2008 Republican National Convention

U.S. political event held in Saint Paul, Minnesota February 2026 July 2021 2008 Republican 2008 Republican National Convention Logo.png 140px RP2008.png 125 RV2008.png 125 Nominees McCain and Palin September 1–4, 2008 Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, Minnesota Rudy Giuliani George W. BushLaura BushJoe LiebermanMike HuckabeeMitt RomneyMichael Steele John McCain of Arizona Sarah Palin of Alaska 2004 2012 1 2,380 1,191 McCain (AZ): 2,343 (99.28%)Paul (TX): 15 (0.63%)Romney (MA): 2 (0.09%) Palin (AK): 100% (Acclamation) The 2008 Republican National Convention took place at the Xcel Energy Center (now Grand Casino Arena) in Saint Paul, Minnesota, from September 1, through September 4, 2008.RNC Site Selection Committee To Recommend Minneapolis – St. Paul For 2008 Republican National Convention Republican National Committee 2006-09-27 http://www.gop.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=6600 https://web.archive.org/web/20070928003729/http://www.gop.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=6600 2007-09-28 2007-06-14 The first day of the Republican Party's convention fell on Labor Day, the last day of the popular Minnesota State Fair, though because of Hurricane Gustav, this day was mostly a call for action to help victims and formal, required activities; most of the politicking and partying did not start until Tuesday, the second scheduled day. This was the latest any major party convention has ever been convened,http://www.gopconvention.com/about/default.aspx About the 2008 Republican National Convention 2008 Republican National Convention official website 2008-12-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20080730183111/http://www.gopconvention.com/about/default.aspx 2008-07-30 and the first one to take place entirely in September. Traditionally, the party who holds the White House has the opportunity to select the date of its convention second, and normally the challenging party holds their convention in July while the incumbent party holds its convention in August. This year, later dates were chosen for both conventions because the parties wanted to schedule their conventions after the 2008 Summer Olympics ended. President George W. Bush did not attend the convention (although he did appear by satellite), in order to oversee relief efforts to help citizens recover from Hurricane Gustav.https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2008/president/conventions/videos/transcripts/20080902_BUSH_SPEECH.html Transcript - Bush's Address to the Republican National Convention - Election Guide 2008 - The New York Times www.nytimes.com The attending delegates at the convention nominated Senator John McCain from Arizona for president and Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska for vice president. 1,191 pledged delegates were necessary for candidates to win the respective nominations. Speakers Monday, September 1, 2008 Scheduled speeches by U.S. president George W. Bush, U.S. vice president Dick Cheney and U.S. senator Joe Lieberman were canceled because of Hurricane Gustav."Republican National Convention Update" https://web.archive.org/web/20080914092732/http://www.asianweek.com/2008/09/03/republican-national-convention-update/ 2008-09-14 . AsianWeek. Retrieved on 2008-09-03. An abbreviated meeting was scheduled for late afternoon to conduct business required under party rules. The remainder of the convention schedule was determined day by day depending on the nature of the storm.Republican Convention Schedule: Monday http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-08-30/news/29435128_1_speeches-and-program-activities-republican-convention-schedule-report-of-credentials-committee https://archive.today/20130130060913/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-08-30/news/29435128_1_speeches-and-program-activities-republican-convention-schedule-report-of-credentials-committee dead January 30, 2013 August 30, 2008 Associated Press via NY Post June 26, 2012 New York Laura Bush, First Lady of the United StatesShear, Michael D. Laura Bush, Cindy McCain to Speak Today http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/01/laura_bush_cindy_mccain_to_spe.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080901232144/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/01/laura_bush_cindy_mccain_to_spe.html dead September 1, 2008 September 1, 2008 The Washington Post Company 2008-09-01 Cindy McCain, wife of (then-presumptive) Presidential nominee John McCain –speech by wife of presidential nominee The two women appeared together and delivered short remarks to encourage support for hurricane relief efforts.http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/01/rnc.gustav/?iref=hpmostpop Laura Bush on Gustav: Americans 'are here to do what we can' 2008-09-06 CNN September 1, 2008 Tuesday, September 2, 2008 thumb|150px|left|Members of the Bush and McCain families when former President George H. W. Bush was honored on September 2, 2008 George W. Bush, President of the United States (by satellite). Because of the events of Hurricane Gustav, Bush did not attend the convention, and delivered his remarks to the delegates by satellite. Bush honored McCain's courage and his maverick reputation, and said that McCain is ready to lead.http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593965/20080902/story.jhtml Kaufman, Gil 2008-09-08 MTV Networks September 2, 2008 President Bush Takes Center Stage On Second Night Of Rebooted Republican National Convention https://web.archive.org/web/20080906183754/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1593965/20080902/story.jhtml 6 September 2008 dead Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States. The First Lady touted McCain's experience and credentials, while talking about her and her husband's achievements in the White House.