2004 Republican National Convention

U.S. political event held in New York October 2007 February 2026 2004 Republican National Convention Logo.jpg 185px 2004 Republican RP2004.png 125 RV2004.png 125 NomineesBush and Cheney August 30 – September 2, 2004 Madison Square Garden New York, New York George W. Bush Texas Dick Cheney Wyoming 2,509 1,255 1 Bush (TX): 2,508 (99.96%)Abstention: 1 (0.04%) Cheney (WY): 100% (Acclamation) 2000 2008 Zell Miller thumb|Laura and George W. Bush with Dick and Lynne Cheney during the convention The 2004 Republican National Convention took place from August 30 to September 2, 2004, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The convention is one of a series of historic quadrennial meetings at which the Republican candidates for president and vice president, and party platform are formally adopted. Attendance included 2,509 delegates and 2,344 alternate delegates from the states, territories and the District of Columbia. The convention marked the formal end of the active primary election season. 2026, it is the most recent major-party nominating convention, as well as the only Republican National Convention, to be held in New York City. The theme of the convention was "Fulfilling America's Promise by Building a Safer World and a More Hopeful America." Defining moments of the 2004 Republican National Convention include a featured keynote address by Zell Miller and the confirmation of the nomination of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney for reelection. Bush and Cheney went on to defeat the Democratic Party's ticket of John Kerry and John Edwards in the 2004 presidential election. Platform Apart from nominating a candidate for president and vice president, the 2004 Republican National Convention was also charged with crafting an official party platform and political agenda for the next four years. At the helm of the Platform Committee was United States Senator and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee, Congresswoman Melissa Hart of Pennsylvania and Colorado Governor Bill Owens. The committee worked with the Bush campaign to develop the draft platform. The platform adopted by the 2004 Republican National Convention was the longest in the party's history compared to the mere 1,000-word platform adopted at the first convention in 1856. At 48,000 words, it was twice the length of the one adopted at the 2004 Democratic National Convention which was only 19,500 words. Venue thumb|250px|Madison Square Garden The choice of Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2003, by all 165 members of the Republican National Committee as the venue for the 2004 Republican National Convention meant that New York City would host a major Republican nominating convention for the first time in its history. On July 19, control of Madison Square Garden was officially handed over to the Republican Party under the administration of chief executive officer of the convention, Bill Harris. Mayor Michael Bloomberg thanked the party for their choice, for which he had vigorously lobbied, noting it as a significant display of support for the city and an economic boom. Until Chicago, Illinois was selected as the host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, 2004 was the last time that for either major party that they chose to hold their convention in a state that was not considered to be a swing state (the Democrats held their 2004 convention in Boston, Massachusetts).Petre Linda Search for 2024 convention sites ramps up in both parties https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/589116-search-for-2024-convention-sites-ramps-up-in-both-parties The Hill February 23, 2022 en January 11, 2022Dems select Chicago for 2024 convention https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-report-democrats-select-chicago-to-host-2024-convention PBS NewsHour 15 April 2023 en-us 11 April 2023 Security thumb|NYPD providing security at Times Square thumb|United States Navy and Coast Guard providing security during the convention Like the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially declared the 2004 Republican National Convention a National Special Security Event (NSSE). As such, the United States Secret Service was charged with employing and coordinating all federal and local agencies including the various bureaus of DHS, the FBI, and the NYPD to secure the venue from terrorist attacks. Expected security expenditures reached $70 million, $50 million of which was funded by the federal government. The city employed an active beat of 10,000 police officers deployed as Hercules teams—uniformed in full riot gear and body armor, and equipped with submachine guns and rifles. Commuter and Amtrak trains entering and exiting Penn Station were scoured by bomb-sniffing dogs as uniformed police officers were attached to buses carrying delegates. All employees of buildings surrounding Madison Square Garden were subjected to thorough screening and background checks. The NYPD infiltrated and compiled dossiers on protest groups (most of whom were doing nothing illegal), leading to over 1,800 arrests and subsequent fingerprinting. