A Word about Hurricane Gustav

As Washingtonians we cannot fully appreciate or fathom what it must be like to experience a hurricane. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Texas who are being affected by the devastating storm. While it is disappointing that some of the convention activities will be curtailed, it pales in comparison to what those in the South are going through.

Minneapolis Day 1

Sunday - We had a great flight from Seattle to Minnesota with many of the Washington delegation on board. It made for a festive and interesting flight. Much of the conversation centered on the outstanding VP choice for the Republican ticket and we sat across from an Alaskan who related that their state is elated to see their governor vaulted to the national stage. They love her!

Washington delegates, alternates and guests have been provided with lovely accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Minneapolis. Upon check-in and registration we were greeted with an amazing array of gifts and souvenirs both from the Republican National Committee and the Washington State Republican Party. The city is crawling with “Minnesota nice” volunteers and staff members who are eager to answer our every question and take care of our every need.

Our first official function was to attend the screening of An American Carol and it turned out to be every bit as irreverent and politically incorrect as it was billed to be. It is a soon-to-be-released movie about a radical military-hating leftist named Michael Malone who bears an uncanny resemblance to Michael Moore. It was hilarious but included a little too much over-the-top corny slap-stick comedy. It was filmed as a tribute to the men and women who serve in the military. At the end the director and some cast members took the stage which was a fun surprise. See picture.

Minnesota went all out tonight for the Republican Party and put on a spectacular and elaborate reception for convention attendees. The convention hall was chock full of patriotic and historical exhibits that included a fabulous flag display, Air Force One, a display of First Lady gowns, an incredible miniature of the entire White House and so much more. The displays were so well done and it actually felt like we had stepped into the Smithsonian Institute. Of course, they also had an endless array of tasty foods to nibble on and a huge area for souvenir shopping. We enjoyed this evening so much we could barely drag ourselves back to the hotel.

This picture with Miss Texas is for the benefit of Larissa who is in college in TX. Larissa, she is an Aggie and knows all about Tarleton. She says HI!

I thought my sons would enjoy this picture of a flaming UPS truck with mom behind the wheel.

We have received word that President Bush will not be coming to the convention tomorrow because of hurricane Gustav which is heading for the southern coastal states. Personally, I am disappointed we won’t have the opportunity for a final tribute to the man who has been steadfast and vigilant in protecting our country since September 11.

Please join me in prayer for all those in the path of Gustav.

More about Sarah

Okay, the longer I think about the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate, the more astounding I think it is. For me, she is the entire package. She is conservative, pro-life, a reformer, a mom, and a hunter, hello. She is warm, energetic and genuine and is obviously without pretense (any mother knows children will humble you like nothing else).

With this move McCain has really energized and mobilized his base. Enthusiasm has gone off the charts over the prospect of a McCain/Palin ticket. I have had many conversations today with formerly lukewarm Republicans who are now very excited about the election.

Thank you Sen. McCain, this makes our job much easier!

First-term Senator Barack Obama

This is so predictable of the partisan press corps... immediately after John McCain introduced America to his VP selection the main stream media started referring to Sarah Palin as a "first-term governor" in an obvious attempt to point out her inexperience. Well, news flash - Barack Obama is a "first-term" senator but because he has been running for president since 2005 he is barely that! I will put up Sarah Palin's executive experience as Governor against Barack Obama's 3 years in the U.S. Senate anyday!!

IT'S PALIN!!!

Living up to his reputation as a "maverick" John McCain makes a very bold choice for VP in Sarah Palin. This is a complete game changer and really make the Obama/Biden ticket look small by comparision. This is a marvelous pick and she has an amazing story. Read about her in the following Fox News report:

DAYTON, Ohio — John McCain will introduce Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate at an event here at noon Friday, senior campaign sources confirmed to FOX News.

Palin emerged earlier in the day as the hot name in the VP sweepstakes after reports circulated that two short-listers — Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty — were out of the running.

