2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

CivicFest Preview - Air Force One Replica

CivicFest Preview - White House In Miniature

"Country First": 2008 Republican National Convention Announces Full Program Convention Announces Additional Speakers and Program Details

UPDATED: "Country First": 2008 Republican National Convention Announces Full Program
Convention Announces Additional Speakers and Program Details

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the names of additional 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 2008 Convention program will bring together Americans who will speak to John McCain's vision for reforming our government, building prosperity and ensuring peace for future generations. We are excited about next week and we are looking forward to showcasing John McCain’s life-long record of putting his country first," said Jill Hazelbaker, McCain 2008 communications director.

Among the new speakers announced today are Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.), U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas), former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (Tenn.) and Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission Michael Williams. Their remarks will echo the themes that have been selected for each of the convention’s four days: service, reform, prosperity and peace.

"We are thrilled to announce our full program of speakers and program participants. We look forward to presenting a convention program that will share Senator McCain’s unparalleled record of experience and service with millions of Americans," said Maria Cino, president and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention.

The program of events follows. Additions to the program appear with an asterisk (*).

Monday, Sept. 1
Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Monday’s events will highlight John McCain’s record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest.

Speakers will include:
President George W. Bush
Vice President Richard B. Cheney
First Lady Laura Bush
Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)*
Gov. Rick Perry (Texas)*
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.)*
U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.)*
U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)*
U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)*
U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)*
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.)*
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)*
U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (Fla.)*
U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake (Va.)*
U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (Ill.)*
U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif)*
Robert M. (Mike) Duncan, Chairman of the Republican National Committee*
Jo Ann Davidson, Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Chairman of the 2008 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements*
Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention*
Tommy Espinoza*
Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)*
Bill Gross*
Ashley Gunn*
Chris Hackett*
Doug Leatherdale*
Jay Love*
Cynthia Lummis*
Erik Paulsen*
Capt. Leslie Smith, U.S. Army (Ret.)*
Program participants will include:

Victoria Blackstone, Stars and Stripes Winner, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
Boy Scout Troop 738 of St Louis Park, Minn. will serve as the Color Guard
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Reform
"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s life is a testament to the fundamental truth that every American can be a force for change. A restless reformer who has dedicated his career to taking on special interests and the status quo, John McCain will deliver the right kind of change and reform to meet the great challenges of our time. On Tuesday, the convention program will underscore his vision of a government that is transparent, principled and worthy of the American people it serves.

Speakers will include:
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (Okla.)*
Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)*
U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)*
U.S. Rep. Luis Fortuño (Puerto Rico)*
U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam (Fla.)*
Dennis Hollingsworth (Fla.), President of the National Conference of Republican County Officials*
Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States
GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele
Chris Collins*
Carolyn Dunn*
Phil Hayes*
Lisa Keegan*
Ruth Novodor*
Dr. Elena Rios *
Shirley Sadler*
Joe Watkins*
Program participants will include:

Mary Leavitt will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
The VFW of Red Lake, Minn. and the American Legion Post 513 of New Brighton, Minn. will serve as the joint Color Guard
Rabbi Ira Flax will lead the convention in prayer
Dr. Robert Certain will lead the convention in prayer
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Prosperity
"America’s best days are still to come."
--Sen. John McCain

The American story is one of perseverance. Even in the face of tough times, the ingenuity and spirit of the American people has ushered in a new era of prosperity. Wednesday’s program will focus on John McCain’s plans to get our economy back on track and continue our long tradition of meeting the challenges we face and using our prosperity to help others. The day will conclude with an address by the vice presidential nominee.

Speakers will include:
Mrs. Cindy McCain
Republican Party’s Vice Presidential Nominee
Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas)*
U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (Ind.)*
Mayor Mick Cornett (Okla.)*
State Sen. Abel Maldonado (Calif.)*
Carly Fiorina, Victory ‘08 Chairman for the Republican National Committee and former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co.
Meg Whitman, National Co-Chair for McCain 2008 and former President and CEO of eBay
Renee Amoore*
Anne Beiler*
Jessica Colon, Chairman of the Young Republican National Federation*
Christy Swanson*
Raul "Danny" Vargas*
Program participants will include:

Sharon Clahchischillage will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
The Law Enforcement Memorial Association of Minnesota will serve as the Color Guard
Father Edward Reese will lead the convention in prayer
Rev. Eva Rodriguez will lead the convention in prayer
Thursday, Sept. 4
Peace
"Our next president will have a mandate to build an enduring global peace on the foundations of freedom, security, opportunity, prosperity, and hope."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain understands the challenges that America faces in the world and the sacrifice necessary to defend our freedom in a way that few others can fathom. Thursday’s events will reflect his vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world. The evening will close with John McCain accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States.
John McCain
Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)*
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (Tenn.)*
U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)*
Michael Williams, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission*
David Flaum*
Christopher Fussner*
Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)*
Charlie Smith*
Program participants will include:

The 934th Airlift Wing Air Force Reserves Joint Color Guard of Minn.
Pastor Dan Yeary will lead the convention in prayer
Archbishop Demetrios will lead the convention in prayer

RNC ANNOUNCES 2008 PLATFORM SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS

RNC ANNOUNCES 2008 PLATFORM SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS

WASHINGTON – Today, RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan, Platform Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA-22) and Platform Committee Co-Chairman U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) announced the Subcommittee assignments for the 2008 Platform Committee.

“Expanding Opportunity to Promote Prosperity” Subcommittee:

Chairman Haley Barbour (MS)
Co-Chairman Santa Mendoza (CT)
Co-Chairman Tony Sutton (MN)
Jason Bontrager (WA)
David Boyle (AK)
Conrad Burns (MT)
Donna Cain (OR)
Felix Camacho (GU)
Marge Chadderdon (ID)
Giovanni Cicione (RI)
Maria Connelley (GU)
Jody Dow (MA)
John Falconetti (FL)
Jennie Frederick (WI)
Alison McHose (NJ)
April Newland (VI)
Katherine Watson (ME)
Lynn Windel (OK)

“Defending the Nation, Securing the Peace” Subcommittee:

Chairman Heather Wilson (NM)
Co-Chairman Scott Lingamfelter (VA)
Co-Chairman Joe Nuñez (CO)
Ann Adams (WA)
Carlos Chardon (PR)
Pat Dorwart (NE)
Sue Everhart (GA)
Kris Kobach (KS)
Utu Malae (AS)
Jim McErlane (PA)
Bud McFarlane (DC)
Diane Nelson (SD)
Randy Pullen (AZ)
Philip Roy Jr. (ME)
Joyce Smith (IN)
Mary Summa (NC)
Kendal Unruh (CO)
Rich Williamson (IL)
Sam Winder (NM)

“Reforming Government to Serve the People” Subcommittee:

Chairman Mark Burkhalter (GA)
Co-Chairman Priscilla Rakestraw (DE)
Michele Bachmann (MN)
Sylvia Chapman (KS)
David Chung (IA)
Ty Cobb (NV)
Christopher N. Cox (NY)
Mike Eathorne (WY)
Denise Graves (MI)
Isaac Mass (MA)
Bill Peterson (SD)
Ron Richard (MO)
Jenifer Russo (CA)
Herb Schoenbohm (VI)
Lolita Semidey (PR)
Susan Story (RI)
Ana Teregeyo (MP)

“Guaranteeing Energy Independence and a Cleaner Environment” Subcommittee:

Chairman Ann Korologos (DC)
Co-Chairman Trey Grayson (KY)
Cathie Adams (TX)
Sandy Boehler (ND)
Bart Davis (ID)
Joy Gerstein (MO)
Jeff Grossman (OR)
Chris Healy (CT)
Woody Jenkins (LA)
Adrienne King (HI)
Kathleen King (FL)
Kelly Knight (KY)
Mark Madsen (UT)
Tony O'Donnell (MD)
Joseph Reyes (MP)
Kim Skipper (AK)
Terry Strine (DE)

“Protecting Our Families, Preserving Our Values” Subcommittee:

Chairman Jane Orie (PA)
Co-Chairman Mike Fair (SC)
Carmen Amedori (MD)
Susan Barbisan (MT)
James Bopp (IN)
Anne Britton (AR)
Glenn Clark (MI)
Gary Emineth (ND)
Peggy Lambert (TN)
Willes Lee (HI)
Jim Merrill (NH)
Salote Schuster (AS)
Kelly Shackelford (TX)
Jay Shepard (VT)
Lisa Smith (IA)
Martha Stokes (AL)
Kathy Terry (VA)
Shiree Verdone (AZ)

“Advancing a Healthier and More Competitive America” Subcommittee:

Chairman Mary Mertz (OH)
Co-Chairman Steve King (WI)
Jonathan Barnett (AR)
Maureen Barrows (NH)
Robert Bentley (AL)
Barbara Cegavske (NV)
Bunny Chambers (OK)
Randi Craig (WY)
Keith Davis (NJ)
Becky Lockhart (UT)
Jeanne Luckey (MS)
Sandra McDade (LA)
Charles Mifsud (OH)
JoAnn Osmond (IL)
Mark Quandahl (NE)
Bob Schwartz (TN)
Alana Sweeny (NY)

The 2008 Convention: Thursday, August 28th – Change You Can Believe In

THE 2008 CONVENTION: Thursday, August 28th – Change You Can Believe In

Fourth Night Convention Speakers to Include Al Gore, Dick Durbin, Tim Kaine, Howard Dean, Governor Bill Ritter, Host City Congresswoman Diana DeGette and the Colorado Congressional Delegation

DENVER – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign announced today some featured speakers for Thursday night’s Convention program at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

Speaking before a crowd of more than 75,000 will be former Vice President Al Gore, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., United States Senator Richard Durbin (IL) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Governor Howard Dean.
In addition, members of Colorado’s congressional delegation will speak to the crowd of voters from across Colorado and the critical Western area including United States Representatives Ed Perlmutter, John Salazar, Diana DeGette, and United States Senate candidate Mark Udall.  More than 50 percent of the crowd at INVESCO Field at Mile High will be from the State of Colorado, a critical swing state.

Senator Dick Durbin will speak in primetime to introduce a special biographical video about Barack Obama by David Guggenheim.
Obama will communicate the urgency of the moment, highlight the struggles Americans are facing and call on Americans to come together to change the course of our nation.

Thursday, August 28 (Listed in order of appearance)
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr.
Rep.  Ed Perlmutter
Rep. John Salazar
Rep. Diana DeGette
Rep. Mark Udall
DNC Chairman Governor Howard Dean
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine
Former Vice President Al Gore
U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (IL)

John McCain 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "3 A.M."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "3 A.M."

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its latest television ad, entitled "3 A.M." The ad highlights Hillary Clinton's serious questions about Barack Obama's lack of experience and judgment to handle an international crisis -- the "3 A.M. moment." The ad will air in key states.

Script For "3 A.M." (TV :30)

CLINTON AD: It's 3 a.m. and your children are safe and asleep.

Who do you want answering the phone?

ANNCR: Uncertainty. Dangerous aggression.

Rogue nations.

Radicalism.

HILLARY CLINTON: I know Senator McCain has a lifetime of experience that he will bring to the White House.

And, Senator Obama has a speech he gave in 2002.

ANNCR: Hillary's right. John McCain for President.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

2008 Democratic National Convention Podium Schedule Tuesday, August 26, 2008

REVISED 2PM – 8/26/08
2008 Democratic National Convention Podium Schedule
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

"RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE"

Time Shown as local – Denver, Colorado MST

Hour #1  3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (LOCAL)

Call to Order
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia

Invocation
Reverend Cynthia Hale
Disciples of Christ - Decatur, Georgia

Presentation of Colors
The American GI Forum
Mile High Chapter, Colorado
Congressionally chartered Mexican-American veterans & civil rights organization

Pledge of Allegiance
Koby Langley
From Fort Meade, Maryland, he received the Bronze Star for leadership in the US Army
Credited with design & implementation of 1st Foreign Torts Claims Policy Act - Iraq

National Anthem
Rocky Mountain Children's Choir
A multicultural, multiracial choir committed to forming community around music

Remarks/Video
The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton
Non-voting Member of the US House of Representatives, District of Columbia

Remarks
Ted Sorensen
Special Counsel, advisor and speechwriter to President John F. Kennedy
Researched and drafted Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage"

The Honorable Mike Honda
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Dr. David Gipp
Member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
President - United Tribes Technical College

The Honorable Linda Sanchez
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Chet Culver
Governor of Iowa

The Honorable David Paterson
Governor of New York

The Honorable Patrick Leahy
US Senator, Vermont

Hour # 2  4:08 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Chris Van Hollen
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland

Remarks
Cecile Richards
President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Daughter of the former Governor of Texas, The Honorable Ann Richards