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/07/nyregion/07police.html?ref=nationalspecial3 City Is Rebuffed on the Release of '04 Records - New York Times The New York Times Robert D. McFadden 2007-08-07 2010-04-05 Timing The convention took place in New York City a week before the third anniversary of September 11. The attacks were a primary theme of the convention, from the choice of speakers to repeated invocations of the attacks. At the convention, there was a performance of "Amazing Grace" by Daniel Rodriguez, a tribute to those killed on September 11. Relatives of three of the victims spoke and talked about how September 11 brought the country together. Contributing musically were Brooks & Dunn, Sara Evans, Lee Ann Womack, Darryl Worley, Jaci Velasquez, Dana Glover, and Dexter Freebish.Sayles John Infotainment at the RNC https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/infotainment-rnc/ The Nation 9 September 2004 21 September 2025 Speakers Early in the summer leading up to the 2004 Republican National Convention, Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie announced the first slate of convention speakers. He added, "It is an honor to announce the addition of these outstanding Americans to the 2004 Republican National Convention program. For the past three and a half years, President Bush has led with strength and compassion and these speakers reflect that." Chief Executive Officer of the Convention Bill Harris commented, "These speakers have seen President Bush's strong, steady leadership and each will attest to his character from a unique perspective. Their vast experience and various points of view are a testament to the depth and breadth of the support for the Republican ticket in 2004." Zell Miller Considered to be one of the most interesting choices for speakers at the convention was a keynote address by Georgia Senator Zell Miller, a conservative Democrat. Miller had consistently voted with Republicans. In an editorial in The Wall Street Journal, Miller cited that the reason for his defection was that, "I barely recognize my party anymore." He continued, "Today, it's the Democratic Party that has mastered the art of division and diversion. To run for president as a Democrat these days you have to go from interest group to interest group, cap in hand, asking for the support of liberal kingmakers." He finished by saying, "I still believe in hope and opportunity and, when it comes right down to it, Mr. Bush is the man who represents hope and opportunity." His keynote address was a visceral smite to Democrats and an excoriating attack on John Kerry, blaming him for the divisions in America. Notably, he mocked Kerry's call for strength in the armed forces by noting several important military projects that Kerry had opposed, saying that Kerry wanted "forces armed with what - spitballs?" Including Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, he claimed "no pair has been more wrong, more loudly, more often, than the two senators from Massachusetts: Ted Kennedy and John Kerry." In his speech, Miller also heaped his praise for 1940 Republican presidential nominee Wendell Willkie for supporting President Franklin Roosevelt's establishment of a military draft, raising concerns about Bush's intentions to reintroduce conscription. Miller also delivered the keynote address on behalf of Bill Clinton in 1992 at Madison Square Garden. He remained a Democrat in the Senate until leaving in 2005 (he was not running for reelection). Tribute to Ronald Reagan October 2008 Former president Ronald Reagan, under whom Bush's father had served as vice president, passed away the previous June after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for nearly a decade. Nancy Reagan's spokesperson announced that the former First Lady fully supported President Bush for the general election. The spokesperson added that while the former First Lady and her children would be absent from the 2004 Republican National Convention, President Reagan's son with Jane Wyman, Michael Reagan, had accepted an invitation to address the delegates. Nancy Reagan appeared in the filmed tribute he introduced. He dedicated the film to everyone who helped make his father president of the United States. During the convention, delegates paid tribute to Reagan in different ways. Many of the speakers from California and Illinois, including House Speaker Dennis Hastert, mentioned Reagan in their speeches and compared Reagan to Bush. Those from Illinois, including Hastert, compared Bush to both Reagan and Abraham Lincoln, another