Adding fuel to the Palin candidacy was a report that a charter aircraft from Anchorage owned by a McCain supporter had arrived at a small airport outside Dayton, Ohio, where McCain has scheduled a noon ET rally to announce his choice.

FOX News reported the jet flew to Flagstaff, Ariz., on Thursday before heading landing in Middletown, Ohio.

Palin is considered a rising star in the Republican Party. She is the state’s first female governor, the mother of five — and at 44 is its youngest chief executive.

FOX News confirmed Thursday that McCain had made his selection and would appear with his pick at the Dayton rally.

Born in Idaho, Palin moved to Alaska with her parents, to Charles and Sally Heath, when she was 3 months old.

She grew up in Wasilla, just outside of Anchorage, and played on the Wasilla state championship girls’ basketball team. She was crowned Miss Wasilla in 1984 and was a runner-up in the Miss Alaska pageant.

Palin studied journalism and political science at the University of Idaho and graduated in 1987.

She eloped with her high school boyfriend, Todd Palin, in 1988 to save money on an expensive wedding. She helped out in her husband’s family commercial fishing business and appeared occasionally as a television sportscaster.

Palin won a seat on the Wasilla City Council in 1992 as a new face and a new voice, and by opposing tax increases. Four years later she was elected mayor at 32 by knocking off a three-term incumbent. At the end of her second term, party leaders encouraged her to enter the 2002 race for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor. Against veteran legislators with far more experience, Palin finished second by fewer than 2,000 votes, making a name for herself in statewide politics. She was elected Alaska’s youngest and first woman governor in 2006.

Sarah and Todd Palin have five children: boys Track, 19, and Trig, 4 months, and daughters Bristol, 17, Willow, 13, and Piper, 7. Track Palin joined the Army last September and will deploy to Iraq on Sept. 11. Palin gave birth to Trig, who has Down syndrome, in April and returned to work three days later.

Palin will be the second female vice presidential candidate from a major political party. The first was New York Rep. Geraldine Ferrarro, who was Walter Mondale’s Democratic running mate in 1984.

Earlier in the day, sources told FOX News that Romney was not going to be McCain’s choice, eventhough the former Massachusetts governor is scheduled to appear at theDayton rally.
And Pawlenty told a Minneapolis radio station that he was not going to be in Dayton for the McCain announcement.

“I’m going to be at the [Minnesota] state fair,” Pawlenty said on WCCO.

“I will not be in Dayton, Ohio, so I think that’s a fairassumption,” the Minnesota governor said when asked if this was anindication that he would not be McCain’s running mate.

“It was an honor to be considered,” he added.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who like Romney was a rival toMcCain in the primaries, sent an e-mail to supporters on Thursdayevening saying he would not be at the rally. Sources later told FOXNews that Huckabee was not in the running.

FOX News’ Carl Cameron and the Almanac of American Politics contributed to this report.

Palin?

REPORTS: ROMNEY, PAWLENTY OUT

from The Page by Mark Halperin - TIME

NBC, FOX say Romney isn’t McCain’s veep choice. Mixed reports about whether he’ll be in Dayton with McCain.

Pawlenty tells Minneapolis radio he won’t be there. Says it’s “a fair assumption” he isn’t McCain’s No. 2.

Drudge also says “no Romney,” suggests Palin is the pending choice.

A Gulfstream IV arrived in Middletown, Ohio from Anchorage, Alaska Thursday night.

Middletown is right outside Dayton.

CNN: Someone who works at the airport says a woman and two children got off the plane and into white vans, calling it a very “secretive” flight. Palin has two teenaged sons among her five children.

Developing....

Thoughts on Obama and the Democrat Convention

The media reaction to Barack Obama is embarrassing! Did you know that Time magazine has featured BO on their cover seven times compared to John McCain twice? There is no longer any pretense of fairness and even some Democrat officials are admitting the bias is obvious. Gov. Ed Rendell of PA is widely quoted as saying that some media outlets are openly partisan in their coverage of Obama. No! Really?

