I love politics. People who know me know this. I follow elections closely. I read about all of the candidates and the issues. I have never been an "Unaffiliated" voter because I have always felt that I could wholly support one candidate or another. I watch political debates the way most men I know watch football.
I understand the presidential debates are designed to provide insight to undecided voters. The candidates have to sway those who haven't decided to vote for them. We get this.
I would greatly appreciate it if Senators Obama and McCain would stop with the repeat performances of their stump speeches. It would have been nice to have learned something new last night at the Town Hall "debate". I believe if you're going to label something "Town Hall" it would behoove you to allow the audience to interact with the candidates more than just reading a question from a card.
Candidates owe it to the people who will vote for them and the people they will ultimately serve to stop with the circus and start answering questions. A little substance would be nice.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Amendment 49 - Endorsed by the Rocky Mountain News
Today the RMN endorsed Amendment 49, the measure that will no longer permit dues for unions and other membership fees to be deducted from public employees' paychecks and collected by the government.
We do not need local and state governments acting as a collection agency for dues.
Unions use a portion of the dues collected to fund political advocacy, from lobbying the government for higher benefits to making contributions to their candidates of choice, says the Rocky.
Setting up deductions for car payments, credit card bills and gym memberships is incredibly simple. Automatic payment of union dues can also be made easy, fair and free of government oversight.
We do not need local and state governments acting as a collection agency for dues.
Unions use a portion of the dues collected to fund political advocacy, from lobbying the government for higher benefits to making contributions to their candidates of choice, says the Rocky.
Setting up deductions for car payments, credit card bills and gym memberships is incredibly simple. Automatic payment of union dues can also be made easy, fair and free of government oversight.
Friday, September 5, 2008
RNC - Thursday
Thursday -
Everyone knows that the last day of the Convention is really just the ramp up to the acceptance speech by the nominee. After Sarah Palin's explosive speech last night, McCain was going to have to connect with voters in and outside of the Convention Hall. Before entering the convention hall, I believed that this challenge was going to be difficult for the senator.
I wasn't always a McCain supporter. I volunteered for Mitt Romney's campaign starting about a year ago up until the day he dropped out of the race. I was devastated when I read the email from Mitt Romney. I truly believed that he was the GOPs best choice for president. However, the math didn't add up, and it was time for Mitt Romney to step aside and allow the man with the most delegates pledged in the primaries move forward and try to win over the rest of the party.
I never did make it to the floor. Because of the change in floor plan, Colorado's delegation was going to be front and center on prime time television and the networks didn't want any empty seats, so there would be no switching of seats.
I have to admit that I was not blown away by McCain's speech. I didn't expect to be, but I knew that the message he would be deliver was meant not for the base of the party -- he already has our vote, but instead for the undecideds. Every presidential candidate has to work for the undecideds and independents...the more people we can put into our column and not our opponent, the better off the Republicans will be.
Before Thursday night, I hadn't heard in-depth what McCain thought we needed to do about improving our schools and preparing our students for the future. McCain said, "We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice. Let's remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work. When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parent -- when it fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them.Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have the choice, and their children will have that opportunity...I want schools to answer to parents and students."
IT sounds to me like No Child Left Behind is going to get a makeover, which my friends who are teachers tell me is necessary.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the convention. I had always watched them on TV with great interest. Being from Denver, I was able to experience both conventions in two completely different ways. In Denver, I attended events that were open to the public and watched politicos, pundits and some celebrities take over my town. In Minneapolis, I watched some of the same politicos and pundits descend on the Twin Cities. There are no words to explain the feeling when Sarah Palin stepped on stage to introduce herself to the country and the conventioneers.
I met some amazing people in the Colorado delegation. Many of the delegates and alternates were significantly older than me, but it drove the point home that members of BOTH parties need to reach out and involve younger voters in their campaigns. This doesn't let the younger crowd off the hook. We have a responsibility to care about more than just our technological gadgets and for things we can only see in front of us. Both candidates have encouraged their supporters to look beyond the four walls of their homes and schools and to serve others.
There's a leadership style called "Servant Leadership" and I think both candidates use different aspects of that leadership style in their campaigns. Servant Leadership is essentially basing your decisions and actions on how it will affect the people you serve, not just yourself. I see elements of Servant Leadership in both John McCain and Barack Obama.
