So Long St. Paul

The WCVB crew ready to leave St. Paul

WCVB Executive Producer Jenny Barron covered the Republican National Convention for NewsCenter 5.

Well, John McCain’s acceptance speech is now one for the history books.

I don’t know if you could say if he topped running mate Sarah Palin, but then, I’m not sure he had to. The Arizona senator gave an impassioned speech that was greeted by excitement, chanting and enthusiastic applause from his party’s delegates. (That is, after some particularly panicky moments for GOP convention organizers when the nominee’s podium wouldn’t seem to rise from the floor prior to McCain’s speech! I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall behind those curtains!)

McCain hit all the points that were expected: the economy, the war, and a few jabs at his opponent Barack Obama. At one point, he was interrupted by a few angry protestors who managed to get into the hall. The senator handled the incident with good humor, barely missing a beat.

The night also featured a deviation of sorts for the long-time politician. Over the years, his family, particularly his children, have rarely joined him the spotlight. Last night, they were on full display. McCain has also been reluctant to talk about his time as a POW in Vietnam. Not so this week. In fact, the senator spent a good portion of his speech recounting that difficult time and how it changed him. Party politics aside, it was hard to imagine anyone would not be moved by his words and the picture he painted.

Whether all this will be enough to give him a bounce in the polls and a leg up on his Democratic rival, only time will tell.

As for your tireless channel 5 crew, we are looking forward to getting home. We toasted an exciting trip in the hotel restaurant…the first real meal we’d had all day…around 1 am. (yes, that’s 2am Boston time). Then, we shuffled up to our rooms to get a few hours sleep before our flight in the morning.

One note: there are a lot of things you don’t see when you watch our newscasts. You don’t see our intrepid photojournalist, George, lugging equipment through protest zones and down countless city blocks. You do not see Janet Wu running around finding the LOCAL angles that make these stories relevant back home in Boston, all on a tight deadline. And, you do not see our fantastic engineer Craig editing at the speed of light, somehow managing to feed three stories back to Boston for each evening newscast EARLY. This crew worked extremely hard…got little sleep…and still managed to get in more than a few laughs. They’re the best. Hands down.

We should be landing in Boston in about and hour, and I think we all agree on one thing:

The best part of a successful trip, is coming HOME.

The Home Stretch

WCVB Executive Producer Jenny Barron covered the Republican National Convention for Newscenter 5.

Our final day at the RNC started with what I hoped was not an omen.

Reporter Janet Wu and I woke up early, as usual. She wanted to get out for a run. (I’ll pass on that, thanks very much) I was planning on hopping on the daily conference call hosted by the Democratic National Committee. Over the course of the trip, it was a good way to judge how the other side was reacting to what was going on here in St. Paul. I also like to go through all the major newspapers, both in Boston and around the country and pop in on some of my favorite political blogs. (I highly recommend ABC’s “The Note” and Time Magazine’s “The Page”…see links below).

But, that was not to be. It seems everyone in the hotel had the same idea, because the wifi signal was down. It is amazing the little things that can throw your whole day off. After muttering a few profanities at my innocent computer, I decided to spend my morning with CNN.

We headed out the hotel with a rough plan. Some Republican vets were planning a news conference to tout Sen. John McCain’s war record and policy on Iraq. That was sure to be a big topic in his acceptance speech.

We also hooked up with Nightline’s Cynthia McFadden to get her perspective on the week. With McCain’s big night looming, the buzz was simple: could the top of the ticket…top…the woman he’d chosen as his running mate?

The prevailing wisdom among delegates and media alike was that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin had hit it out of the park Wednesday night. She fired up the party’s conservative base…and proved that she wouldn’t shrink from the controversies surrounding her.

Now it is her running mate’s turn. The plan is to reconstruct the stage in the Xcel Center just for McCain. He’s always seemed to shine in town hall formats…and that’s exactly what they’re going for here tonight.

The excitement is building here, we’ll just have to see if the GOP can close out this convention with a bang!

links: The Note: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/TheNote

The Page: thepage.time.com

The Fantastic Sarah

Jennifer Nassour, 36, a lawyer and mother of two, is a first-time Republican convention delegate from Charlestown, Mass.

One word: SARAH!!!!!!!!!! How fantastic was she??? The energy in the Convention Center was absolutely amazing. She received a standing ovation that lasted about 5 minutes and wowed the crowd from the moment she began to speak. Sarah Palin made some great remarks…one of which was that the “difference between a hockey mom and a bulldog is lipstick” and another somewhere along the line of change is not a destination just as hope is not a strategy. She was amazing! She acknowledged that her family, like all of ours, is normal and not perfect. She was honest, confident, eloquent, BOLD and BRAVE! Hopefully, all of you watching on TV felt the same power that we all did in the Xcel Center.

