REPUBLICAN CONVENTION 2008

Wednesday, September 4, 2008

Wow what a day we had today! We started our morning with a Delegation Breakfast. Our guest speakers this morning were Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah and our very own Congressman David Dreier, R-California. Senator Hatch has always been a friend to California and Congressman Dreier has been solidly representing our district since 1980 advocating free markets, limited government, strong national defense, and personal freedom. It was energizing to listen to both gentlemen, who personally know of Senator Obama's dismal record in Washington. Contrasting his record with his rhetoric, it became apparent from their personal observations that Obama lacks the experience, or even the presence, to get things done.

Following the breakfast we attended a private screening of "Blocking the Path to 9/11" by Citizen's United Productions. It exposes the Democratic censorship of the ABC Docudrama Mini- Series and how the Clinton Administration and the Democratic Congress pressured ABC to cut important factual information from the film. It was riveting and informative and we were shocked to hear how our elected officials could censor it, even before they had seen the film. 

We then headed to the Xcel Energy Center. Because we did not take the Shuttles, we saw first hand some of the protester's. I must say that the Minnesota police and volunteers have been incredible and we thank them for their hard work and dedication! We clearly were unprepared for the costly taxi rides when we do not take the shuttles. So, after spending a couple of hundred dollars on taxies, we certainly will take the buses.

Once inside Xcel Energy Center we could feel the excitement building. Again, a stirring  presentation of colors followed by a duet of two outstanding singers that, with great energy, sang our National Anthem and made us so proud to be Americans and a part of this great experiment in Democracy.

There were many speeches by local and congressional representatives followed by our own California State Senator Abel Maldonado. One comment Abel made that is still remembered is that, even if you do not personally get a tax increase, you will pay for it in increase costs for food, gas, and other products. How very true, we all pay for increases in taxes in one form or another!

Next it was Mike Huckabee, former Republican Governor of Alabama, who brought the crowd to their feet. Feeding raw meat to the gathered Republicans, Governor Huckabee reminded everyone that being Governor of a state is a huge responsibility with constant executive decisions. Comparing a Governor's duties to being a member of Congress, Huckabee scored point after point.

Mayor Rudy Giuliani followed with a fiery speech that drew roars of approval from the convention.  Giuliani is clearly a popular speaker. Prior to his remarks, the background behind him showed the twin towers and gave everyone the image none of us can ever forget. He spoke with passion about the differences between the two candidates.

The stirring speeches from Governor Romney, Senator Lieberman, Governor Mike Huckabee and Mayor Giuliani were a great symbol of party unity. Each addressed their speeches to specific segments of the party faithful. Romney addressed economic conservatives, Huckabee, evangelicals and Giuliani those interested in national security. Giuliani spoke of Senator Obama as the least experienced candidate for president in at least 100 years. Delegates picked up the comment and began chanting, ZERO, ZERO, ZERO, NADA, NADA, NADA.  Giuliani concluded his comments by stating that this is no time for on the job training. 

Finally in concluding his remarks, Giuliani spoke of Governor Palin and referred to her as a new generation and then stated,  "She has more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket". That set the stage for the next speaker, Governor Sarah Palin and what an introduction to Sarah Palin it was. 

Governor Palin came into the convention floor to a standing 12-minute ovation that likely would have continued had she not started speaking to quiet everyone down. To put it mildly, Sarah Palin hit home runs, hit the bulls-eye, hit the jackpot or just bowled everyone over.  "I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment", she said. Speaking of Senator Obama she said, "My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of personal discovery." And so it went for the next 40 minutes. She was feisty, bright, thoughtful, and poised. Facing likely the largest television audience ever, the convention was transfixed with her appearance and ability to capture their imagination.

Addressing the issue of change generally referred to by Senator Obama, Governor Palin stated, " In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers." Comparing Senator McCain she went on to say that he used his career to promote change. It would be an understatement to say that Governor Palin made a great speech. It was by all measures a speech that put Democrat V.P. Biden on notice that the barracuda is in town and he better watch out.

 In speaking of national security and foreign policy experience, she remarked, "McCain is the only candidate who has ever fought for you." What a powerful reminder of the tremendous background and experience of McCain.

Republicans were clearly on the attack and they came out swinging at Democrats, Senator Obama and the news media for their biased scrutiny of Governor Palin. Addressing the media directly, Governor Palin stated, "I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion; I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country."

I was so impressed with her speech that I am convinced that together with Senator McCain they will be and are a formidable team that will turn Washington upside down and finally clean it up!

Stay tuned for more.