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NRL News Reporting from St. Paul Editor’s note: Darla St. Martin, NRLC co-executive director, and Karen Cross, NRL political director, were on the ground in the Twin Cities for the GOP Platform Committee hearings and the Republican National Convention. That week produced not only the strongest GOP platform language on abortion ever but also a pro-life governor from Alaska whose selection as pro-life Sen. John McCain’s running mate galvanized the convention and tens of millions of Americans. Following are excerpts from Mrs. St. Martin’s and Mrs. Cross’ daily blog: September 1, 2008 Greetings from St. Paul and Day 1 of the Republican National Convention. Upon our arrival, we are met by staff from our state affiliate, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. As the days and nights blur into one another, we will come to deeply appreciate all of MCCL’s extraordinary generosity. Today, our prayers go out to the residents of the Gulf Coast threatened by Hurricane Gustav. Because of the storm, the convention schedule is sharply abbreviated. Most of the country will only see the perfunctory issues (credentials committee, rules committee, platform committee, etc.). First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain each delivered brief remarks before the convention recesses. One special note: the platform committee report is adopted by the entire convention, making the GOP’s platform (containing the strongest-ever language on life) official! Of course, the entire convention and, indeed, the entire country are abuzz with the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as Senator John McCain’s running mate. Like Sen. McCain, Gov. Palin is a strong pro-lifer and will serve as a positive witness for life. We look forward to the days ahead and we’ll keep you posted. September 2, 2008 Fortunately, the hurricane has subsided and the Convention is able to get back to the business of nominating our dynamic pro-life team. Pro-life Sen. Norm Coleman (Mn.) welcomed everyone. It is easy to see why he is considered an up and coming force. Pro-life Congresswoman Michele Bachmann from Minnesota’s sixth congressional district follows to the rostrum. Rep. Bachmann emphasizes the importance of everyone coming together and encouraged all Minnesotans to carry on the tradition of “Minnesota Nice.” One of the early highlights of the convention comes when Wes Gullet introduces his adopted daughter. Nikki was one of two babies Cindy McCain brought back from Bangladesh after visiting an orphanage started by Mother Teresa. Cindy had been told about two babies who would die if she didn’t take them. One of the babies had a severe cleft palate and the other was suffering from malnutrition. The McCains adopted one of the babies—Bridget who is now 17—and the Gullets adopted Nikki. Nikki is now a U.S. citizen. Her proud Papa talked of how she had written an essay about how proud Nikki was to be an American. Laura Bush introduced President George W. Bush, a great pro-life friend, who spoke by satellite. The audience applauded loud and often. Former Sen. Fred Thompson brought down the house when he emphatically stressed that “we need a president who doesn’t think that the protection of the unborn or a newly born baby is above his pay grade.” The crowd erupts with knowing applause. September 3, 2008 What an amazing night! The arena is packed and the excitement in anticipation of Sarah Palin’s acceptance speech is palpable. It is a night of extraordinary speeches. We heard from former Maryland senatorial candidate Michael Steele and former governors (and presidential candidates) Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Huckabee highlights that John McCain understands the importance of protecting human life from conception until natural death. At long last, pro-life Governor Sarah Palin makes her entrance. She looks poised and confident as she takes the stage. She looks perfectly at ease and right at home. Sarah Palin introduces her family. Her children, Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig; her husband Todd; and her parents, Charles and Sally Heath. You could hear a pin drop when she talks about her youngest son, Trig, born with Down syndrome. “[I]n April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical. That’s how it is with us. “Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys. Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a special love. “To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.” We all are moved, many of us to tears. This is a knowledgeable audience. They know that the courageous Palin family had taken a road less traveled. About 90% of babies diagnosed in the womb with Down syndrome are aborted. NRLC Vice President Tony Lauinger said he “became aware of what an exceptional person Sarah Palin is when I read in late April the wonderful statement she released upon the birth of her son, Trig. Her impact on the Republican National Convention made clear that my opinion is shared by the thousands in the Xcel Center who heard her speak. She is truly a gift from God to our nation.” Did I mention the place is packed? Palin has already come under furious attack by the media, most of all for not being a Washington insider. The media sit stone-faced throughout her speech, although they probably squirmed uncomfortably when she says, “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 country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.” The crowd stands to their feet. The noise is deafening. Clearly a star has been born. At the end of the evening, to the delight of the crowd, Senator John McCain joins Sarah Palin on stage. September 4, 2008 I feel honored to attend the last night of this historic occasion. Following initial business on the agenda, the evening begins with a number of speakers. But the real business, of course, is Sen. McCain’s acceptance speech. John McCain accepts the presidential nomination “with gratitude, humility and confidence,” during the Republican National Convention. He reminds us, “We believe in ... a culture of life—personal responsibility, the rule of law and judges who dispense justice impartially and don’t legislate from the bench. We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods, and communities.” His was an inspiring, confident speech. Gov. Palin and her family join Sen. McCain and his family on stage. As balloons and confetti fall, the crowd roars its approval. As they wave to the cheering throng, I think to myself, how grateful I am to have attended this convention and how blessed we are to have such a great pro-life team! |