The complimentary contrasts between John McCain's and Sarah Palin's back to back speeches were abundant by tonight.
While Palin rocked the house, showing a steely determination and delivering a rousing call to arms for the fall election contest, there were portions of McCain's speech tonight where you could hear a pin drop; a quiet, deep and abiding respect as he described in searing detail his unique life and conveyed to the American people the honest and optimistic truth about our challenges.
Favorite Quotes:
On himself: "I don’t mind a good fight. For reasons known only to God, I’ve had quite a few tough ones in my life. But I learned an important lesson along the way. In the end, it matters less that you can fight. What you fight for is the real test."
On himself II: "I’ve been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. But I have been her servant first, last and always. And I’ve never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I didn’t thank God for the privilege."
To Senator Obama: "...you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other."
On Gov. Palin: "...She’s balanced a budget, cut taxes, and taken on the special interests. She’s reached across the aisle and asked Republicans, Democrats and Independents to serve in her administration. She’s the mother of five children. She’s helped run a small business, worked with her hands and knows what it’s like to worry about mortgage payments and health care and the cost of gasoline and groceries...She stands up for what’s right, and she doesn’t let anyone tell her to sit down...I can’t wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming.
On his Maverick image: "You know, I’ve been called a maverick; someone who marches to the beat of his own drum. Sometimes it’s meant as a compliment and sometimes it’s not. What it really means is I understand who I work for. I don’t work for a party. I don’t work for a special interest. I don’t work for myself. I work for you."
On the Republican Party: "I fight to restore the pride and principles of our party. We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us. We lost the trust of the American people when some Republicans gave in to the temptations of corruption. We lost their trust when rather than reform government, both parties made it bigger. We lost their trust when instead of freeing ourselves from a dangerous dependence on foreign oil, both parties and Senator Obama passed another corporate welfare bill for oil companies. We lost their trust, when we valued our power over our principles. We’re going to change that. We’re going to recover the people’s trust by standing up again for the values Americans admire. The party of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan is going to get back to basics. We’re going to change that. We’re going to recover the people’s trust by standing up again for the values Americans admire. The party of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan is going to get back to basics."
On the Economy: "We believe in low taxes; spending discipline, and open markets. We believe in rewarding hard work and risk takers and letting people keep the fruits of their labor. We believe in a government that unleashes the creativity and initiative of Americans. Government that doesn’t make your choices for you, but works to make sure you have more choices to make for yourself."
On diversity: "We believe everyone has something to contribute and deserves the opportunity to reach their God-given potential from the boy whose descendants arrived on the Mayflower to the Latina daughter of migrant workers. We’re all God’s children and we’re all Americans."
On Energy independence: "My fellow Americans, when I’m President, we’re going to embark on the most ambitious national project in decades. We are going to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don’t like us very much. We will attack the problem on every front. We will produce more energy at home."
On bipartisanship: "The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn’t a cause, it’s a symptom. It’s what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you. Again and again, I’ve worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed... I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it."
On Finding a cause greater than oneself: "If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you’re disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself. "
In conclusion: "I’m an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me. Fight for what’s right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people. Fight for our children’s future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all. Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America. Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We’re Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history."
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Palin Power
Right After Governor Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican Convention, KCBS interviewed my wife, Jennifer. She explained how she was moved, and touched and inspired as a working Mom herself. Then she looked at the reporter and said, "Good Luck, Joe Biden". Imagine the Vice Presidential debates this fall.
Senator McCain has stood by his pick and it paid off tonight.
It was also a very good night for Silicon Valley with powerful speeches by Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman and Sen. Abel Maldonado. Economic Opportunity and a secure America punctuated these speeches.
The best speech of the night (save Sarah's) was Rudy Guiliani. His speech had the precision of a great lawyers closing comments in a big court case. Very powerful.
Senator McCain has stood by his pick and it paid off tonight.
It was also a very good night for Silicon Valley with powerful speeches by Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman and Sen. Abel Maldonado. Economic Opportunity and a secure America punctuated these speeches.
The best speech of the night (save Sarah's) was Rudy Guiliani. His speech had the precision of a great lawyers closing comments in a big court case. Very powerful.
