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By Michael Khoo
August 3, 2000
Part of MPR's Coverage of the GOP National Convention
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George W. Bush's running mate, Dick Cheney, spoke to the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia and brought the Minnesota delegation to its feet.
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IN WHAT, SO FAR, HAS BEEN A CONVENTION TRUMPETING diversity and tolerance, Dick Cheney finally took off the gloves.
"When I look at the administration now in Washington, I am dismayed by the opportunity squandered, saddened by what might have been but never was," Cheney said. "These have been years of prosperity in our land but little purpose in the White House. Bill Clinton vowed to hang onto power until the last hour of the last day. That is his right. But, my friends, that hour is coming."
> Cheney brought the delegates to their feet on several occassions, allaying any doubts whether his demeanor was compatible with the vice-presidential candidate's traditional role as the attack dog. But many in the audience found his understated tone took the edge off the negativism - a compassionate criticism, so to speak.
Minnesota delegate Bill Cooper is a former chair of the state GOP. "Even with that feistiness, he looks like everybody's grandfather. So the harsh edge isn't there, but the message comes through," he said.
Cheney's prime-time speech was the first direct critique of President Clinton and, by association, Al Gore. He used Gore's own words from eight years ago to condemn the administration: "it's time for them to go."
Previous convention speakers, including retired general Colin Powell and Senator John McCain chose praising Bush over haranguing the Democrats.
Their strategy is to present the GOP as a more open, inclusive party. That tactic has also led to more minority and female speakers during prime-time hours. St. Paul school board member Tom Conlon says he's glad to see the new diversity, and doesn't feel it represents a retreat from the party's conservative base.
"I think what George Bush really wanted here was to show everyday Americans in all walks of life, not just political hacks and senators and old guard," he said. In a carefully scripted show of solidarity, the votes of Dick Cheney's home state - Wyoming - gave Bush the nomination.
Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer says although there was never any doubt the Texas governor would prevail, its always reassuring to have the title in hand.
"It's a sense that the formality is concluded. Up to that time, it's like getting married. When you walk down the aisle and it's nice to hear the 'I Do's,'" she said. Governor Bush has addressed the convention via satellite on previous nights. He'll appear to address the delegation in person and officially accept the nomination.
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