A Home Run or a Strikeout? September 3, 2008

Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin has finished her speech at the convention.

Most political pundits are giving Palin high marks for exceeding expectations and delivering  an effective speech.

What did you think of her message?

Was it a home run or a strikeout, and why?

Highlights From Governor Palin’s Speech September 3, 2008

2 on the Beat received a few highlights from the speech Governor Sarah Palin plans to deliver tonight at the Republican National Convention.

Palin will officially make history when she accepts the  nomination for vice president.  She will be the first woman ever nominated for that position by the republican party.

On her experience as a public servant:

“I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town. I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids’ public education better. When I ran for city council, I didn’t need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too. Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities.”

 

On why she is going to Washington, D.C.:

“I’m not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I’ve learned quickly, these past few days, that if you’re not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion – I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country.”

 

On energy policies that the McCain-Palin administration will implement:

 

“Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America’s energy problems – as if we all didn’t know that already. But the fact that drilling won’t solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all. Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we’re going to lay more pipelines…build more nuclear plants…create jobs with clean coal…and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources. We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers.”

On John McCain:

 “Here’s how I look at the choice Americans face in this election. In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do Personal Issues Matter? September 2, 2008

Harris County G-O-P Chairman Jared Woodfill

 A 17 year old pregnant daughter.

An investigation into the firing of her former brother in-law’s boss.

These surprising revelations about Alaska Governor Sarah Palin have created a lot of buzz with the voting public in general, and the delegates attending the National Republican Party Convention.

Harris County Republican Party Chairman Jared Woodfill says Texas delegates are not at all distracted by the personal issues, and that what really matters is Palin’s political experience.

Speaking from the convention today, Woodfill told KPRC Local 2, “I think this has made people more excited about Governor Palin and her candidacy as vice president. They see a person with character, they see a person that is faced with the same challenges that many families are faced with and embracing their daughter.”

Woodfill still calls Senator John McCain’s vice presidential running mate a fantastic pick. “She’s someone that people don’t really know that well,” says Woodfill, “but the more they get to know about her, the more they like her and it’s fired up our base  more than anything I’ve seen in the past few months.”

Republican Convention Getting Back on Track September 2, 2008

By now you know that  Republican Governor Sarah Palin has announced that her 17 year old daughter, a student in high school, is pregnant, plans to keep her baby and marry her boyfriend.

It will be interesting to see how much of a distraction that surprising issue creates as the National Republican Convention gets back on track this Tuesday.

The R’s decided to downscale Monday’s official start of the convention because of Hurricane Gustav.

President Bush , who was supposed to speak to delegates on Monday, will now address the group via satellite this evening from the White House.

Also speaking will be former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, and Independent Senator (former democratic vice presidential candidate) Joe Lieberman of Connecticut.

2 on the Beat will have reaction later from members of the Texas delegation.

Republicans Reaching out to Hurricane Victims September 1, 2008

Hurricane Gustav Victims will need help

McCain-Palin.

 By now you know that Hurricane Gustav has overshadowed what was supposed to be the first day of the National Republican Party Convention.

President Bush and VP Cheney cancelled their speeches.

This Labor Day,  2 on the Beat received a news release from Texas supporters of Senator John McCain.  They have announced plans to raise funds for Gulf Coast residents affected by Hurricane Gustav.

“This is not a time for politics, but a time for us to come together as Americans and assist the Gulf States,”  stressed Robert Mosbacher who is General Chairman of the McCain campaign.

An anonymous Texan has already pitched in $500,000 according to the news release.  Mosbacher says McCain supporters will raise an additional $500,000.

If you are interested in donating to the cause and learning more about how Texans are helping out, you can go to www.texasresponds.org

Republican Delegates give McCain/Palin a thumbs up! August 29, 2008

National Delegate Stan Stanart

 Stan Stanart is a staunch, grass roots conservative republican and a delegate to the national convention. 

The kind of  voter that Senator John McCain was likely thinking about when he chose a vice presidential running mate.

Stanart is thrilled for a number of reasons that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has joined the ticket.

First,  Stanart  is a down ballot candidate in the November elections. He believes that Gov. Palin’s strong conservative credentials will help turn out the base of the party.

Second, he hopes that Palin will help attract more independents and even some moderate women voters into the republican fold on election day. 

So, Stanart will be smiling as he packs his bags and heads to Minneapolis*St. Paul for the convention. 

This is his second time serving as a national delegate. The first was in 2004.

In 2000 Stanart was a member of the electoral college. Remember that election?  (Bush vs. Gore and the hanging chads in Florida)

Republicans announce Convention Lineup August 26, 2008

 

After  the democratic party wraps up its political problem (Obama vs. Clinton delegates) and history making moments (nominating an African American to run for president),   the  Republican Party will begin its convention in Minneapolis * St. Paul next week.

The party is promising an exciting show, but let’s face it: It probably won’t match the political drama of the DNC.

Still, the  G-O-P is ready to put the spotlight on it’s issues and candidates.

The convention’s overall theme of  Country First” is designed to reflect Senator John McCain’s “remarkable record of  leadership and service to America” according to the announcement.

Each night will have its own theme and featured speakers, including some political heavyweights from Texas. 

Monday Sept. 1: Service

President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Governor Rick Perry

Tuesday: Reform

Wednesday Sept. 3:  Prosperity

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

Thursday Sept. 4:  Peace

Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams