Republican National Convention

Scorecard: First-Night Speeches

Ron Edmonds / AP
First Lady Laura Bush speaks at the 2008 Republican National Convention on Sept. 2

Laura Bush

Grade: A-
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Always a crowd favorite, she never overplays her hand. Resplendent in First Lady Red, Bush confidently welcomed another popular woman to the Republican stage with her warm words about Sarah Palin. She remains her husband's best surrogate and a beloved figure who transcends party lines — and the president's dismal poll numbers. Putting the best face on the Bush record at home and, especially, abroad, she could do no wrong in the eyes of this adoring crowd. They welcomed her with thunderous applause and kicked off the primetime portion of the night with a positive jolt.

— by Mark Halperin

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The GOP Report Card

Huckabee, Romney and Giuliani all did their part to build up McCain and take down Obama, but Sarah Palin stole the show, passing her first big test with flying colors

Rating the Republicans' Speeches

As the GOP convention got underway, says Mark Halperin, Fred Thompson and Laura Bush got the crowd going, but the President and Joe Lieberman left them with mixed emotions

Democratic National Convention

Mark Halperin reviews the Democratic convention speakers

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