native son of their state. Chairpeople NamePosition/Notability72x72pxDennis Hastert51st Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (1999–2007) Leader of the House Republican Conference (1999–2007) U.S. Congressman from IL-14 (1987–2007)73x73pxLinda Lingle6th Governor of Hawaii (2002–2010)Several deputy co-chairs were named as a ceremonial honor Day one: Monday, August 30, 2004 Principal speakers NamePosition/Notability78x78pxMichael Bloomberg108th Mayor of New York City (2001–2013)80x80pxRudy Giuliani107th Mayor of New York City (1994–2001)80x80pxJohn McCainU.S. Senator of Arizona (1987–2018) 2000 Republican presidential candidate Featured speakers NamePosition/Notability73x73pxGeorge AllenU.S. Senator from Virginia (2001–2007) 67th Governor of Virginia (1994–1998)76x76pxLindsey GrahamU.S. Senator from South Carolina (2003–present)90x90pxAngie HarmonActress and Model (1987–present)80x80pxBernard KerikActing Minister of the Interior of Iraq (2003) 40th Police Commissioner of New York City (2000–2001)97x97pxElisabeth HasselbeckCo-host of The View (2003–2013)80x80pxEdward I. "Ed" Koch107th Mayor of New York City (1978–1989) (Democratic)90x90pxMarc RacicotChair of the Republican National Committee (2001–2003) 21st Governor of Montana (1993–2001)Jason SehornNFL Cornerback (1994–2003)87x87pxRon Silver12th President of the Actors' Equity Association (1991–2000) Actor (1974–2009) (Independent)82x82pxBob Taft67th Governor of Ohio (1999–2007)79x79pxAnn WagnerVice Chair of the Republican National Committee (2001–2005) Chairwoman of the Missouri Republican Party (1999–2005) Quotations 100px|left"We should remember, it wasn't so long ago that confidence in New York was in short supply. When I took the oath of office nearly three years ago, we were a city in mourning a city that had, in a few dreadful hours, lost almost 3,000 of our own husbands, wives, sons, and daughters from every part of the nation, and every corner of the globe. There were those who doubted then whether this city could hold onto the gains made during the 90s under Mayor Giuliani. A lot of people were wondering what the future held for New York City, or whether we even had a future. But neither America nor President Bush ever stopped believing in us. Nearly two years ago, with the city's fate still a question mark in many minds, our President decided that this Convention would come to New York. This was a show of faith that required courage and vision one that all New Yorkers will not forget. And today it fills me with enormous pride and gratitude to tell everyone that New York City is back!" — Michael Bloomberg center #FFB6B6 100px|left"We are Americans first, Americans last, Americans always. Let us argue our differences. But remember we are not enemies, but comrades in a war against a real enemy, and take courage from the knowledge that our military superiority is matched only by the superiority of our ideals, and our unconquerable love for them. Our adversaries are weaker than us in arms and men, but weaker still in causes. They fight to express a hatred for all that is good in humanity. We fight for love of freedom and justice, a love that is invincible. Keep that faith. Keep your courage. Stick together. Stay strong. Do not yield. Do not flinch. Stand up. Stand up with our President and fight. We're Americans. We're Americans, and we'll never surrender." — John McCain center #FFB6B6 75px|left"From the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, to President George W. Bush our party's great contribution is to expand freedom in our own land and all over the world. And our party is at its best when it makes certain that we have a powerful national defense in a still very dangerous world. I don't believe we're right about everything and Democrats are wrong about everything. Neither party has a monopoly on virtue. But I do believe that there are times in our history when our ideas are more necessary and important for what we are facing." — Rudy Giuliani center #FFB6B6 Day two: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 Principal speakers NamePosition/Notability88x88pxLaura BushFirst Lady of the United States (2001–2009)speech by wife of presidential nominee78x78pxRod Paige7th United States Secretary of Education (2001–2005)78x78pxArnold Schwarzenegger38th Governor of California (2003–2011) Featured speakers NamePosition/Notability73x73pxSam BrownbackU.S. Senator of Kansas (1996–2011)67x67pxGeorge P. BushSon of Governor Jeb Bush of Florida Nephew of George W. Bush73x73pxNorm ColemanU.S. Senator of Minnesota (2003–2009)75x75pxElizabeth DoleU.S. Senator of North Carolina (2003–2009) 20th U.S. Secretary of Labor (1989–1990) 8th U.S. Secretary of Transportation (1983–1987) Wife of Bob Dole89x89pxBill FristU.S. Senator from Tennessee (1995–2007) Senate Majority Leader (2003–2007)78x78pxErika HaroldMiss Illinois 2002 Miss