Old Glory Left Behind - Resurrected

During the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War, the Minnesota First Regiment triumphantly carried the Stars and Stripes in battle. As the regiment moved forward during the battle, when a soldier would fall while carrying the flag another would pick it up. At the end of the battle, the Union Army was victorious in no small part due to the efforts of the Minnesota First. The flag they carried resides in the Capitol Building in St. Paul, Minnesota. The flag of the Minnesota First certainly was not left behind.

Following the Democratic National Convention event at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver there were nearly 12,000 American Flags that were left behind. Apparently after Senator Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL) delivered his acceptance speech there were many flags left behind. According to a story in the Denver Post the Republican Party is providing a resurrection from the dump for these flags. They will be used at a rally for Senator John Sidney McCain III (R-AZ).

I am thankful to hear that these flags that the Democrats left behind are being properly respected by the McCain campaign. I was also proud to learn that it will be veterans who will bring these flags that represent the country they fought for onto the stage. This is a great story - I am glad that I read about it on another blog.

Democratic National Convention - Day Four, Part II

Tonight, Senator Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL) announced that he will accept the nomination of his party for the Presidency of the United States of America. I have discussed the historicity of this occasion in the other post on the Democratic National Convention this evening. This event is the climax of the Democratic Convention in Denver, CO. This event is being held in Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium.

Senator Obama was nominated by his party after defeating his closest competitor, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). He will run against the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party, Senator John McCain (R-AZ). It is rather surprising to me therefore, that the speech is following the growing rhetoric of running against President George W. Bush. This is surprising because of course, President Bush is not running for a third term, since he is constitutionally unable to do so nor is John McCain President Bush!

Senator Obama is attacking Senator McCain's voting record as being in agreement with President Bush 90% of the time. It is interesting to note that many votes in the Senate are for things like motherhood and apple pie. It is no surprise that there is 90% agreement. Dick Morris noted on Fox News just before this speech that Barack Obama has probably voted in agreement with John McCain nearly 90% of the time!

Senator Obama is introducing his primary campaign theme - CHANGE!!! Everyone seems to know that Mr. Obama stands for change. The problem is - no one seems to articulate what the changes will be. When someone tries they tend to just spit out the typical Democratic rhetoric. Wow - that is what Mr. Obama is doing right now. Basically it sounds as though Mr. Obama's idea of change is really no change at all!!!

Up to this point, Mr. Obama has not yet articulated why he is qualified to be the President of the United States. I find it to be very interesting that when Democrats are asked to articulate even one reason that Mr. Obama is qualified to be the President - they are unable to do it and refuse to do anything but change the topic! Could it be that there are no reasons that are able to be articulated.

Mr. Obama has been purported to be a great orator by many. Many have come to hear him speak for months and nearly 80,000 have come to hear him speak tonight. The problem is - there seems to be no great oration taking place in Denver tonight. His delivery is ok but not fantastic. He does not sound all that Presidential and he certainly does not sound as strong as Senator Clinton did on Tuesday, nor as strong as his running mate, Joe Biden or President Bill Clinton did last night. This raises a question in my mind - why is this the guy who is the candidate?!

Mr. Obama is now explaining what change is all about. Thankfully we finally get an answer. Here is the list: Taxes, no Capital Gains for small businesses (but they will be huge on 98% of those who pay capital gains),we will end dependence on Middle Eastern Oil in 10 years, world class education for children, affordable-accessible health care, family leave, equal pay for women, social security, and the like. So where is the change? Most of these are long-time Democratic positions. There is nothing earth shattering here. Some of these are again motherhood and apple pie kinds of things and the rest that are uniquely Democratic are just that - the same old Democratic rhetoric!

Mr. Obama is arguing that we need a President who is focused upon the future not the past. Then he notes that he is from the party of Roosevelt and Kennedy to show that Democrats will defend the country. Correct me here if I am wrong folks - but that sure doesn't sound like looking towards the future - I mean I am pretty sure that F.D.R. and J.F.K. are both figures of the past!

Senator Obama is seeking to illustrate places where bipartisanship is possible. There may be some things on his list where this is true. The problem is that his list is a list of some of the major issues in the United States. Included were isues of abortion, gay rights, and immigration. There may be points of agreement at basic levels under some of these issues but it is erroneous to argue that this makes bipartisanship possible.

Mr. Obama says that this election is not about him but about the people. If he truly believes that, then why is trying to make himself look like a Greek god in front of his temple?!! It sure looks like this is about him to me!

