Raising the Curtain on the RNC

The 2004 Republican National Conventions kicks off today in New York City. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and maverick Senator John McCain are among the speakers on tap for the opening night.

Inside the convention hall, there is a sense that after a hard season, George Bush may now be finding his way forward in his tight race with John Kerry.

Click one of the "Listen" links to hear from top Bush officials, correspondents, protestors, and listeners on the first night of the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Guests:

Ann Kornblut, national political correspondent, The Boston Globe

James Pinkerton, columnist, Newsday and former White House aide to Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush

Karen Tumulty, national political correspondent, TIME Magazine

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a member of the Armed Services Committee's Emerging Threats and Capabilities subcommittee

Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff for Geroge W. Bush.