see defeat, John McCain insists on victory. John knows - the purpose of elections is not merely to win. You run to win… but you win to govern.”

On John McCain’s readiness to be president and commander-in-chief:

“I am so very proud to say, ‘That is my friend, John McCain.’ The next president of the United States. The next commander-in-chief. Ready to lead. Ready to serve. Ready to deliver.”

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.