Tag Archive for ann romney

Thursday Morning Political Headlines: Clinton rallies voters in Orlando

September 13, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

Wednesday afternoon in front of a full house at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, former President Bill Clinton gave local Democrats a taste of what they missed in Charlotte during the DNC.

Introduced by former Police Chief and congressional candidate Val Demings, Clinton went through the same talking points that made his speech last week so popular. He talked about President Barack Obama‘s first term and reiterated that no one could have repaired what he had to. He batted at the Romney/Ryan policies accusing them of “trickle down” economics and promoted teamwork on capitol hill.

Down the road, Ann Romney spoke to an overflow crowd in Largo. Coming off of her own well received convention speech, Romney focused on her husband’s commitment to her family and his devotion to the country.

Those two stories sweep your Thursday morning political headlines.

WKMG Local 6: (Video) Bill Clinton campaigns for President Obama in Orlando

WESH 2: Clinton in Orlando: ‘Cooperation over conflict’ wins

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: (Video) Former President Bill Clinton pleads with Florida to vote for Obama

CF News 13: Bill Clinton, Ann Romney rally I-4 voters

WOFL Fox 35: Clinton wraps up 2-day Fla. campaign for Obama in Orlando


Orlando Sentinel: Bill Clinton in Orlando: Choose Obama over ‘You’re on your own’

Former President Clinton spoke to a full house on Wednesday in Orlando

Monday Morning Political Headlines: Clinton in Orlando, Ann Romney out west, on Wednesday

September 10, 2012 Uncategorized 2 comments

The President’s visit to Florida this weekend kept the news organizations in Orlando busy this weekend and the Obama campaigns rotation through the biggest political battleground in the country shows no signs of slowing down.

Former President Bill Clinton will be in Orlando on Wednesday. We told you about that appearance yesterday.

Then we heard that Mitt Romney would be down the road visiting Hillsborough county that same day, later we found out that it was Ann, not Mitt that would be meeting with voters out west on Wednesday.

Anyways, you might have seen the viral photo of the Pizza Shop owner lifting up President Obama during one of his surprise visits to small businesses, he often makes when visiting. It inspired me, and I’ve decided I’m going to “powerlift hug” New Jersey Governor Chris Christie next time he’s in town.

WESH 2: (Video) Obama talks NASA in Brevard County

WKMG Local 6: President Obama campaigns in Kissimmee

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: President Obama speaks in Melbourne

CF News 13: Tickets available for former Pres. Clinton’s Orlando stop

WOFL Fox 35: Bill Clinton set to campaign in Florida for Obama

Orlando Sentinel: Obama talks Medicare in Space Coast appearance

Great photo but I’m going to do that to Chris Christie

POLL: RNC bounce gives Romney lead in Ohio

September 5, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

In a poll provided to us by our friends at Gravis Marketing, the Republican National Convention held last week in Tampa has given Mitt Romney a valuable bounce in another important swing state in the country.

According to a survey taken with about 1400 voters earlier this week, the presidential race in the Buckeye state has shifted from a one point Obama lead to a 3 point Romney lead, demonstrating that excitement from the conventions, and emotional speeches on primetime tv can still provide that small (and often temporary) bounce.

The RNC featured top flight speeches by Ann Romney, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and of course the GOP ticket of Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. The convention had to stare down Tropical Storm Issac and was even shortened to from 4 days to 3 to accommodate safe travel of delegates and lawmakers.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off last night in Charlotte, North Carolina as those in attendance got to see First Lady Michelle Obama make a case for re-election of her husband, as well as rising star and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro flex his public speaking muscle in front of a nationwide television audience for the first time. The convention continues tonight with former President Bill Clinton.

President Obama can also expect a small bump in the polls next week as well. With the current trend being seen around the country, it will probably put the race back within one point, one way or the other. For now, RNC organizers can enjoy the lead they’ve given their candidate in one of the most important swing states in the country.

