Even though she was in attendance at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., it wasn't all politics for White Salmon resident Laura Cheney.
Cheney, chair of the Klickitat County Republican Party and an RNC delegate, got to enjoy some other activities as well, including a ride on a Mississippi River paddleboat.
"The weather is fabulous, and it really is a beautiful city," Cheney said on Thursday, a few hours before the acceptance speech of Republican presidential nominee John McCain. "There were all sorts of events, and of course we went to the Mall of America. We've done a little bit of sightseeing, and saw the bridge that collapsed last year; it's almost rebuilt."
But if it was not the only focus, politics certainly remained the primary focus for the longtime Republican activist. For example, when Cheney was reached by telephone for a Thursday morning interview, the call had to be cut short.
"We're just about to go to a luncheon with Mrs. McCain," Cheney said.
Later, Cheney explained that McCain's wife, Cindy McCain, addressed a large lunch crowd.
"She was very elegant, poised, and graceful," Cheney said. "She will make a fabulous first lady."
Cheney, attending her second Republican convention, said the choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as McCain's running mate impressed her.
"I was confident he [McCain] would make a great choice," Cheney said. "When we heard the news, the whole room exploded. Everyone was thrilled with the choice, and the men were even more excited than the women. The fact that she's great looking is a plus. And she's not only great looking, but very accomplished. I think she'll be a great VP candidate. She's a big asset to the ticket. It energized the base tremendously, which is what a convention is supposed to do."
Cheney pointed out that she didn't really have a favorite choice for the vice presidential slot before Palin was named, but she quickly became a big fan of the new VP nominee.
"It was a thrill to be on the floor during her speech," Cheney said. "I've never gotten up and down to cheer so many times in my life. She is the epitome of somebody we would eventually like to be president. She is strong and focused."
There were many big-name speakers at the four-day convention, and Cheney said she thought former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was one of the best. She added, however, that part of the reason she liked him so much was that he was introducing Gov. Palin.
"I think he really stood out," Cheney said. "He spoke to her strengths as an executive, and really explained how she has learned to make tough decisions ever since she was president of the PTA. Giuliana described her perfectly. He introduced her, and I think everybody loved the introduction."
Although the attention of much of the nation was on Hurricane Gustav -- which was closing in on the gulf states as the convention opened -- Cheney said the resulting curtailment of the first day of activities was not a disruption.
"It was a change of focus. We focused on how we could help and support those in the gulf states," Cheney explained. "The schedule was shortened and speakers eliminated. People were trying to figure out how to help."
Cheney said delegates volunteered to do what they could to help out those in the hurricane's path.
"One of McCain's big themes is `service,' and we stuffed relief bags for those who need help on the Gulf Coast," she said. "We volunteered and went down and packed bags to ship out to hurricane victims."
This was not Cheney's first time at a political convention. She also attended the Republican National Convention in New York City in 2004, and recalled the different focus then.
"There was a lot of excitement in New York; partly because many activities centered around Sept. 11 and those who lost their lives," Cheney said. "There were some remembrances and a little sadness there, but it was very inspirational to focus on the people who served their country."
Cheney said it was difficult for her to say which convention moved her more.
"This convention has a similar flavor [to the New York convention] because of McCain's `country first' theme of service. McCain is a different person and brings a different flavor to the campaign," Cheney said. "This convention is equally exciting, but especially so from a woman's perspective."
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