Back on track and on message!!!

At this morning's delegation breakfast we received notice that convention schedule was back on track but that the evening's speakers were not yet solidified. It is kind of amusing to watch all of the type A convention planners have to adjust their rigid schedules.

Today's breakfast speakers included Rick Santorum and State Treasurer Candidate Tom Ellis. Both of whom discussed the necessity of ground support for the McCain/Palin ticket. It is becoming increasingly clear that Pennsylvania and specifically the Philadelphia suburbs are crucial for both candidates. I have had the opportunity to speak with plenty of the national media folks who said that Pa is ground zero.

The pre convention function was at a place on one of the “thousand lakes”. It was quite nice and set the tone for the evening. I had the pleasure of dining with former Delaware County D.A. and possible candidate for Governor Pat Meehan. The topic of conversation centered on making sure that Pa. went for John McCain and Sarah Palin.

The convention session began around 630 pm and President Bush addressed the convention via satellite. Invariably the media started asking questions about the President's effect on the campaign. There is no doubt that this President’s policies are unpopular with a majority of Americans right now. But then again so were President Truman's at the close of his presidency. The point is that history and not today's commentators will ultimately render judgment on the soundness of this President's foreign policy. President Bush has proven to be an individual(good or bad) who does not take public opinion into account when making a decision and he certainly does not alter a policy simply because it not popular. If history determines, as it did with Presidents Lincoln, Truman, Kennedy and Reagan, that Bush's policies were correct He will be described with adjectives like "determined","principaled",and "dogged". If his policies are determined to be a failure then he will be described as"stubborn","unyielding" and "bullheaded". Only time will tell and I don't have a crystal ball. If I did I would use it for the powerball lottery numbers and not a history category in a trivial pursuit game.
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At the convention I sat next to fellow Delaware County Delegate and Concord Township Supervisor Colleen Morrone. We were both quite taken by the motivational videos of our Iraq war heroes and their struggles for our country. In my mind, Senator Joe Lieberman was one of the highlights of the night. The Democratic nominee for Vice President just eight years ago, Lieberman made a strong case as to why Senator McCain is the best choice to move our nation forward. His support and endorsement sends a clear message to moderate Democrats that it is okay to cross party lines and support John McCain.

It was a courageous speech and one that took a lot of guts. Why? Because the Democratic Party is sure to go after him now, likely stripping him of his Chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee. I hope they do it. In fact I think he dared them to do it. But Lieberman likely knew he world face such petty retaliation, which makes his decision to support McCain all the more powerful.

The post session event was at a place called Aqua. It was fun and for the first time since arriving in Minneapolis, I saw some of the delegates let loose. I also saw the Mary Tyler Moore/Mary Richards statue and now that part of my journey northward is complete. If only Ted Baxter was still alive. Until the big Palin speech tomorrow……..