Mr. Obama brought a great deal of hype to this evening. There is a huge crowd there to see him. This speech is the most important of his political career to this point. This speech is the climax of his nominating convention. This speech is the key piece in Senator Obama's campaign to this point. The problem is - this is not the most powerful speech that could have been delivered! Speeches delivered earlier in this convention have been stronger. Speeches delivered by Obama earlier in the campaign have been stronger. Even with a flourish of images from forty-five years ago at the end of the speech, the speech seemed to lack the full-punch it needed. The speech seemed to lack what was necessary to live up to the occasion and setting demanded. The crowd may have believed that it did do this - but from my living room it did not seem to do so!

Democratic National Convention - Day Four, Part I

Once again today, I have elected to provide two posts on the Democratic National Convention. This first post for the day is simply to recognize the historicity of this day in the United States of America.

On this day, August 28th, forty-five years ago, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. and delivered his most famous speech: the "I Have A Dream" speech. In the last forty-five years much has transpired.

Included in what has transpired in that forty-five years are the historical events of the presidential primaries of this past spring. We have seen for the first time a female candidate as a serious contender for the nomination of a major party for President contending against the first serious African American contender for the nomination of a major party for President. In the end, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) defeated Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and won his parties nomination for President.

Tonight on this historic anniversary, Mr. Obama will deliver his acceptance speech. In the midst of the partisan politics of an election season it is important that we do not miss the very significant historicity of this evening. For this reason, I have chosen to describe that historicity here without political commentary. I will reserve that commentary for my second post of this evening.

Democratic National Convention - Day Three, Part II

Tonight at the Democratic National Convention, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE)accepted his party's nomination to run as the Vice-President of the United States. I have to say that I was surprised to learn about his family history and the tragedy that he suffered with his sons at the death of his daughter and his spouse. It was impressive to listen to his son describe him as a supportive father. While it has little to do with this election - I have to say that I am impressed by his leadership as a "good father," something very many men in our country need to learn. Ideology aside, I have to say that Senator Biden has done well by his children.

Senator Biden's speech is being delivered in a very conversational tone. I would have to say that his conversational style does seems to be very effective with the delegates. This style may serve the ticket well as the campaign moves forward. While I don't agree with all of his points nor with his political positions, I believe he is making an effective speech. This conversational style morphed into a stronger typical political style. The combination seemed to prove effective.

As Senator Biden begins to speak of his partner on the top of the ticket, Senator Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL), he is beginning to outline the accomplishments of Barack Obama. Many, myself included, have asked the question, "What has Barack Obama accomplished?" For the first time, I am hearing a politician list at least a few of those. I am not convinced those that Senator Biden is listing are all that significant but at least he seems to list some.
Senator Biden is pushing the Obama major issue of "Change." My only question is - what exactly does it mean to stand for change? I understand in general what change is, but my question is - what will the changes be - what does Barack really stand for.

Senator Biden is now talking about Senator John McCain. I tend to believe that he means he is a friend of John McCain. I believe there are those on opposite sides of the aisle who are friends. It is possible to be friends with one's ideological adversary. I do reject the idea that Senator McCain's positions are simply more of the same - Senator McCain is not President George W. Bush!

Ok - Senator Biden is starting to articulate some of what the change will be. Here is the thing - it isn't change - in Biden's own words about McCain, it's more of the same. The change that is being proposed in this speech sounds just like the same Democratic ideology and rhetoric.

Senator Biden is delivering a strong speech. I have to wonder - will it be stronger than the candidate's speech tomorrow night? Mr. Biden looks presidential, as did of course President Clinton but I am not sure that Mr. Obama will look presidential. Mrs. Obama did not look like a First Lady and I have a feeling that Mr. Obama will not look presidential as he speaks in a ballpark in front of what is purported to look like a Greek Temple. Personally, I hope that Mr. Obama does not look presidential but more like a rock star. For if he looks like rock star - I hope the American People are smart enough to recognize that they should not vote for him. Tomorrow we will find out whether or not the candidate was outdone by his running mate.

One other question: As I look at Joe Biden I have to wonder - will Barack have to stop attacking Senator McCain based on his age? It sure would seem that way!

P.S. - I am a little surprised that Senator Obama spoke during his appearance on stage to congratulate Senator Biden. I wasn't all that surprised by his presence on stage briefly but his giving a commercial for his unprecidented speech at a different venue tomorrow evening seemed odd. Why did he need to give the commercial or explain his decision - could it be that the delegates are not taking to the idea of the circus planned for Invesco Field at Mile High? HMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

Democratic National Convention - Day Three, Part I

I have decided that today's post on the DNC will receive two different parts. The reason for this is that I wish to comment upon Senator Joe Biden's (D-DE) speech in a separate post.

Let me say that today is an historic day in the history of the United States of America. Today, on the floor of the Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado the delegates nominated the first African American Candidate for President of the United States. Whether or not you support Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) or not, this day remains an historic day. I am grateful that our country has reached a point where such a nomination is possible.

