REPUBLICAN CONVENTION 2008

Thursday, September 5, 2008

The conclusion of the Republican Convention is to be today. Suddenly, the nearly one week of activities was coming to an end. Following Wednesday's introduction of Sarah Palin, we were still in a state of awe with fascination and respect for the future Vice President.  Comments about her from convention goers were: "Brilliant", "Exceptional", "Outstanding", "A Great Speaker", and certainly, "A Strong Addition to the Republican Ticket". The expectations are that she exemplifies the best one can receive from a great politician that happens to be a woman.

The strong relationship between Senator McCain and Governor Palin was visible to all. Each showed respect and appreciation for the qualities each has. The team was clearly meshing well. The question on everyone's mind was how Senator McCain would deal with the new star. The outstanding speech Sarah Palin gave the day before was on the lips of everyone I spoke to this morning.

But today was Senator McCain's day in the sun. It was his day to talk about why he should be the Presidential selection for voters. We did not know what he would say and how he could top the Sarah Palin's speech. However, we were impressed with the manner in which he handled the topic. He gave Sarah Palin plenty of room to be herself, he showed genuine respect and affection for Sarah and did not in any manner seek to undermine her status or detract from the attention being heaped on her. When dealing with the media Senator McCain was clear in his words, he had made the right choice and was proud of it.

Prior to starting out the day a phone interview with a Latino Radio station in Los Angeles was in order. It is always interesting how most of the radio commentators seem to lean to the liberal side. Today they were working overtime on trying to blunt the impact of Sarah Palin's speech and what Senator McCain had to say.  We read in the papers how Sarah's speech had put the Obama camp in a defensive position. They seemed not to be able to counter the impact of her speech and clearly the broad positive support for her from women and men alike. When the question came up about whether Sarah should not be putting her career first rather than her family, I quickly informed the reporter that millions of women across the country have similar choices every day.

Women everywhere take on their responsibilities with the courage and determination exactly as does Sarah. How demeaning to ask a woman to choose between a career and her family when daily, women work, take care of families and manage to do it with the same love and attention expected from a mother that stays at home. Certainly, the question is never asked of the men who seek higher office.  When has Senator Obama been asked if he is concerned that he will not take care of his family while running for president?  The intent of the press was clearly to attempt to dissuade women voters not to support Sarah.  "It will not work", I said to the reporter, "If I was a woman I would be boiling mad and insulted by the question". As it was, I was quick to defend the courage of Sarah in seeking to be Vice President of the United States.

A meeting with Latino leaders came first before heading to the Xcel center for the convention speeches. Latino leaders are well organized and participating strongly in support of Senator McCain. It was plain to see that Latinos were stepping up to the plate by help the campaign because of their deep respect and admiration for Senator McCain. McCain has been a friend of Latinos long before he decided to run for the office of President.

The big event tonight was Senator McCain's speech and the air was strong with anticipation. Getting to the Xcel Center was always a challenge but more so today. Protesters were everywhere but the police had things under control. Bustling, the Center was full early. People trying to get into the Center without credentials were everywhere. A common approach to getting into the Center was to borrow credentials and passes from others, then once inside, people would pass on the credentials to others to get others inside. Today was no exception. The Center filled quickly and empty seats were at a premium. Those with no assigned seats were milling around trying to find an empty seat of someone who had not shown up. Excitement was high. Looking up to the ceiling we could see thousands of balloons stored in huge nets ready to drop the final moment after the last speeches were given.

The stage had been changed so that Senator McCain could be closer to the audience. The traditional podium was removed and, in its place, was a smaller low profile podium. This would allow Senator McCain to talk to the audience rather than the camera in the same manner as he talks to audiences in town hall meetings. So the stage was set.

After several speeches from local officials, former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin came on to speak. Her unique story of how an immigrant from Mexico came to be the first foreign-born U.S. Treasurer is inspiring. Moreover, she connects well with Governor Palin's family story because she too has children, served in a high capacity in Government and, all the while, has managed to fulfill her position as both executive and mother without difficulty. Sarah has a child with Down Syndrome; so does Rosario. As Rosario stated, there is nothing to prevent women today to fulfill their roles as mothers, even while achieving their lifelong career goals and dreams.

An introduction to Senator McCain would come from one close to him and in a position to know him better than anyone else.  That person, Cindy McCain, the loving wife of Senator McCain, was introduced to the audience by a video telling about her life and achievements and why she has earned the respect of everyone.  We were so impressed to see how she uses her wealth to improve the lives of others. Perhaps the most moving part of her story was when she took a child from Sister Teresa of Calcutta orphanage. The child was born with a severe cleft palate that surely would have lead to the child's death had she remained at the orphanage. Bringing the child home, Cindy very simply told Senator McCain that he had a new daughter. His reply, it was, "Good". And today, that daughter, Bridget, was there, beautiful in contrast of skin color to the other children, but equally proud of her adopted parents.

This is truly a wonderful family. Seeing a picture of Senator McCain with Cindy and all their children one can only feel a special connection with them. They are the typical family. A mom and dad that love their children unconditionally and with great passion is the image they present to the world.

With that presentation, walking into the spotlight, Cindy McCain came ready to speak of her husband to the world. It was a breath taking moment. She is a beautiful woman, well dressed and has a presence that spelled out "First Lady'.

Cindy began her introduction of John McCain with his story of being a naval officer, shot down in Vietnam and then subjected to unbearable torture. Cindy spoke with pride and an air of a woman speaking of the man she loves. By the end of her comments we were more than ready for, our Presidential candidate, Senator John McCain.

Senator McCain walked into the Republican Convention to a standing ovation. We were ready to see and hear him. We had spent the last 4 days building up to this moment and Cindy had prepared us to receive him with open arms. Moreover, we already had great expectations because of all the previous speakers, especially, Sarah Palin, the night before. We anticipated that he would have to give the speech of his life and we were not disappointed.

Senator McCain's speech could be best classified as Presidential. It was not his role to take potshots at the opposition or to criticize Senator Obama but to get the nation to know the Senator McCain they need to vote for as President.

Final segment will be coming next: Stay tuned