Cleveland courting the 2008 GOP convention
By Jim Irvine
I attended the rallies and the gala at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum this week. Cleveland has an enthusiasm that has surprised me in its quest to land the 2008 Republican National convention, where President George Bush will make one of his last big speeches and the Republican Party will officially name its President and Vice President Candidates they hope will succeed President Bush in the White House.
About 1,000 people turned out for the festivities at the Rock Hall. Everyone I know is excited that Cleveland could land such a huge event. Republicans, Democrats, and even those shameful people who don’t bother to vote want the event in Cleveland.
As the Plain Dealer started their front page story:
- With perfect weather, cheering supporters and not a protester in sight, a visit by Republican leaders from across the country started on a positive note Tuesday.
This is truly bipartisan support. One would think at such a large gathering of die-hard Republicans, that staunch conservative would take center stage, but that just wasn’t so.
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Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman (D) mingled with the crowd. Council President Martin Sweeney (D) spoke about how Cleveland wants this event. Mayor Frank Jackson (D) did likewise. Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D) agrees. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D) was in attendance showing support. Heck, I even found myself standing beside boxing promoter Don King. (I don’t know Mr. King’s political affiliation, but some how I never pictured him as a conservative.)
Now to be outdone, there were also many Republicans in attendance including Senator Mike DeWine, Congressman Steven Latourette, State Representatives Tom Patton and Jim Trakas. GOP Chairman Ken Melman and OhioGOP chairman Bob Bennett spoke to the group, and Governor Bob Taft pledged “substantial state financial support” for the convention. More spending – just what Ohio needs.
It still seems odd to me that Democrats want the GOP convention in Ohio so badly. They say, “We want you to come to Ohio and have your convention here.” But they have to be thinking, “and we hope it’s a failure and the Democrats take back the White House.” They certainly don’t want the GOP to be successful, but for the effort of bringing in national media and a good light to this depressed area of our embattled state, everyone is playing nice.
Every local TV station had camera crews to cover the event, some had two crews. There were many print reporters and even national media there too. This is a big deal. Ohio has spent most of the past two decades chasing money out of our state and this is the only thing on the horizon likely to bring some back in. Cleveland does “need” this convention, and that realization is likely why everyone is excited about the possibility.
But as much as Ohio needs the event, the GOP needs Ohio. The AP summed it up fairly well:
- Local Democrats whose tastes run to kielbasa and anti-war rhetoric are trying to attract the 2008 convention of a well-heeled Republican Party backing the war in Iraq and hoping Ohio scandals don't ruin their White House chances in two years.
Cleveland is a Democratic city, but just might be the perfect match for the Republican Party. Both have seen better days, make some big mistakes, are the butts of jokes, and need something to get them headed in the right direction again. It seems like a perfect fit, and one that will bring tangible benefits to everyone. So I guess it was appropriate that so many Democrats were in attendance this week. And refreshing that people with such diverse ideals can have fun working toward a common goal that everyone agrees is important.
Related Stories:
Warm Cleveland Welcome for GOP convention panel – Cleveland PD
Democratic stronghold makes pitch for GOP convention
Cleveland flirts with its suitors – Plain Dealer
Hosting Republican Convention would cost City $75M – Newsnet5.com
