The Republican convention gets under way

As Gustav fades, the first real night of the real convention has started. The signs, funny hats, even hesitant dancing (to Johnny B Goode). Guests were there: George HW Bush, his wife and Cindy McCain, to whom the cameras kept going back. She sat there looking like she’s escaped from a Stepford Wives remake. She will, I suspect, compare badly to Michelle Obama (whom I’m completely sold on).

First up tonight was Laura Bush, who was a smash hit. One forgets what an asset she’s been for him – pretty, graceful and not Teresa Heinz Kerry. She listed his greatest hits –  “The most important education reform in a generation” and the highest SAT results for minorities and 2m being treated for Aids in Africa. “That’s change you can believe in,” she said, taunting Obama. The crowd loved it..

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Next came George W Bush on the video speech screen, a method that didn’t work well – just as well, then, that McCain didn’t decide to use it.