Tuesday: Laura Bush, Cindy McCain provide high points

The business portion of the Republican National Convention for the opening was conducted very smoothly, no hitches.

The highest point was the moment First Lady Laura Bush stepped onto the stage. The crowd went wild and the applause must have lasted more than five minutes. Then after a few words, she introduced Cindy McCain. Wow! Again the crowd went wild, and there was whistling and thunderous applause.

The Oregon delegation has the best seating we have had since I began attending. We are located in the front near the stage. It is so good to see each of the speakers clearly.

I have been here in Minneapolis for more than a week now, because the Platform Committee convened a week before the convention. This was the first time I have served on the Platform Committee. The platform is a document that explains what the Republican Party stands for and what our goals are. I believe that we produced a really good document, one that is easily read. The goal was to cut it to half the size of the previous one. I am told we accomplished our goal. By the way, there is one man and one woman from each of the states and territories on the committee.

There is a meeting to attend, so until tomorrow.