The sound of the crowd Thursday night chanting "USA! USA! USA!" over the Code Pink protesters who got into the hall was intense. I am a staunch defender of the First Amendment. However, the convention is for delegates, alternates and guests of them. The Code Pink protesters were not there to hear the messages from John McCain or anyone else in the convention hall.
I'll be back in the Mile High City on Saturday, today I am visiting friends and family in the Twin Cities.
Everyone knows that the last day of the Convention is really just the ramp up to the acceptance speech by the nominee. After Sarah Palin's explosive speech last night, McCain was going to have to connect with voters in and outside of the Convention Hall. Before entering the convention hall, I believed that this challenge was going to be difficult for the senator.
I wasn't always a McCain supporter. I volunteered for Mitt Romney's campaign starting about a year ago up until the day he dropped out of the race. I was devastated when I read the email from Mitt Romney. I truly believed that he was the GOPs best choice for president. However, the math didn't add up, and it was time for Mitt Romney to step aside and allow the man with the most delegates pledged in the primaries move forward and try to win over the rest of the party.
I never did make it to the floor. Because of the change in floor plan, Colorado's delegation was going to be front and center on prime time television and the networks didn't want any empty seats, so there would be no switching of seats.
I have to admit that I was not blown away by McCain's speech. I didn't expect to be, but I knew that the message he would be deliver was meant not for the base of the party -- he already has our vote, but instead for the undecideds. Every presidential candidate has to work for the undecideds and independents...the more people we can put into our column and not our opponent, the better off the Republicans will be.
Before Thursday night, I hadn't heard in-depth what McCain thought we needed to do about improving our schools and preparing our students for the future. McCain said, "We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice. Let's remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work. When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parent -- when it fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them.Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have the choice, and their children will have that opportunity...I want schools to answer to parents and students."
IT sounds to me like No Child Left Behind is going to get a makeover, which my friends who are teachers tell me is necessary.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the convention. I had always watched them on TV with great interest. Being from Denver, I was able to experience both conventions in two completely different ways. In Denver, I attended events that were open to the public and watched politicos, pundits and some celebrities take over my town. In Minneapolis, I watched some of the same politicos and pundits descend on the Twin Cities. There are no words to explain the feeling when Sarah Palin stepped on stage to introduce herself to the country and the conventioneers.
I met some amazing people in the Colorado delegation. Many of the delegates and alternates were significantly older than me, but it drove the point home that members of BOTH parties need to reach out and involve younger voters in their campaigns. This doesn't let the younger crowd off the hook. We have a responsibility to care about more than just our technological gadgets and for things we can only see in front of us. Both candidates have encouraged their supporters to look beyond the four walls of their homes and schools and to serve others.
There's a leadership style called "Servant Leadership" and I think both candidates use different aspects of that leadership style in their campaigns. Servant Leadership is essentially basing your decisions and actions on how it will affect the people you serve, not just yourself. I see elements of Servant Leadership in both John McCain and Barack Obama.
The sound of the crowd Thursday night chanting "USA! USA! USA!" over the Code Pink protesters who got into the hall was intense. I am a staunch defender of the First Amendment. However, the convention is for delegates, alternates and guests of them. The Code Pink protesters were not there to hear the messages from John McCain or anyone else in the convention hall.
I'll be back in the Mile High City on Saturday, today I am visiting friends and family in the Twin Cities.
RNC - Wednesday
Wednesday's session at the Xcel Center was electric. Everyone knew the big issue for the evening was going to be Sarah Palin's speech. Every reporter who stopped any member of our delegation asked about what tonight's speech meant for Sarah Palin and Republicans. Everyone agreed, this was the biggest speech of her career so far.
My day started earlier than I would have liked, breakfast was at 7:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., and considering how late I was up the evening before, it was certainly earlier than I would have liked. we had a special guest for breakfast who had to work the morning talk show circuit so we had to get up early. Our special guest was Karl Rove, former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush. He has close ties to Colorado, he lived here as a kid and still has extended family here.
When I got to the Xcel Center, I wandered the halls a bit looking for famous people. I didn't see many, especially not any that I could get close to. There are Secret Service agents everywhere! But I did see Wes Gullett, the gentleman from Arizona whose daughter came from one of Mother Teresa's orphanages in Bangladesh. I walked up to him and introduced myself. I told him the most abbreviated version of my journey to America and we shook hands. He left me with the words, "I'm so glad you're here. I know your parents are, too. There are no words to express the feeling when your child, who has traveled across the world is placed in your arms." Wow.
