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
About Me
- Moderate Musings
- Jim and his wife, Jennifer, have two school-age children and live in San Jose’s Almaden Valley neighborhood. He is an Eagle Scout and a graduate of UCLA. Jim Cunneen is a Partner with California Strategies, LLC, overseeing the firms Silicon Valley office, the region where he grew up and later represented in the Legislature. Cunneen served as an executive for two respected Companies in Silicon Valley, Cisco and Applied Materials. Cunneen served as President and CEO of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to 2005. Cunneen served as a California State Assemblyman from 1994-2000 creating a distinguished record on high technology and quality of life issues. He won approval of legislation to expand the state research and development tax credit, and protect trade secrets. Cunneen co-created and later chaired the newly established Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Information Technology. Cunneen amassed extensive federal and state government experience early in his career having worked as a top aide to former Congressman Tom Campbell, former State Senator Becky Morgan and former Congressman Ed Zschau in the 1980’s.
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