Republican Delegates Discuss Day Four of the Republican National Convention

RAY SUAREZ:

Well, Jim, at the risk of stating the obvious, Jim, there are few people in this room who would call themselves undecided.

This party is united behind its nominee. But each delegate has his or her own ideas about what they'd like to hear in the president's speech, not only for themselves, but for the millions beyond Madison Square Garden who'll be watching.

DAVE BARTON, Texas:

I think part of the assignment is to make people feel very comfortable and very stable. And I think he'll also give a greater vision than what we've heard in recent days. I think he'll really expand that vision, even in some of the cultural areas. One of the things that really concerns a lot of people is the culture.

It's not just the economics, it's not just the military; those are key issues, but very few people vote only on one issue. So I think you'll see a much broader brush painted on what he believes America would look like culturally, militarily, economically, the jobs– everything.

KAREN LIM-TUCKER, Texas:

At this moment, the speech has to say that we're going to be safe; America is going to be safe.

That is one of the most important issues right now, that we are addressing homeland security, terror and anti-terrorism.

SHARONA REMILLIARD, North Carolina:

It's just going to be a matter of us showing our true colors and showing who we are. I believe once folks know who we are as Republicans and see our platform, they'll join right in.

MATT McKEE:

Well, he's a great president. He came through 9/11. He's helped us move ahead in America, and he's a good leader, and he has to keep telling people that he's the man we need for four more years, and he will continue to do the job, and a better job and we keep the terrorists and Iraq free people.

JACKIE McGOVERN:

Well, I think he has to talk about the economy and what he intends to do to make a difference and to keep the economy growing, to bring jobs, to… I think health care is important to all of us and some of us are very fortunate to have it.

There are those that aren't that fortunate and I think he has to address that. Talk about our future and what he intends to do for the future.

RAY SUAREZ:

The president will have a big audience when he speaks. What is that an opportunity for him to do that maybe he doesn't get to do otherwise? Will he be able to reassure people, bring out new issues?

KEVIN MANNIX:

Well, I think it's important for the president to reach out to those undecideds as well as perhaps people who started to tilt towards Sen. Kerry and to help them understand that the hate campaign out there has nothing to do with the reality of this presidency; that we all need to tone things down a bit and look at the positive vision he has for the future.

Let's look at the fundamentals of the issues and let's look at the details as to how he's going to implement an agenda for the next four years.

NANCY SUHADOLNICK:

I think terrorism is number one and the ability to know that he is the commander-in-chief and we need to be safe and he'll make sure we stay safe.

And the economy is definitely an issue, especially in Cleveland, Ohio. It's rough.

RAY SUAREZ:

What do you think the assignment is for him in such a close race?

MARK ANTHONY ILES:

Well, I think the assignment for President Bush is real clear. It's the 21st century. He needs to clearly outline solutions for 21st century versus our opponents who are stuck in the 20th century.

Two-party system, two Americas, which is what has become their theme, really goes back to problems that existed in the 20th century. Not that they've all gone away, but we're now the 21st century and we need new solutions for problems in the 21st century.

RAY SUAREZ:

And campaign officials told us earlier today that a lot of what that California delegate was looking for will be in tonight's speech when the president accepts the nomination.

He'll speak specifically about the programs and policies for the next four years on domestic issues, tax reform, health care, and economic security. Jim?