GOP Convention in Four and a Half Quotes

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN - 1,100 miles outside the Beltway

For those who missed it, a few selections from the 2008 Republican National Convention - the most watched political convention ever.

Mike Huckabee's speech to the RNC:

Let me make something clear tonight: I'm not a Republican because I grew up rich. I'm a Republican because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life poor, waiting for the government to rescue me.

Rudy Giuliani's keynote address:

"Change" is not a destination ... just as "hope" is not a strategy.

Sarah Palin's introduction:

Crowd cheers continuously for three minutes, is interrupted by the governor, and starts cheering again.

...

I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment.

And 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.

But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this great country.

John McCain's Acceptance Speech:

If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.

Washington State University Snubs Idaho-Born Candidate

Recycled News from Spokane, Washington - 2,500 miles outside the Beltway

Washington State University and the City of Spokane rejected an offer to host the only vice-presidential debate in 2008 because the vice-presidency just isn't important enough for America's 110th largest city. Now, we have a Republican nominee born in Sandpoint, ID (a mere 75 miles from Spokane), attended North Idaho College (a mere 30 miles away), and attended the University of Idaho (7 miles from WSU). As the Spokesman-Review notes:

On Friday, Sarah Louise Heath Palin -- the current governor of Alaska -- became John McCain’s surprise vice presidential pick.

It's only the second time in history that a former Pacific Northwest resident has made a presidential ticket. Charles McNary of Oregon was Republican Wendell Wilkie's running mate in 1940.

If elected, Palin would be the first Northwest resident to serve as either vice president or president.

Ooops.