Romney’s speech at the RNC last week has given him a small lead in the Buckeye state this week

DNC Review Pt I: First Lady Impresses, Castro adequate

September 5, 2012 Uncategorized 2 comments

The main festivities kicked off last night in Charlotte as the Democratic National Convention hit primetime television, with it’s first group of speakers addressing the country and pushing for the re-election of President Barack Obama.

Among those speakers where former Obama Chief of Staff and current Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emannuel, “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle” actor Kal Penn, and Maryland Governor Bob O’Malley. Florida Congresswoman and DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wassermann Schultz dropped the gavel to start an evening that would ultimately end with First Lady Michelle Obama rallying the capacity crowd to deliver another four years for her husband.

She succeeded. The others? Not so sure.

FLOTUS Delivers: Seriously, did anyone believe that Michelle Obama would take the podium in front of thousands of her supporters and not get the job done? It was a recurring theme last night, thousands on the web complimenting her manner, her personality and her appearance, but taking a step back when examining at her husband’s first term. Yeah, she brought up warm personal memories of the President when he was younger, but those were things we had all heard before.

The First Lady did well. She usually does. But, unlike Ann Romney who had the advantage of introducing that human element to the country for the first time, Michelle Obama has the President’s record to carry on her back this time, and probably didn’t win over many undecided voters.

Castro is no Rubio: Julian Castro, the young gun Mayor from San Antonio came in with the hype machine running full speed behind him. There were comparisons of Obama from 2004 and he showcased a lot of his political tools last night. He told his inspiring story of being raised from nothing to go to Harvard and, along with his twin brother had his family to thank. He got the crowd involved with a multi-issue attack on Mitt Romney that played on all of the passionate Democratic issues. He also closed strong and flexed that speaking ability that energizes and motivates but..

He’s no Marco Rubio.

Sorry, my Democratic friends but it’s way too soon to make those comparison and the speech was far from perfect. The crowd took a while to get going because, outside of Texas, no one really new who this guy was. He got stuck in the moment a few times, overwhelmed by an energy that he didn’t know what to do with. He didn’t talk policy with the national audience. Can he talk solutions?

Rubio can do all of those things and more. Castro is young (37) and still someone to watch but, he needs to get to Washington and it’s his twin Joaquin who is on that career track, not Julian.

No Bench, Cause to Worry for “D’s”: There were some other good speakers last night, but those were advocates from issue based campaigns and organizations. Where are the young lawmakers that are going to lead this party for the next 20 years? Man.. I don’t know.

Tonight, Democrats in Charlotte will turn to one of the lawmakers that they’ve trusted for the last 20+ years, former President Bill Clinton and he’ll need to be in top form because, it won’t just be Democrats watching tonight, it will be Independents.

Castro has got skills but still has work to do to be compared to Rubio

RNC Review Part III: Romney accepts, Marco impresses, Eastwood with the Good, the bad, and the ugly

August 31, 2012 Uncategorized 2 comments

For a convention that stared down a tropical storm and was cut a day short, Republicans can fly away from Tampa feeling pretty good.

They can feel good knowing that on the final night the RNC, the past, present, and future of the GOP is strong and last night was a strong demonstration of that strength.

You had the Ronald Reagan videos, and retrospective by Newt Gingrich that illustrated past success in American government by exercising conservative values. You had the present with Mitt Romney stepping up and accepting the party’s nomination and reminding the American people that they deserve better, and shouldn’t settle. You also saw the bright future of the party with Florida Senator Marco Rubio shining on the national stage. Let’s break down the final night.

Jeb promotes education, pushes back at Obama:

It was former Florida Governor Jeb Bush at his best. Bush used his time to promote education, an issue that’s always been close to his heart, even years after he’s been out of office. He cited eye-opening education numbers, that not only showed American losing ground on India and China but, there were positive numbers as well that demonstrated improvements in speciific areas of the country. He also issued a stern warning to the President to lay off of his brother. “You were dealt a bad hand” Jeb said and, went on to add that he hopes the President still isn’t dwelling on that hand, after his first full term in office.

