Getting to convention: Here we are on the bus to convention. Thankfully, it is air conditioned. This is a warm day, even in my light colored suit. When we get to the convention center - we stop! There are some protester fools dancing in front of the bus in fatigues. The police quickly remove them.

Down on the convention floor, its amazing. The entire floor is red carpet, looks very fancy. I'm sitting with the delegation on the floor. There are TV cameras and news reporters everywhere, talking to everyone in the delegation. Michale Brodkorb is blogging for his blog: Minnesota democrats exposed(http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/) and we chat a little bit about the best iphone apps to use for blogging.

The convention business today is very basic, and I think this surprises some of the news people. The basic business in the first part of convention is always the same: adopt the rules for running a convention, adopt the rules for seating delegates, and seat the delegates to prepare for real business. In addition, we did a few more things, passed some resolutions thanking people, and adopted a new platform for the Republican party. The platform was, of course, already worked out by a committee and printed up in a beautifully bound book, and we adopted it as recommended. It has some interesting points in it, and even takes into account environmental responsibility.

Originally, George W. Bush had been scheduled to speak, but his appearance was cancelled so that he could spend time with the people of Louisiana. I think this is a good thing - while our Convention is important, it cannot compare to or take priority over the troubles in Louisiana.

Instead, the first lady Laura Bush spoke to the convention, and her appearance was met with great applause. In addition, McCains wife also spoke, which again was very well received.

One of the most touching moments of our convention was the text message funds to support hurricane relief. While its possible that the idea of text messaging money to a Red cross hurricane relief fund might seem simple, I think it was a very noble gesture that our party could make, and a way to raise a lot of money for hurricane relief.

I took some pictures of Laura Bush and McCain on stage.

While waiting for the committees to return, I also wandered around the delegation floor. Many states put together uniforms for their delegations. In New Mexico, for example, which is near us they were wearing dark blue polos. Florida had a fantastic uniform, a stereotypical floridian beach print shirt. Hawaii also had a good uniform, a red floral print, along with some palms with which they decorated their sign.