Look For New Stage Tonight For McCain’s Speech

Posted Sep 4, 2008 by Greg Truax

Updated Sep 4, 2008 at 01:15 PM

Look tonight for a new stage on the floor of the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul when Sen. McCain gives his prime-time acceptance speech
and becomes the Republican nominee for president.  The stage has been changed so the senator can move along a walk way
that extends into the floor area where the delegates are seated.  The new set up will be a town hall -like format, the type of forum where McCain excels.

What will the senator say?  Nobody knows for sure but look for some of the senator’s famous straight talk as he outlines his agenda for the future,  contrasts his resume with Sen. Obama and discloses to delegates, guests and millions watching more of his personal history.

John McCain is being called a “maverick.”  But what is a maverick?  The Merriam-Webster OnLine Dictionary says it’s “an independent individual
who does not go along with a group or party. Last night,  Gov.  Sarah Palin said of McCain:  “Our nominee doesn’t run with the Washington herd.  He’s a man who’s there to serve his country, and not just his party.”

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Up Close View of Cindy McCain, Jon Voight

Posted Sep 3, 2008 by Greg Truax

Updated Sep 3, 2008 at 04:20 PM

Here’s a photo of Cindy McCain, left, with former President George Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush, right, Tuesday night at the second session of the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. With delegates and guests, they watched speeches by President Bush from the White House by a video link and heard speeches from the convention hall podium by former U.S. Sen.  Fred Thompson and U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a former Democrat turned independpent, and a strong supporter of John McCain.

Also spotted award-winning film actor Jon Voight in the hall and watched him conducted a news media interview as he walked down a hallway.  I caught up with Voight, right,  whose film credits include Deliverance in 1972 and in 1978 Coming Home, for which he received an Academy Award for Best Actor, after he spoke to Florida delegates at the historic James. J. Hill Library in St. Paul.

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Thompson, Lieberman Picked Up The Pace

Posted Sep 3, 2008 by Kelly Clem-Rickon

Updated Sep 3, 2008 at 05:21 PM

We were called to board the buses early to the convention center due to traffic and protesters.  The first speakers were weak and Courtney and I couldnʼt stop thinking about the passion of the protesters outside and the spectacle of the Democratic Convention.  My daughter and I feel we are in a battle for principles that matter for America and we need to show the same resolve as our opposition.  As the convention neared prime-time, things just got better and better. Thankfully, Fred Thompson was fired up and on his game.  Joe Liebermanʼs message was powerful and his call for us all to unite as Americans brought a tear to my eye. 

 
We made our way to Florida ʼs event at the James J. Hill Library.  The theme was sponsored by Disney and based on the movie National Treasure.  We met Frances Rice, Melita Scott and John Porter with the National Black Republican Association.  They were amazing and reminded us that Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican. [EDITORS’S NOTE: There is some controversy over this claim. See this Washington Post story.] I am looking forward to hearing Sarah Palin historic speech tonight and hope she comes out with the eye of a tiger.  Isnʼt this country great!! Country First!!

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Early Turnaround After Late Night Worth It

Posted Sep 2, 2008 by Kelly Clem-Rickon

Updated Sep 2, 2008 at 02:35 PM

It was worth going to bed at 2AM and getting up for an early breakfast meeting with Fox News Pollster Frank Luntz.  Frank talked about his new book called Words the Work and he gave excellent talking points as it relates to the issues Americans care about and why McCain is the best choice for solving them:  People want accountability for the words politicians speak. We care about a president that is strong on foreign affairs and national security.  Change is important but so is wisdom and experience.  We want a president that puts America first and offers the best plan for energy independence.  At the end of the day, it is about who the president is as a person and where he has been. 

Last night we had a great time.  We had a great discussion with RPOF Director of Minority Outreach John Davis and renowned 2nd Amendment Advocate and newly elected State Committeeman Bill Bunting from Pasco County.  These are great people with a common purpose and unified love of country.

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Pollster Takes Shots at Dems, Outlines Key To Winning Race

Posted Sep 2, 2008 by Greg Truax

Updated Sep 2, 2008 at 01:07 PM

Frank Luntz, dubbed one of the “hottest” public opinion pollsters, delighted and entertained Florida delegates at a breakfast event today. Often irreverent, and ready to entertain, Dr. Luntz walked the room with a wireless mike wearing a bright yellow shirt and a ready smile.

According to Luntz, “it’s not what you say, but what people hear,” which is the subtitle of his popular book called Words That Work.

A Luntz sampler from his remarks today:

“MSNBC has more letters in its name than viewers.”

“You know what’s great about this election?  The Clinton’s are done.”

“One day I will retire to Florida and be one of your bad drivers on Miami Beach.”

“The Democrats canceled John Edwards’ (former Democratic candidate for president who confessed to an extramarital affair) appearance at its convention because of his behavior and replaced him with Bill Clinton . . .what does that say?”

What are the some of the “key elements” to winning the presidency in ‘08?  Luntz listed accountability, leadership in “times of crisis,” wisdom to make the right decisions, American energy independence and the ability to overcome adversity.

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