GOP Convention Day Two: Back in Black

Tuesday, September 2, 2008 | 11:43 PM

By Sarah Scully
Republicans spent the day getting their convention back on track, successfully mustering the party faithful into a red meat rally. The tone was strikingly serious compared to the joyous mood in Denver, not simply due to the potentially devastating hurricane. The evening's scheduled theme was "Service" with a focus on McCain's military record and those of his supporters. The GOP is putting forth a message of sober strength to counter the intoxicating hope of the Obama campaign. Patriotic prayers and low profile music provided a slow on-ramp to speakers who, one by one, lifted the mood with personal stories of struggle and sacrifice. By the time a recording of AC/DC's "Back in Black" came on, the crowd was primed. Thunderous applause greeted Barbara and George H. W. Bush as they entered the arena before a video tribute to the 41st President. Though many breathed a sigh of relief when our current President and his low approval ratings decided not to appear in person, he too was met with eager cheers when he appeared on the giant HD wall behind the stage. President Bush, Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman stayed on point, praising a stalwart McCain, a reinvigorating Palin and offering stern warnings against Obama. Adding a couple of whacks at the media and several invocations of the "USA" chant, the GOP was back in fighting form.