Clint Eastwood gives us the Good, The Bad, and The Ugly:

The GOOD: The 82 year old Oscar winner did exactly what he had to. He kept voters from changing the channel to College Football on Thursday night primetime. He hit the right cord with the older audience and there were viewers who found him charming.

The BAD: Bad, bad gimmick. The empty chair conversation hasn’t played well over the last 24 hrs. You can understand he was trying to be clever but the angle missed the mark.

The UGLY: He looked rough. Not spaghetti western rough, but with his hair going in six different directions and looking lost at times, maybe that Reagan hologram wouldn’t have been so bad after all.

Marco Rubio 2016 or 2020?:

Rubio was charged with bringing the energy level back up after Eastwood/Chair thing for Romney. The introduction couldn’t have gone better and now the rest of the country will be asking when will Rubio’s time will come. From his personal family history to testifying at how great a President Romney would be for the country, Rubio did it all. If Ryan should falter at anytime on the campaign trail, the Florida Senator will give some party members buyer’s remorse.

Romney does enough:

Don’t get me wrong. Romney gave a fine speech but, he didn’t blow the roof off the place. He finally presented the human side of the Republican nominee. Up until now, we’ve had bios, articles, features, and even his wife Ann (who spoke beautifully) tell Mitt’s story but it wasn’t until we heard it from Mitt himself that it really provided that personal touch that voters wanted.

He also went after independents and opened the door for Obama defectors. He questioned the enthusiasm of the President’s voter base and rolled out a strong general election message. “We deserve better” went from his lips to the front page of USA Today this morning. He earned some votes with that speech last night and gave the party enough to feel good about it’s chances moving forward.

Convention Awards:

Best Speech: Ann Romney. She filled that cold, emotionless vibe around the campaign by, telling a great story about her family on Tuesday night. She was strong, warm, sincere, and perfectly at home on primetime national television. We’re still talking about her days later.

Runner Up: Condoleezza Rice. Not one negative talking point, or jab at the other side. A dignified message that presented the best of what Republicans had to offer for the future of the country. Is it too late to start printing Rubio/Rice bumper stickers?

Best Speech No one saw: Jeb. You read about it a couple of paragraphs ago. It’s a shame it wasn’t feature nationally but, those familiar with the former Governor knows he probably liked it that way.

Worst Speech: Pam Bondi and Barney Rubble. Even a couple of days later, I still feel terrible for Florida’s AG. It’s a great thing she’s a regular on cable television, it will help put this speech behind us.

Best Joke: Paul Ryan’s Ipod joke about Mitt. Not only did it give us a glance of the kind of dynamic these two have together but, it was funny and now the country knows about Ryan’s love of classic rock. Ryan also gets best dressed honors. I’m totally going to rip off that look he sported during his speech.

So, that’s it guys. Next week we’ve got the DNC and this blog we’ll be breaking that down as well. So, have a great weekend and…

Well done RNC. Well done Tampa.

Romney and Ryan will watch the DNC next week and then prepare for debates

RNC Review Part 1: The Rise of Ann Romney, Christie Impresses

August 29, 2012 Uncategorized 2 comments

Aside from addressing those terrible comments about stay at home moms not working from a couple of months, Mitt Romney’s wife Ann, has stayed fairly quiet on the campaign trail.

All of that changed last night.

Ann Romney energized the GOP faithful in Tampa last night, by doing exactly what she had to. Telling the story of her family that the country was waiting to hear. A story of love, overcoming challenges, and the man who wants to be President, her husband Mitt.

Romney spoke about meeting her husband of 43 years at a high school dance, and told the story of how both sides of the family came from modest beginnings. She mentioned the buzz of “story book marriages” and asked the national audience what kind of story book marriages included a basement apartment, and 5 screaming kids, what kind of story book marriages included overcoming MS and surviving cancer.

This was the real story the country was waiting to hear. The human Mitt Romney that didn’t speak of such things on the stump or in front of cameras.

After taking the crowd to a very personal part of her life, it was time build them back up. She started talking up her husband like only a loving wife could, not with numbers, or political bullet points, but with only a personal promise from the person that knows him the most.

“I promise you, no one will work harder”

By the time she ended her speech to a standing ovation, and her husband’s on the spot decision to join her on stage, the night was already a victory.

Your turn Big Guy.

How the heck was New Jersey Governor Chris Christie suppose to top that? Well, he wasn’t suppose to but, he did take the dialog of the evening to another place, and like the Romney before him, he succeeded.

In a speech that was political strategy gold, the straight talking guv, told the audience “how it was”. He illustrated the President’s divide and conquer strategy. Turning the Hispanic community against each other with the immigration debate, elders against each other with “mediscare” tactics, and finally the female vote with the war on women. The keynote speaker not only inspired but educated, exactly what he had to do.

“Real leaders don’t follow polls, real leaders CHANGE polls!”

Expect that line to be repeated over and over.

Overshadowed were great speeches by Texas’s Ted Cruz who demonstrated why he’s the big show in the lone star state, Rick Santorum who finally gave Romney the nod after a long, contentious primary, and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley who, spoke and attacked with precision that I haven’t seen from her before.

Tonight we get Condoleezza Rice, Tim Pawlenty, Pam Bondi, and Veep Nominee Paul Ryan. It’s going to be a tough night to follow, last night was huge for Republicans in Tampa.

Could Ann Romney be the top speech from this convention?

Wednesday Morning Political Headlines: Paul Ryan, Pam Bondi speak tonight at the RNC

August 29, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

Last night set the speech bar pretty high in Tampa.

What started out as a slower night really kicked into high gear when the marquis speakers walked behind the podium. Former candidate and Senator Rick Santorum, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and Texas Senate candidate Ted Cruz all crushed their speeches with great personal stories and energizing messages to get the crowd going and excited for the main speakers.

Those headliners, Ann Romney, and Chris Christie are both receiving high marks this morning for their speeches. More on that later today.

Today, the conversation turns a little more academic. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Former candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty take the stage. Then you’ve got Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi taking the stage in what could be a national coming out party for her. All setting up Paul Ryan, the Wisconsin Congressman who will be taking his place as the Vice-Presidential candidate in what is promising to be a rocking night in Tampa.

These stories lead your Tuesday morning political headlines.

WESH 2: Double Play!

(Video) Republican National Convention Live

Orange Co. considers measure to block sick pay initiative

Orlando Sentinel: Mitt Romney gains GOP nomination, but his wife steals the night

WOFL FOX 35: Republicans nominate Mitt Romney for president

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: (Video) Republican convention is in full-throated roar

WKMG Local 6: Romney officially clinches GOP nomination

CF News 13: Bondi, Rice and Ryan headliners at RNC today

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi takes the stage tonight in Tampa on the 2nd night of the RNC

Tuesday Morning Political Headlines: Ann Romney, Chris Christie Kick-Off RNC

August 28, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

The Republican National Convention kicks off tonight with keynote speaker, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie taking the stage along with Ann Romney.

Officially, this is the second day of the RNC but organizers postponed the festivities yesterday to accommodate delegate travel and allow officials time to ensure all safety preparations were made with Tropical Storm Issac out in the gulf of Mexico, and heading towards Louisiana. Florida Governor Rick Scott, and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will be skipping the convention altogether.

Also speaking this evening will be former Romney rival Rick Santorum and House Speaker John Boehner.

This story leads your Tuesday Morning Political Headlines.

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: Republicans ready to roll, but Isaac clouds tone

WESH 2: RNC gets under way today in Tampa

Orlando Sentinel: Long-Grayson contest is an apparent mismatch

WOFL Fox 35: Obama declares emergency in Louisiana

WKMG Local 6: (CNN) Trump urges GOP to be ‘mean as hell’

CF News 13: Late-night parties brings out VIPs at the RNC

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be one of the big names speaking this evening

Romney/Portman Ticket would be Safe and It would Lose.

