The Republican National Convention kicks off on Labor Day.

A few days after the Democratic convention ended, the Republican National Convention got underway in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Here you see the Republican candidate for president, John McCain. What do you know about John McCain? When this story was being written, he had not yet announced whom his running mate would be. Who did John McCain announce as his running mate? What do you know about this person? Do you think it was a good choice? Why or why not?

At the time this story was being written, the list of speakers at the convention also had not been announced. But it was known that the two top Republicans in the country would speak at the convention, President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. As you know, President Bush is not running for re-election. Presidents are not allowed to serve more than two terms. Usually, the vice president runs for president after two terms, but Vice President Cheney said that he would not run for president. Why do you think he didn't choose to run? Do you plan to watch any of the Republican National Convention? Why or why not? Which party do you think will have a more interesting convention? Why? What message do you think the Republicans hope to send to American voters with their convention?