America 200372x72pxAnne NorthupU.S. Congresswoman from KY-03 (1997–2007)88x88pxMichael S. Steele7th Lieutenant Governor of Maryland (2003–2007) Quotations 85px|left "We live in a great country. A nation of good people in pursuit of great ideals defined by our Founders, defended by citizen-soldiers, and delivered to us. We inherited a great nation. So must our children! No nation whatever the size of its armed forces or economy can sustain greatness unless it educates all, not just some, of its citizens. No one understands that better than President Bush. He's always had a compassionate vision for education: Students challenged by high standards; teachers armed with proper resources; parents empowered with information and choices. Young adults with meaningful diplomas in their hands not despair in their hearts." — Rod Paige center #FFB6B6 100px|left "My fellow Americans, how do you know if you are a Republican? I'll tell you how. If you believe that government should be accountable to the people, not the people to the government, then you are a Republican! If you believe a person should be treated as an individual, not as a member of an interest group, then you are a Republican! If you believe your family knows how to spend your money better than the government does, then you are a Republican! If you believe our educational system should be held accountable for the progress of our children, then you are a Republican! If you believe this country, not the United Nations, is the best hope of democracy in the world, then you are a Republican! And, ladies and gentlemen if you believe we must be fierce and relentless and terminate terrorism, then you are a Republican!" — Arnold Schwarzenegger center #FFB6B6 100px|left"This time of war has been a time of great hardship for our military families. The President and I want all our men and women in uniform and their wives and husbands, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters to know we appreciate their sacrifice. We know it will mean a more peaceful future for our children and grandchildren. No American President ever wants to go to war. Abraham Lincoln didn't want to go to war, but he knew saving the union required it. Franklin Roosevelt didn't want to go to war—but he knew defeating tyranny demanded it. And my husband didn't want to go to war, but he knew the safety and security of America and the world depended on it. I remember some very quiet nights at the dinner table. George was weighing grim scenarios and ominous intelligence about potentially even more devastating attacks. I listened many nights as George talked with foreign leaders on the phone, or in our living room, or at our ranch in Crawford. I remember an intense weekend at Camp David. George and Prime Minister Tony Blair were discussing the threat from Saddam Hussein. And I remember sitting in the window of the White House, watching as my husband walked on the lawn below. I knew he was wrestling with these agonizing decisions that would have such profound consequence for so many lives and for the future of our world. And I was there when my husband had to decide. Once again, as in our parents' generation, America had to make the tough choices, the hard decisions, and lead the world toward greater security and freedom." — Laura Bush center #FFB6B6 Day three: Wednesday, September 1, 2004 Balloting President Bush was nominated at the end of a "rolling roll call" that had started the day before, when Pennsylvania's delegation cast the deciding votes.Republican Convention Officially Nominates President Bush for Second Term. August 31, 2004. Republican National Convention presidential vote, 2004http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P04/R.phtml Republican Convention 2004 2008-09-04 The Green Papers https://web.archive.org/web/20081011190930/http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P04/R.phtml 11 October 2008 liveCandidateVotesPercentage George W. Bush 2,508 99.96% Abstentions 1 0.04% Totals 2,509 100.00% Principal speakers NamePosition/Notability77x77pxLynne CheneySecond Lady of the United States (2001–2009) Wife of Dick Cheney77x77pxDick Cheney46th Vice President of the United States (2001–2009) (Vice presidential nominee)74x74pxZell MillerU.S. Senator from Georgia (Democratic) (Keynote Speaker) Featured speakers SpeakerPosition/Notability75x75pxElaine Chao24th U.S. Secretary of Labor (2001–2009) Wife of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell from Kentucky86x86pxKerry Healey70th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007)73x73pxLinda Lingle6th Governor of Hawaii (2002–2010)88x88pxMitch McConnellU.S. Senator from Kentucky (1985–present) Husband of U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao of Kentucky84x84pxRob PortmanU.S. Congressman from OH-02 (1993–2005)80x80pxMichael ReaganAdopted son of Ronald Reagan80x80pxMitt