The evening began with remarks from Michael Steele, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani. It was interesting to see Romney, Huckabee and Giuliani all stumping for McCain. When I think back to the primary season, I remember a completely different exchange.
There are no words to describe the feeling and sound of the Xcel Center when Gov. Palin stepped onto the stage. The hall absolutely exploded when she walked out onto the stage. I know there were people in the audience who were anxious to learn about her family and what she plans to do as Vice President. The most touching part of her remarks was when she introduced her family, talked about the challenges that every family has and promised to be a champion for children with special needs if she and John McCain are elected to office.
After her speech, she received a standing ovation and her family joined her onstage. John McCain also made a surprise visit to the convention to the excitement of everyone in the hall.
After the speeches and the excitement died down, the Roll Call process began for the nomination of the GOP's pick for president. I've watched almost every convention that I can remember (both parties) and I love watching the Roll Call. My favorite part is when the person who gets to address the chairman/chairwoman and give the convention their vote count, the spokesperson for the state almost ALWAYS goes into a 2 minute diatribe about why their state has the greatest "fill in the blank".
Tonight, we celebrated Colorado's purple mountain majesties and Massachusetts' Boston Red Sox (yuck). Anyone who watched roll call tonight probably noticed about halfway through the roll, states began passing on voting. I learned that this is because as a courtesy to John McCain's home state, other states will pass on first vote, so that when the convention starts the roll call over again, Arizona will be the state to put his vote count over the limit.
Tonight, we will hear from our nominee, John McCain as he accepts the party's nomination. I've been PROMISED that a delegate or two will switch places with me tonight so I can spend some time on the floor...and I can bring you better pictures!
My day started earlier than I would have liked, breakfast was at 7:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., and considering how late I was up the evening before, it was certainly earlier than I would have liked. we had a special guest for breakfast who had to work the morning talk show circuit so we had to get up early. Our special guest was Karl Rove, former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush. He has close ties to Colorado, he lived here as a kid and still has extended family here.
When I got to the Xcel Center, I wandered the halls a bit looking for famous people. I didn't see many, especially not any that I could get close to. There are Secret Service agents everywhere! But I did see Wes Gullett, the gentleman from Arizona whose daughter came from one of Mother Teresa's orphanages in Bangladesh. I walked up to him and introduced myself. I told him the most abbreviated version of my journey to America and we shook hands. He left me with the words, "I'm so glad you're here. I know your parents are, too. There are no words to express the feeling when your child, who has traveled across the world is placed in your arms." Wow.
The evening began with remarks from Michael Steele, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani. It was interesting to see Romney, Huckabee and Giuliani all stumping for McCain. When I think back to the primary season, I remember a completely different exchange.
There are no words to describe the feeling and sound of the Xcel Center when Gov. Palin stepped onto the stage. The hall absolutely exploded when she walked out onto the stage. I know there were people in the audience who were anxious to learn about her family and what she plans to do as Vice President. The most touching part of her remarks was when she introduced her family, talked about the challenges that every family has and promised to be a champion for children with special needs if she and John McCain are elected to office.
After her speech, she received a standing ovation and her family joined her onstage. John McCain also made a surprise visit to the convention to the excitement of everyone in the hall.
After the speeches and the excitement died down, the Roll Call process began for the nomination of the GOP's pick for president. I've watched almost every convention that I can remember (both parties) and I love watching the Roll Call. My favorite part is when the person who gets to address the chairman/chairwoman and give the convention their vote count, the spokesperson for the state almost ALWAYS goes into a 2 minute diatribe about why their state has the greatest "fill in the blank".
Tonight, we celebrated Colorado's purple mountain majesties and Massachusetts' Boston Red Sox (yuck). Anyone who watched roll call tonight probably noticed about halfway through the roll, states began passing on voting. I learned that this is because as a courtesy to John McCain's home state, other states will pass on first vote, so that when the convention starts the roll call over again, Arizona will be the state to put his vote count over the limit.
Tonight, we will hear from our nominee, John McCain as he accepts the party's nomination. I've been PROMISED that a delegate or two will switch places with me tonight so I can spend some time on the floor...and I can bring you better pictures!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
RNC - Day Three
Tuesday was an exciting day at the Convention. The RNC is trying to get back on track and after a program cut short on Monday, due to Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf Coast region. We knew early in the day that the evening would a be long one.
