2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Joe Gibbs

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Below is the text of remarks that will be delivered as part of the 2008 Republican National Convention's program this evening. The text is "as prepared for delivery" and it is embargoed until delivery. Full text will also be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention's media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under "Speeches."

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080114/RNCLOGO )

It's a little awkward for me to put on a partisan hat. But, with all the media hype, I feel compelled to tell you where I stand.

Tonight, I'm supporting ... the Washington Redskins, who are taking on the New York Giants!

Actually, I'm not here to cheer on my favorite football team. I'm here to share with you some observations based on my personal experience, which included financial disaster, a serious health problem, and yes, putting together the teams that went to three Super Bowls and won three NASCAR championships.

These lessons can help us in any competition - whether it takes place in a stadium or in the political arena. In troubled times, it's human nature to feel vulnerable and weak -- like nothing is going your way and it never will.

But I've found that the greatest challenges in life have the potential to call out our best virtues - to inspire and strengthen us.

I have seen it play out on the football field.

I have seen it happen on the racetrack.

I've seen it in the eyes of a child suffering from cancer.

And the world saw it when John McCain was released from the grip of evil inVietnam.

It truly is a paradox that those who suffer can overcome extreme adversity and give the rest of us strength.

Faith is the reason.

Faith in family and friends - our first team, who we can rely on for support and protection.

Faith in God - he has the game plan and always sends in the right plays, if only we tune in our headsets.

And faith in oneself.

Applying these lessons to our everyday lives can help us overcome any obstacle.

They can even propel an average person to greatness.

America is blessed with an abundance of these uncommon heroes.

American icon Will Rogers observed that "We can't all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap when they go by."

I ask you to step onto the curb with me as we honor a true American hero - Senator John McCain!

By supporting the McCain-Palin ticket, I am confident that we are choosing the right game plan for America!

I believe that electing John McCain and Sarah Palin will spark a return to God's Word and a spiritual revival that will bring our nation together. God bless you, and God bless America!

About the Republican National Convention

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held atSaint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention.Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube.

Paid for by the Committee on Arrangements for the 2008 Republican National Convention. Not Authorized By Any Candidate or Candidate's Committee.

SOURCE 2008 Republican National Convention

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