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20222987,00.html Laura Bush Delivers Feisty GOP 'Straight Talk' 2008-09-08 People September 2, 2008 Westfall, Sandra Sobieraj https://web.archive.org/web/20080908111836/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20222987%2C00.html 8 September 2008 dead She introduced President Bush who appeared by satellite. Joe Lieberman, Independent Democrat (formerly Democrat) U.S. Senator from Connecticut. Lieberman, who ran for Vice President (as a Democrat) with Democratic Party Presidential nominee, Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election,https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/06/us/politics/06ratings.html?ref=politics Conventions, Anything but Dull, Are a TV Hit 2008-09-08 The New York Times September 5, 2008 Rutenberg, Jim Brian Stelter https://web.archive.org/web/20090425031740/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/06/us/politics/06ratings.html?ref=politics April 25, 2009 live praised McCain and argued that Barack Obama, the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, was not ready to be president.http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1838223_1838222,00.html Joe Lieberman 2008-09-08 Time Halperin, Mark September 3, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080907235407/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0%2C28804%2C1838223_1838222%2C00.html 7 September 2008 dead Fred Thompson, former U.S. senator from Tennessee. Thompson attacked perceived liberal-media bias, branded Democrats as elitists, and praised McCain's vice presidential pick, Sarah Palin.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/johnmccain/2672130/Fred-Thompson-hails-Sarah-Palin-at-Republican-Convention.html 2008-09-08 September 3, 2008 Harnden, Toby Telegraph Fred Thompson hails Sarah Palin at Republican Convention London https://web.archive.org/web/20080907221122/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/johnmccain/2672130/Fred-Thompson-hails-Sarah-Palin-at-Republican-Convention.html 7 September 2008 live Norm Coleman, U.S. Senator from Minnesota John Boehner, U.S. House of Representative Minority Leader from Ohio Wednesday, September 3, 2008 September 3 150 vertical Rudy Giuliani, former Republican presidential candidate and Mayor of New York, at the podium in the Xcel Center, St. Paul, Minnesota LCCN2010719270 (cropped).jpg Rudy Giuliani (keynote speaker) Palin waving-RNC-20080903 cropped.jpg Sarah Palin Mike Huckabee addresses the convention in St. Paul, Minnesota LCCN2010719322 (cropped1).jpg Mike Huckabee Rudy Giuliani (keynote speaker)Donald Trump Jr. RNC speech, 2020 https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Trump_Jr._RNC_speech,_2020 Ballotpedia August 27, 2026 en, former Mayor of New York City, New York. Giuliani questioned Obama's judgment and overall experience. He said, "John [McCain] has been tested. Barack Obama has not. Tough times require strong leadership, and this is no time for on-the-job training." He also said that Obama and Democrats "are in a state of denial" about the threat of terrorism to the U.S.,Losing Candidates Go To Bat For McCain 2008-09-08 September 3, 2008 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/losing-candidates-go-to-bat-for-mccain/ CBS https://web.archive.org/web/20080907220222/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/03/politics/main4413918.shtml 7 September 2008 live while McCain can confront and defeat "anything that terrorists do to us". He further said that Obama is without a record of leadership: "He's the least-experienced candidate for President of the United States in at least the last 100 years." The former Mayor praised Palin as "one of the most successful governors in America—and the most popular... She already has more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket." Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska and (then-presumptive) Vice Presidential nominee. In Palin's speech, she portrayed herself as a reformer and a fighter for change.http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-ledeall4-2008sep04,0,7127394.story Defiant Sarah Palin comes out swinging 2008-09-08 September 4, 2008 The Los Angeles Times Barabak, Mark Z https://web.archive.org/web/20080907215506/http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-ledeall4-2008sep04%2C0%2C7127394.story 7 September 2008 live She introduced her family and described her life in Alaska, saying she is just "an average hockey mom," while commenting on her recent negative publicity: "Here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this great country." She defended her relative lack of political experience and criticized Obama. Her speech was well received by the convention delegates and media commentators.http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/04/rnc.reportcard.palin/index.html Republican Convention report card: Sarah Palin 2008-09-08 CNN September 4, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080908005424/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/04/rnc.reportcard.palin/index.html 8 September 2008 live Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas. While he commended Obama for clinching his party's nomination, Huckabee said that Obama lacks experience and judgment, especially in foreign policy. He said, "I don't believe his preparation or his plans will lift America up." Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts. Romney commented on Obama's campaign message of change, saying, "We need change all right. Change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington. We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington—throw out the big-government liberals and elect John McCain." Romney said that Obama "ducked and dodged" when asked about terrorism and Islamic extremism. Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate Minority Leader. McConnell performed the Adoption and Announcement of Vice-Presidential nominee Palin.http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26533292 https://web.archive.org/web/20150228101136/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26533292/ dead February 28, 2015 Palin speech is latest in GOP fight with media 2008-09-08 September 3, 2008 Curry, Tom NBC News Norm Coleman, U.S. Senator from Minnesota Linda Lingle, Governor of Hawaii Carly Fiorina, former chair and chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard Meg Whitman, former president and chief executive officer of eBay Anne F. Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne's Thursday, September 4, 2008 September 4 150 vertical John McCain addresses the audience at the convention, St. Paul, Minnesota LCCN2010719280 (cropped1).jpg John McCain Cindy McCain Republican National Convention, September 1-4, 2008. St. Paul, Minnesota LCCN2010719276 (2).jpg Cindy McCain John McCain, United States Senator from Arizona and 2008 Republican nominee for President of the United States. In his speech, McCain culminated the Republican convention by accepting his party's nomination for President of the United States. He was introduced by a video tribute. Cindy McCain, wife of John McCain. Before appearing on stage, a video tribute honoring Cindy McCain was shown to the delegates. She then appeared and introduced the seven McCain children. McCain portrayed her husband as a "straight talker" and a father who, by example, has passed his love of his country onto his children.https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-09-04-66739821_x.htm Cindy McCain praises husband as leader, father DeMillo, Andrew 2008-09-06 September 4, 2008 USA Today She avoided criticizing Democratic nominee Barack Obama, rather she praised her husband, saying, "He has shown the value of self-sacrifice by daily example and, above all John showers us with the unconditional love and support every family dreams of. I know what his children say of him. And his courageous service to America in war and peace leaves no doubt what our forefathers would make of him." She also showed her support for vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, all before her husband took the stage. Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota Tom Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania Sam Brownback, United States senator from Kansas Bill Frist, former United states Senate majority leader Mel Martinez, United States senator from Florida John Ensign, United States senator from Nevada Lindsey Graham, United States senator from South Carolina Tom Cole, United States representative from Oklahoma Mary Fallin, United States representative from Oklahoma Marsha Blackburn, United States representative from Tennessee Aaron Schock, 27-year-old Illinois state representative; nominee for U.S. House of Representatives Rosario Marin, former treasurer of the United States Carol A. Mutter, retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant generalJune 5, 2025 https://www.politico.com/story/2008/08/republican-national-convention-schedule-013003 Republican National Convention schedule Associated Press August 30, 2008 Politico Hosting city selection 250px vertical Xcel Energy Center 5.JPG Xcel Energy Center, host venue of the convention Rudy Giuliani, Former Republican Presidential candidate and Mayor of New York, at the podium in the Xcel Center, St. Paul, Minnesota LCCN2010719271.jpg The floor of the 2008 Republican National Convention Four cities made bids to the Republican National Committee (RNC) for proposals to host the 2008 Convention. Those cities were Cleveland, Ohio; Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota; New York City, New York; and Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida. The RNC Selection Committee made its recommendation for Minneapolis-Saint Paul and on September 27, 2006, the RNC made its decision public that the 2008 Republican National Convention would be held in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The RNC made their decision earlier than originally scheduled because the Democratic National Committee (DNC) also had Minneapolis-Saint Paul as a finalist among bidding cities. (After the RNC's selection, the DNC removed Minneapolis-Saint Paul from consideration which left the DNC with only two cities to choose from: New York City and Denver, Colorado.) This is the second time the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area held the Republican National Convention—the first was held in 1892. USA 400 center Sites of the 2008 national presidential nominating conventions USA blue-gold pog.svg 14 39.739167 -104.984722 bottom #FFFFFF Denver USA red pog.svg 14 44.9441 -93.0852 top #FFFFFF Saint Paul USA purple pog.svg 39.1 -94.58 bottom #FFFFFF Kansas City USA green pog.svg 41.836944 -87.684444 bottom #FFFFFF Chicago Scheduling With the landfall of Hurricane Gustav on the U.S. Gulf Coast, the White House canceled the planned appearances of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/31/AR2008083100403.html?hpid%3Dtopnews&sub=AR GOP Makes Major Changes to Convention Activities The Washington Post Michael Abramowitz Robert Barnes 2008-08-31 2008-08-31 Governors Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Rick Perry of Texas skipped the convention to remain in their states during the hurricane's landfall.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/28/AR2008082803165.html GOP Considers Delaying Convention The Washington Post Dan Eggen Michael Shear 2008-08-29 2008-08-29http://www.twincities.com/ci_10327535?nclick_check=1 Gustav could blow away GOP convention plans MarketWatch Russ Britt 2008-08-29 2008-08-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20080919203335/http://www.twincities.com/ci_10327535?nclick_check=1 19 September 2008 live The Monday, September 1, 2008, schedule was compressed to two hours from seven. McCain called on the party to reduce partisan activities ahead of the hurricane's arrival. The Republican Party chartered a DC-9 to fly convention delegates representing the affected areas back home to their families. The last time a major hurricane struck in a Presidential-election year was Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which hit South Florida four days after the Republican Convention in Houston, Texas.