2008 Woodie Awards
Two different looks inside the National Convention
The Republican National Convention
Karen Whelan
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: Viewpoint
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The thought of being one of the few Democrats at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in New York City from August 29th to September 2nd became scary when I found out I was going to the RNC. Sister Ellen Guerin informed me that I was the one of two students chosen to represent Assumption at this summer's national political conventions. Keith Sullivan, a senior at Assumption, was chosen to go the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
Being able to witness this event in history was very exciting, even hearing speeches, which I didn't necessary agree with. However, my time in NYC was even better because I was able to compare my belief values with those introduced in the Republican Party platform. Having interned for Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) along with volunteering at the Democratic National Convention, most of my work in politics had been with the Democratic Party. But, I knew the RNC would allow me to broaden my knowledge of both parties by being able to see "the other side," as Sister Ellen told me before leaving.
I was able to either see or meet important people such as President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani, Bob Scheiffer of CBS, Sam Donaldson of ABC, Michael Moore, Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), former Congressman Mickey Edwards (R-AR), the Bush twins, Arnold Schwarzenegger (of course!), and many others.
For you political junkies, I'll tell you this; Arnold surely is no "economic girlie man" in person and yes, after a low blow from Dick Cheney, Michael Moore did called him a "loser" making one of his hands in a "L" shape. These were just a few of the funny things that made my time at the convention exciting.
The makeup of the current American political system is extremely partisan with politicians and the American public generally favoring only the thoughts and beliefs of either the Republican or Democratic Party. Bearing this in mind, I packed my bags for New York City to participate in the academic program, Campaign 2004, organized by The Washington Center (TWC), a nonprofit educational organization located in Washington, DC.
Being able to witness this event in history was very exciting, even hearing speeches, which I didn't necessary agree with. However, my time in NYC was even better because I was able to compare my belief values with those introduced in the Republican Party platform. Having interned for Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) along with volunteering at the Democratic National Convention, most of my work in politics had been with the Democratic Party. But, I knew the RNC would allow me to broaden my knowledge of both parties by being able to see "the other side," as Sister Ellen told me before leaving.
I was able to either see or meet important people such as President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani, Bob Scheiffer of CBS, Sam Donaldson of ABC, Michael Moore, Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), former Congressman Mickey Edwards (R-AR), the Bush twins, Arnold Schwarzenegger (of course!), and many others.
For you political junkies, I'll tell you this; Arnold surely is no "economic girlie man" in person and yes, after a low blow from Dick Cheney, Michael Moore did called him a "loser" making one of his hands in a "L" shape. These were just a few of the funny things that made my time at the convention exciting.
The makeup of the current American political system is extremely partisan with politicians and the American public generally favoring only the thoughts and beliefs of either the Republican or Democratic Party. Bearing this in mind, I packed my bags for New York City to participate in the academic program, Campaign 2004, organized by The Washington Center (TWC), a nonprofit educational organization located in Washington, DC.