Congressional Black Caucus
The Honorable Carolyn Kilpatrick
Member of the US House of Representatives, Michigan
The Honorable Charles Rangel
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable John Conyers
Member of the US House of Representatives, Michigan
The Honorable Bennie Thompson
Member of the US House of Representatives, Mississippi

Moment of Silence

Video – “In Memoriam”

Remarks
The Honorable Dennis Kucinich
Member of the US House of Representatives, Ohio

The Honorable John Chiang
State Controller, California

The Honorable Jim Doyle
Governor of Wisconsin

DGA - Remarks
The Honorable Joe Manchin
Governor of West Virginia

Hour # 3  5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)

US Senate Women
The Honorable Barbara Mikulski
US Senator, Maryland
The Honorable Barbara Boxer
US Senator, California
The Honorable Mary Landrieu
US Senator, Louisiana
The Honorable Blanche Lambert Lincoln
US Senator, Arizona
The Honorable Debbie Stabenow
US Senator, Michigan
The Honorable Maria Cantwell
US Senator, Washington State
The Honorable Claire McCaskill
US Senator, Missouri
The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
US Senator, Minnesota

Remarks
The Honorable Ed Rendell
Governor of Pennsylvania

The Honorable Tammy Baldwin
Member of the US House of Representatives, Wisconsin

The Honorable Xavier Becerra
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

John Sweeney
President of the AFL-CIO

Robin Golden
Autoworker from Michigan scheduled to lose his job

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

Remarks
The Honorable Rahm Emanuel
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

Live Performance
Alejandro Escovedo
Vocals & guitar

Hour # 4  6:01 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Steny Hoyer
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland
Democratic Majority Leader

Katherine Marcano
Cedar Rapids, Iowa flood victim

Anna Berger
Officer with SEIU & 1st Chair of America's newest labor federation, "Change to Win"

Pauline Beck
Homecare worker & member of SEIU from Oakland, California

The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Governor of Arizona

America’s Town Hall - Economy
Moderator: The Honorable Jennifer Granholm – Governor of Michigan
Panelists: Aimee Christensen, Jim Rogers, Jim Bauer, Jerome Ringo

Remarks
Jim Whitaker
Republican Mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska

Gloria Craven
Laid-off North Carolina textile worker with huge medical bills

Nancy Floyd
Founder of Nth Power – an energy technology investment firm in Portland, Oregon

Hour # 5  7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas

The Honorable Federico Peña
Former Secretary of Energy and former Mayor of Denver, Colorado

The Honorable Nydia Velazquez
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York

The Honorable Robert Casey, Jr.
US Senator, Pennsylvania

Lilly Ledbetter
Her actions against Goodyear Tire led to the passage of the Fair Pay Restoration Act

Keynote Speech
The Honorable Mark Warner
Governor of Virginia

Remarks
The Honorable Ted Strickland
Governor of Ohio

Hour # 6  8:00 PM – 9:04 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
Ret. Rear Admiral John Hutson
President, Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire
Lifelong Republican

The Honorable Deval Patrick
Governor of Massachusetts

Pamella Cash-Roper
Unemployed nurse and lifelong Republican from North Carolina

Remarks
The Honorable Brian Schweitzer
Governor of Montana

Hillary Clinton Segment - Video/Remarks
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
US Senator, New York

Benediction
Revs. Jin Ho Kang, Yoougsook Kang
Methodists - Aurora, Colorado

Recess
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia

Michelle Obama To Focus On Values That Shape Her, Drive Her Husband In Democratic National Convention Address

In Prime-Time Address to the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama to Focus on Values that Shape Her, Drive Her Husband

Craig Robinson, Michelle's Brother, to Introduce Her at the Pepsi Center

Denver, CO – In her prime-time speech before the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama will talk about her husband, Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama, the values that have driven him as a father, husband and public servant and why she believe he will be an extraordinary president. As the person who knows him best, there's no one who can do a better job introducing Barack Obama to the country.

In her speech, Michelle will give the country a personal view of Barack Obama – her husband, and Sasha and Malia's Dad. She will talk about their life together, and building a family grounded in faith and values. The more America learns about this family, the more they're going to want to send them to the White House. Michelle's older brother Craig Robinson, who is head basketball coach at Oregon State, will introduce her tonight to the national stage.