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew.html Preliminary Report: Hurricane Andrew Ed Rappaport National Hurricane Center 1993-12-10 2008-08-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20080913083432/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew.html 13 September 2008 live On March 26, 2008, the NFL and NBC agreed to move the kickoff time of a September 4 season-opening football game to 7:00 p.m. EDT instead of 8:30 p.m. EDT to accommodate the convention.https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSN2529053820080326 NFL season opener yields to McCain speech March 26, 2008 Reuters 12 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080915181609/https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSN2529053820080326 15 September 2008 live The game ended relatively on time, at 10:01 p.m. EDT, with NBC Sports handing off to NBC News within moments of the end of the game. According to Nielsen Media Research, 38.9 million Americans watched McCain deliver his acceptance speech—a half million more than tuned in to see Obama the previous week.https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/06/us/politics/06ratings.html?ref=politics Conventions, Anything but Dull, Are a TV Hit The New York Times Jim Rutenberg Brian Stelter 2008-09-05 2008-09-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20090425031740/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/06/us/politics/06ratings.html?ref=politics April 25, 2009 live Delegate count Results of the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries To be selected as the 2008 Republican Party Nominee, a candidate must have received the vote of 1,191 delegates. As of March 4, 2008, McCain had received the pledges of more than 1,191 delegates.http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/republican_delegate_count.html Republican Delegate Count 12 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080918114338/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/republican_delegate_count.html 18 September 2008 livehttp://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/#val=R CNN Republican Primary Scorecard 12 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080910141651/http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/ 10 September 2008 live Although most of those delegates were not required to vote for him,http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/14/665455.aspx CAN MCCAIN GET ROMNEY'S DELEGATES? 12 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080917214115/http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/14/665455.aspx 17 September 2008 dead on September 3, 2008, McCain won the nomination almost unanimously.http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/R.phtml Republican Convention 2008 2008-09-04 The Green Papers https://web.archive.org/web/20080908014205/http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/R.phtml 8 September 2008 live Republican National Convention Presidential nominee vote, 2008http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/R.phtml#note10 Update from The Green Papers addressing Update from Minnesota 22 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100112085437/http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/R.phtml 12 January 2010 livehttp://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/MN-R-LetterFromMichaelSteeleConfirmingRPlVotes-2009-06-30.pdf Letter from Michael Steele Confirming and Correcting the Minnesota delegate vote count for Ron Paul. Paul to get six more votes 22 January 2010 CandidateVotesPercentage John McCain 2,343 98.44% Ron Paul 21 0.88% Mitt Romney 2 0.08% Delegates that did not vote 14 0.59% Totals 2,380 100.00% Palin was nominated for vice president by voice vote on September 4, 2008.http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=89038 Palin nominated by acclamation WTSP September 4, 2008 June 26, 2012 Peppard, Jim Protests thumb|left|Antiwar march at the Minnesota State Capitol on September 1, 2008 Approximately 10,000 largely peaceful protesters marched against the war in Iraq and 2,000 more to end homelessness and poverty.Stawicki Elizabeth Michael Caputo Authorities say splinter groups caused most of protest violence Minnesota Public Radio 2008-09-02 http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/09/01/protesters_coleman/ 2008-09-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20080908060043/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/09/01/protesters_coleman/ 8 September 2008 live McNary Sharon Calm returns to Xcel after police fire tear gas at protesters Minnesota Public Radio 2008-09-02 http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/09/02/rnc_day2/ 2008-09-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20080907043041/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/09/02/rnc_day2/ 7 September 2008 live They represented a number of organizations opposed to the Republican Administration including the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, the Teamsters, Code Pink, the American Indian Movement and the RNC Welcoming Committee.Smith, Ashley Ruder, Eric Marching on the RNC http://socialistworker.org/2008/09/02/marching-on-the-rnc September 2, 2008 SocialistWorker.org 2008-09-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080905091305/http://socialistworker.org/2008/09/02/marching-on-the-rnc 5 September 2008 liveMontopoli, Brian Protesters Push Antiwar Message At RNC https://www.cbsnews.com/news/protesters-push-antiwar-message-at-rnc/ September 1, 2008 CBS News 2008-09-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080902034750/http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/09/01/politics/horserace/entry4405431.shtml 2 September 2008 live About 1,000 people in place for the third major march, and the last to be sanctioned, were stopped on Thursday, September 4, 2008, by police because they attempted to begin their march after the time their march permit expired.Robson, Britt Scenes from a protest: On RNC's last night, a march to nowhere http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/7747/scenes-from-a-protest-on-rncs-last-night-a-march-to-nowhere September 5, 2008 The Minnesota Independent 2008-09-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080907021200/http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/7747/scenes-from-a-protest-on-rncs-last-night-a-march-to-nowhere 7 September 2008 live The Anti-War Committee, which supports nonviolent action and civil disobedience and had cooperated with anarchist groups, had organized and publicized the march to protest at the time of McCain's acceptance speech, which was in violation of the court-approved protest permit time.Weber, Tom Anti-war activists plan protest on last day of RNC http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/07/23/rncprotest/ July 31, 2008 Minnesota Public Radio News 2008-09-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080918163443/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/07/23/rncprotest/ 18 September 2008 live thumb|upright|The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign march to abolish poverty on September 2, 2008 Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty and 10,000 Ron Paul supporters attended the Rally for the Republic, a protest convention on September 2, 2008, held a few miles from the Xcel Energy Center at the Minneapolis Target Center in direct contrast to the Republican National Convention.Devin, Henry Ron Paul, supporters rally at Target Center http://www.mndaily.com/2008/09/03/ron-paul-supporters-rally-target-center September 3, 2008 The Minnesota Daily 2008-09-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080906011833/http://www.mndaily.com/2008/09/03/ron-paul-supporters-rally-target-center 6 September 2008 dead Several groups had been preparing to protest near the convention.