Tag Archive for condoleezza rice

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 II: Ryan, Rice and Martinez energize GOP audience in Tampa.

August 30, 2012 Uncategorized 2 comments

If you didn’t know who Paul Ryan was before Wednesday night, you were in for an intense introduction.

The Vice-Presidential nominee and Wisconsin Congressman gave a rousing speech in front of an energized crowd last night in Tampa, by unleashing a calculated flurry of attacks at President Obama’s record. From the current economic crisis, to the lack of bi-partisanship, to the overall ability to lead, nothing was off of the table for Ryan.

“Without a change in leadership, why would the next four years be any different from the last four years?” Ryan said and just like he’s done many times before on capitol hill, he moved effortlessly from talking point to talking point. Medicare, Solyndra, the stimulus and as usual his delivery was first class.

He wasn’t on the attack all of the time. He joked about his taste of music compared to Mitt Romney’s (Rock to elevator music) and told the touching story of his single mother creating her business from nothing.

It was a good night for Paul Ryan and he accomplished what he had to do.

But, like Chris Christie, the featured speaker from the night before, he wasn’t the best of the night. That honor went to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who, delivered one of the best speeches of the convention by not going negative once. She spoke about the issues, and flexed her foreign policy smarts, then she switched gears and spoke about her childhood growing up in segregated Alabama, and her journey to Washington, there wasn’t an uninspired soul in the building.

Regardless of what happens in November, you’ll hear from Condoleezza rice again.

There was also the Governor of New Mexico Susana Martinez, who’s been criticized many times on this blog but, did a fine job driving the audience to the Paul Ryan speech on prime time national television. She didn’t change my mind on her Veep Potential but, a great night for her.

This next part hurts.

Who did Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi tick off, to get that weak placement with the Georgia AG. In a cramped speech with a partner that drew comparisons to Barney Rubble on Twitter, Bondi and Rubble trudged through an clumsy attack speech that should have been burned, reformed in a laboratory, and then burned again. My heart goes out to one of the rising political stars of Florida who, I’ve witnessed do better a dozen times. Here’s hoping better opportunities come forward for her.

Tonight, the RNC will close with Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, and Mitt Romney. It’s going to be the platform the party jumps off, that will try to propel them to victory in November.

Ryan checked all of the boxes last night and still inspired the GOP faithful in Tampa

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

Mica, Adams spend last day before primary working together for VA Hospital. Mayor Jacobs endorses

August 13, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

In an ironic twist the day before the end of one of the most brutal primaries in the country. Fellow House Representatives John Mica and Sandy Adams spent part of the last day before their showdown working together.

The occasion was a progress hearing on the badly delayed and poorly managed construction of the Orlando VA hospital. Both lawmakers were on hand to monitor the progress being made. Both lawmakers have been “outfront” in finding the circumstances behind the problems that affect veterans in both of their districts.

Redistricting has merged those districts and caused one of the most bitter intra-party battles in recent months and has been attracting press from all over the country. There has been a strong establishment vs. Tea Party vibe in the race with Adams grabbing endorsements from Sarah Palin,fellow freshman Rep Allen West, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Mica has received the endorsement of former Arkansas Governor, Presidential candidate, and FOX Commentator Mike Huckabee. Today, the Orlando Sentinel announced that he has also received the endorsement of Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.

The timing of the Jacobs endorsement is curious. If they just received it, there is little time to put it to use and notify voters. And why would Jacobs jump into the fray so late in the game and risk alienating a portion of her base? Still, it’s a possible mind-changer to the few that are still undecided at this point.

The outcome of tomorrow night’s contest isn’t worthy of celebration for Central Florida Republicans. They will either lose a 20 year incumbent who carries a high Transportation Chairman title and a lot of political currency on capitol hill or a promising Freshman who never missed a vote and was far more accessible to her constituents. Central Florida Veterans will lose a voice in the struggle to mobilize a lazy organization to build a medical facility to provide badly needed care.

That’s how this campaign really began and that’s how it’s going to finish.

Rice, Haley, Martinez, confirmed speakers for RNC. Out of Veepstakes.

August 6, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

They were longshots at best, now barring a unusual technique of misdirection, it’s unlikely the United States will see another woman running for Vice President in 2012.

Condoleezza Rice, Nikki Haley, and Susana Martinez, along with 2008 GOP nominee John McCain, Ohio Governor John Kasick, and our very own Rick Scott were confirmed speakers for the the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa later this month.

If they’re speakers at the convention, it means they won’t be accepting nominations at the convention. This means Rice, Haley, and Martinez are out of the Veepstakes.

With perhaps the exception of Rice, the others were poor matchups against Vice-President Joe Biden and brought little else to the table in terms of electoral votes or heightened policy knowledge.

There was strong buzz for Rice a couple of weeks back. Her Secretary of State experience and time as National Security Advisor made her a popular pick. She demonstrated that she could stand the heat from the media and would be a much needed sign of diversity within the Republican party that might lure some independents and unhappy Democrats. Her star will continue to rise and so will her book sales after this positive press.

South Carolina’s Haley will also be okay. Only 40 years old, she was too young and inexperienced for a Romney administration that wants someone capable of stepping into the Oval Office if needed. Another first term Governor would also have not been well received. She’ll get a prime speaking slot at the convention and she could give the Romney campaign some buyers remorse if she gets Republicans excited.

The Governor of New Mexico, Susana Martinez would have made a lot of sense but, like I’ve mentioned before, the sword shakes in her hand when she should be swinging it confidently. In a close race like this one, Republicans can’t take any chances with a running mate who will freeze at the wrong time.

This leaves New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte as the lone female still, reportedly being considered and auditioning. She wants the job and isn’t shy about telling you but, she’s even more of a liability than Martinez. She belongs in the Senate.

The key-note speaker hasn’t been announced yet but, many expect it will be popular New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The big guy should bring the house down if he gets the opportunity.

The big names left in the Veepstakes are Ohio Senator Rob Portman (my prediction), Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

Mitt Romney is expected to make a decision over the next few days. This would give the nominee enough time to prepare for a big campaign moment at the RNC.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is a confirmed speaker for the Republican National Convention.

Jeb Bush says he won’t be VP pick. Would he accept if asked?

April 21, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

In the last 48 hours, the speculation over a Jeb Bush VP nod has been burning up internet connections all over the country.

It started in an interview with Newsmax, when he mentioned would consider the bottom of the ticket. This set the twitterverse on fire and sent reporters and bloggers sprinting to their keyboards. He clarified in an email later that day that he was not going to be the Vice-Presidential pick.

“I am not going to be the veep nominee,” Bush said in an e-mailed statement Friday. “Lay that to rest.”

Another popular pick, Florida Senator Marco Rubio has used similar language. But, here’s the point.

Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio both say they won’t be the Vice-Presidential pick but they haven’t gone on the record saying they would decline an offer.

True, it wouldn’t sound very good if any of the VP picks came out in the media and announced they would turn down a Mitt Romney offer but, this stone-walling shouldn’t be interpreted as a solid “no”.

It’s a pity. A Jeb nomination could unite the party like few other candidates could. Heck, he was a consistently approached about running himself.

Florida grew under his watch. He fortified the state as the number 1 tourist destination in the world and who could forget his leadership during the trio of hurricanes which pummeled the region in 2004. He was respected by both parties and enjoyed strong approval numbers during his two terms.

There is the name. The “Bush brand” hasn’t recovered and the rest of the country won’t understand that Jeb is not W. and that’s a tragedy.

He could deliver Florida, and has positioned himself above the primary rhetoric the Obama campaign will try to revive on the trail to Election day. He’s also suggested Marco Rubio as a possibility and vice versa. A political “bromance” that makes both of them look good.

It’s still early and the search has only begun. Besides Bush, Rubio, Senator Rob Portman from Ohio (my predicted pick), former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (my second pick behind Rubio), NJ Governor Chris Christie, and Budget Guru Rep. Paul Ryan are all strong possibilities.

Saying your not going be picked is not the same as declining an offer. Jeb's name won't go away in the Veepstakes

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

April 15, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

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

Could a Romney/Rice Ticket produce Scott/Carroll results in November?

April 2, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

Stop me if you’ve heard this one…

A successful businessman with a controversial past that has the vision but not necessarily the excitement, can handle himself at the podium but isn’t the most charismatic of the bunch, enjoys a wide variety of campaign resources but struggles to connect with minorities and even a faction of his own party.