Excerpts from Michelle Obama's speech are below:

"But each of us also comes here tonight by way of our own improbable journey. I come here tonight as a sister, blessed with a brother who is my mentor, my protector and my lifelong friend. I come here as a wife who loves my husband and believes he will be an extraordinary president. I come here as a Mom whose girls are the heart of my heart and the center of my world – they're the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night.  Their future – and all our children's future – is my stake in this election. 

And I come here as a daughter – raised on the South Side of Chicago by a father who was a blue collar city worker, and a mother who stayed at home with my brother and me.  My mother's love has always been a sustaining force for our family, and one of my greatest joys is seeing her integrity, her compassion, and her intelligence reflected in my own daughters."

***

"And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them. 

And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation.  Because we want our children – and all children in this nation – to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them."

***

"And in the end, after all that's happened these past 19 months, the Barack Obama I know today is the same man I fell in love with 19 years ago.  He's the same man who drove me and our new baby daughter home from the hospital ten years ago this summer, inching along at a snail's pace, peering anxiously at us in the rearview mirror, feeling the whole weight of her future in his hands, determined to give her everything he'd struggled so hard for himself, determined to give her what he never had: the affirming embrace of a father's love."

Michelle Obama Background

Michelle Obama is a working mother, a wife, and a public servant. In 1992 she married Barack Obama; they have two girls – Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7 who like their mother, were born on the South Side of Chicago. After completing her college education, Michelle returned to Chicago in 1988 to join the law firm of Sidley & Austin but soon realized that corporate law was not her calling. She left to give back to the city she loves, to help others serve their communities and became the founding director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program that prepares young people for public service. Today, more than 350 young leaders have graduated from Public Allies in Chicago.

Since Senator Obama began his campaign in early 2007, Michelle has met thousands of Americans, hearing their concerns and hopes for the future. As someone who knows the challenge of balancing work and family, Michelle has held roundtables with working women to hear about their struggles to do it all, particularly in a failing economy. In these discussions Michelle heard the unique stories of military spouses, who work hard to keep their families together while their loved ones are away.

Craig Robinson Background

Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama's older brother, is the head basketball coach at Oregon State. Although Craig, his wife Kelly, and their kids Avery, 15, and Leslie, 11, live in Oregon, they keep in close touch with Barack, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha on the campaign trail.  Growing up, Craig was a star player at a parochial school near his family's apartment on the South Side. 

After graduating from college, and playing for the Philadelphia 76ers professionally in England,   he returned to the United States, to start down a new path.  He earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and spent seven years as a vice president for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.  Craig never gave up his love for the game and in 1999, after some serious thought, he decided to leave the world of finance and get back on the basketball court.  Craig spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Northwestern and two seasons as the head coach at Brown.  This spring, he was named the head basketball coach at Oregon State. 

Republican Party of Minnesota Statement In Advance Of Democrat National Convention

Republican Party of Minnesota Statement In Advance Of Democrat National Convention

St. Paul – Republican Party of Minnesota Chair Ron Carey released the following statement in advance of the Democrat National Convention.

“This week, the Democrats in Denver will try to sell a ticket that even its own second in command believes is not ready to lead.  Whether it is Obama’s thin resume, his lack of experience on serious issues or the ticket’s far-left record, Barack Obama and Joe Biden have little to offer.  America deserves a seasoned, proven leader from the mainstream of America.  All the noise coming out of Denver only amplifies that the choice for America is clear; John McCain is the leader ready to take America forward to its finest days.”

Democratic National Convention Podium Schedule Monday, August 25, 2008 - ONE NATION

Democratic National Convention Podium Schedule
Monday, August 25, 2008 – ONE NATION

Time Shown as local – Denver, Colorado MST

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Call to Order
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Former Governor of Vermont

Invocation
The Honorable Polly Baca – Greeley, Colorado
Former Colorado State Senator
President & CEO Latin American Research & Service Agency

Presentation of Colors
Navajo Code Talkers Association
Keith Little, Frank Willeto, Bill Toledo, Jimmy Begay

Pledge of Allegiance
Angela Morgan –Alexandria, Virginia
Served 9 years in the Marines and now runs a leadership development small business

National Anthem
Colorado Children's Chorale
Group over 30-years old – Tad Koriath (piano)
Local children (7-14) performing throughout US & the world (China, Asia, Europe, etc.)