Have you seen the pictures of the stage that has been built for Obama's speech tonight? It looks like the Parthenon! Who's idea was that? It is astonishingly over-the-top and only serves to reinforce his image of celebrity. Barack Obama for Rock Star - John McCain for President!

I have enjoyed a "juicy" little exchange over on NRO by three smart and pretty funny guys who are recapping the D convention. They run a video segment called "Red Meat" which they shoot from Ruth Chris Steakhouse in Denver, Colorado. Check it out.

Interestingly, I have had no media calls about my trip to Minneapolis as a delegate... until yesterday. KGMI has set up an interview for Tuesday morning at 6:50AM PST (8:50 Minnesota time). I was told they want to give equal time to the Republican Convention but I've noticed they have interviewed delegates from the D Convention EVERY day. Equal time? hmmmm. I also have an interview today with a reporter from the Bellingham Herald. This should be an interesting day!

This is Change?

Obama’s mantra has been all about change but when it came to his veep pick he chose an entrenched Senator who has been in DC for 35 years. He is best known as a windbag and Peggy Noonan had this to say about Biden in 2006:

“As he speaks, as he goes on and on and spins his long statements, hypotheticals, and free associations--as he demonstrates yet again . . . that he is incapable of staying on the river of a thought, and is constantly lured down tributaries from which he can never quite work his way back--you can see him batting the little paddles of his mind against the weeds, trying desperately to return to the river but not remembering where it is, or where it was going.”

Digging deep into web sources from the right and left, it sounds like the greatest benefit of Joe Biden on the Obama ticket is his reputation as an attack dog who can slay opponents with a smile on his face. All you have to do is remember back to the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings and you’ll know what I mean. Let the (political) games begin!

So it's Biden!

The very best commentary I have read on the Obama/Biden ticket is at the conservative blog Redstate. Don't miss the clever bumper stickers and be sure to go below the fold to listen to the fabulous ad already produced by the McCain team. Here's a teaser:

What does Sen. Biden say about Barack Obama?

Speaker line up for GOP national convention

Most of what follows is from press reports, the convention committee has not been very forthcoming with details but I am very excited about all (make that most) of the national leaders scheduled to speak at the Republican convention.

President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, first lady Laura Bush and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will open the convention on Monday with speeches about service.

From the liberal wing of the Republican Party is former mayor of New York, Rudi Giuliani, Tom Ridge from Pennsylvania and Sen. Joe Lieberman - hey wait! Lieberman is not a Republican! What's he doing at the convention?! Oh that's right, I hear he's real tight with Sen. McCain, maybe that's it.

Moving on, I am pleased to announce that many of my favorite politicians will be present and speaking: Sen. Fred Thompson (he was one of my top picks for prez), Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Mitt Romney.

Other notables include Mike Huckabee, Gov. Charlie Crist from Florida, former HP CEO Carly Fiorino and Cindy McCain. And of course we cannot forget John McCain himself and his newly chosen Vice Presidential candidate, whomever that may be!

I have also read that Sen. McCain will be taking a hands off approach to the Republican Party platform. Smart move on his part because some of his positions are contrary to long-held Republican values. With all due respect, thank you Senator McCain.

Convention events

The excitement builds! The invitations for convention events are coming in like crazy! It was dead quiet until just recently and suddenly my inbox is overflowing with invitations to parties, receptions, soirées, and full-blown convention events! Now comes the hard part of deciding which events we can attend and which we have to pass on. On top of the “will not miss” list is the event hosted by Phyllis Schlafly and The Republican National Coalition for Life. It’s called “The LIFE of the Party” and is dedicated and mobilized toward keeping the Republican Party platform pro-life. I am thrilled that the Honorable Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska will be there along with special guests Gary Bauer, Tony Perkins and Michele Bachmann!

Other invitations include a Monday luncheon with the Republican Leadership Council and features a presentation by pollster Frank Luntz. We are invited to another Monday event called a Red Carpet Women’s event which features conservative political strategist Mary Matalin. There are also two or three invites from various Veterans groups. Because of John McCain’s military background veterans will have a prominent role at the convention.