April 13, 2012 Uncategorized 8 comments

Now that Rick Santorum has bowed out and Mitt Romney looks like the inevitable nominee we’ve seen the opening salvo of attack ads and between the GOP ambassador and the President.

Romney’s wife Ann is in the fight and we’re not even halfway through April.

All attacks on stay-at-home moms aside. We can get serious about speculation over who is going to be Mitt Romney’s Vice-Presidential Pick.

It’s no secret. Florida Senator Marco Rubio is the top choice for a lot of pundits (including mine). He can deliver Florida, he’s a dynamic bi-lingual speaker, the Tea Party likes him.

He’s everything Romney is not and can do everything Mitt can’t.

Condoleezza Rice is also a fascinating possibility. Her Secretary of State/NSA savvy could give Romney the edge in the Foreign Policy discussion. She’s also a terrific speaker, that can handle the heat of the media spotlight.

She too is everything Romney is not.

Rubio or Rice would be great picks but much like he’s done during this primary, the inevitable nominee is going to play it safe.

The junior Senator from Ohio Rob Portman is currently the frontrunner according to speculation in the media.

If the name sounds familiar it should. Portman was on the debt super-committee last fall. He’s a moderate that’s well spoken and has a reputation as a policy wonk.

Think Paul Ryan after 3 Ambien.

Portman has plenty of upside. He might be able to deliver Ohio, the other major battleground in this election. He’s not as mistake prone as Romney and could lure some independents with his sensible delivery of the campaign’s platform.

He’s safe. He’s Romney back when he was Governor of Massachusetts. If the economy suffered a slew of setbacks between now and November he might convince some to think twice at the polls. He’s also not a lot of things.

The logic being used by the Romney campaign is that Portman is been vetted more thoroughly than Rubio. He doesn’t have that connection to W. that might hinder Rice as a VP candidate. They won by double digits in Florida so, they’re convinced Florida is leaning towards a change.

I’ll tell you why they’re wrong and why Portman would be the first decision in a losing GOP ticket.

Portman will deliver zero support from Hispanic and African-American voters. Zero. He was anti-DREAM act and unlike Rubio hasn’t publicly been searching for alternatives. The Tea Party is already unhappy in Ohio kicking Governor John Kasich and Speaker John Boehner’s policies to the curb. You think they’re going to get excited about the guy being labled the “Godfather of Obamacare”?. As for charisma and the ability to galvanize the campaign that would be the first to replace a Democratic incumbent in 30 years?

Portman doesn’t have it.

Romney doesn’t want a bold pick. Memories of Tina Fey and Katie Couric have brought the specter of the Sarah Palin pick back to life. “A Game Change Pick? Forget that noise!”.

Expect a snoozer pick guys. And expect it to be the first decision this campaign makes that slowly moves the chains in the President’s favor.

Maybe we should have nominated Ann Romney.

Portman for VP depends on the Obama campaign to make too many mistakes

Friday Morning Political Headlines: President Obama in Florida

April 13, 2012 Uncategorized 2 comments

TGIF!

Welcome to Orlandopolitics.net where we know being a Mom is the toughest job in the world, regardless of others that may think it’s not.

The President is back in Florida, he’ll be giving a speech in Tampa promoting trade with South America as well as stopping at a couple of fundraisers. He was here last week giving a speech at FAU and you can bet you’ll see plenty more of the Commander in Chief before November.

This is the biggest political battleground in the country.

Here are you Orlando Political Headlines for Friday.

Orlando Sentinel: Ex-UCF student body president joins race for House District 49

WOFL FOX 35: (Video) ‘Stand Your Ground’ law under scrutiny

CF News 13: Hasn’t worked? Obama stands up for Romney’s wife

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: Ann Romney fires back at never-worked charge


WKMG Local 6: President to speak in Fla. on Friday

WESH 2: Obama Weighs In On Rosen Controversy

You'll be seeing plenty of the President and Mitt Romney before November.