Silicon Valley at the Convention
DATELINE SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 MINNEAPOLIS, MN...Silicon Valley is well represented at the GOP Convention this week. And tonight, some of our stars will be on display.
Former eBay Chair and CEO Meg Whitman is part of the California delegation. She has been a high profile and tireless surrogate for McCain, engaging the media, delegates and VIP's. Tonight she will address the Convention live between 6pm and 7pm PST (between 8pm and 9pm EST).
Also slated in the same time bloc is former HP CEO Carly Fiorina. She has been a relentless advocate for the McCain-Palin ticket.
The only Republican to represent a portion of Silicon Valley, State Senator Abel Maldonado, will also address the convention. Abel and I served together in the State Assembly where we were seatmates. Abel is a remarkably effective legislator and will do a great job tonight.
The California delegation also includes former California GOP Chair Duf Sundheim and former Silicon Valley GOP Central Committee chairman Keen Butcher. All three of us have been engaged in media interviews throughout the convention.
Other good news for Moderate Republicans is the prime time speech tonight from former NY Mayor Rudy Guiliani.
All of these leaders are known for their maverick styles, sound judgment and mainstream viewpoints. No wonder they're so strongly supporting John McCain.
Expect to hear a great deal about the economy, judgement and national security.
Jim
Former eBay Chair and CEO Meg Whitman is part of the California delegation. She has been a high profile and tireless surrogate for McCain, engaging the media, delegates and VIP's. Tonight she will address the Convention live between 6pm and 7pm PST (between 8pm and 9pm EST).
Also slated in the same time bloc is former HP CEO Carly Fiorina. She has been a relentless advocate for the McCain-Palin ticket.
The only Republican to represent a portion of Silicon Valley, State Senator Abel Maldonado, will also address the convention. Abel and I served together in the State Assembly where we were seatmates. Abel is a remarkably effective legislator and will do a great job tonight.
The California delegation also includes former California GOP Chair Duf Sundheim and former Silicon Valley GOP Central Committee chairman Keen Butcher. All three of us have been engaged in media interviews throughout the convention.
Other good news for Moderate Republicans is the prime time speech tonight from former NY Mayor Rudy Guiliani.
All of these leaders are known for their maverick styles, sound judgment and mainstream viewpoints. No wonder they're so strongly supporting John McCain.
Expect to hear a great deal about the economy, judgement and national security.
Jim
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Lieberman Speech
It took tremendous courage for lifelong Democrat Sen. Joe Lieberman to endorse his friend John McCain for President. He asked us to think beyond partisanship and focus on what's best for America. I have endorsed several Democratic candidates for local and state office in the past. In every case, it's been an individual that I've known for some time. I've taken heat from my Party for doing so.
The lifelong Democrats strongest arguments involved national security and a record of bipartisanship. It's gratifying to see Lieberman put a friend before politics to serve the best interest of our country.
The lifelong Democrats strongest arguments involved national security and a record of bipartisanship. It's gratifying to see Lieberman put a friend before politics to serve the best interest of our country.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Jennifer's "She Said"
I can't let Jim have all the fun blogging......And it's time for a woman's perspective in light of today's surprise announcement of Gov. Palin's 17-year old daughter's pregnancy.
It is an unfortunate turn of events for the Palin family. That being said, I am impressed with the response of the Palin family and their show of love and support for their daughter, as she plans to marry the father.
When John McCain announced that Gov. Palin is his choice for running mate on Friday morning, the fact that he selected someone unexpected did not come as a surprise to me. Truth be told, I was thrilled that he had chosen someone from outside the Washington circle, though her positions on several issues are far more conservative than mine. I have come to expect John McCain to make decisions he believes are right for this country, as opposed to what is "safe" or "expected." As I listened to Gov. Palin talk that morning, I was truly impressed, and moved, by her story. It seems that everyone I have talked to in the past several days, no matter their party affiliation, has felt the same way.
I was surprised a second time today to hear (though not first-hand) that there are women out there who believe that because Sarah Palin is a mother of young children, she should not be seeking to become VP. In a way, this was almost more shocking. I thought the women of our country were beyond this kind of out-of-date thinking. As a working mother myself, I commend women who balance work and home, whether they work out of necessity or not.