Welcome
Reverend Leah D. Daughtry
Convention CEO & Chief of Staff, Democratic National Committee

Video - “Welcome to the West”

Introduction of and Report by the Credentials Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Eliseo Roques-Arroyo
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Former Executive Director, Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
James Roosevelt, Jr.
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Pres. & CEO Tuffs Health Plan (HMO) and grandson of FDR
The Honorable Alexis Herman
Co Chair Credentials Committee
Former US Secretary of Labor

Introduction of and Report by the Rules Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Sunita Leeds
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Chair of the DNC Indo-American Leadership Council
The Honorable Mary Rose Oakar
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Member of the US Congress, Ohio,
President of the American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee
The Honorable David Walters
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Governor of Oklahoma
President of Walters Power International

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Ashley Baia -Native of Pennsylvania and an Obama field organizer mentioned in Obama's Philadelphia speech.  Know as the "sandwich girl" who, at age 9, convinced her mother she liked mustard & relish sandwiches to save money while her mother was fighting cancer.  She is now twenty-three.

Introduction of Convention Co-Chairs
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator, Texas District 26
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Turning Over the Gavel
The Honorable Howard Dean, temporary Chair of the Convention turns over the gavel to
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic Convention.

Remarks
The Honorable Doris Matsui, Parliamentarian
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Andrew Tobias, Treasurer
Democratic Party Treasurer

Remarks by the Secretary and the Electronic Roll Call of Attendance
Alice Travis Germond - West Virginia
Secretary, Democratic Party
Member of the Democratic National Committee

Remarks – Presentation of Platform
The Honorable Patricia Madrid
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Attorney General of New Mexico

Judith McHale
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Business Executive (former President, Discovery Communications; Board of DigitalGlobal)

Remarks
The Honorable John Hickenlooper
Mayor of Denver, Colorado

Congressional Hispanic Caucus
The Honorable Joe Baca
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Grace Napolitano
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Silvestre Reyes
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas

Remarks
Nancy Keenan
President, NARAL - Pro-Choice America

The Honorable Emil Jones, Jr.
State Senator, Illinois
Amanda Kubik
Young Delegate – North Dakota

Ret. Rear Admiral John Hutson,
Pres. Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord – lifetime Republican

Reg Weaver
President, National Education Association

The Honorable Manuel Diaz
Mayor of Miami, Florida

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Gabrielle Grossman
New Hampshire Obama Supporter "U2 mamma for Obama"

Remarks
The Honorable Lisa Madigan
Attorney General, Illinois

The Honorable Dan Hynes
Comptroller, Illinois

The Honorable Alexi Giannoulis
State Treasurer, Illinois

Randi Weingarten
American Federation of Teachers

The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
US Senator, Minnesota

Musical Performance
John Legend (vocals & piano) and accompanied by:
Agape Choir - International Spiritual Center, Culver City, CA
Trans-denominational Spiritual Community founded by Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith

Video/Remarks
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

America’s Town Hall – Economy
Moderator: Senator Sherrod Brown - Ohio,
Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Remarks
Margie Perez
New Orleans jazz singer & song writer from Musicians Village

President Jimmy Carter Segment
Jimmy Carter/New Orleans Video
Acknowledgment of President Carter

Remarks
Maya Soetoro-Ng
Half-sister of Barack Obama
High School teacher - Hawaii

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Remarks
The Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

Mike Fisher & Cheryl Fisher – Beech Grove, Indiana
Mike – Amtrak tech & Cheryl – hospital tech (hosted Obama for lunch)

Tom Balanoff
President, SEIU Local 1 (Chicago)

Senator Edward M. Kennedy Tribute
Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg
Daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy

Video - Edward M. Kennedy Video

Remarks
The Honorable Miguel Del Valle
City Clerk of Chicago, Illinois

Candi Schmieder
Delegate Chair, Iowa County Convention

Jerry Kellman
Hired & supervised Obama at Developing Communities Project - Chicago, Illinois

Introduction of Jim Leach by
The Honorable Tom Harkin
US Senator, Iowa

The Honorable Jim Leach
Former Republican Member of the US House of Representatives, 1st District, Iowa

Introduction of Claire McCaskill by
Austin Esposito
Son of Senator McCaskill

The Honorable Claire McCaskill
US Senator, Missouri

Video - Michelle Obama Package

Introduction to the Michelle Obama Package
Craig Robinson
Older brother of Michelle Obama

Remarks
Michelle Obama
Wife of Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

Benediction
Don Miller -Portland, Oregon
Best-selling author & public speaker focusing on Christian spirituality

Recess
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas