Published: September 04, 2008 11:29 pm            

Palin electrified crowd at GOP convention

Editor’s Note: Russell Martinez is a Texas delegate to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., and chairman of the Walker County Republican Party.



Day three started just as the previous days with the Texas delegation breakfast. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Texas First Lady Anita Perry spoke to delegates and offered insight about the upcoming election.

We met back for lunch later in the afternoon. I was honored to provide the invocation for the luncheon. Former Congressman Dick Armey spoke about how the Republican Party is the party of small business and the American Dream.

After lunch everyone split up until we had to head over for the third session. I saw Kelsey Grammer in the lobby being interviewed for television.

Instead of hanging around, I decided to go back to the room to catch up on sleep. I rode on the elevator with none other than Alan Colmes. Yes, that Alan Colmes ... Sean Hannity’s liberal counterpart.

For those who want to throw something at the TV while watching Colmes on Fox News, and I’m often one of them, you will be surprised to know that Alan Colmes is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Instead of ducking from people, he talked to everyone.

During my nap, I missed a call from Joe Brown at KBTX. He wanted to know if I was interested in doing a live remote for the 5 p.m. news. What a great opportunity.

Prior to heading over to the Xcel Center, Texas delegates and alternates met for an official delegation photo. Delegates and alternates sported navy blazers, convention ties for men and scarves for women, and our popular cowboy hats.

Just before I went into the Xcel Center, I got a call from Channel 3 and was able to share my experience from the convention. I really appreciate the folks at KBTX for giving me this opportunity.

Excitement was definitely in the air at Xcel Center. We heard speeches from Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Guiliani. Each provided remarks about John McCain and Sarah Palin.

Mayor Guiliani really warmed up the crowd for Gov. Palin. During Guiliani’s speech, convention organizers began passing out “McCain/Palin” signs. We knew it wouldn’t be long before Gov. Palin hit the stage.

WOW! That basically sums up the sentiment of GOP delegates after hearing Sarah Palin deliver her acceptance speech. Gov. Palin hit a grand slam, scored a hat trick, scored a touchdown and the two point conversion, and hit nothing but net from way downtown.

OK, enough with the sports analogies. Sarah Palin electrified the crowd and easily won the hearts and minds of everyone in the Xcel Center. It was also exciting to see John McCain join the Palin family on the stage after the speech.

After the official roll call vote, we headed back to the hotel where a midnight barbecue buffet awaited. The place was packed and everyone was still talking about Sarah Palin’s speech.

The hotel even re-opened the restaurant to accommodate the delegates and media. Greta Van Susteren and Frank Luntz were sitting at the table next to us. No one bothered them. I guess the newness of being around celebrities has worn off.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Minnesota. We will hear from John McCain as he delivers his acceptance speech, closing what has been an historic convention and an exciting experience.

By the way, I just finished watching a replay of the speech on Fox News. No doubt we heard from a rising star and possibly the first female Vice President of the United States.

        

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