I look forward to hearing Sarah Palin speak on Wednesday evening. I have a feeling that she will take on this new, and very personal, issue in the same way she has taken on political corruption and the oil industry: with great courage, passion, perserverance and dignity. It's really just another example of how the Palin family is so similar to families all across our country, and faces the problems and issues so many other families face.
...And let's hope Jim is right and there aren't anymore big bombshells.
It is an unfortunate turn of events for the Palin family. That being said, I am impressed with the response of the Palin family and their show of love and support for their daughter, as she plans to marry the father.
When John McCain announced that Gov. Palin is his choice for running mate on Friday morning, the fact that he selected someone unexpected did not come as a surprise to me. Truth be told, I was thrilled that he had chosen someone from outside the Washington circle, though her positions on several issues are far more conservative than mine. I have come to expect John McCain to make decisions he believes are right for this country, as opposed to what is "safe" or "expected." As I listened to Gov. Palin talk that morning, I was truly impressed, and moved, by her story. It seems that everyone I have talked to in the past several days, no matter their party affiliation, has felt the same way.
I was surprised a second time today to hear (though not first-hand) that there are women out there who believe that because Sarah Palin is a mother of young children, she should not be seeking to become VP. In a way, this was almost more shocking. I thought the women of our country were beyond this kind of out-of-date thinking. As a working mother myself, I commend women who balance work and home, whether they work out of necessity or not.
I look forward to hearing Sarah Palin speak on Wednesday evening. I have a feeling that she will take on this new, and very personal, issue in the same way she has taken on political corruption and the oil industry: with great courage, passion, perserverance and dignity. It's really just another example of how the Palin family is so similar to families all across our country, and faces the problems and issues so many other families face.
...And let's hope Jim is right and there aren't anymore big bombshells.
Surprise!
DATELINE SEPTEMBER 1, 2008, 11:45 PM MINNEAPOLIS, MN....Today was a day full of surprises. First Lady Laura Bush and future First Lady Cindy McCain made a surprise convention appearance. They were eloquent and, again, reminded us that we are Americans first.
Another surprise was Sarah Palin's daughter's teenage pregnancy. Wow. The initial statement by Sarah and Tod Palin showed unconditional love for their daughter. It's impossible not to be moved by their words. There is a long tradition of leaving the children of national candidates alone and out of the limelight. BUT I think if there are any more "revelations" of this magnitude, the campaign better get them out in the public domain sooner than later. The key question will be: How well vetted was she? If handled forerightly, this will not be an issue -- in isolation -- that will derail her candidacy, in my judgment. Let's just hope for no more big surprises. It will go to the heart of McCain's reputation (by friend and foe) for taking big risks. While I was hoping for Tom Ridge or Kay Bailey Hutchison -- and sure he'd pick Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty or Charlie Crist instead -- I think Sarah's candidacy is compelling. She inspires many. I'm hoping there are no more proverbial "shoes" about to drop. Here, in MSP, the common wisdom of the delegates is to rally around Palin and McCain.
A pleasant (and, in my mind, expected) surprise was the competent teamwork displayed by the President, Gulf State Governors and local mayors in affected areas. Big league leadership displayed by Governors Jindal (LA), Barbour (MS), Riley (AL), Crist (FL), Perry (TX). I've personally met all them save Jindal. Their winning personalities and great speech making are missed at this convention.
I believe strongly in John McCain and the merits of his candidacy. I endorsed him in February 2007. Our country needs his leadership during these turbulent times. I trust his judgment and admire how he has handled the organization of this Convention. He' like the quarterback in a huddle calling audible plays. I think by Thursday he has a good shot to have scored several touchdowns -- running up the score as we head into the big Fall push.
At this point, it's meaningless to speculate how this Republican Convention will unfold. We won't know our schedule for Tuesday until the morning (or on the news).
Look for blog entries Tuesday.
