Presidency IV - High Stakes politics in Orlando Florida

Vanity ^ | 10-20-07 | Ranger

[mission9]

It is Saturday, the sky is cloudy, four Presidential candidates desire the office enough to stake one hundred thousand dollars each for up to forty minutes of stage time in front of two thousand Floridian Republican party activists. The tone of the event was established by Governor Charlie Crist, and Party Chairman Greer, the party brass at the auditorium luncheon. Their message was that we must emerge from this primary united to fully support the Party nominee, otherwise, the Democrats will win, and we may lose the White House for a generation.

During the break after lunch and before the speeches, word got out that Duncan Hunter was Holding court in the hotel coffee shop. A long line of well-wishers paid him a visit for autographs and photographs. There are Ron Paul supporters who troll the breezeways with signs.

The candidates who paid to play took the stage in alphabetical order:

Rudy Giuliani was enlivened by the sizable number of sign waving supporters. His campaign has 16 paid staffers in the state. They have not made a true campaign in Iowa or New Hampshire, Giuliani’s gambit is to lose a few small states, win in Florida, and carry that forward to win in the rest of the Nation. Rudy’s camp bent the rules slightly by bussing in a few dozen teen-agers to actively wave placards. His youth contingent, did not pay to be on premises as had each other adult "ambassador."

Rudy’s speech was animated, peppered with humor and references to Ronald Reagan. He looked, he sounded authoritative. He made a compelling case for the job he accomplished in turning around New York City. He made his case that he is the man who will, control taxes and spending, defeat Islamic Fascist Terrorism, and defeat Hillary Clinton. Rudy’s campaign stump speech enthusiasm appealed to the crowd. He spoke for thirty five minutes, detailing the successes of his career, and contrasting the lack of any leadership experience or successes on the party of Hillary, Obama, or John Edwards. I believe his spontaneity and passion were genuine. Mr. Giuliani wants to be President.

John McCain’s speech was more sober, fewer jokes, fewer gesticulations, and fewer applause lines. John spoke from the heart and made his case that the war against terrorism is not over, and that he is the man best positioned, by training, preparation, and experience to win the war for good. John was contrite over the immigration issue, stating that he had learned his lesson that Americans want the borders secured, and he promised to do that. I counted less than twenty McCain placards, yet the audience gave him complete attention and a full hearing. But I could not shake the impression that his speech was less of a prelude and more of a denouement. He spoke for twenty five minutes.

As it came time for Mitt Romney to speak, his supporters crowded in close to the stage. It was a unique moment that you only find in a campaign. Mitt Romney supporters surprised themselves with their numbers. It was as if, many fence sitters had spontaneously decided to come out of the closet, publicly wave signs and cheer, never having done so before, and in doing so discovering that there where a lot more Mitt supporters at this soiree than had first been apparent. Mitt did not come to the stage podium at first, Al Cardenas, the former long-time party chairman, testified for his accomplishments, as did Connie Mack Jr., Congressman and Grandson of the Baseball legend, and Congressman Tom Feeney, Jeb Bush’s legislative protégé. The final testimonial for Mitt was spoken by his wife, Ann. Her remarks were not rehearsed, and she seemed a little loss for words, and moved to tears - in a good way. It was an interesting and tender moment, for I believe that the Florida Republican party gave Ann a campaign epiphany. All those many months on the campaign trail were beginning to pay off. Others were seeing in Mitt, what she had found out in their life together. His love for this nation, his work ethic, and his steadfast integrity.

After telling an family anecdote of how his sons presented him with a 1962 Rambler, Mitt reflected on his experience in business, in the Olympics and Massachusetts. The theme of his presentation was strength; American strength founded in the family; American economic strength competing in world markets; and American Military strength to keep the peace. Mitt wants to eliminate the death tax, and any capital gains taxes on savings. He also proposed expanding the health care savings accounts. Mitt’s presentation style was somewhat reserved, but stately. Mitt’s presentation lasted a little less than twenty five minutes.

The biggest question mark was now set to appear, the sound technicians cued the video monitors. The Fred Thompson presentation began with a five minute biographical of his law career, his government service, his acting roles, and his desire to seek the Presidency. The Fred Thompson supporters as judged from the sign waving count numbered a few dozen less than the Rudy supporters. And at least one hundred less than the Mitt Romney group. The crowd had thinned noticeably. His wife Jeri, at first walked by his side as Fred took the stage to speak. For a few moments, Fred played to the crowd of supporters who clapped and cheered with a noise level equal to the reception given to Mitt or Rudy. Fred began to speak thanking everyone for their accolades, "I just want every one to get to know my wife, Jeri." Fred made a broad gesture with his arm (Fred is a tall man) as if to acknowledge Jeri to the crowd so that she too could take a gracious bow. Unfortunately, she had only taken a few initial steps with him on the stage, and had left him on the stage alone, so Fred was gesturing to an imaginary wife, which was a little awkward, and a little disappointing to some, who were eager to see the prospective First Lady. Fred spoke of God, Fred spoke of winning the war in Iraq, and the perfidy of those who would attack General Petreaus. Fred emphasized that we need a workable immigration policy, and control of our borders with new technology. He also highlighted his pro-life record, and his consistent conservative ranking in the Senate. Fred asked for our support.