Now, to be honest, last night listening to Rudy I thought I was going to begin with him. He was remarkable! Our delegation was holding on to his every word. Unfortunately, he missed the boat as a Presidential candidate, but he definitely still has it. Rudy is a true leader. He got the crowd ready by simply motivating the hell out of them with his words. I always have and always will think Rudy Guiliani is one of the most incredible politicians out there.


After the Convention, a few of us went across the street to a reception for McCain Friends and Family. Actor Jon Voight spoke to the crowd of a few hundred. We also had the pleasure of meeting and taking pictures with Former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele (Chair of GOPAC). He was so nice and wonderful to speak with! Overall, it was a good day for Republicans out here in Minnesota (and hopefully everywhere)!

THURSDAY:
This morning was another fun filled morning. It began with a breakfast, at our hotel, with Governors Carcieri (R.I.) and Douglas (VT). They spoke to us about the challenges Republican Governors, in low Republican enrollment states (like MA) face. They also both expressed how much they enjoyed having Governors Weld, Cellucci, Swift and Romney as neighboring Governors….of course, they are hoping that we can once again elect another Republican Governor in MA!

Then, I jumped into a cab to go to a McCain for Women luncheon honoring Cindy McCain, at the Hilton in Minneapolis….however, instead of looking at my agenda before I left, I told the cab driver to take me to St. Paul! Ooppsss…well, that was a waste of $55 and 20 minutes. Back in a cab and another $26 and I FINALLY arrived at the luncheon where about 2,000 people were enjoying lunch, followed by remarks from Todd Palin (he is very funny…) and then Cindy McCain.

Cindy McCain, was radiant, as usual. She is a wonderful speaker and a fantastic woman who wants just help women and children in need. She said that her husband told her she would never have to give a speech, but here she is! She said when the journey to the Presidency first began 18 months ago, she lost both of her parents and suffered a stroke. Cindy McCain seems to be just like us, a good mom, wife, and working woman….


Now, for the absolute highlight of my day so far (still need to get to the Convention)….I had the chance to talk with and take a photo with Former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato!!!!!!!!!!!!! So incredibly exciting! As I think I mentioned on Day #1, he is one of my hero’s! I love the guy! He was a U.S. Senator when I began my interest and quest to be politically active and he was a Professor of mine in Graduate School at C.W. Post University. The man is wonderful…he even remembered me (so he said, but I don’t care, I’ll go with him remembering me)!

I am off to the Convention for what promises to be a GREAT night! (mom and CJ look for me on the floor)

Waiting on Sarah …

WCVB Crew at RNC 2008

Jenny Barron is a WCVB Executive Producer covering the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

The anticipation is building…

 

It it hard to believe that less than one week ago, the governor of Alaska’s name would probably elicit little more than blank stares.  Today, here in St. Paul, Sarah Palin is truly the talk of the town.

 

This morning began with an early conference call with the leaders of the DNC.  They spelled out their strategy to combat the message from their Republican rivals.  But, more than anything, they were peppered with questions about the woman of the hour: Sarah Palin.

 

That theme continued just a few hours later, as some of the most high profile women in the GOP came out swinging in defense of their VP candidate.  The charges of sexism were flying and voices were raised…there is no question that this has become a very emotionally-charged issue.

 

Then there was probably one of the most photographed moments of this convention to date: our first look at the teenage father-to-be in the Palin pregnancy saga.  As John McCain arrived in Minnesota this afternoon, the entire Palin family greeted him on the tarmac.  That included 18-year-old Levi Johnston, the young man thrust into the glare of the national spotlight because of his now pregnant girlfriend, Bristol Palin.  He got a very friendly reception from the presumtive GOP nominee.  Of course, we all want to know what Senator McCain whispered in Johnston’s ear.

 

So, all we can do now is wait…wait and see if Sarah Palin’s speech can rally her supporters, satisfy some of her critics, and, if only briefly, take the focus off the scandals that have been swirling around her candidacy.

 

We’ve just gotten a few excerpts from the RNC, and it is clear that Palin will throw at least few punches. But only tomorrow will tell if it’s enough to change the game of her life…

The Palin Pregnancy

Jennifer Nassour, 36, a lawyer and mother of two, is a first-time Republican convention delegate from Charlestown, Mass.

As promised, here is my brief take on Sarah Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy….it is none of our business! It is a family matter. Bristol never held herself out to the public eye, never asked for scrutiny. It is her mother that is running for office, not her.