I am quite curious about an invitation to a private screening of “An American Carol”. It is described as an irreverent and politically incorrect comedy but also claims to be “a pro-American celebration to honor those serving our country”.

All of these invitations are appealing and I’m tempted to try and attend them all but several overlap each other so this will take some careful planning to be sure we attend those events which will have the most significance for us.

Tomorrow I will give you the stellar speaker line-up. It’s amazing!!

VP Guessing Game

The buzz this week is all about the imminent announcements by each candidate and who they will select as their vice presidential running mates. Obama is expected to announce his choice this week Thursday or Friday (timed to dominate the weekend news shows) and speculation centers on three men: Sen. Joe Biden (experience), Gov. Tim Kaine (key state of Virginia) and Sen. Evan Bayh (to draw southerners). Of those three I personally hope he picks Biden because that would be a big yawner and the most underwhelming choice of all. Try this out loud: Obama/Biden. It’s more likely that Obama would pick Kaine because the D’s would love to move the former red state of Virginia into the blue column. Now try this: Obama/Kaine (sounds like something the dentist gives you to deaden the pain).

As for McCain, he is expected to announce his VP choice on his Aug. 29th birthday. This is great strategy because it forces the media to focus on his running mate instead of his age. I still think Gov. Tim Pawlenty (key swing state Minnesota) is McCain’s most likely choice. (If I’m wrong this post will be deleted = ) Pawlenty is pro-life, an effective governor, a proven tax cutter and acceptable to most conservatives. His relative youthfulness and “Minnesota nice” personality makes him an attractive candidate. On top of all that, the Republican National Convention just happens to be in Minnesota this year so this would bring an added dynamic to the Grand Old Party! Say it with me: McCain/Pawlenty.

My other top VP picks for McCain are Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Indiana congressman Mike Pence, John Kasich (former congressman from Ohio), JC Watts (former congressman from Oklahoma) and Minnesota congresswoman Michelle Bachmann. None of the above is likely to be chosen but I can dream.

And now a brief word about a few other names being floated - if McCain gives the nod to Lieberman, Giuliani, Tom Ridge or any other unacceptable pro-abortion candidate, there is likely to be a revolt and convention floor fight like none other.

Saddleback Showdown

This doesn't happen very often but the TV was exclusively mine last night and because the remote was mine and mine alone [see why] I enjoyed watching the Summer Olympics for a while and then switched over to the Rick Warren sponsored Presidential Forum at the Saddleback Church.

In the interest of full disclosure, I could not bring myself to watch the first hour when Rick Warren questioned Barack Obama. It's just too torturous for me to listen when Obama speaks fluidly about issues of faith. I have not yet reconciled the 20 years he sat under the influence of Rev. Jeremiah Wright and how that might have shaped his Biblical worldview.

But the hour long interview with John McCain was quite fascinating and at times delightful to watch. I am more a reader than a watcher so it was an interesting exercise to have this visual of the man I am pledged to nominate for President of the United States in less than 1 month.

There were several poignant moments, as when John McCain admitted that his greatest moral failure was the failure of his first marriage and again when he talked of being a prisoner of war and then turning down the offer of early release.

His answers to Rick Warren's questions were mostly definitive and to the point. There was no equivocating when asked when a baby should get human rights, "At the moment of conception. I have a 25-year pro-life record in Congress." He went on to declare he will be a pro-life president. He also stood firmly on the issue of marriage between a man and woman. He supports the "unique status" of marriage and will work to preserve that union.

Rick Warren asked the question how had John McCain used his wisdom to change his position on an issue and I cheered out loud when he said he changed his mind on "drill here, drill now!" The crowd obviously loved his answer too because the applause was thunderous. I also loved John McCain's answer to the school choice and merit pay question... "Yes! Yes!" he is for school choice and went on to say we should "find bad teachers other jobs".

It's probably a generational thing but John McCain was not very comfortable talking about his faith and re-told the story about a prison guard using his foot to draw the Christian symbol of a fish in the dirt. I have heard him use this illustration several times in the past when asked about his faith.

