2008 Republican Convention, Day 1

The opening day of the Republican National Convention at the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Scheduled speeches and ceremonies were canceled for the day due to the expected landfall of Hurricane Gustav on the Louisiana coast. After opening ceremonies delegates were given an opportunity to make a donation to the American Red Cross for disaster relief. Senator Mitch McConnell was elected as the temporary chair of the convention, which then adjourned for committees to meet. Featured speakers were first lady Laura Bush, Cindy McCain, and a videotaped message from the governors of four of the Gulf states, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. close