The second part of the bridge being built to connect Madison Square Garden with the New York Post Office is completed. The bridge is being built for the Republican Convention, which will be held at Madison Square Garden. (Photo: © G. Fabiano/Sipa Press)

July 2004

In late August, a mob of rowdy revelers will pack New York City's Madison Square Garden. They won't, however, be turning out to cheer on the New York Knicks. Instead, the crowd of loyal Republicans will toast President George W. Bush and his quest to win a second term in the Oval Office.

While Republicans will spend plenty of time celebrating their party's achievements, they will also use the occasion to conduct important business, says Alyssa J. McClenning, a deputy press secretary at the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Over the years, Chicago has been a favorite destination of the Republicans, with the Windy City hosting a total of 14 G.O.P. conventions. But this year, after narrowing down the field of potential sites, all 165 members of the Republican National Committee voted in favor of the Big Apple. The four-day convention will begin on August 30.

"President Bush and the Republican Party have an optimistic vision for the future and there is no better place than New York City to share that positive agenda with the American people, " says McClenning. "New York City's enthusiasm, diversity, and strength reflect the best attributes of this nation, as well as the Republican Party's philosophy of opportunity and inclusion for all."

Prime-Time Politics

New York's most prominent politicians will be on hand to welcome the convention's 5,000 delegates. Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, current New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and New York Governor George Pataki will address the crowd.

The convention will also feature California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. His participation will lend some star power to an event that will be watched by millions of American voters.

With both parties' nominees already locked up, the Republicans, like the Democrats, will be looking to persuade voters that their party is the most qualified to lead the nation.

"When you're watching television from time to time, you see those people who are selling gymnastic equipment, or 'If you buy this you'll get to be really muscular,' or 'If you buy this you'll get to be stronger, you'll be better-looking'—that's kind of what these conventions are all about, " NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw told Scholastic News Online. "They're selling you on the idea that they're the best-prepared to run the country."

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