I love being in St. Paul. It's a beautiful city with pieces of old architecture, like St. Paul's Cathedral to the glass and steel buildings stretching into the northern sky in the city. The Mississippi River runs through the city and at one point through St. Paul flows east-west. The city is beautiful, green and breathtaking.
I spent the afternoon at the Minnesota History Center attending an event by The White House Project. They hosted a screening of "14 Women" a documentary following the 14 female U.S. Senators in 2006. As a Senate hopeful myself, it was inspiring to hear the stories of these women who were able to balance the different facets of their lives and campaign actively and win a seat in Congress.
After an emergency stop to Starbucks, I headed over to the Xcel Center ready to hear from Fred Thompson, President Bush and Joe Lieberman. The theme for the evening was getting to know who John McCain is. Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson addressed the convention supporting John McCain (despite Thompson's failed presidential run) and criticized Barack Obama, saying "The Senate has always had more than its share of smooth talkers. And big talkers. And obviously, it still has."
One of the most touching stories of the evening came from longtime friend of the McCain family, Wes Gullet, of Phoenix, AZ. When Cindy McCain was visiting Bangladesh, working in one of Mother Teresa's orphanages, she brought back to the states two baby girls who had little chance of survival. Cindy McCain knew that Wes and his wife were trying to start a family and brought a daughter to them. She also brought home a new daughter for the McCain family -- without discussing it with her husband and family.
I was adopted from a Sisters of Charity orphanage in India in 1979. My parents, like the McCains gave me a second chance at life. I firmly believe that had I not been adopted, my chances of survival would have been incredibly slim. There are still children overseas and in this country who need homes and loving parents. Also speaking to the convention last night were President George W. Bush (via satellite) and Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT). President Bush reiterated his support for McCain.
Senator Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats told the crowd he knew that a lot of people were probably wondering what he was doing at the convention. He said, "What you can expect from John McCain as President is precisely what he has done this week: which is to put country first. That is the code by which he has lived his entire life, and that is the code he will carry with him into the White House. I have personally seen John over and over again bring people together from both parties to tackle our toughest problems we face."
Also in attendance: Former President George H.W. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, Cindy McCain, Bridget McCain, Meghan McCain and 12 of the POWs who were with John McCain at the Hanoi Hilton.
Tonight we're looking forward to Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney addressing the convention. Even more exciting, it is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's night. I'm excited to hear her acceptance speech and believe that it will answer many of the questions voters have about her.
I love being in St. Paul. It's a beautiful city with pieces of old architecture, like St. Paul's Cathedral to the glass and steel buildings stretching into the northern sky in the city. The Mississippi River runs through the city and at one point through St. Paul flows east-west. The city is beautiful, green and breathtaking.
I spent the afternoon at the Minnesota History Center attending an event by The White House Project. They hosted a screening of "14 Women" a documentary following the 14 female U.S. Senators in 2006. As a Senate hopeful myself, it was inspiring to hear the stories of these women who were able to balance the different facets of their lives and campaign actively and win a seat in Congress.
After an emergency stop to Starbucks, I headed over to the Xcel Center ready to hear from Fred Thompson, President Bush and Joe Lieberman. The theme for the evening was getting to know who John McCain is. Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson addressed the convention supporting John McCain (despite Thompson's failed presidential run) and criticized Barack Obama, saying "The Senate has always had more than its share of smooth talkers. And big talkers. And obviously, it still has."
One of the most touching stories of the evening came from longtime friend of the McCain family, Wes Gullet, of Phoenix, AZ. When Cindy McCain was visiting Bangladesh, working in one of Mother Teresa's orphanages, she brought back to the states two baby girls who had little chance of survival. Cindy McCain knew that Wes and his wife were trying to start a family and brought a daughter to them. She also brought home a new daughter for the McCain family -- without discussing it with her husband and family.
I was adopted from a Sisters of Charity orphanage in India in 1979. My parents, like the McCains gave me a second chance at life. I firmly believe that had I not been adopted, my chances of survival would have been incredibly slim. There are still children overseas and in this country who need homes and loving parents. Also speaking to the convention last night were President George W. Bush (via satellite) and Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT). President Bush reiterated his support for McCain.