Romney70th Governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007)77x77pxPaul RyanU.S. Congressman from WI-01 (1999–2019)87x87pxBrian Sandoval30th Attorney General of Nevada (2003–2005)75x75pxRick SantorumU.S. Senator of Pennsylvania (1995–2007) Quotations 75px|left"We step forward by never forgetting that America is a force for good in the world, fighting for freedom and human rights. On this, there is no question: George W. Bush is right and the Blame America First Crowd is wrong! Americans will rise to every challenge we face" — Mitt Romney center #FFB6B6 75px|left"John Kerry believes that government can spend our money better than we can. But most Americans don't share this view. That's why John Kerry has to preach the politics of division, of envy and resentment. That's why they talk so much about two Americas. But class warfare is not an economic policy. And the politics of division will not make America stronger, and it will not lead to prosperity." — Paul Ryan center #FFB6B6 75px|left"Where is the bi-partisanship in this country when we need it most? Now, while young Americans are dying in the sands of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan, our nation is being torn apart and made weaker because of the Democrats' manic obsession to bring down our Commander-in-Chief." — Zell Miller center #FFB6B6 75px|left"In the weeks and months after September 11, I had so many people come up to me and say how glad they were that George Bush and Dick Cheney were in the White House. I knew exactly what they meant. These men are strong, they are steadfast, they are exactly the leaders we need at this moment in our history." — Lynne Cheney center #FFB6B6 75px|left"I watch him at work every day. I have seen him face some of the hardest decisions that can come to the Oval Office and make those decisions with the wisdom and humility Americans expect in their president. George W. Bush is a man who speaks plainly and means what he says. He is a person of loyalty and kindness and he brings out these qualities in those around him. He is a man of great personal strength and more than that, a man with a heart for the weak, and the vulnerable, and the afflicted. We all remember that terrible morning when, in the space of just 102 minutes, more Americans were killed than we lost at Pearl Harbor. We remember the President who came to New York City and pledged that the terrorists would soon hear from all of us. George W. Bush saw this country through grief and tragedy he has acted with patience, and calm, and a moral seriousness that calls evil by its name. In the great divide of our time, he has put this nation where America always belongs: against the tyrants of this world, and on the side of every soul on earth who yearns to live in freedom. Fellow citizens, our nation is reaching the hour of decision, and the choice is clear. President Bush and I will wage this effort with complete confidence in the judgment of the American people." — Dick Cheney center #FFB6B6 Thursday, September 2, 2004 Balloting Vice President Dick Cheney was nominated by voice vote for reelection. Principal speakers NamePosition/Notability78x78pxGeorge Pataki53rd Governor of New York (1995–2006)73x73pxGeorge W. Bush43rd President of the United States (2001–2009) (Presidential nominee) Featured speakers NamePosition/Notability76x76pxEdward EganRoman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop of New York (2000–2009)72x72pxTommy FranksFormer Commander of the United States Central Command (2000–2003)75x75pxDorothy HamillGold medal olympic figure skater (1976)86x86pxMichael L. WilliamsRailroad Commissioner of Texas (1999–2011) Assistant Secretary of Education for the Office for Civil Rights (1990–1993)72x72pxMel Martínez12th U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2001–2004)82x82pxLynn SwannMember of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition (2002–2005) Quotations 75px|left"Over forty years ago, my parents sent me, as a young child, out of a land ruled by a Communist dictator and now, just forty-eight hours ago, I became the Republican nominee for the United States Senate from the great State of Florida. Only in America! Only in America can a fifteen year old boy arrive on our shores alone, not speaking the language with a suitcase and the hope of a brighter future and rise to serve in the cabinet of the President of the United States. And, only in America can that same young boy, today, stand one step away from making history as the first Cuban-American to serve in the United States Senate." — Mel Martinez center #FFB6B6 75px|left"Today, President Bush has one of the most diverse cabinets in American history. I'm here to tell you first-hand that his commitment to inclusion goes back to a time when nobody was watching. It goes back to a time when we drove around Midland in his Oldsmobile, baby