Almost of equal historic value is the fact that Senator Obama defeated Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), the first serious female candidate for the Presidency of the United States. This makes the occasion doubly historic. I am also grateful that we have come to a point in our country where a female candidate could just as easily have received the nomination as an African American candidate.

The primary drama today was in the nomination of Senator Barack Hussein Obama as the nominee of the Democratic Party. I am not sure if the unity the party wanted is fully there but the Roll Call vote began to demonstrate that the Senator Clinton supporters, at the convention, unified with the Obama supporters, to a point. I believe that Senator Clinton's motion for a unanimous ballot was necessary for her to preserve her opportunities to run again in 2012 or beyond. In my estimation this is the only reason that she did what she did in making the motion. This is also the very reason that she released her delegates.

President William Jefferson Clinton had his moment (nearly 30 minutes) on the podium this evening. Rhetorically, I believe he provided a strong speech. He gave a stronger endorsement of Senator Obama than Senator Clinton did. The reason his endorsement was stronger than his wife's was because he actually provided reasons that he felt Mr. Obama is qualified to serve as the President. This was essential for Mr. Obama. While I disagree with President Clinton's assessment of Mr. Obama and also of the Republican positions, I believe he delivered a solid speech for Mr. Obama and his party. It is worth noting though, that in true Clinton fashion the speech was about him. President Clinton's remarks on Mr. Obama's qualifications were very closely tied both to his own Presidency and the positions that Mrs. Clinton ran on.

In many ways, I believe that President Clinton moved the party forward. I also believe he helped lay the ground work for Mrs. Clinton's next campaign.

Democratic National Convention - Day 2

Events of the day kept me from watching much coverage of the Democratic National Convention this evening. I heard from someone else that Barbara Boxer "sucked the air out of the arena." I have to admit, I am really curious what she said or did. I hope to find out.

I did make it home just in time to see the final remarks of the Governor of Montana. I thought he seemed to be trying to be funny and was not getting the laughs that he was looking for. After that, the video introducing Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) followed by her introduction by her daughter Chelsea. As a proud deer hunter I have to say that I truly love the blaze orange suit that Hillary has chosen for this evening's speech - she looks loaded for bear (or is it loaded for Barack?).

The commentators were discussing, as I tuned in this evening that there is much afoot on the floor of the convention that could cause problems for Senator Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL). It sounds as though Hillary's delegates will continue to vote for her - even after she calls for a unanimous ballot for Mr. Obama. I am looking forward to a bloody floor fight - as one who likes the politics of a good convention I actually think it would be fun! As a Republican - I am happy to see the disarray - this is the fulfillment of Operation Chaos! All of this will, I hope, be of great benefit to Senator John McCain (R-AZ), my candidate.

As Senator Clinton has begun her remarks, I believe that she is proud of many things. I am not sure that she is truly proud to support Mr. Obama, however. There are so many things that she said of him during the primary campaign that it is very difficult to believe her. I firmly believe that she is only saying what she believes she has to say to look good - for 2012 or after. However, I believe that when the roll call comes she will be happy to see her supporters voting for her. I am curious to see what her husband, President William Jefferson Clinton has to say tomorrow.

It seems clear that Hillary is doing her level best to give a speech to bring unity to the Democratic Party. For them, this is good. I personally hope that it fails. Her speech seems to be well constructed and certainly much better than that of Michelle Obama last evening. I wonder if her speech will be better than Mr. Obama's on Thursday? I wouldn't be surprised if it is. She is a better public speaker and was a better debater. This is why she received 18 million votes - more than Barack Obama received, by the way.

As much as I dislike Senator Clinton, I have to say she would have been a stronger candidate and probably deserved to win. I think that her speech here is really setting herself up for a run again in four years. I suspect she is convinced that Barack won't win. Folks - this speech is the first of her 2012 bid for the White House!

She has just started to draw the comparisons between John McCain and President George W. Bush. Two things come to mind. First of all, that which she is accusing of being W's fault really is the fault of the Democratic Congress. Secondly, John McCain is not George W. Bush nor is George W. Bush running for President. I don't understand why the Democrats feel they have to run against Bush. Ok - I do - they are afraid to tell us what they really believe because they know that if we know that we won't vote for them!

Hillary just finished. She delivered a very strong speech. It sounded like a speech that was in support of Barack Hussein Obama. In some respects it was. However, I still say as I did above, this speech was still more about her than it was about him. Mark my words - we have NOT heard the last of Hillary Clinton!

The pundits on Fox News are all saying similar things about her speech. Interestingly enough, these pundits note that it was not a striking endorsement of Barack Obama - no strong statement of saying he would be a great President! Interesting!!!!!

Democratic National Convention - Day 1

Denver, Colorado is the site of this year's Democratic National Convention. The convention has opened with the typical kinds of things that you see at these things: tributes to past party heroes, lots of patriotic colors, and some initial speeches starting to promote the presumptive nominee. The convention center is encircled by the media and the reporters are covering the convention floor. Basically, there is not much to report here. Nevertheless, let me make a few remarks.