Senator Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats told the crowd he knew that a lot of people were probably wondering what he was doing at the convention. He said, "What you can expect from John McCain as President is precisely what he has done this week: which is to put country first. That is the code by which he has lived his entire life, and that is the code he will carry with him into the White House. I have personally seen John over and over again bring people together from both parties to tackle our toughest problems we face."
Also in attendance: Former President George H.W. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, Cindy McCain, Bridget McCain, Meghan McCain and 12 of the POWs who were with John McCain at the Hanoi Hilton.
Tonight we're looking forward to Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney addressing the convention. Even more exciting, it is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's night. I'm excited to hear her acceptance speech and believe that it will answer many of the questions voters have about her.
Monday, September 1, 2008
RNC - Day 2
You know those days when you're incredibly proud to be an American? Today was also one of those days. I know that politicians are known for platitudes and empty rhetoric (and that's both sides of the aisle), but we knew going into the Xcel Energy Center today that this would be different. The balloons are still held snugly in the rafters in anticipation of a party. But tonight, there was no party.
Today our party leadership, Mike Duncan and Ken Mehlman, both urged delegates and alternates and those at home to reach out to their fellow Americans and help the people of the Gulf states region.
This wasn't the opening day I expected or hoped for. But ultimately, we have to do what's right those in need. The federal government has the chance to begin to right the wrongs from three years ago. The scars of Katrina are still there and will be there for years to come. I've met delegates from the state of Louisiana and they are wonderful people. They talk fast and hug you on the spot. They appreciate that other Americans are concerned about them and pray for them.
The highlight of the session today was a visit from First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, wife of John McCain, who both asked the delegates and alternate delegates to donate to various hurricane relief funds and to encourage their friends to do the same.
Before the session started I attended "Walk the Red Carpet" at the Ordway Performing Arts Center. The event's purpose was to shed light on the issue of heart disease and women. The guest speaker for the event was one of my favorite women in politics...Mary Matalin. She spoke on one of my favorite topics, women's leadership and encouraged the women in the room to run for office and pledge to make a difference in the lives of others. She also said, "If you want something said, elect a man. If you want something done, elect a woman."
Protests: I did not know until I returned to the hotel that there had been a scuffle between anarchists and police near the capitol. The Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments have kept protesters as far away as legally possible. I didn't see any protesters, but I could hear a rally a few streets away. Only by watching the local news in Minneapolis did I learn that the protesters were demonstrating against the Iraq war, the Bush administration and the GOP convention. I am safe!
Today our party leadership, Mike Duncan and Ken Mehlman, both urged delegates and alternates and those at home to reach out to their fellow Americans and help the people of the Gulf states region.
This wasn't the opening day I expected or hoped for. But ultimately, we have to do what's right those in need. The federal government has the chance to begin to right the wrongs from three years ago. The scars of Katrina are still there and will be there for years to come. I've met delegates from the state of Louisiana and they are wonderful people. They talk fast and hug you on the spot. They appreciate that other Americans are concerned about them and pray for them.
The highlight of the session today was a visit from First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, wife of John McCain, who both asked the delegates and alternate delegates to donate to various hurricane relief funds and to encourage their friends to do the same.
Before the session started I attended "Walk the Red Carpet" at the Ordway Performing Arts Center. The event's purpose was to shed light on the issue of heart disease and women. The guest speaker for the event was one of my favorite women in politics...Mary Matalin. She spoke on one of my favorite topics, women's leadership and encouraged the women in the room to run for office and pledge to make a difference in the lives of others. She also said, "If you want something said, elect a man. If you want something done, elect a woman."
Protests: I did not know until I returned to the hotel that there had been a scuffle between anarchists and police near the capitol. The Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments have kept protesters as far away as legally possible. I didn't see any protesters, but I could hear a rally a few streets away. Only by watching the local news in Minneapolis did I learn that the protesters were demonstrating against the Iraq war, the Bush administration and the GOP convention. I am safe!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
RNC - Day One
I have arrived in the fair city of Minneapolis. I love it here. I think I always have. I lived here when I was a kid, ok, a baby, but I always claim the great state of Minnesota as my home. My parents went to college here and myself and three of my siblings started out in the land of 10,000 lakes. Although I have traded lakes for mountains, (and right now I miss those mountains...it's one of the ways I navigate in Colorado!) I have always wanted to return to Minnesota for longer than a week at a time. So here, I am, taking in the sights and sounds of the RNC in the Twin Cities.
