Day After Convention’s End: Some Final Thoughts

Posted Sep 6, 2008 by Courtney Clem

Updated Sep 6, 2008 at 05:24 PM

The day after the convention:

Today is the day all the lights will turn off, the confetti and balloons will be picked up, and the convention goers pack their bags full of buttons, bumper stickers, t-shirts and pictures.  I’m excited to get back to tell my stories to my dad, Jim Clem, my grandpa, Cliff Denison, and my sweetheart, Danny Burgess.  They have all been watching the convention religiously.  One thing is for sure, the memories my mom and I will take with us will never be forgotten. 

My heart is full as I leave Minneapolis. This trip has been more than just a vacation or time off school, it was a trip with a mission and purpose.  I feel blessed to even have the opportunity to participate in the free political process of my great country.   

At the airport, my mom and I met the sweetest lady in the restroom.  We began chatting and come to find out she is with her grandson who happens to be the youngest official delegate in the nation, barely eighteen and still in high school.  The mother/daughter, grandmother/grandson pairs immediately had a unique bond despite the fact that they are from the north in New York and we are from the south in Florida.

As this conference comes to a close, I’d like to share with you why I truly treasure my new right to vote as an 18 year old woman and why it is so important that as Americans, we participate in our civic duty by letting our voices be heard.  As a young woman of eighteen, if I had been born in North Korea, Venezuela or even Cuba, I may not have the opportunity to choose my college because I may not have been blessed with the right to get an education or even learn how to read. Unlike the protesters I saw, I would be too oppressed to speak about my government; my media would be controlled so I have no access to real truth in the world.

This conference has inspired me even more to live my American dream, especially with a women being nominated to be Vice President of the free world.  I will make my freedom count, and every time I cast my vote, I will do it in remembrance of all the soldiers that paid the ultimate price and of the freedom God gave to me. I will vote in remembrance of the future of America, my country.

God bless your future, God bless my future and God bless America.

 

 

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Kottkamp Opines on Palin

Posted Sep 5, 2008 by Greg Truax

Updated Sep 5, 2008 at 03:17 PM

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, who attended the Republican convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul,  said Thursday afternoon, that Gov. Sarah Palin is “clearly in touch with the challenges families face.”

In a brief interview with me, Kottkamp said the vice presidential nominee’s speech, watched by more than 37 million viewers, “was an historic night for women.” The convention “was electrified by Gov. Palin’s speech and certainly Mayor Giuliani’s speech,” the lieutenant governor said. Wednesday night,  “We sent a message that our party best understands the challenges women face.”  Kottkamp, friendly and popular, ended the interview to pose for a photo and visit with people who spotted him sitting at our hallway table.

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McCain Eyes Layout of Stage in Preparation for Tonight’s Speech

Posted Sep 4, 2008 by Greg Truax

Updated Sep 4, 2008 at 03:44 PM

It’s some seven hours before John McCain accepts the Republican nomination for president, and he is now on stage at the podium with two big time supporters, Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Democrat turned independent, and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, at his side.  Sen. McCain is getting familiar with the podium and new layout of the stage that will allow him to get closer to delegates when he gives his speech tonight. The Florida delegation, already seated in a prime spot on the convention floor, will be even closer to the stage due to the new layout.

And how many watched Gov. Palin speak last night?  The ratings were through the roof of the Xcel Energy Center as 37.2 million viewers tuned in.

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‘Girl Power’ During Palin’s Speech

Posted Sep 4, 2008 by Courtney Clem

Updated Sep 4, 2008 at 01:35 PM

Florida was the big talk of the convention because all the male delegates with passes allowing you access to the floor gave up their spots to Florida women for Palin’s speech. 

All the women gathered at the top of the stairwell as the men graciously gave up their seats for the ladies. 

There were not enough passes to go around for everyone and my mom and I were next in line.  The last man came up with the last available pass for floor access and my mom gave her spot up so I could have a chance to be on the floor for the experience of a life time.  The Florida delegation was filled with women waving orange scarfs and screaming “Girl Power!”  It was a moment I will never forget.  Palin nailed it!!! 

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Touched When Palin’s Family Came Onto Stage

Posted Sep 4, 2008 by Kelly Clem-Rickon

Updated Sep 4, 2008 at 01:26 PM

Arriving at the convention is always eventful with law enforcement everywhere and sounds of helicopters and protesters in the distance.  We saw Dennis Miller going through the gate and in the foyer, Sean Hannity was racing by. 

Media is everywhere and you never know which ones are safe to talk to or which ones are here looking for dirt. Courtney and I like to venture out and try to mingle with the protesters but we are warned to not go out beyond the safe perimeter.  St. Paul has done a great job keeping law and order and we are very thankful to law enforcement. 

Sarah Palin didn’t let us down. One great line was her comment about “the only difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick.”  Courtney and I loved it because her nickname within our family is “pit bull” unlike her gentle sister who is Bambi. 

I was touched when her family walked out on stage and she took her baby in her arms.  I am the same age as Sarah and can’t imagine having a baby and five children. I know she is in for a terrible battle and I admire her courage and her family for standing by her as she makes history.

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