My impressions of this Q&A with Rick Warren were overall favorable and I thought John McCain was engaging, witty and mostly transparent. I am very glad I took the time to watch this interview.

Byron York wrote an excellent side by side of the interviews with an original title that said much: "McCain Big, Obama Small". Read it here.

Where Do the Candidates Stand on Key Issues?

Thanks to Scott (fellow Whatcom County PCO) who sent me this helpful candidate comparison guide. Amazing information! Don't let anyone tell you there aren't huge distinctions on key issues.

Radical Platform

As both sides gear up for the conventions this month, one thing is clear. This is not your grandparents' Democratic party. Same-sex marriage. Abortion-on-demand. Comprehensive sex education. They all add up to the most radical platform ever to make an appearance at the Democratic convention. For the first time in history, the Democratic planks will call for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Democrats put in writing their intent to defeat any effort to weaken Roe v. Wade. This is the face of the Left under Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) who is single-handedly recasting his party in the image of NARAL and the Human Rights Campaign. Although the last Democratic president, Bill Clinton, was the one who signed DOMA into law, Sen. Obama is adamant about repealing it, an act that would leave every state in America at risk of being forced to recognize homosexual marriage. His congressional cohorts tried a similar strategy in Congress and failed to find support for their extreme agenda among families. To the dismay of voters across the country, the leadership used their majority status to push the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), introduced numerous pieces of legislation that would give spousal benefits to gay couples, and even held a hearing on the possible repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. With approval ratings in the single-digits, it it's obvious that the liberal agenda didn't resonate with voters then-and even hidden behind Obama's flowery rhetoric, it's unlikely to appeal to Americans now.

Tony Perkins, FRC Action President

The Wisdom of Ronald Reagan

“I have always believed that America is strongest and freest and happiest when it is truest to the wisdom of its Founders. In Federalist 45, James Madison wrote that ‘The powers delegated by the Constitution to the Federal Government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State Government are numerous and indefinite.’ Or to put it another way, ‘We the People.’ As long as we remember these words—’We the People’ —and make them our guide, so long as we remember that America has always drawn its inspiration from the people and has always been governed best when governed most by those governments closest to the people, America will remain strong and free, the envy of the world.” —Ronald Reagan

Change we can believe in!

Now this is the kind of change we need! This new Dino Rossi ad is outstanding. Watch it here. He effectively hits on the problems that Gregoire has created.

Painful

Another great ad, this one called "Painful". If Barack Obama becomes president he WILL raise our taxes and it's going to hurt!

The One

This is the McCain ad that has created such a buzz. It's really very good!

What Does a Delegate Do?

Convention delegates represent their state or territory of residence and cast a vote toward the nomination of the Republican Party's candidates for president and vice president of the United States.

All delegates have a seat on the convention floor and are expected to attend and participate in the various convention sessions. Some delegates are chosen to represent their delegation on one of the four standing convention committees (Resolutions, sometimes referred to as the "Platform Committee;" Credentials; Rules; and Permanent Organization). In addition to the official convention proceedings, most state Republican parties organize activities in the host city for their delegation.

Surprise: McCain, Obama Tied!

Gallup poll shows Obama's 9-point lead has disappeared after McCain campaign attempts to paint rival as out-of-touch. Read full story here.

30 Days!!!

The Republican National Convention is now only 30 days away!

I could use your help...

Do you want to make sure the Republican Platform reflects conservative values? YOU can have a direct impact on the party platform! Just follow the steps below:

1. Go to http://www.gopplatform2008.com.
2. Click on "Create Platform Account" on the right side of the screen.
3. Then you can log in and comment on the platform.
4. In order to comment, simply click on "Submit Text Entry" on the right side of the page. There are 7 categories in which you can post suggestions.

The Republican Platform Committee has promised to read every comment posted on the website. It is vital that the Committee receives responsible, conservative posts from the grassroots.

The GOP has given you a voice — use it!