August 21 - With less than two weeks until the Republican National Convention, activists are preparing their last minute mobilizations. Election Unspun Producer Karen Miller spoke with Meredith Abby from the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War. Abby says they are hoping for 50,000 protesters.

"Earlier in the summer we did a lot of outreach to groups, and peace organizations and unions, and other types of community groups across the mid-west.."

"We did file a court case that went to Federal Court, demanding for more access to the Excel Center, and asking for a better, and bigger route, to hold the capacity of the 50,000 people that we expect to come. And, that went to court on July ninth, and about a week and a half later, Judge Eriksson unfortunately did not rule in our favor. Since that happened we have manage to negotiate with the city of St. Paul for more space for a protest at the Excel Center. We are not satisfied with our route, its not as good as the route we originally applied for, which we felt really could hold the capacity of our 50,000 people... but we are going to do the best that we can."

Interview: Dan Jasper spokesperson for the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN

Conventions usually bring big business to host city restaurants, bars, and shops. But for many businesses in Minneapolis St. Paul, business has not met expectations. Election Unspun producer spoke with Dan Jasper spokesperson for the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minneapolis. He says for his venue things have not worked out as planned.