When Jamie Lynn Spears announced she was pregnant, the media was all over the 16 year-old mother to be. However, her situation differs from Bristol in that Jamie Lynn IS a celebrity and did hold herself out for public scrutiny. Let it go, leave this poor young woman and the family to deal with their own issues.

I remember being 17 and feeling like the weight of the world was on my shoulders…why should this woman be made to feel like she is the cause of grief for her mother, family and John McCain?


Okay, I am done with my rant. Back to all of the Convention fun for the MA Delegation!

Yesterday was a very long day. There were a ton of events before and after the Convention that I was able to find passes for. Tuesday began with a breakfast honoring Mitt Romney. Mitt came in and gave a wonderfully motivating speech to the crowd. It was a nice way to begin the long day.

Since it was a rainy day, a bunch of us took the hotel shuttle to the Mall of America…my friends, this was heaven!!!! The mall is huge, there is every imaginable store and even an amusement park!!!!! Very cool!

From there we made our way back to the hotel to get ready for the remainder of the day/night (our hotel is about 20 minutes from the Convention Center, so once we are out, we are out).

The first stop was in Minneapolis at the Aviators for McCain event. This place was packed! The coolest part for myself and my good friend Matt Keswick, was that we took the VIP elevator up to the party with U.S. Senator (and good friend of John McCain) Lindsey Graham!

Once in the venue, he shook our hands engaged in conversation, gave his little speech and then came back and thanked us for being there! Now, either this man is the friendliest person we had ever met, or there was a case of mistaken identity. Either way, Matt and I were excited about the personal attention.


From there we headed to an St. Paul to the Big Tent Celebration, hosted at this beautiful mansion, by the Republican Majority for Choice. The home was absolutely stunning and the event, was again, mobbed!

Former Governor Jane Swift was an honored guest and speaker, as was actress Rosario Dawson (I got a picture with her!!!) Rosario was so pretty and soooo nice. She gladly took pictures with myself and State Senator Bob Hedlund and spent a few minutes talking to us about why she was there (no political affiliation, just voter registration). Then, off to the Convention!

At the Convention, a good friend of mine was kind enough to help get me into a suite. It was definitely much tamer than battling the crowds on the floor!

There was food and beverage service, and luckily for me, a seat (I was wearing incredibly cute, but very uncomfortable shoes). It was a great way to watch the Convention program.

Once again, First Lady Laura Bush was on the platform and again looked dynamite! Everyone commented on how fantastic she is! Since President Bush was unable to attend the Convention, there was a video of a speech that he taped. He was funny and motivating to the crowd! Very sweetly, he also acknowledged his parents (who were in the audience) and said how much he loved them (awwwww….)

U.S. Senator Fred Thompson was one of the keynote speakers. He did a great job of energizing the crowd and putting in perspective the reasons we need to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket.

U.S. Senator Joe Leiberman also spoke, and although he was very good, he was actually addressing a different group of voters than those at the Convention…he was trying to reach the undecided and Independents that just aren’t sure which way they want to go. It was a very cool approach!

Following the Convention, we headed to a party hosted by Megan McCain (John and Cindy’s daughter), who looks like her mothers clone! She is stunning and very sweet. The party was a release of her new book: My Dad, John McCain — of course I picked up a copy for my kids!!!!

The coolest person at the party (which began at 10PM and we did not get to until 11PM) was John McCain’s 96 year-old mother! She was at the party until nearly 12:30AM. Now, for anyone with doubts to McCain’s heath and fitness…take a good look at his 96 year-old mother…she looks fab and can carry on a conversation about anything, with anyone! He truly has some extraordinary genes!!!!

Today we (including State Rep’s deMacedo, Polito, Perry, Barrows, Jones, Webster, Poirier) stuffed relief kits for victims of the hurricane….it was a nice gesture by State Party GOP Chair Peter Torkildsen to help our friends in the South. We are now off to events being hosted for the MA delegation by Former Lt. Governor Kerry Healey and another by Governor Mitt Romney…then to the Convention to wait for Sarah Palin — I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Convention Rolls On…

WCVB Executive Producer Jenny Barron at the RNC

WCVB Executive Producer Jenny Barron is in St. Paul to cover the Republican National Convention.

After a slow beginning here in St. Paul, the Republican National Convention is starting to get back on track.

This morning started with a conference call with GOP leaders and folks from the McCain campaign. They carefully spelled out today’s schedule, explaining that they had to shuffle the speaker schedule in an effort to make up for the day they lost. They also made it clear that things will be “day by day” around here.

Our first order of business was to catch up with former Massachusetts Governor and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Romney, now a strong backer of John McCain, was the featured speaker at the breakfast for the Massachusetts Delegation.

The second he arrived, Romney was instantly surrounded by reporters, many of them from the baystate. He was peppered with questions on a range of topics. Would he want to serve in a McCain cabinet? (No, he feels he can do more from the outside.) Did he think Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was vetted properly? (Yes, he had faith in the campaign’s process.) Would he be interested in another run for the White House? (Thanks for asking, but he’s backing John McCain.)

Romney gave a short speech to his fellow baystaters over coffee and orange juice. He even told a joke about an ice fishing contest between John McCain and Barack Obama. The Democrat is losing and sets out to figure out why. He discovered McCain was doing something he wasn’t: drilling a hole in the ice. Somehow, Romney implied, this relates to Obama’s experience level. Well, he got a laugh, anyway.

Tonight, the first real speeches of this convention get underway. It will be interesting to see how the GOP crowd reacts to Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman…once a Democrat, now an independent…taking their podium in prime time.

Oh, and we just heard that the teenage father of Bristol Palin’s unborn child is headed from Alaska to St. Paul as we speak. That is bound to make tomorrow rather eventful…

Stay tuned…

Getting Down To Business

Cindy McCain and Laura Bush address the convention.

Jennifer Nassour, 36, a lawyer and mother of two, is a first-time Republican convention delegate from Charlestown, Mass.

Yesterday was quite a day! About 2 p.m. we boarded a bus from the hotel to the Xcel Center. Luckily we arrived early and getting through security was only about a 5 minute event. I was moved just walking into the building … people from all around the Nation, press stations, and celebrities (I saw Jon Voight and a handful of others just mulling around).

THEN we walked into the Convention hall. It took my breath away! It was so incredibly patriotic and so beautiful. I felt like a little kid walking into FAO Schwartz for the first time … sooooo much to see and to be part of!

So, the boring stuff took place. The convention was called to order and first day business was on the table. As soon as McCain and Palin’s names were mentioned, the crowd went wild!!!! Applause, cattle calls, it was very cool!

One of our own, Jean Inman, former MAGOP Chair, and Secretary to the Convention, got her time on the platform. Jean is smart, beautiful and a longtime McCain supporter — we couldn’t have a better representative to the convention for the MA Delegation!

The convention broke for an hour for committee meetings and I had an opportunity to walk around. I am originally from NY, so of course I made my way around to the NY Delegation. I ran into some old friends and had a wonderful conversation with Nassau County and NYS Republican Party Leader Joe Mondello. Mr. Mondello is a great politico and someone who I truly admire. I was so excited that I had the opportunity to catch up with him!

When the convention resumed, First Lady Laura Bush walked out!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is simply gorgeous!!!!!!! The convention hall went nuts for her with a very long standing ovation!

She was somber as she reflected on those in the South that were being hit by the hurricane, but as usual she was so eloquent and gracious. The First Lady stepped aside for a few minutes while a video played of governors Jindal, Christ, Davis and Barbour, who all stayed back in their home states to take care of the residents in their states and neighboring states. When she came back out, she brought Cindy McCain with her….and again, the crowd roared!

I have had the pleasure of seeing her in person before and she is a BEAUTIFUL woman, however, she walked on that platform, in this amazing yellow dress and looked as if she should have been on the cover of Vogue! Mrs. McCain and the First Lady then stood together and asked all of us to pick up our cell phones and send a text to donate money to relief funds …

After the convention, we went over to a reception hosted by Gov. Romney and his wife Ann. Mitt gave a great little speech and appeared excited to be such a big part of the convention. From there we hit another party in Minneapolis and then back to the hotel (cabs are EXPENSIVE around here). I was exhausted and it was a very long day!

Now, I am a convention newbie, so all of this is unbelievably fantastic. My friends that have been to national conventions before claim that yesterday was nothing in comparison to what it would be like if events had not been suspended in respect for those in the South. I cannot imagine it getting better, but as it does the smile on my face will get bigger and bigger.

BTW, I know you all want to hear my thoughts on Sarah Palin’s daughter. You are just going to have to wait until later!!!!!

Never A Dull Moment

Protesters greeted delegates on the first day of the Republican Convention.

WCVB Executive Producer Jenny Barron is in St. Paul to cover the Republican National Convention.

What was supposed to be a toned down, somber beginning to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul was certainly anything but dull.

We knew when we landed in Minnesota Monday afternoon, it would be a mad dash to our first liveshot. The plane touched down at 12:30pm local time. We were actually early.

We breezed out of the airport and things were looking good. But, it wasn’t long before we saw it: thousands of protestors filling the streets of St. Paul. They were all ages, some in T-shirts and shorts, others in elaborate costumes. I think I saw a woman in full red body paint dressed as the devil.

