Dems might have votes counted after all, but damage is already done

In today’s Gainesville Sun, Lloyd Dunkelberger reminds us of the FL Democrats’ rocky start to the presidential election: “The Democratic National Committee had stripped Florida of its entire delegation and had refused to recognize the results of the Jan. 29 primary after the state moved up its presidential primary in violation of party rules. In fact, Florida, along with Michigan, wasn’t even assigned hotel space in Denver until this summer because of the punishment.

…Democrats also say Obama is not a sure thing.

“It’s going to be tough,” said state Sen. Steve Geller, D-Cooper City, who gives the edge right now to Republican John McCain in a very close race in Florida.

While some say Obama may have trouble in Florida soothing over hard feelings from diehard Clinton supporters, Geller said the Illinois senator has also yet to truly solidify his support among Jewish voters, particularly elderly voters who may have been swayed by Internet rumors that Obama is anti-Israel.

“It’s still out there,” Geller said. “And anybody who denies it is not being accurate.”

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080822/NEWS/152300/1002/news01&title=Democrats_cautiously_optimistic_ahead_of_convention_

Convention Watching Party

Here is some great information from the Republican National Convention communications shop.
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With the start of the convention just 12 days away, the transformation at the Xcel Energy Center is moving forward full speed ahead. You can see the podium beginning to take shape in this week's time lapse video.



Two weeks from tomorrow, Senator McCain will officially accept our party's nomination. The excitement surrounding his speech - and the rest of the convention program - is reaching a fevered pitch. If you can't be here with us in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, I hope you'll join with friends and family to watch this historic event.

Whether you're in the Xcel Energy Center or watching the convention live with friends and family, we hope you'll be a part of this special evening - so visit www.JohnMcCain.com/McCainNation and sign up today.

Can't be at the GOP Convention? Check out the Stage

The GOP convention team unveiled the stage for the convention. Remember to check our blog often for pictures and videos from MSP.

Learn more about the stage and conventional hall below.

Check out the rest of the information here.

The One

Check out this video.

McCain's New Radio Ad in Spanish

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its latest Spanish radio ad, entitled "Recipe." The ad highlights Barack Obama's record of voting to raise taxes on middle class families and his proposals for painful tax increases that will only hurt Americans in these tough economic times. The ad will play in Colorado, Florida, Nevada and New Mexico.

Convention Line-Up Announced

The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the themes and preliminary lineup of speakers for the program of events that will run Sept. 1-4. The convention’s overall theme, "Country First," reflects John McCain’s remarkable record of leadership and service to America. Each day of proceedings will center on a touchstone theme that has defined John McCain’s life and will be central to his vision for leading our nation forward as president.

The roster of speakers announced today includes John McCain, Mrs. Cindy McCain, 10 current and former Republican governors-- including Florida's own Governor Charlie Crist, five current and former U.S. Senators and two well-respected businesswomen. Their remarks will echo the themes that have been selected for each of the convention’s four days: service, reform, prosperity and peace.

Read the entire news release by clicking the link below.
http://www.gopconvention2008.com/news/Read.aspx?ID=580

Hot Spot for the Latest Convention News

Welcome to the RPOF's new convention blog: Conventional Wisdom. Be sure to check back often for information on the conventions, the latest happenings, videos, photos and more. We will update this site frequently, especially as the convention closes in.

For now, check out this neat video of the Xcel Center as they prepare for the convention.