The conventions are over - now the race begins

The Republican Party was rocked by two storms as it began its national convention last week. With Hurricane Gustav about to hit the Gulf Coast on Monday, the "Grand Old Party" (or GOP, as it is called) was forced to drastically curtail the first days' programme. Haunted by memories of Hurricane Katrina and the insensitivity and incompetence of the Bush Administration's initial response to that disaster, the Republicans did not want to be seen as conducting "business as usual."

Speeches were cancelled (including President Bush's opening day, in-person, address) and a new programme was hurriedly crafted, in an effort to display the GOP's compassion and competence. First Lady Laura Bush and her erstwhile successor, Cindy McCain, appealed for donations to help victims of the storm, and the governors of the affected Gulf States (all Republicans) appeared on the convention hall's "big brother" - like screen, touting their preparedness.

Hurricane Gustav hit hard, but not as hard as Katrina. And so, by the second night, the conventioneers were able to begin their political business. The other storm was named Sarah, and proved to have a more lasting impact on the party.

Sarah Palin, a political novice who served six years as mayor of a town of 7,000 and governor of one of the US least populous states for only 20 months, was a surprise and, to many, a shocking pick to be John McCain's vice presidential running mate. While Republicans vigorously fought back against any and all criticism of Palin, suggesting that she had more experience than Barack Obama and was being unfairly targeted by a liberal media, their objections fell flat.