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Pundits don't realize RNC is in St. Paul.

Star Tribune

Last update: August 5, 2008 - 8:10 PM

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I think many people are operating under the assumption that those who refer to the convention as being in âMinneapolisâ are unaware of … read more the conventionâs actual location. There is another explanation for theircomments: many people refer to a location or event within a metropolitan region as being within the dominant city in that metro area. This is a very common means of identification in Europe, where cities are typically referenced in their broader urbanized form. Thus âCambridgeâ, a city about an hour away from London becomes âLondonâ when used in non-specific casual reference. Iâve seen Rochester (and The Mayo Clinic) referred to as âMinneapolisâ in the London papers. I would suspect that most people who visit Long Beach, California; think of themselves as being in âLos Angelesâ. Saint Paulites are in the same position as residents of Oakland and Fort Worth. They live in fine cities which have their own rich history and vibe, but which happen to lie in close geographic proximity to major cities which have far more renown. Even though the gavel-to-gavel proceedings will occur in a building located within the city limits of Saint Paul, most of the convention goers will be staying in hotels located in Minneapolis or Bloomington. The vast majority of the sporting events, recreation, cultural attractions, and night life activity will take place in Minneapolis. The conventionâs organizers officially refer to it as being in âMinneapolis/St. Paulââ¦which is probably the best way to refer to it. However, it is understandable that individuals from outside of this region, who have little knowledge of the traditional rivalry between the two cites, would simply default to âMinneapolisâ. As for Michelle Bachmann, she is an embarrassment to the entire state of Minnesota and to each and every municipal component it contains.

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Add one of Minnesota's own to the list of notables who can't keep straight exactly where the Republicans will convene their national convention next month.

First, CBS News anchor Katie Couric mistakenly said on the air last week that "the mother of all appearances will be in Minneapolis in September -- when McCain accepts his party's nomination."

On Monday night, Couric 'fessed up to her mistake and expressed "apologies to the people of St. Paul" when signing off her telecast.

The Twin Cities were treated no better Monday night by U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann during her appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live."

The Republican from the St. Paul suburb of Stillwater was asked by King whether she thinks Vice President Dick Cheney should attend the convention.

Bachmann responded: "I think everybody should come to Minneapolis. It's the most beautiful city in the United States. And everybody is going to want to come here."

Completing the trifecta Tuesday was the Wall Street Journal's William McGurn, former chief speechwriter for President Bush. He led his online column, "Main Street," with this:

"When John McCain stands before the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis one month from now, the American people will see more than a United States senator."

PAUL WALSH

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Pundits don't realize RNC is in St. Paul.

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