2008 Republican National Convention
St. Paul, Minnesota  September 1-4, 2008
Front Page Coverage of:
Day Before
Aug. 31, 2008
(Sept. 1 Newspapers)

Day One
Sept. 1, 2008
(Sept. 2 Newspapers)
Day Two
Sept. 2, 2008
(Sept. 3 Newspapers)

Day Three
Sept. 3, 2008
(Sept. 4 Newspapers)

Day Four
Sept. 4, 2008
(Sept. 5 Newspapers)


Summary: Based on an "at a glance" look at a number of front pages, Hurricane Gustav was the dominant story in newspapers the morning the Convention opened.  The changes the hurricane forced to the GOP Convention also made most front pages.

Newspaper
Headlines/Reporters
Photos/Photographers

Star Tribune
"GOP HOLDS OFF ON PARTY AS HURRICANE ROLLS IN"
"RNC forced to rewrite the script" - Kevin Diaz and David Phelps (ST).
A shot of a couple of people on an empty street leaving New Orleans dominates the top of the page.


...below the fold
Small photo of Rick Davis and Mike Duncan. - Jennifer Simonson, Star Tribune.


Pioneer Press
w/ Politico

"Down to business" - Dave Orrick and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger (PP).
"Today's protest march is still on" - Mara H. Gottfried and Bob Shaw (PP).
About half a dozen police officers on bikes. - Chip Somedevilla, Getty Images.
Members of the Louisiana delegation. - Jim Mone, Associated Press.

...below the fold
"What's a Republican?  Minnesota's feuding factions each have a vision" - Dennis Lien (PP).
"GOP looks to its fresh faces in the House for a revitalization" Fred Barbash (Politico).
...below the fold
Wide shot shows McCain on a screen via feed and two officials at podium. - Scott Takushi, Pioneer Press.


New York Times
(National Edition, Printed in MN)
"2 Million Flee Hurricane's Path; GOP Cuts Convention Events"
a) "Party's Plans Remain Unsettled; McCain Tours Gulf Relief Center" - Patrick Healy and Adam Nagourney.
b) "Political Memo" "Storm Politics Present Risks And Rewards" - Peter Baker.
Four photos above the fold: three New Orleans scenes dominate the center of the page; small photo of President Bush on upper left.


...below the fold
Three photos below the fold: Two hurricane related; one of McCain, Palin and Gov. Barbour.


Washington Post (Final Edition) "As Gustav Nears, GOP Changes Course"
"Opening Day Is Abbreviated; Bush, Cheney Won't Appear" - Michael Abramowitz and Dan Balz (WP).
map of the Gulf showing location of New Orleans and the hurricane.


...below the fold
Medium shot of Palin and McCain, plus several other people in the Mississippi Emergency Operations Communications Center. - Melina Mara, The Washington Post.


Washington Post
(Special Edition)
"As Gustav Nears, GOP Changes Convention" - Michael Abramowitz and Robert Barnes (WP). Large medium shot of Palin and McCain, plus several other people in the Mississippi Emergency Operations Communications Center. - Melina Mara, The Washington Post.

...on the fold:
"Long-Standing Feud in Alaska Embroils VP Candidate" - James V. Grimaldi and Kimberley Kindy (WP).
"Palin Made an Impression From the Start" - Dan Balz and Robert Barnes (WP).



Los Angeles Times "95% of south Louisiana flees"
right column: "GOP retools plans in St. Paul" - Maeve Reston and Mark Z. Barabak (LAT).
scene in New Orleans Amtrak station.


Boston Globe "All eyes turn to Gustav"
"Most flee New Orleans as hurricane bears down; Republicans to curtail convention, launch relief effort"
New Orleans residents boarding train.

...below the fold
"Bush, Cheney cancel; McCain sounds a call" - Brian C. Mooney (BG).
MW shot of people on the floor at Xcel Energy Center, Louisiana delegation sign in foreground. - John Tlumacki, Boston Globe.


Chicago Tribune "Storm stalks New Orleans"
"GOP's big week takes a big hit" - Jill Zuckman (Trib.).
Dominant photo is people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
On top right is a small tightly cropped vertical aspect shot of the Louisiana delegation sign at Xcel Center. - Chip Somodevilla, Getty.

Copyright © 2008  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action