It all started with the flight that almost didn't happen...
I was one of the last people to make it on the plane, which is funny only in that I was standing in line at Caribou Coffee (yes, DIA has NO STARBUCKS!) when my friend Jeremy sent me a text message:
Jeremy: WHERE ARE YOU!? Did you make the flight?
Me: Yeah, dude, I did. I am getting coffee.
Jeremy: Well that's nice. The doors to the aircraft are closing in 15 minutes.
Me: "Aircraft"?
Jeremy: HURRY UP!
I made it on the plane. We actually arrived in Minneapolis early, which has happened to me...NEVER! The weather here is beautiful. The air is humid and weighty, without being uncomfortable or in any way ugly. When you land in MSP, you see gorgeous green trees and lots of blue lakes. It's makes you want to be outside and explore the city. However, as soon as I got off the plane, I headed straight for the hotel...where I waited for three hours to check in.
I did get my credentials today, which was around the time we started hearing that things might be amiss with the RNC Convention plans. By noon we knew that President Bush and Vice President Cheney would not be addressing the delegates on Monday night. Within two hours, we had a new schedule for Monday.
The RNC has to convene tomorrow, no matter what. In order for the Republican party to nominate a candidate for president, the delegates have to vote. In order to vote, the convention body must be called to order...you get the picture. In order to not look like a bunch of rowdy party animals while New Orleans is under siege and under water again, the RNC has decided to take a low key approach to this year's convention.
So we will meet for two and a half hours tomorrow and will continue to play the rest of the week by ear. I've heard people ask, why can't we just reschedule the convention until next week, or try to complete all the party's business in one day. The logistics of such an undertaking are unrealistic and we will move forward.
Tonight we attended the welcome party for all the delegates. It was fun but after about an hour of olive trays and free Merlot I was ready to head back to the hotel. I am now in the hotel bar, surrounded by Oklahomans and Coloradans who drink more and yell louder than I do.
It all started with the flight that almost didn't happen...
I was one of the last people to make it on the plane, which is funny only in that I was standing in line at Caribou Coffee (yes, DIA has NO STARBUCKS!) when my friend Jeremy sent me a text message:
Jeremy: WHERE ARE YOU!? Did you make the flight?
Me: Yeah, dude, I did. I am getting coffee.
Jeremy: Well that's nice. The doors to the aircraft are closing in 15 minutes.
Me: "Aircraft"?
Jeremy: HURRY UP!
I made it on the plane. We actually arrived in Minneapolis early, which has happened to me...NEVER! The weather here is beautiful. The air is humid and weighty, without being uncomfortable or in any way ugly. When you land in MSP, you see gorgeous green trees and lots of blue lakes. It's makes you want to be outside and explore the city. However, as soon as I got off the plane, I headed straight for the hotel...where I waited for three hours to check in.
I did get my credentials today, which was around the time we started hearing that things might be amiss with the RNC Convention plans. By noon we knew that President Bush and Vice President Cheney would not be addressing the delegates on Monday night. Within two hours, we had a new schedule for Monday.
The RNC has to convene tomorrow, no matter what. In order for the Republican party to nominate a candidate for president, the delegates have to vote. In order to vote, the convention body must be called to order...you get the picture. In order to not look like a bunch of rowdy party animals while New Orleans is under siege and under water again, the RNC has decided to take a low key approach to this year's convention.
So we will meet for two and a half hours tomorrow and will continue to play the rest of the week by ear. I've heard people ask, why can't we just reschedule the convention until next week, or try to complete all the party's business in one day. The logistics of such an undertaking are unrealistic and we will move forward.
Tonight we attended the welcome party for all the delegates. It was fun but after about an hour of olive trays and free Merlot I was ready to head back to the hotel. I am now in the hotel bar, surrounded by Oklahomans and Coloradans who drink more and yell louder than I do.
One last note: I know there are people who believe that Senator McCain and the RNC's decision to scale back to bare bones tomorrow was a political move. I hope it wasn't. But only time will tell. I know that I would feel really weird about throwing a huge party - balloon drop and all - while there are people being drown out of their homes just down the Mississippi River. All politics is local. What we do now will shape the tone of the RNC coverage for the rest of the week. So I think we learn to take the high road. We learn to put others first and remember that we are always our brother's keeper.
See you tomorrow.
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