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/11/12/rnc_protests/ MPR: Peace activists, radicals plotting protests for GOP convention Minnesota.publicradio.org 2007-11-12 2011-06-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20110608111949/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/11/12/rnc_protests/ 8 June 2011 live In early January 2008, protesters marched from the Minnesota State Capitol to the Xcel Energy Center in hopes of securing a protest permit.Bakst Brian Protesters warm up for convention in St. Paul 18 December 2015 ABC Eyewitness news 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080606075234/http://kstp.com/article/stories/S300767.shtml?cat=89 http://kstp.com/article/stories/S300767.shtml?cat=89 6 June 2008 The Saint Paul Police Department authorized the event, but only approved the permit through July 2008. On February 8 and February 9, 2008, antiwar protesters attended a weekend conference at the University of Minnesota to discuss the protests and antiwar rally.http://wcco.com/local/republican.convention.protest.2.650198.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080211090906/http://wcco.com/local/republican.convention.protest.2.650198.html dead 11 February 2008 wcco.com - Protesters Making Plans In Minn. For RNC '08 11 February 2008 On February 28, 2008, the Associated Press (AP) reported that the police department adopted new guidelines for the investigation of protest groups. The police department said that this did not have anything to do with the convention.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/02/25/conventionsecurity/ MPR: St. Paul police adopt new guidelines ahead of RNC Minnesota.publicradio.org 2008-02-25 2011-06-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20110608112022/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/02/25/conventionsecurity/ 8 June 2011 live In early March 2008, the city of Saint Paul gave the first permits to protest organizers.- RNC Protesters Not Happy About Marching Routes Retrieved June 28, 2012. The city had said that it was not going to follow the "New York model" for protest security, referring to the tactics the New York City Police Department used for the 2004 Republican National Convention protest activity.Sean Gardiner http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0811,374129,374129,2.html > news > Runnin' Scared: Minnesota Cops Promise a Kinder, Gentler RNC by Sean Gardiner village voice 2008-03-11 2011-06-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20080313045527/http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0811%2C374129%2C374129%2C2.html March 13, 2008 dead Later, on March 24, 2008, the antiwar group the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War, sued the city, claiming their free speech and due process rights were denied by the vagueness of the permits which did not specify a permitted route for their march.http://www.fightbacknews.org/2008/06/rncfedcourt.htm Case for RNC antiwar protest permits goes to federal court Fightbacknews.org 2008-06-10 2011-06-07http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/03/24/protest/ MPR: RNC protest group sues city of St. Paul Minnesota.publicradio.org 2008-03-24 2011-06-07 https://web.archive.org/web/20110608112038/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/03/24/protest/ 8 June 2011 live On July 16, 2008, a Federal judge upheld the terms of the permit.Federal judge rules against RNC protesters Furst Randy 2008-07-16 Star Tribune The Star Tribune Company And when the time came on September 2, 2008, police led the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign for two hours on a 2.5 mi km trek away from the convention which had been less than 1 mi km from their starting point.Camp, John Street scenes: A march through St. Paul's concrete wilderness http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/09/03/3323/street_scenes_a_march_through_st_pauls_concrete_wilderness September 3, 2008 MinnPost 2008-09-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080913193138/http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/09/03/3323/street_scenes_a_march_through_st_pauls_concrete_wilderness 13 September 2008 live Search warrants and arrests thumb|upright|left|Police in downtown Saint Paul on September 2, 2008 200 vertical Mugshots (2821263555).jpg Transporting Protesters arrested RNC 2008 2820904929 o (cropped3).jpg Processing Arrestees (2822094616).jpg Police arresting protesters during the first-day of the convention Before the convention began, search warrants were executed by Ramsey County Sheriff Bob FletcherNelson, Tim Stachura, Sea Police conduct raids in preparation for RNC http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/08/30/rnc_raids/ August 30, 2008 Minnesota Public Radio 2008-08-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20080904053926/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/08/30/rnc_raids/ 4 September 2008 live in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/08/31/raids/ Federal government involved in raids on protesters Greenwald Glenn August 31, 2008 Salon 2008-09-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080902034022/http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/08/31/raids/ 2 September 2008 live Six persons who were a part of the organizing group, the RNC Welcoming Committee, were arrested when police executed search warrants on