They marched in droves, chanting against President Bush, John McCain and particularly the war in Iraq.

As they marched, they were met on all sides by scores of police, heavily outfitted in riot gear. They lined the streets, blocked intersection after intersection … and even marched in front of the protestors with some serious weaponry. We have heard reports of violence and tear gas.

Thankfully, we were not witness to that. But, it did take us over an hour of pacing up and down St. Paul’s 7th street trying to make our way to the convention center.

The convention itself was certainly low key. They gaveled in, Cindy McCain and First Lady Laura Bush made a pitch for helping hurricane victims, then they called it a day.

There was certainly plenty of talk about the revelation that McCain running mate Gov. Sarah Palin’s teenage daughter is pregnant. The reaction here has been largely supportive.

It is about 8:30 pm here now, and it is just quiet. Not the atmosphere you would expect on the first night of the RNC.

Tomorrow, we are off to track down former governor and former candidate turned McCain stalwart, Mitt Romney.

It will be interesting to see where the convention goes from here …

Republican Convention Gets Under Way

Jennifer Nassour, Mass. delegate to RNC

Jennifer Nassour, 36, is a family attorney and mother of two from Charlestown, Mass. She is a delegate to the Republican National Convention for the first time and a convention blogger for The BostonChannel.com. She is a McCain alternate in the Massachusetts delegation.

WOW! What a day this has been already! I was a bit apprehensive leaving my girls this morning, but I think that my husband (and my mother) are up for the challenge.

The Northwest flight was uneventful, except for this wonderful woman, Elyse, that I sat next to.

Elyse works for the lobbying firm run by former NYS Senator Alfonse D’Amato. Growing up in NY (specifically Nassau County), D’Amato is one of my hero’s! He was a wonderful Senator for NY and a godfather to those of us growing up in Nassau County politics (he was also a Professor of mine in graduate school).

Needless to say, I was fascinated by Elyse’s career — even found myself a little envious! It was great to rehash some old stories and have a young and friendly face to share them with.

The journey from the airport to the hotel was another highlight to my day (and it is only 12:15 local time). I had the immense pleasure to ride on the hotel shuttle with Representatives Jones, Barrows, deMacedo, Hargraves, Porier and Perry and Sheriff Hodgkins. Being one of only three others on the shuttle who was not an elected official, they made me feel very welcome and comfortable. Quite honestly, I laughed the whole way to the hotel! I truly enjoyed talking to all of them and getting to know them on our ride over! I am looking forward to sharing a few more laughs with them over the next few days!

The hotel is buzzing with delegates, guests and media. Former Massachusetts Lt. Governor Kerry Healey walked in and it was as if it were Jennifer Aniston … the cameras were rolling and hands were busy writing down every word she said.

We are off to the Xcel Center shortly, just to open the convention. I think today will be relatively somber. Everyone here keeps saying the same thing … those poor people in the South … our thoughts and prayers go out to all of them!!!!

Thanks honey and my babies for giving me the freedom to take this great adventure!!!!

Celebrity Sightings

Rosemary Lappin, NewsCenter 5 Senior Producer in Denver
From your living room the Pepsi Center offerings may seem like a series of lesser speakers that eventually lead to a big name act or two. And you’d be right. For every Michelle and Hillary there are endless people at the podium whose thoughts you really don’t want to hear. And neither do some of the delegates.

When you walk the Pepsi Center at night the corridors that circle the arena are filled with restless Democrats. They wander with cell phones at ear, check Blackberrys and shop for Obama collectables. Every once and a while this ritual is interrupted and suddenly the foot traffic stops. You start to wonder what famous person is ahead that the flow of ped-democracy has been compromised?

Sometimes it’s an HPD– high- profile Democrat like Michelle Obama being escorted into a box with Joe and Jill Biden. Secret service agents secure an area for up to 5 minutes until all are safely seated. And then agents guard the entrance for the rest of the evening. But other times the person attracting a lot of attention and gumming up the Pepsi works is surprising. One night a scrum occured when Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich was in the hallway. Yes, Dennis Kucinich.

For political junkies these conventions are what the Oscars are for movie buffs. Every evening these hallways are red carpets. And the star gazers whip out their cellphones to capture a photo of a passing Jimmy Carter, Bill Richardson and journalists like Ted Koppel. Everyone once in a while a movie star does pass, but they are not swarmed the way those who have had their names on a ballot are. Electoral celebrity is a very personal choice. One woman’s George Clooney is another woman’s Joe Biden.

Rosemary Lappin/Senior Producer/Denver 2008