Jim
Another surprise was Sarah Palin's daughter's teenage pregnancy. Wow. The initial statement by Sarah and Tod Palin showed unconditional love for their daughter. It's impossible not to be moved by their words. There is a long tradition of leaving the children of national candidates alone and out of the limelight. BUT I think if there are any more "revelations" of this magnitude, the campaign better get them out in the public domain sooner than later. The key question will be: How well vetted was she? If handled forerightly, this will not be an issue -- in isolation -- that will derail her candidacy, in my judgment. Let's just hope for no more big surprises. It will go to the heart of McCain's reputation (by friend and foe) for taking big risks. While I was hoping for Tom Ridge or Kay Bailey Hutchison -- and sure he'd pick Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty or Charlie Crist instead -- I think Sarah's candidacy is compelling. She inspires many. I'm hoping there are no more proverbial "shoes" about to drop. Here, in MSP, the common wisdom of the delegates is to rally around Palin and McCain.
A pleasant (and, in my mind, expected) surprise was the competent teamwork displayed by the President, Gulf State Governors and local mayors in affected areas. Big league leadership displayed by Governors Jindal (LA), Barbour (MS), Riley (AL), Crist (FL), Perry (TX). I've personally met all them save Jindal. Their winning personalities and great speech making are missed at this convention.
I believe strongly in John McCain and the merits of his candidacy. I endorsed him in February 2007. Our country needs his leadership during these turbulent times. I trust his judgment and admire how he has handled the organization of this Convention. He' like the quarterback in a huddle calling audible plays. I think by Thursday he has a good shot to have scored several touchdowns -- running up the score as we head into the big Fall push.
At this point, it's meaningless to speculate how this Republican Convention will unfold. We won't know our schedule for Tuesday until the morning (or on the news).
Look for blog entries Tuesday.
Jim
Weather Permitting
From Bloomington MN:
DATELINE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2008...BLOOMINGTON, MN: As my wife, Jennifer, and I arrived Sunday night in what funnyman Dave Barry described as this "quintessentially .... southern Canadian City", California GOP delegates were buzzing about the nation's response to Gustav. It sure looked like the perfect storm on TV images as it hurled toward NOLA. Sunday night convention leaders could be seen scrambling to find ways to tap the energy and enthusiasm of thousands of GOP delegates to help potential victims. Many of us have friends in Mississippi and Louisiana.
I've been to countless state party conventions two national conventions. So far no one has seemed focused on traditional Convention concerns (partisanship, parties and preening). It really is refreshing.
As the storm hit land Monday morning it seemed like the fed, state and local government leaders were actually working together, and our collective worst fears of thousands of stranded fellow Americans and severe property damage will not be realized. I expect the storm will still cause human suffering as it moves inland, but President Bush, Governors Jindal and Barbour, Mayor Naggin and others deserve as much praise today as they deserved scorn after Katrina.
Well, I'm off to the first day floor session as a delegate from California....I'm told the convention delegates will be raising money and that our VP candidate Gov. Palin will be on hand as well.
Check in again later for more musings.
Jim
DATELINE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2008...BLOOMINGTON, MN: As my wife, Jennifer, and I arrived Sunday night in what funnyman Dave Barry described as this "quintessentially .... southern Canadian City", California GOP delegates were buzzing about the nation's response to Gustav. It sure looked like the perfect storm on TV images as it hurled toward NOLA. Sunday night convention leaders could be seen scrambling to find ways to tap the energy and enthusiasm of thousands of GOP delegates to help potential victims. Many of us have friends in Mississippi and Louisiana.
I've been to countless state party conventions two national conventions. So far no one has seemed focused on traditional Convention concerns (partisanship, parties and preening). It really is refreshing.
As the storm hit land Monday morning it seemed like the fed, state and local government leaders were actually working together, and our collective worst fears of thousands of stranded fellow Americans and severe property damage will not be realized. I expect the storm will still cause human suffering as it moves inland, but President Bush, Governors Jindal and Barbour, Mayor Naggin and others deserve as much praise today as they deserved scorn after Katrina.
Well, I'm off to the first day floor session as a delegate from California....I'm told the convention delegates will be raising money and that our VP candidate Gov. Palin will be on hand as well.
Check in again later for more musings.
Jim
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