a handful of homes in Minneapolis and Saint Paul during the weekend preceding the convention.Birkey, Andy Pre-RNC police raids: reporters' notebook http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/6292/pre-rnc-police-raids-reporters-notebook August 30, 2008 The Minnesota Independent 2008-08-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20080831215448/http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/6292/pre-rnc-police-raids-reporters-notebook 31 August 2008 livehttps://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/us/politics/04protests.html Charges Filed Against Protest Group Colin Moynihan The New York Times September 4, 2008http://www.democracynow.org/2008/9/4/eight_members_of_rnc_activist_group Eight Members of RNC Activist Group Lodged with Terrorism Charges Democracy Now! Media outlets reported on several of the searches.Associated Press Police raid headquarters of RNC protesters http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/30/rnc.protest/index.html August 30, 2008 CNN 2008-08-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20080901211739/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/30/rnc.protest/index.html 1 September 2008 live Given the nature of the probable cause for the warrant applications, a district court judge authorized no-knock warrants. Police entered the homes wearing body armor with weapons drawn, which is standard for no-knock warrants. RNC Welcoming Committee members detained at the group's headquarters, located in an old theater on Saint Paul's West Side, were ultimately arrested by Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher of misdemeanor fire code violations. On the first day of the convention, a group of protesters stood in front of approximately 30 to 40 delegates from Connecticut in an attempt to prevent them from entering the convention. Paramedics had to treat an 83-year-old member of the delegation for breathing problems when his credentials were ripped from his neck by a protester.Protesters http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/protesters/article_abb99808-8b0b-57ce-bfb8-e1b5718a4249.html 18 December 2015 The Hour 1 September 2008 Additionally, a black bloc smashed windows of downtown businesses and slashed the tires several police cars, lit one police car on fire, and used a garbage dumpster as a battering ram against another. About 12 protesters were arrested.Police fire tear gas into protest group http://www.twincities.com/ci_10356224 18 December 2015 Twin Cities.com 1 September 2008 thumb|Minnesota Peace Team and police in Saint Paul on September 4, 2008 During the convention's first three days, more than 300 individuals were detained by police,http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-09-01/news/17906785_1_anarchists-block-streets-trash-bin https://archive.today/20130130034035/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-09-01/news/17906785_1_anarchists-block-streets-trash-bin dead January 30, 2013 Some turn violent in GOP convention protests Forliti Amy September 2, 2008 Associated Press June 26, 2012 New York Daily News including journalists,Lohn, Martiga Krawczynski, Jon Hundreds protest poverty, homelessness as GOP meet https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-09-01-4174436281_x.htm September 2, 2008 Associated Press via USA Today June 26, 2012 healthcare workers, and legal observers. Some were released, but nearly half received felony charges.Stone, Kathlyn Arrest of hundreds at anti-war marchers and journalists angers activists http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2008/09/02/arrest-hundreds-anti-war-marchers-and-journalists-angers-activists.html September 2, 2008 Twin Cities Daily Planet 2008-09-02 Of these felony arrests, many cases were dropped or reviewed, sometimes for lesser charges, and about 21 were found to be prosecutable.Demko, Paul Prosecutors detail protest charges http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/7293/prosecutors-detail-protest-charges September 3, 2008 The Minnesota Independent 2008-09-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20080904120337/http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/7293/prosecutors-detail-protest-charges 4 September 2008 live About 102 persons were arrested for unlawful assembly at a Rage Against the Machine concert in downtown Minneapolis. Over the four days of the convention, more than 30 journalists were arrested while reporting on the protests. The arrests included journalists from national organizations such as AP and Democracy Now!, journalists from local radio and TV stations, as well as university journalism students and advisors.http://www.freepress.net/node/44232 List of Journalists Arrested at the RNC September 10, 2008 Free Press (organization) 2008-09-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20080919172212/http://www.freepress.net/node/44232 19 September 2008 dead Three journalists from Democracy Now!—including principal host Amy Goodman—were detained by police during their reporting on the protests.http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters/352466/amy_goodman_others_detained_outside_rnc Amy Goodman, Others Detained Outside RNC September 1, 2008 The Nation 2008-09-02 https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090326173858/http://www.thenation.com/blogs/state_of_change/352466/amy_goodman_others_detained_outside_rnc 26 March 2009 live According to a press release by Democracy Now!, Goodman was arrested after confronting officers regarding the arrest of her colleagues. The officers were in the midst of crowd control, and ordered Goodman to move back. She was arrested after refusing the officer's orders.http://www.democracynow.org/2008/9/2/amy_goodman_two_democracy_now_producers Amy Goodman and Two Democracy Now! Producers Unlawfully Arrested At the RNC September 2, 2008 Democracy Now! June 26, 2012 All were held on charges of "probable cause for riot".http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/loophole/archive/2008/09/democracy_now_host_amy_goodman.shtml Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman arrested at RNC protest September 1, 2008 Minnesota Public Radio 2008-09-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080902173612/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/loophole/archive/2008/09/democracy_now_host_amy_goodman.shtml 2 September 2008 dead Several news sources have criticized the arrest as unlawful and a violation of the freedom of the press,http://www.alternet.org/rights/97194/amy_goodman_and_two_democracy_now!