Via a few emails from the Republican National Convention website:
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.) will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Gov. Ridge will expand on the convention’s overall theme, "Country First," as he discusses John McCain’s unique qualifications for the presidency.
Excerpts from the governor’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.
On his friend, John McCain:
"I speak to you about a warrior who has sometimes stood alone ... and always shown the way ... in fighting for the most vulnerable of our citizens, for the country he so dearly loves and for the founding principles we all so deeply cherish."
On John McCain as a leader:
"Where some people see adversity, John McCain accepts a challenge. Where some people see a crisis, John McCain creates an opportunity. Where some people see defeat, John McCain insists on victory. John knows - the purpose of elections is not merely to win. You run to win... but you win to govern."
On John McCain’s readiness to be president and commander-in-chief:
"I am so very proud to say, ‘That is my friend, John McCain.’ The next president of the United States. The next commander-in-chief. Ready to lead. Ready to serve. Ready to deliver."
THE SCHEDULE:
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
* Entertainment (Music): Al Williams
* Entertainment (Monologue): James McEachin
* Call to Order, Introduction of Colors: Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
* Presentation of Colors: Fort Snelling Joint Services Color Guards
* Pledge of Allegiance: Olympians Ryan Berube, Mitch Gaylord, Brittany Hayes, Barbra Higgins, Larsen Jensen, Elle Logan, Marcus McElhenney and John Naber
* Singing of the National Anthem: Trace Adkins
* Invocation: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)
* Speaker: Erik Paulsen
* Speaker: Jay Love
* Speaker: Charlie Summers
* Speaker: Aaron Schock
* Speaker: David Cappiello
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)
* Video: "Country First: Peace," with narration by Robert Duvall
* Statement of Rule Regarding Vice Presidential Nomination; Recognition of Delegates Making Motions; and Adoption and Announcement of Nominee: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
* Speaker: Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention
* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)
* Speaker: The Honorable Rosario Marin
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
* Speaker: Joe Watkins
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
* Speaker: Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
* Speaker with Video: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.)
* Speaker: Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, USMC (Ret.)
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
* Speaker: U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)
* Video: "World Stood Still"
8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
* Speaker: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)
* Video: "Vice Presidential Nominee Governor Sarah Palin"
* Speaker: Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.)
* Video: "America’s Place in the World"
* Speaker: Mrs. Cindy McCain
9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
* Video: "Senator John McCain"
* Speaker: Presidential Nominee John McCain
10 p.m. to Conclusion
* Floor Demonstration, Balloon Drop, McCain and Palin Families on Stage
* Introduction of Presiding Officer: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
* Benediction: Pastor Dan Yeary
* Introduction of Delegate for Motion, Adoption and Adjournment: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
More excerpts will be added as I get them.
As promised, more excerpts, now from the speech Cindy McCain will give tonight:
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening Mrs. Cindy McCain will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Excerpts from Mrs. McCain's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.
On Americans' duty to their country:
"That duty is what brings me before you tonight. And it's much larger and more important than just me or John or any of us: It's the work of this great country calling us together - and there is no greater duty than that, no more essential task for our generation -- right now."
On John McCain's character:
"It's going to take someone of unusual strength and character - someone exactly like my husband - to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead. I know John. You can trust his hand at the wheel."
On John McCain leading by example:
"Forgiveness is not just a personal issue: it's why John led the effort to normalize relations with Vietnam retrieve the remains of our MIAs... to bring closure to both sides. That's leadership - national leadership. And it's leading by example."
Personal reflections on John McCain:
"If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain...a man tested and true...who's never wavered in his devotion to our country...a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider...who always speaks the truth no matter what the cost...a man of judgment and character...a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father!"
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