REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION  (July 31 - August 4)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, --Texas Governor, George W. Bush, was no surprise when it came to the Republican Presidential nomination, however, he surprised many with the announcement of his running mate, former Defense Secretary and Wyoming Congressman Dick Cheney.

He made his announcement one-week before the Republican National Convention. Prior to this past week’s RNC, Bush made several stops to states that voted for Democrats in past elections. Bush ventured into President Clinton’s home territory by visiting his home state of Arkansas. While they were there, Bush took the opportunity to take a swing at Clinton by mentioning his denial of having a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky. He did this by saying of Cheney, "He’s a man who understands what the meaning of ‘is’ is." Bush wanted to reach out to the places where Clinton had won during the last two elections. He vowed to renew "the honor and the dignity of the highest office in the land." Bush often taunted Clinton and Gore as a way to win over Democratic voters. The Republican Party wants to win every vote and not give up any territory.

George W. Bush was hoping for a positive convention and wanted every facet of the voting community represented or at least someone with which they could relate. Many celebrities were on hand to participate in the week’s activities. These include, country music stars Brooks and Dunn, WWF’s The Rock, Ben Stein, Bruce Willis, and many, many more. This week was certainly one filled with many surprises as Arizona Senator John McCain, who was Bush’s strongest competition, and was defeated by Bush in the primaries, threw his support in favor of Bush by campaigning for him and speaking at the RNC.

Bush was trying to reach out for bipartisan support. Bush claims. "We've got the ideas on our side. I’m ready to take on the issues. My job is to lift the spirit of the country. My job is to set our sights high. My job is to say a united nation can achieve that which we want, to make sure people are not left behind." However, the Republican Party Platform has changed considerably since Bob Dole’s run for the Presidency. Education, use of the English language, and federal government are some of the issues drawing attention but the most attention is given to abortion, which has been something that the Republican Party still remains in strong opposition. "Mr. Bush opposes abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or concern for the mother’s health."

On Wednesday night, Republicans offered the Presidential Nomination to George W. Bush and recognized Dick Cheney as his running mate. Both say eight years of Clinton and Gore is enough. "It is time for them to go."

On Thursday night, Bush accepted the nomination and claims to be an "outsider" who can end "Washington partisan gridlock" and address the "hard issues" that were ignored by Clinton and Gore. Bush believes is "time for new beginnings."

As the convention comes to a close, Democrats expressed their feelings and concerns and were none to pleased about their mention from Bush and Cheney. With the Democratic National Convention a few days a way, only time will tell the outcome of this Presidential Race and November is approaching rapidly.