So the Herald Election 2004 blog opens up smack dab in the middle of the RNC. And what a trip the past two nights have been.

McCain. Giuliani. Schwarzenegger. The three most popular and recognized names in the GOP each gave incredible speeches.

McCain came across as strong yet compassionate. Obviously preceded by his reputation, the Arizona Senator continued his quest to mend the deep rifts between this nation’s two parties, and I think his kind gestures, while likely to be unnoticed by those undeterred in their hatred of Republicans, were well spirited, honest and sincere. McCain is undoubtedly the most popular politician in America, and with good reason. I think he made a great argument for the war in Iraq, even better than any made by the President himself (a big problem to be sure). The only thing that could have been better about his speech? If it had been his acceptance speech for the nomination.
Grade: A/B

Giuliani. If its not McCain they’re nominating this time in 2008, it’ll be “RUDY! RUDY! RUDY! RUDY!” He was on fire. My mother, a socialy liberal suburban mom, who constantly questioned my support of Bush, called me right after Giuliani’s speech to tell me that she understood why I supported these guys. I sure haven’t been able to get that out of her, and the fact that Giuliani could speaks loud and clear to the incredible power of his message. And the “bear-hug” story was so much better than the “hampster CPR” junk from Boston. I mean.. come on!
Grade: A+

Ah-nuld’s speech was unbelievably partisan. “True Lies?” I mean, wow. His speech had more shock and awe moments for political junkies nationwide than the entire Iraq war. And then he pulls out the “girlie-men” bit again? This guy is a giant. Then again, you’d have to be living under a rock not to have known that for the past decade or two. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the best thing to happen to the GOP since Ronald Reagan. Yeah, he may be a big meathead, but to call him brainless is to simply be that. His speech, while no Giuliani, was one of the most cogent recitations of the fundamental beliefs held by Republicans ever made. Historic? Maybe. Awesome? Damn straight.
Grade: A

But theres one more speaker I want to mention, and no, its not Laura Bush (although who can honestlydeny that any American can more easily relate to her than to the multilingual Teresa Heinz-Kerry. Who plays better in Peoria? Isn’t it obvious?)

If the Democrats have an incredible new rising star in Barack Obama, the Republicans have found their answer in Maryland’s Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. His speech was moving (especially the part about his mother) and poignant. Hope alone didn’t bring down the Berlin Wall? Who would think to say that? Unbelievable counterpoint to the Dems. Watch out everyone, Obama’s not the only future member of the next generation of great black American politicians. These two are going to have quite the future in politics. You can count on that.