seats in the back, scattered with toys for the twins. It goes back to a time when he did everything he could to avoid the dance floor at my wedding reception. It goes back to a time when we rolled up our sleeves, grabbed our hammers, and put up the walls of a home for a Christmas in April project." — Michael L. Williams center #FFB6B6 75px|left"This year, we will win one for the Gipper, and they will lose one with the Flipper" — George Pataki center #FFB6B6 75px|left"Our strategy is succeeding. Four years ago, Afghanistan was the home base of al-Qaida, Pakistan was a transit point for terrorist groups, Saudi Arabia was fertile ground for terrorist fundraising, Libya was secretly pursuing nuclear weapons, Iraq was a gathering threat, and al-Qaida was largely unchallenged as it planned attacks. Today, the government of a free Afghanistan is fighting terror, Pakistan is capturing terrorist leaders, Saudi Arabia is making raids and arrests, Libya is dismantling its weapons programs, the army of a free Iraq is fighting for freedom, and more than three-quarters of al-Qaida's key members and associates have been detained or killed. We have led, many have joined, and America and the world are safer." — George W. Bush center #FFB6B6 75px|left"In the last four years, you and I have come to know each other. Even when we don't agree, at least you know what I believe and where I stand." — George W. Bush center #FFB6B6 75px|left"To everything we know there is a season a time for sadness, a time for struggle, a time for rebuilding. And now we have reached a time for hope. This young century will be liberty's century. By promoting liberty abroad, we will build a safer world. By encouraging liberty at home, we will build a more hopeful America. Like generations before us, we have a calling from beyond the stars to stand for freedom. This is the everlasting dream of America and tonight, in this place, that dream is renewed. Now we go forward grateful for our freedom, faithful to our cause, and confident in the future of the greatest nation on earth. God bless you, and may God continue to bless America." — George W. Bush center #FFB6B6 Protests 2004 Republican National Convention protest activity thumb|Protesters gather in Union Square for a march Protest activity included marches, rallies, performances, demonstrations, exhibits, and acts of civil disobedience in New York City to protest the 2004 Republican National Convention and the nomination of President George W. Bush for the 2004 U.S. presidential election, as well as a much smaller number of people who marched to support Bush at the convention.February 2026 On May 17, 2006 Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now! reported on the FBI launch of a criminal civil rights investigation of NYPDhttp://www.democracynow.org/2006/5/17/fbi_launches_criminal_civil_rights_investigation FBI Launches Criminal Civil Rights Investigation of NYPD Over RNC Protests Democracy Now! en 2019-12-19 after Desert storm veteran Dennis Kyne went to trial and had all charges dropped due to video evidence showing the police falsified reports and sworn testimony.February 2026 See also List of Republican National Conventions 2004 Republican National Convention protest activity 2004 Republican Party presidential primaries George W. Bush 2004 presidential campaign 2004 Democratic National Convention United States presidential nominating convention 2004 United States presidential election References 30em External links George W. Bush's nomination acceptance speech for President at RNC (transcript) at The American Presidency Project Republican Party platform of 2004August 2026 InternetArchiveBot at The American Presidency Project Full text of selected speeches (archived) Photos and Videos From Inside New York's Pier 57 Detention Center (archived) Complete text and audio of Zell Miller's RNC Address AmericanRhetoric.com List of members from various state delegations to convention Intelligence documents compiled by NYPD about the protests Video of Bush nomination acceptance speech for President at RNC (via YouTube) Audio of Bush nomination acceptance speech for President at RNCAugust 2021 InternetArchiveBot yes Video of Cheney nomination acceptance speech for Vice President at RNC (via YouTube) Audio of Cheney nomination acceptance speech for Vice President at RNCAugust 2021 InternetArchiveBot yes Transcript of Cheney nomination acceptance speech for Vice President at RNC 2000Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Republican National Conventions 2008St. Paul, Minnesota Category:2004 in New York (state) Category:2004 conferences Category:August 2004 in the United States Category:September 2004 in the United States Category:Presidency of George W. Bush Category:Vice presidency of Dick Cheney Category:Events at Madison Square Garden Category:Republican National Conventions