He spoke for less than ten minutes. When he left the stage, he went in the wrong direction. There was only one way out, and that was through the autograph and handshake gauntlet. Fred looked at that and thought maybe he should go out stage rear. After a few seconds, while the applause and cheers continued, he emerged, waved at the crowds, then tried stage left. That was a dead end too, because he came back out, awkwardly waved to the crowd, and walked off again, to where the security guards manned the rails, and there he left, disappointing many.

An hour and one half later, the last general admission event of the evening was the "ice cream social." This was an out door event to which any Presidential candidate could have taken advantage of a small microphone and podium. Only Mitt came out to address the crowd. Approximately 500 people had gathered for this last look. When Mitt came out, the crowd cheered him resoundingly, as if to signal that he had won the day. Mitt looked at the podium which was set up on level ground. Mitt instantly sized up the situation. "Bring me a chair," he demanded, "Does anybody have a chair? Oh, I am not going to do what you think with this chair" A lone chair was handed through the crowd like a fire-bucket brigade. Mitt stood up on the chair. "Yeah, now that’s more like it. Can everybody see me now?" The crowd roared. Ann Romney came to his side and beamed. Mitt closed with a promise that he would unite the social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, and the Reagan Democrats, to win the White House in 2008.

Sunday night, we look forward to the nationally televised debate.

[moonman]

I voted for Alan Keyes in both 1996 & 2000 Florida primaries. The pubbies didn’t want him then and he has no chance today.

[2ndDivisionVet]

FRed on Immigration

The United States is a nation of immigrants. Throughout our history, legal immigrants have brought energy, ideas, strength, and diversity to our country, our economy, and our culture. This must continue. But in the post-9/11 world, immigration is more of a national security issue. A government that cannot secure its borders and determine who may enter and who may not, abrogates a fundamental responsibility. I am committed to:
* Securing our borders and enforcing immigration laws. Amnesty is not an option and the toleration of “sanctuary cities” must end.
* Reviewing our immigration laws and policies to ensure they advance our national interests. Uniting Americans by welcoming legal immigrants willing to learn English, assimilate into our communities, and become productive citizens.

From www.Fred08.com

[NautiNurse]

The four candidates took the stage in alphabetical order of Giuliani, McCain, Romney, Thompson. All but Romney were introduced by Senator Mel Martinez, the recently retired Republican Party Chairman.

Thompson spoke for 4 minutes, and not about issues. He introduced his wife Geri. He chuckled about being bald. Fred thanked the people who put together the biographical video.

Our county representatives were shocked at the brevity of Fred's speech. Thompson had a great opportunity to showcase his qualifications as a Presidential candidate in front of the FL GOP party faithful, and he didn't do this. Indeed, he was disappointing. The crowd left the rally 30 minutes early thanks to Thompson's lack of preparation and enthusiasm.

Giuliani was the most passionate of the four candidates. Rudy warmed the crowd by acknowledging Florida's importance in the election process. He spoke at length about fiscal responsibility, the dangers of Hillary health care, and the War on Terror. Giuliani earnestly and methodically appealed for votes, as he carefully avoided abortion and gun rights issues.

Mitt Romney had his wife and son Tag with him. Mrs. Romney told us how wonderful 60 year old Mitt is as a husband, father and grandfather. Mitt talked about his family and a 1963 Rambler. He spoke about repealing the capital gains tax for everyone making less than $200K, and repealing the death tax. He received strong applause for the tax issues.

John McCain was soft spoken, and utilized his dry wit. McCain emphasized his experience in the military, and 50 years in national security. McCain repeatedly talked about securing the borders to the same skeptical audience who had heckled Mel Martinez about amnesty.

One of these candidates will most likely be the GOP nominee for President. I was rooting for Fred until yesterday. In fact, I deliberately left my Thompson campaign poster behind. We'll see if he pulls a rabbit out of the hat tonight. Otherwise, Fred is in trouble.

[longtermmemmory]

Folks remember the GOP PRIMARY decides the presidential election.

A Giuliani win creates a “40 yard penalty” of either third party suicide run and/or people staying home. It is guaranteed Giuliani will NOT get donations or money from values voters. No volunteers.

These debates matter because whe essentially are interviewing Thompson and Romney for the job.

The others are just window dressing. No insult to the remaining candidates. (well maybe a little insult to ronpaul) If hunter had blipped like huckabee he might have had a chance but his campaign is DOA.

Look for Giuliani to use his lawyer zingers to emphasise “I beat clinton by attacking the line item veto”, “I was mayor on 9/11” and “only candidate who can reach to moderates”.

No Giuliani, No Problem

No Giuliani, No Problem.

[W04Man]

Fred in Orlando with the crowd:

FRED VETS, SIGN UP TODAY AT:

[Caipirabob]

Thanks for the assessment. I support Fred, too. It's getting me concerned to read these observations. Fred needs to really come on strong if he's going to garner enough support to pull off a primary victory.