You should have heard it. It’s a description of Governor Rick Scott. He had the HCA Columbia phantom follow him into the Governor’s race, avoided the media like they were carrying lice, had no problems with campaign cash and was rejected by the Bill Mccullom faithful for weeks before and after that brutal primary.

Then again, we could also be talking about former Massachusetts Governor and GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney.

Romney is currently being called the “Godfather of Obamacare”, he’s stays away from the Sunday talkers, and evening cable news. He’s got money forever, can’t win any southern states, or get any traction with the Tea Party.

Scott needed a running-mate that could provide what he couldn’t and Mitt Romney needs it even more still.

Marco Rubio is the top choice and for good reason. He’s got the “fire” Romney is missing, he can carry Florida, and enjoys support from the Tea party.

But, what if Rubio declines. This is going to be a tough race and 2016 lines up nicely for the Senator’s future opportunities. He could take the next step should Romney lose or run for another term in the Senate. There needs to be another option. Ryan? Christie? Pawlenty? Sure those are all good picks but none of those fill a Romney campaign need.

Jennifer Carroll filled a need on the Rick Scott campaign. She’s better behind the podium than the Governor, had legislative experience (Scott never held office before), and put a much needed presence of diversity on the Republican ticket.

Why can’t Condoleezza Rice do the same for Mitt Romney?

Not only would Rice demonstrate that there are indeed African-Americans in the Republican party besides Pizza CEO’s. The former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor could push the foreign policy discussion in Romney’s direction. As for poise in the media?….. take a look.

Well, there you go..

Listen, Romney’s path to victory is going to be significantly more difficult than Scott’s. Barack Obama is not Alex Sink and a Presidential campaign is scrutinized by millions, every second of every day. Romney and his team have already made a few errors (10k bets, corporations are people, etch-a-sketch).

If the Sunshine State doesn’t have his running mate, it’s got the perfect example of how to choose one.

The perfect Rubio alternative.

Could a Romney/Rice Ticket produce Scott/Carroll results in November?

April 2, 2012 Uncategorized 3 comments

Stop me if you’ve heard this one…

A successful businessman with a controversial past that has the vision but not necessarily the excitement, can handle himself at the podium but isn’t the most charismatic of the bunch, enjoys a wide variety of campaign resources but struggles to connect with minorities and even a faction of his own party.

You should have heard it. It’s a description of Governor Rick Scott. He had the HCA Columbia phantom follow him into the Governor’s race, avoided the media like they were carrying lice, had no problems with campaign cash and was rejected by the Bill Mccullom faithful for weeks before and after that brutal primary.

Then again, we could also be talking about former Massachusetts Governor and GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney.

Romney is currently being called the “Godfather of Obamacare”, he’s stays away from the Sunday talkers, and evening cable news. He’s got money forever, can’t win any southern states, or get any traction with the Tea Party.

Scott needed a running-mate that could provide what he couldn’t and Mitt Romney needs it even more still.

Marco Rubio is the top choice and for good reason. He’s got the “fire” Romney is missing, he can carry Florida, and enjoys support from the Tea party.

But, what if Rubio declines. This is going to be a tough race and 2016 lines up nicely for the Senator’s future opportunities. He could take the next step should Romney lose or run for another term in the Senate. There needs to be another option. Ryan? Christie? Pawlenty? Sure those are all good picks but none of those fill a Romney campaign need.

Jennifer Carroll filled a need on the Rick Scott campaign. She’s better behind the podium than the Governor, had legislative experience (Scott never held office before), and put a much needed presence of diversity on the Republican ticket.

Why can’t Condoleezza Rice do the same for Mitt Romney?

Not only would Rice demonstrate that there are indeed African-Americans in the Republican party besides Pizza CEO’s. The former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor could push the foreign policy discussion in Romney’s direction. As for poise in the media?….. take a look.

Well, there you go..

Listen, Romney’s path to victory is going to be significantly more difficult than Scott’s. Barack Obama is not Alex Sink and a Presidential campaign is scrutinized by millions, every second of every day. Romney and his team have already made a few errors (10k bets, corporations are people, etch-a-sketch).

If the Sunshine State doesn’t have his running mate, it’s got the perfect example of how to choose one.

The perfect Rubio alternative.