As I began to watch the coverage on Fox News there was a presentation to honor Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). This presentation began with an introduction by his niece, the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy. Her speech was filled with wonderful platitudes and comparisons between her uncle and Senator Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL), the presumptive nominee of the party. Ms. Kennedy's speech was less than inspiring. She really had very little of any impact to say.

Caroline's speech was followed by a video tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy. I was struck by the fact that the tribute seemed a bit premature. It was well done. I am not saying I agreed with all of the sentiments it expressed, but it was a fitting tribute to someone who has served the country in the United States Senate for the length of time that Teddy has. However, I think they forgot one important thing - He's not dead yet!!!! His speech that followed was pretty much what I would have expected - all the party lingo and support for Barack and not much. It was more strongly delivered than I would have expected for someone suffering from brain cancer.

This was followed by a few more speeches - most of which were not covered on Fox. As these speeches were delivered the set-up was being done by Fox for Mrs. Barack Hussein Obama, Michelle Obama. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) provided the set-up on stage. For all of the hype, her speech was rather pointless and also a bunch of platitudes.

This was followed by a video presentation about the headliner for this evening - Mrs. Obama (whom some have described as a common street thug). The video was her mother, Barack, and a few others talking about how wonderful the fist-bumper (Michelle) is. This was followed by a speech by her brother to introduce her.

All during this time the press was covering the ongoing story of the conflict between the Obama camp and the Clinton camp. It is hard to tell what the real story is in this case. One thing seems clear - there is strife present.

As I write this, Mrs. Barack Hussein Obama has begun to give her speech. I am less than impressed at this point. Her presentation lacks the kind of finesse that a First Lady needs to have. Her speech seems stilted and her command of the English language seems to be less than what one would expect from a potential First Lady. So far, her content has said very little.

Mrs. Obama said in an earlier speech that she was proud of this country for the first time because of Barack running. Tonight she tells us that she is proud of this country. One has to ask - which statement was true? My guess - the first one!
She has now made the key point that everyone wants to make this week - Barack is the "messiah who is going to save us all." She has also affirmed that he stands for change - so what the heck does that mean?

Well - she just finished. She did end with "God Bless America." I have to ask however, are the words of her pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, "No, NO, NO, G-D America" echoing in her thoughts? My guess is yes!

Now Barack is making his video appearance to thank his wife for her remarks. I guess the video conference was to have a nice little family talk. I have no problem with the nice little family talk - but could that have been done on the phone later? I think so!!

Well - my stomach has churned enough for tonight. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?!

Hillary Again (Still?)

When Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) announced several weeks ago that she was dropping out of the race for the Democratic Nomination for President - I firmly believed that we had not heard the last from her campaign. Many pundits argued that Hillary would launch a campaign for 2012 and would of course be best poised to do so if Senator Barack Hussein Obama (D-IL) were to loose to Senator John McCain (R-AZ) in the November General Election. With these pundits I have no quarrel - I am sure that they are correct.

However, there was a smaller group of pundits who argued that we had not heard the last from Senator Clinton and her bid for the Democratic Nomination in 2008! With this group - I wholeheartedly agree. I don't view Mrs. Clinton as a quitter and certainly not one to give up on what she firmly believes she has earned. After all, Senator Clinton surpassed Senator Obama in the raw vote totals. Is it really accurate to say that she lost the primary races? What about the fact that if you total up the number of Electoral College Votes that would be Mrs. Clinton's if she won the same states in the General Election that she won in the primary races - she beats Senator Obama hands down! So - these pundits, I believe were onto something.

As a foot soldier of Operation Chaos (OC), I logged onto Senator Clinton's webpage and offered my advice that she stay in the race and not drop out. (Actually - as much as I dislike Senator Clinton - I think she did have valid arguments to stay in the race - so I wasn't just taking OC marching orders in doing this). Because I logged onto to her website and submitted my thoughts, I have continued to receive campaign updates from her. Wow - these things sure don't sound like someone who is out of the race!

Therefore, I was not surprised, when reading an acquaintances blog this morning, to learn that she was not necessarily out of the race. According to the article that this blog links to, Hillary's name could still appear on the Democratic Convention Nomination Ballot. Interesting!!!!

I would not be at all surprised if Hillary's name does appear on the ballot. Senator Obama has not done the best against his rival. He is not posting the huge poll advantage over Senator McCain that many were no doubt hoping for. Perhaps Senator Clinton believes that this is her chance to swoop back in and "Save the Democratic Party." I certainly hope that she does come back at the convention - it will keep things interesting to say the least.

Operation Chaos is in full swing!!!!