_producers_unlawfully_arrested_at_rnc/ Amy Goodman and Two Democracy Now! Producers Unlawfully Arrested at RNC September 1, 2008 Alternet 2008-09-02 and warned of the "chilling effects" of such measures.http://onthemedia.org/transcripts/2008/09/26/05 Incarceration now! On the Media September 26, 2008 9 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20081205040608/http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2008/09/26/05 5 December 2008 dead Democracy Now! journalist Amy Goodman and producers Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar prevailed in a lawsuit against the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and the U.S. Secret Service brought by the Center for Constitutional Rights, attorney Steven Reiss from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York, and Albert Goins of Minneapolis. The federal lawsuit asserted that the government cannot, in the name of security, limit the flow of information by intimidating and arresting journalists who engage in constitutionally protected reporting on speech protected by the First Amendment, such as dissent or law enforcement activities. The settlement included compensation of $100,000 for the three journalists and an agreement by the St. Paul Police Department to implement a training program aimed at educating officers regarding the First Amendment rights of the press and public with respect to police operations — including police handling of media coverage of mass demonstrations — and to pursue implementation of the training program in Minneapolis and statewide.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/03/amy-goodman-settles-lawsuit-2008-republican-national-convention-arrest_n_992431.html Amy Goodman, 'Democracy Now!' Settle Lawsuit Over 2008 Republican National Convention Arrests October 3, 2011 Huffington Post 2011-11-29 Katherine Funghttp://knightcenter.utexas.edu/blog/cities-us-government-pay-100000-settlement-over-arrest-three-journalists-during-2008-republican Cities, U.S. government to pay $100,000 settlement over arrest of three journalists during 2008 Republican National Convention October 6, 2011 Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas at the University of Texas, Austin 2008-10-29 December 11, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111211202825/http://knightcenter.utexas.edu/blog/cities-us-government-pay-100000-settlement-over-arrest-three-journalists-during-2008-republican deadhttp://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/10/3/democracy_now_announces_major_settlement_in_federal_lawsuit_challenging_police_and_us_secret_service_crackdown_on_journalists_at_2008_republican Settlement Reached over Arrest of Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! Producers at 2008 GOP Convention October 3, 2011 Democracy Now! 2011-10-29 thumb|Anti-capitalist, anarchist march on the from Minneapolis on 1 September 2008 RNC The final protest march was permitted for 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the final day of the convention. This meant that the last of the marchers needed to be back on capitol grounds by 5 p.m. By 4 p.m., the march had still not left the capitol grounds. Understanding that the protesters were interested in being near the Xcel Energy Center when delegates were, police offered a compromise: march leaders were told that if they started their march before 5 p.m., police would allow it to continue past the permit time. March organizers refused. When the final protest march permit expired at 5 p.m., overpasses over Interstate 94 leading into downtown from the state capitol were closed. Two hours later, when the final assembly permit on capitol grounds expired and protesters refused several commands to disperse, police used tear gas, smoke bombs, pepper spray, flash bangs, mounted police, paint marker rounds, and rubber bullets to prevent an antiwar march organized by the Anti-War Committee to march on the Xcel Energy center. This march would have been in violation of the court-approved march permits.Hohmann James Police arrest demonstrators, prevent access to Republican convention http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-protests5-2008sep05,0,3520828.story 18 December 2015 Los Angeles Times 5 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081001212956/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-protests5-2008sep05%2C0%2C3520828.story 1 October 2008 dead Police arrest 200 in march on GOP convention http://classifieds.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232754&src=152 September 5, 2008 Associated Press via Daily Herald June 26, 2012 Between 300 and 400 people were arrested or held including 19 journalists, among them AP reporters Amy Forliti and Jon Krawczynski, reporters from Twin Cities Daily Planet and The Uptake, and Paul Demko of The Minnesota Independent.Foley, Ryan J. Lohn, Martiga Arrests mark last anti-war march of convention https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-09-05-4174436281_x.htm September 5, 2008 Associated Press via USA Today June 26, 2012Turck, Mary Over 300 arrested at RNC protests, including reporters from the Daily Planet and the Uptake http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2008/09/04/day-four-protests-arrests.html September 4, 2008 Twin Cities Daily Planet 2008-09-05Demko, Paul If you are on this bridge you are under arrest http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/7691/if-you-are-on-this-bridge-you-are-under-arrest September 5, 2008 The Minnesota Independent 2008-09-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080906062219/http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/7691/if-you-are-on-this-bridge-you-are-under-arrest 6 September 2008 live Total arrests of convention protesters numbered approximately 800, although only 15 cases resulted in criminal charges. Several suits were started in U.S. District Court, claiming civil rights abuses by the St. Paul Police Department and other agencies involved in the RNC, particularly