While the Democrats gather in Denver, I am in Minneapolis-St. Paul preparing for next week’s Republican National Convention. As a participant in the Washington Center’s (TWC) national convention program I am honored to have the opportunity to learn alongside 97 fellow students of politics – Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike; hear from distinguished members of Congress and other officials; and experience the excitement of a national convention.

In one of the first sessions, TWC faculty director and former Congressman Mickey Edwards (R-OK) discussed how Americans should choose a president.  Whether someone is likeable or someone to have a beer with is inconsequential. Under those standards, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln would not have passed the test.  Intelligence, maturity and wisdom should matter most, Edwards said.

In our two-party dominated system, John McCain and Barack Obama are effectively our two choices for president. Because the popular vote does not determine the winner and the Electoral College does, TWC examined what needs to happen for McCain or Obama to win. TWC Scholar in Residence Meena Bose employed an interactive map from the Real Clear Politics Web site, highlighting swing states like Pennsylvania, Colorado, Ohio, and Florida.  This system incorporates up-to-date polls from all 50 states to formulate the current front runner.  I encourage you to check out this site.

Yesterday, Jo Ann Davidson, co-chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), addressed our group. This week, the Republican Party’s Platform Committee and Rules Committee meet to prepare documents to present to the full convention for adoption.  Despite their common station as delegates at the Republican National Convention, persons on these committees do not always agree. For example, issues such as immigration spark an array of opinions, Davidson said.  To best understand what policies the Republican Party is willing to enact, we should look at the platform, Edwards said. Visit the RNC Web site for additional information: http://www.gopplatform2008.com

Later today, I’ll get my first look inside the Xcel Energy Center – the convention hall.

For more information about The Washington Center’s programs, visit: http://www.campaign2008.info/node/25