The Tennessee Delegation began the day at 8am with a breakfast with Congressman Stephen Fincher giving his experiences from a rural perspective and Cong. Scott Dejarles discussing medical issues from a doctor's view.
A reception was held later in the day recognizing Tn. Leaders and honoring Speaker of the House Beth Harwell.
At 7 p.m. the formal Nominating Session began with a color guard of wounded veterans presenting the colors followed by a pledge to the flag and prayer. Four hours of presentations and speakers followed with each of them pointing out the failures of the present administration, the goals of the one being offered and the confidence each had in their ability to accomplish them. The convention center was lined with banks of Television cameras and journalist listening to and evaluating every speech. The aisles were filled with hundreds moving about, huddling and with delegates searching for recognizable dignitaries and national news figures to have their pictures taken with, and newsmen with cameras and note books in hand seeking out those they thought either knowledgeable or important for interviews. At times it seemed the speaker of the moment was just up there for their own benefit rehearsing with their teleprompter. Within four hours, 23 speeches, videos, and musical presentations were presented.
Among the noted speakers were Senator John McCain, Senator John Thune of SD, Senator Rob Portman of OH, Governor Tim Pawlenty of MN, Governor Susana Martinez of NM. The theme of the night was "We Can Do Better". Governor Mike Huckabee echoed that with numerous examples, each bringing the crowd to its feet in agreement. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking without a teleprompter told of the danger to America of the uncertainties that now exist in our military’s strength causing countries to wonder, "where does America stand?" And stating that leadership does not come from behind. Governor Martinez spoke of the President's statement of "You did not build that" by saying he had added over five trillion dollars to our national debt, and that he did build that.
Vice Presidential Nominee Paul Ryan took the podium in closing and kept the attention of those there who were seeking signs of leadership and vision in the new administration. He demonstrated his fiscal knowledge, his humble beginning and accomplishments and proposal to restore the Country to financial stability and world leadership. He said after 4 years of excuses and run-arounds it is now time to turn things around. He said the present administration's offering of hope and change had now proven to be failures with the catch-phrases and slogans now wearing thin and compared it with a ship trying to depend on yesterday's wind to move it.
At 11:15 p.m. the final speech had been made, the closing prayer had been prayed, the newsmen began to finish their stories for tomorrow's news and the delegations began making their way to their busses and a night's rest before the final session on Thursday. The words they had heard spoken today were still in their minds, and in their hearts was hope; hope that just maybe times aren't as bad as they seem, and if they are hopefully tomorrow we will find a solution.
If the problems had now been identified and discussed and solutions had been found they would have been there and played a small part in restoring their Country’s greatness.
Bobby Wood
Delegate
Harrison