the Minneapolis Police Department and Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.Demko, Paul Lawsuits filed alleging police misconduct around the RNC http://minnesotaindependent.com/27788/lawsuits-filed-alleging-police-misconduct-around-rnc February 27, 2009 The Minnesota Independent 2009-02-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20090301013054/http://minnesotaindependent.com/27788/lawsuits-filed-alleging-police-misconduct-around-rnc 1 March 2009 live Search warrants were still being granted into 2009 in relation to the events that transpired during the 2008 RNC.Anonymous, Anonymous Macalester Dorm Raided in February in Hunt for RNC Evidence http://tc.indymedia.org/2009/mar/macalester-dorm-raided-february-hunt-rnc-evidence March 5, 2009 Twin Cities IndyMedia 2009-03-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20110116044617/http://www.tc.indymedia.org/2009/mar/macalester-dorm-raided-february-hunt-rnc-evidence 2011-01-16 dead Post-RNC convictions of protesters Bradley Neal Crowder of Midland, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court on January 8, 2009, to one charge of possessing an unregistered firearm (as Molotov cocktails are defined under federal law) in return for prosecutors dropping two other firearm charges. Each of the three charges carried a maximum of 10 years in prison. He is still awaiting sentencing to between 30 and 46 months in prison depending on whether U.S. Chief Judge Michael J. Davis decides that he played a minor or major role in the crime. Crowder has been in jail since his September 1, 2008, arrest for disorderly conduct. David Guy McKay, also of Midland, Texas, was initially released on bail on February 2, 2009, after his first trial ended in a hung jury. The case never went to retrial as on March 17, McKay accepted a plea deal and plead guilty to three federal felonies: possession of an unregistered firearm (Molotov cocktails), illegal manufacture of a firearm, and possession of a firearm with no serial number, in return for the government not seeking four additional sentencing points for "intent to use" the Molotov cocktails. Based on transcripts from his first trial,McKay Trial: Day 1 Notes http://tc.indymedia.org/2009/jan/mckay-trial-day-2-notes Twins Cities IMC 2009-01-29 Twin Cities IMC 20 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090213234137/http://tc.indymedia.org/2009/jan/mckay-trial-day-2-notes 2009-02-13 deadMcKay Trial: Day 2 Notes http://tc.indymedia.org/2009/jan/mckay-trial-day-2-notes Twins Cities IMC 2009-01-29 Twin Cities IMC 20 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090213234137/http://tc.indymedia.org/2009/jan/mckay-trial-day-2-notes 2009-02-13 dead McKay had a good chance of proving entrapment,who's opinion is this?\June 2010 June 2010 but if found guilty, he could have faced 30 years in prison on the weapons charges alone. As of May 21, 2009, McKay was sentenced to 2 years in prison and a further 3 years of supervision.Texas Man Sentenced on Firearms Charges Connected to the Republican National Convention https://www.fbi.gov/minneapolis/press-releases/2009/mp052109a.htm 2009-05-21 2015-09-16 Federal Bureau of Investigation A total of twenty-one individuals were charged with felony crimes. Three pleaded guilty and charges were dropped for two people.Schmickle, Sharon Update: Gaertner dropping terrorism charges against RNC Eight http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/04/09/7970/gaertner_dropping_terrorism_charges_against_rnc_eight April 9, 2009 MinnPost 2009-04-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20090412043757/http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/04/09/7970/gaertner_dropping_terrorism_charges_against_rnc_eight 12 April 2009 live An attempt at charging the "RNC 8" with a post-9/11 Minnesota Patriot Act statute "609.714 Crimes committed in furtherance of terrorism" was also dropped. Both McKay and Crowder were arrested based on FBI surveillance and testimony by former-activist turned informant, Brandon Michael DarbyBrandon Darby : Proud FBI Informant and Snitch http://www.brandondarby.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090427052407/http://www.brandondarby.com/ 2009-04-27 live 2009-03-20 and Andrew C. Darst, also known as "Panda," "warchyld" or Killswitch. Darst is currently being charged in Ramsey County, MN, with two felony counts of first- and second-degree burglary as well as fifth-degree assault relating to a January 11, 2009, domestic disturbance.FBI informant ("Panda") faces criminal charges http://www.startribune.com/ Minneapolis Star Tribune 2009-02-17 Randy Furst https://web.archive.org/web/20090526031005/http://www.startribune.com/ 2009-05-26 live 2009-03-20 See also 2008 Democratic National Convention 2008 Libertarian National Convention Drill, baby, drill Junkyard Empire 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries Republican National Convention History of the United States Republican Party List of Republican National Conventions United States presidential nominating convention Michael Murphy Andregg John McCain 2008 presidential campaign References 30em External links 2008 GOP convention to be in Minnesota John McCain's nomination acceptance speech for President at RNC The American Presidency Project Republican Party platform of 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081112230334/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=78545 November 12, 2008 at The American Presidency Project - Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War 2008 Republican National Convention official website https://web.archive.org/web/20100414042346/http://www.gopconvention2008.com/ 2010-04-14 Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee RNC '08 Report website - a citizen's archive of media reports, government documents, and other resources relating to the 2008 RNC. https://web.archive.org/web/20110401095745/http://rnc08report.org/ April 1, 2011 RNC Welcoming Committee home page Site explaining the actions of the RNC 8 Free the Texas 2 - site about two men from Texas imprisoned in relation to the 2008 RNC The 2008 Republican National Convention Riots & Protests: What is to be Learned?, by Will Dunbar, Catamount Tavern News Service, 2008. 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