conventions

MINNEAPOLIS--Ron Paul is no longer a candidate this year to be president of the United States.

But on Tuesday, the Republican congressman from Texas nevertheless attracted up to 10,000 supporters here for a 10-hour event called Rally for the Republic, held at the sports center home of the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball team.

It was only about 10 miles from the official Republican convention that's taking place in St. Paul, but a galaxy away in message and spirit. Instead of access being carefully limited to delegates, insiders, and well-heeled party donors, this rally was open to the general public. … Read more

ST. PAUL, Minn.--The Republican National Convention has reached out to new media by providing credentials to around 200 bloggers here at the Xcel Energy Center, but the use of media like streaming footage to cover events may be more than either the Republican or Democratic parties bargained for.

Thousands of protesters have converged in the Twin Cities to protest the Republicans' presence, and their movements have been meticulously tracked by reporters streaming live coverage to TheUptake.org. Online audiences have gotten an unedited look at potentially controversial moments, such as the arrest of Democracy Now host Amy Goodman and … Read more

ST. PAUL, Minn.--Plans for the Republican National Convention taking place here this week have been scaled back somewhat because of Hurricane Gustav, but wiring the convention nevertheless amounts to an impressive technical feat.

The GOP anticipates around 45,000 people arriving for the convention. And to accommodate delegates' cell phones, broadcasters' videocameras, and numerous other gadgets, the party has spent the last 16 months rewiring the Xcel Energy Center from the ground up.

"The good thing about the Xcel Center is it's a very modern building," making the process relatively painless, said Max Everett, RNC chief … Read more

ST. PAUL, Minn.--While John McCain saw a flood of online donations last week thanks to his newly announced VP choice Sarah Palin, his campaign on Monday was steering Web donors to a site which--while not quite apolitical--some might call nobler than JohnMcCain.com.

The Republican party canceled nearly all scheduled events for the Republican National Convention Monday, save official business, out of respect for those impacted by Hurricane Gustav. However, a few special guests remained on the docket of speakers at the St. Paul Xcel Energy Center here, including Cindy McCain and first lady Laura Bush.

"I would … Read more

Sarah Palin's life has been abuzz since she was officially selected as John McCain's running mate on Friday. Her Wikipedia page has, likewise, been awash with activity.

After well over a thousand edits were made to her page that day, the Wikipedia editors raised the page's protection level to restrict who can make changes, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported evidence via Cyveillance that in the days and hours before Friday's announcement, Palin's page was being edited more frequently than those of other potential vice presidential candidates. A clue, … Read more

Alaska is no high-tech haven, so it's understandable that Gov. Sarah Palin is a little-known quantity when it comes to tech policy and renewable energy.

In a surprise move Friday, presumed Republican presidential nominee John McCain chose Palin as his vice presidential running mate. Palin, 44, was elected two years ago, becoming Alaska's youngest governor and its first female governor, and hasn't established a long public record. (Her government Web site was inaccessible most of Friday, presumably swamped by all the inquiring minds.)

What is clear about Palin is that like many Alaska officials, she heartily supports … Read more

Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention, held on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech, ended with a Democratic presidential nominee acceptance speech by Barack Obama that left many attendees in tears of inspiration.

Obama hit on divisive subjects such as gun control, abortion, and gay marriage, as well as foreign policy and taxes. He did not mince words when he said the presumptive Republican nominee, John McCain, doesn't "get it." But his overall "change"-theme message focused on the family.

Anticipation had been building all afternoon … Read more

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate, a surprise choice on the eve of the National Republican Convention.

Palin, a little-known first-term governor with a reputation for being fiscally conservative, is the first woman named to the Republican presidential ticket. McCain officially introduced Palin as his vice presidential candidate during a rally Friday in Dayton, Ohio.

The selection of Palin, 44, surprised many GOP observers. Palin's name had not even been mentioned among prospective running mates. In making this choice, McCain passed over contenders with higher national profiles, including Minnesota … Read more

DENVER--Yes we can? Sure, unless you're talking about getting into the Google/Vanity Fair party on Thursday night.

Barack Obama's acceptance of the Democratic nomination for president Thursday, in front of thunderous crowd of nearly 80,000 in Invesco Field, evoked inclusivity and unity--two qualities that don't necessarily make for a cool party.

Google managed to build the buzz for its party all week in Denver--limiting tickets, dis-inviting people, and making well-known Washingtonians--gasp!--wait in line. Not helping was that recipients forwarded around the e-mail invitation, resulting in an avalanche of RSVPs.

Also lending an aura … Read more