The Republican National Convention kicked off without a hitch in Tampa yesterday — one day after events were postponed because of Hurricane Isaac’s movements in the Southeast.
Only minor adjustments have been required since the convention was rescheduled, said fourth-year College student Alex Reber, the chair of Student Council’s representative body, who attended the event as an alternate delegate.
“It’s made things more compacted and they’ve had to move a few things around, but thankfully there haven’t been any other inconveniences,” he said.
Despite the initial delay, the convention boasts a high morale. Politics Prof. Larry Sabato, who is covering the convention from Tampa, said in an email energy levels were notably higher than in 2008, mainly because both parties are currently neck-and-neck in the polls.
“Unlike in 2008, Republicans think they have a 50-50 chance of victory,” Sabato said. “In ’08, they strongly suspected they’d lose.”
Virginia is also anticipated to play a key role in the convention this year. Gov. Bob McDonnell, R, sharply criticized President Barack Obama’s economic policies during a speech Tuesday evening.
“Too many Americans are looking for work, because this president’s policies simply haven’t worked,” McDonnell said during his speech. “Washington today has a surplus of rhetoric, and a deficit of leadership and results.”
McDonnell’s rhetoric echoes a similar concern held by many Americans. And students have a particular stake in stabilizing job markets and the economy, Reber said.
“For somebody my age, the economy and jobs are a key thing that we have to look for in the future,” he said.
Rep. Paul Ryan is the man who stands beside Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, at this week’s convention.
Most delegates seemed to welcome Romney’s running mate and his economic policies, Reber said, but polls show independents and moderates are ambivalent toward the Wisconsin representative, famous for his controversial federal budget proposal.
“Ryan has increased GOP enthusiasm, and the base really matters this year,” Sabato said. “But his budget has given Democrats lots of ammunition on issues like Medicare.”
Looking to bolster this burst of enthusiasm, prominent political figures took the floor Tuesday night to pitch the Republican platform with the goal of galvanizing party votes. Notable speakers
Tuesday evening included Ann Romney and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who sought to energize the party faithful by addressing the reform efforts he had made in his own state.
Ryan is scheduled to speak Wednesday night and will deliver his vice-presidential nomination acceptance speech Thursday night.
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