Get Ready Cause Here We Come

That is my announcement to the rest of America, because I feel like all four of us are so fired up we feel like we can accomplish anything! After being in an environment where everyone is so excited and energized you can't help but begin to feel the same way. I can now admit that I am actually a democrat, Yes, that's right. I voted for Hillary in the primary. I am still a little bitter it is Obama and not Hillary as the Democratic Nominee. But--I can honestly say, I am going to vote for McCain/Palin in November 2008. I was unsure before I came to the convention who I was going to vote for. And I really do consider myself a Moderate, able to see both sides on different issues, which is why I didn't care which convention I went to, and I just so happen to end up at the RNC. Now, I will say though I will be watching the debates very closely and that's not to say my opinion can't change before Novemeber, but I was very impressed with Sarah Palin. The fact that she is a women pushed my decision to the right side more than anything, but I just have good vibes from her. I like her. But I must say this was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. I learned so much about politics, politicians and my love for them both. I wouldn't have wanted to go on this trip with anyone else than Kaylee, Shane and John. We all got along really well and genuinely enjoyed each others company. I loved the conversations we had about politics, analyzing the speeches on the bus ride home, what we wanted to do with our lives after college and our point of views on multiple issues. Most of the time we didn't agree, but we all respected each other and listened to the other's opinion. Thank you'll for that. I am rarely around people that respect opinions other than their own. And the biggest thanks goes to Dr. Lasley. Not only did he make sure I didn't get hit by cars/buses/light rails, he added historical information to almost every place we went. He knew what needed to be said at just the right time. He allowed us to be independent and gave us our space, but was right there with us every step of this trip. Again--I can't emphasize how informative/educational/enjoyable this trip was. Thank you to all who made it possible for us to attend and have a great time. I already can't wait for four more years to go by and go to the convention again!
Right before we board the plane on our way home with Mitch McConnell. We all have on our favorite political shirt we bought while on our trip.

AH

Convention Speakers

Here is another video I made about Convention Speakers I have seen this week.

AH

You Go Girl!

Sarah Palin taking in all her supporters!

Shane and I with Secretary of State Trey Grayson.

You Go Girl! That is really what I wanted to tell Sarah Palin tonight. She rocked that convention hall. Sarah has let nothing stand in her way, and I don't think she ever will. This woman is incredible. Her poise and confidence is envious. I am so excited to have Sarah Palin as our Vice Presidential nominee. She is a strong and courageous woman who knows what she is doing. I was so glad I got to hear her speak and really hear from her personally, what she plans to do as our next Vice President. I am also excited I have heard so many wonderful women speak this week.

AH

The Future of the Arts & Arts Education in America

The thing I was most excited about yesterday was the Panel Discussion we went to promoting the arts in schools. I am a huge promoter of the arts, so this was a great event to attend. Not only was I excited about just the discussion but the fact that Mike Huckabee, Debbie Allen, and John Rich from Big and Rich were all featured speakers of the event. I was glad to hear Mike Huckabee has really pushed the arts in schools and I love Debbie Allen, she is a choreographer on one of my favorite shows "So you think you can dance". Also John Rich from Big and Rich a very successful songwriter had a great story about how the arts has helped him become who he is. I love this whole discussion because I know from my point of view the arts has helped me so much in life. Being in theatre has helped me become confident on camera and in front of people, painting has made me think creatively and from a whole new perspective, singing has allowed me to learn about different styles of music which reflect different cultures we have in this world, dance has allowed me to expressively move to reflect myself. The arts has made me who I am today, and all the speakers that spoke yesterday know that arts are so important, and they want to push to have the arts integrated into school's curriculum and I think it is so wonderful. I don't consider myself a history, math or science whiz but I love the arts and when I found that I was good at arts it makes you excited to be at school and go to dance class or choir. Debbie Allen discussed the fact that so many students are dropping out of school because they don't feel like they fit in anywhere because they don't feel like they are good at anything, but by offering arts to students and mandating students take art classes when they are younger and allow them to build on arts skills as they go through school will allow students to become proud of themselves and see that they are capable of great things. I think this is so important. It may have just been a small part of our group's day yesterday, but it made the biggest impact on me.

Rallies and Protests

I am doing reports for station WBKI The CW Louisville and here is my first package for them focusing on the rallies and protests we have run into while we are here.



AH

The Convention Floor

Kaylee and I in front of the Xcel Energy Center before going into the convention.

Kaylee and I in front of the Convention Floor before the Convention began with our red towel!

Cindy McCain and First Lady Laura Bush speaking about Hurricane Relief Efforts.


What an amazing opportunity! I have a press pass for every day of the convention and today being the first day of the convention I had my first experience as a real life "reporter". It was so incredible to be able to stand only a few feet away from First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain. I had my flip camera in one hand and Shane's professional camera in the other. It was so exciting to be capturing these moments in history only a few feet in front of me. The convention hall had such an exhilarating atmosphere that proved everyone was excited to be there, regardless of the cancellations this week, but at the same time everyone is deeply concerned for the individuals effected by the Hurricane.

AH

Here we come!

Yesterday fueled our excitement for these coming days with party after party of great food, fun people and free stuff. Walking downtown is just so overwhelming, first of all you have huge buildings, then there is probably a protest going on in the streets and all the while I am trying to capture it all on my video camera. We all agreed we had a great time yesterday. Our day was filled with so many things we couldn't believe we got back to the hotel at a decent hour.

I read an article yesterday about how much money the DNC spent trying to get their convention off the ground and how unorganized it all was. I am not sure how it compares with the RNC, but in my mind this is the most well put together event I have ever been to. Every little detail has been thought out, and all the workers know exactly what they are suppose to be doing. What an enjoyable environment, when you feel so well taken care of.

Today we will be attending a New Voter Project Luncheon at noon at the Hard Rock Cafe hosted by Young Republicans. After the luncheon we will check out the rest of Minneapolis and attend the shortened convention. The news that many republican figures are not attending dampens the week slightly, but we are concerned with the coming storm and that takes priority over us all.
AH

Glad to be on the ground

Okay, so it's my turn to tell you we are here! I haven't been on a plane in a long time, so it was an interesting experience to say the least. After arriving at the airport we were shuttled to our hotel and immediately began to plan our day's agenda. Our first event is tonight with the Young Republicans and after looking up online the restaurant holding the event Kaylee and I realized we didn't bring a dressy enough outfit. But never fear.....we are right across the street from the MALL OF AMERICA. Now, I am a girl...soo....what do you expect? This is a political adventure, but who said I couldn't take a detour at the mall for a couple of hours. After journeying the four levels of massive stores, we both found what we were looking for and maybe some other things, but also the tons of people that were there made us get excited for the week ahead and all the once in a lifetime opportunities we will have to experience! Even in the mall it is evident the excitement for the convention. Signs, t-shirts, hats, bags, mugs.....you name it they had it and with a big ol' elephant stamped on the front! Yes the mall was awesome, but I have a feeling there will be plenty of other awesome things to get excited about in the coming days!
AH