Under the stars of Denver, amidst the flash and roar of fireworks, Barack Obama accepted the Democrats’ nomination for president before more than 75,000 fans and curious on-lookers at Invesco Field on Thursday, Aug. 28.

 A thousand miles away in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN the Republicans are poised to launch their own assault on the presidency in November.

 
 Del. Anthony O’Donnell

 Maryland State Del. and Minority Leader of the House of Delegates, Anthony O’Donnell, in Minneapolis-St. Paul where he has spent the past week working with 99 other Republicans from across the country hammering out the final planks of the Republican platform. After witnessing Obama’s acceptance speech, O’Donnell had the following reaction:

 “First of all I want to acknowledge that [Barack Obama’s acceptance] was a historic event. However, there was still a void of specific information. How does Obama propose to deal with the world’s problems? He really didn’t say much beyond platitudes. There was not much to reveal who is this man and what does he believe in his heart of hearts. That is very unsettling when the country is getting ready to pick the leader of the free world.”

 When asked about the Republican platform, O’Donnell said, “The platform is very solid. It is streamlined to half the size it was four years ago and should appeal to a broad spectrum of American citizens. The platform certainly reestablishes our conservative credentials and calls for a return to fiscal responsibility.” He went on to say that the platform will please many Americans across the spectrum.

 During the interview, it was announced that McCain had selected Gov. Sarah Palin (R-ALA) as his vice presidential running mate. O’Donnell stated, “This is a very bold move creating a very strong ticket. Gov. Palin is an independent woman, a hunter, a Washington outsider. She has a disabled child and will reach the heart of women in America.” O’Donnell added, “McCain seems to be taking the mantle of change away from Obama who picked a consummate Washington insider as his running mate.

 O’Donnell is looking forward to a very exciting week. “The Democrats had their four days of stage craft. They haven’t seen anything yet.”

 
 Kevin Igoe

 Political consultant and mentor to many Maryland and national Republicans, Kevin Igoe is on his way to the Republican convention. After hearing Obama’s acceptance speech, Igoe had this to say:

 “Barack Obama gave a good speech. That what he does.” Igoe indicated that the first half of the democratic nominee’s speech was tried and true liberal big government policy. “Punish the people in order to pay for the programs,” said Igoe.

The number one mistake in Obama’s acceptance speech as seen by Igoe was that Obama challenged McCain on his turf. “If this election is abo