I've donated to Fred several times already, but I will be paying close attention from now on.

I've been criticized harshly on this forum for having "high expectations" from our candidates, but winning in 2008 is a serious thing. I'm perfectly willing to endure the verbal assaults of sycophants who are not willing acknowledge the situation for what it is. Fred's people need to understand what his perceived weaknesses are and do their best to show strength in those areas.

We need a conservative candidate who will take the initiative to actually lead us to victory. We need a candidate who will compel people to vote for them based on the issues. We can't count on someone to coast through because people don't want to vote for Hillary.

I want Fred to be that man, but all the wishing in the world can't change things if he isn't the man to pull this off.

I will not set sail on another cruise on the "SS Bob Dole", no matter how nice the deck chairs are arranged.

And for the FReeper "bots" who can't stand a little common sense reality check, loosen up and get that oxygen flow going back to your brain.

This is coming from a Fred Thompson supporter. He will not win by default, he must actively take the issues to the supporters and in the debates, take Hillary to task for her obvious failures on the issue.

Well, at least we have several choices out there. I sure don't want a RINO to win the primary, that will kill the party. Yet what we have is still way better than the democrat party choice, which is a coronation of their dark queen followed by several high profile human sacrifices. Will it be Obama or Edwards who goes first?

[freekitty]

What do they mean “for those who paid”? What the heck does that mean?

[mission9]

I have given money to Fred, earlier in the year, I have tried to organize for Fred, this was the first opportunity that I have had to see him in person. I did not believe the reports that I have been getting from others, that he is a lackluster campaigner. After experiencing in person what Fred had to offer the cream of the Florida grassroots crop, “lackluster” is a kind word. Don’t believe me? ask anyone who was there. McCain did a better job. Bob Dole in 1996 was a better campaigner.
I assure you, I am not “gushing” for Mitt. But many in Orlando are. That is my honest report to you.
My interest here, I want a unified party to defeat Hitlery. Giuliani did a very effective job on stage. The number of Giuliani supporters outnumbered the Fred Thompson people; they displayed enthusiasm. Even the enthusiasm of the Thompson crowd was not there.
There are many grassroots people in Florida who would never, ever support Giuliani no matter how enthusiastic or effective he is on stage. I cannot sell anybody on Mitt Romney, but many came to the conclusion, based on FRED’s no-show performance that Mitt is the Man.

[mission9]

Giuliani, McCain, Mitt, and Thompson donated 100,000 each to the Florida Republican Party for the mainstreet, storefront stage time with the grassroots. Charlie Crist is a marketing genius.

[Joe Brower]

[mission9]

He said 1962 rambler. Your observations were spot on. I did not record nor take notes on the spot, but I relied on my fresh memory. I want Fred to do well as much as anybody. But I want to win against the Democrats more. A united Party can do this. Mitt personally made the case that he is the man to unite the party. McCain, Thompson and Giuliani do not make that case, they are selling themselves.

[Joe Brower]

Dag-nabbit, wrong list again. Well, in an RKBA-related way, we could submit the theory that who gets to be the next POTUS could have some effect on firearms law. $;-)

[Joe Brower]

Florida Freeper

[SauronOfMordor]

The MSM is pushing Rudy at us. What’s the difference between Rudy and Hillary?

Dems would find him an acceptable alternative to Hillary, which is why they push him. The problem with Rudy is that he does not energize the conservative base, which is why the MSM love him.

The election will be won or lost on the basis of which candidate will generate enough enthusiasm to get people to go to the polls on Election day. The prospect of Pres Hillary will get conservatives in the mood to go out and vote, but not if they do not perceive the Republican candidate as being much of an improvement

[FreedomPoster]

>>Smells suspiciously like a pitch for Rudy the abortionist liberal.

I just watched a segment from Sunday Morning on CBS, that showed a lot of Rudy, pumping him up, and showed pretty much all of the other major opposing R candidates, other than Fred.

Hmmmmm.

I left to go off and do other things, I don’t need to watch that.

[NautiNurse]

Yes, it was a 1962 Rambler that Romney spoke about at length. Odd that Mitt would talk about how crappy the car ran when his own father George Romney was the head of AMC while the Rambler was in production.

[mission9]

The message was innovate or lose in the market.

[spacejunkie]

Great summation. Thank you.

I love Romney.

For the record, and obviously I’m not running for president, but I absolutely used to be pro abortion and pro gay marriage. Through knowledge, understanding, maturity and my faith I have come to clearly see that those are stands that do NOT align w/ my God and good moral standing. I have no problem that Romney has changed his stance.

[kAcknor]

1962 Rambler that Romney spoke about at length. Odd that Mitt would talk about how crappy the car ran

My dad had a '63 Rambler Ambassador in 1971. Crappy car doesn't describe it properly. It was a quality vehicle with the worst styling one could imagine.

It was the Geek of the car world.

In spite of that, it was available to me on date nights, and to a typical teen the FULLY reclining front seats were innovative indeed! ;)

[freekitty]

That’s rigging the campaign.