Note to self: study up on members of the upper command in the Department of Defense. That way next time I meet someone like Donald L. Nelson, a deputy assistant secretary of defense, I act far less surprised when I find out who the person is and can avoid fumbling in conversation.
Nelson and others were among the guests at an event held at Medtronic's campus last night. The sprawling office complex was turned into a neon-lit mixer fresh with an ice sculpture bar and dry ice-filled beverages. Among the other political star sightings were Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman; also from Minnesota. They both mingled through the crowd and Coleman later took the stage to speak . But as you can imagine a crowd that had been having plenty of, well, dry ice, was a bit inattentive.
Others headed out to other parties and concerts. Daddy Yankee, McCain's most prominent musician-supporter, put on a local show. And if anyone feels like ditching any of the official delegation events there are enough forums and discussions to feed one's political appetite.
We're finally back on for a regular schedule today, with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani giving the keynote. Rudy has been impressive as a McCain surrogate in a lot of the interviews I've seen him do lately. If he had been this effective during this campaign, who knows where he could have ended up.
There is a strong buzz among the delegates as we finally get to hear from some of the top players in the GOP during today's speeches. Look for some of the political rhetoric to get turned up as we get closer to Sen. McCain's acceptance speech. Time to head off to a breakfast at Lake Minnetonka.
Oh, by the way. If you are one of my students, pay attention to your substitute! Mr. Walter will return soon.
Photo special to fresnobee.com: This is me on the floor, before I got kicked off.
Derek Walter of Fresno, an alternate delegate and Fresno County chairman of the John McCain 2008 campaign, teaches third graders at Reagan Elementary School and college classes for National University. He also blogs at derekwalter.com.
Derek,
Your making your Uncle proud Derek, I am a huge Mcacin fan. Call or write some time
Uncle mark
Hopefully today the press will focus on the reason the Republicans are in Minnesota. That being the nomination of McCain and Palin and discussing the issues and differences between them and the Democrats. The coverage from CNN yesterday was inexcusable and highly sensationalized. It focused almost entirely on coverage of Palin's young daughter and her unfortunate circumstances. I understand they were bored what with the abbreviated convention to cover and all but to spend the entire day speculating about why this girl got pregnant was ridiculous. News flash CNN she had sex, she got pregnant. End of story.
Thanks Derek for sticking to the real news from the convention. Look forward to hearing about Rudy's speech tomorrow.
looks like ur having fun derek!
thanks for the updates!
ABC News, Sunday night, was dispicable. Charlie Gibson and Stephanopolous lowered the level of ABC journalism to that of the National Inquirer, reporting gossip about Governor Palin's family life, and taking cheap shots at Republican's for going ahead with gatherings, and parties in Minneapolis the night before the hurricane hit. In other words, before we even knew if, when, or where the hurricane would hit.
What sense does it make for the thousands who flew to Minneapolis for the RP Convention to stay in their hotel rooms? The insinuations ABC made, that Repubicans are somehow callous because they are going ahead with some of the Convention activities is absurd.
It remains to be seen, will the networks give equal coverage to the RP and DP Conventions?
Reading the blog from the Convention as seen through this chap's eyes is as exciting as watching paint dry. Sad days when a farmer can outdo a school teacher. BORING.
We Republicans are in trouble if this chap is any standard used to judge. Where is the thrill, is he not agog to be in the company of so many famous Rebublicans? Hang on, perhaps we can get DWARF Perea to sneak into the convention and this chap can interview the next mayor of the City of Fresno, he will if Republican do not get some spark to their act.
No wonder some students fall asleep in class.....MOI is fighting to stay awake just reading his blog.
Wow! no wonder students have bad attitudes about school these days. It comes from society. Mr. DeFrees if you wanted to be entertained I might suggest the comics. It seems more your speed. Quick jokes and lack of depth. And by the way it's not a teachers job to make school fun and entertaining. We are to impart the state standards to students clearly and concisely. Not with magic and juggling.
Well, chap. So sorry this wasn't as riveting for you, chap. Maybe if there were more explosions or farm equipment it'd peek your interest more, chap. Feel free to keep reading, chap.
MOI must be thick as a brick as always thought that learning was to be fun, best way to capture the young. When MOI was a wee lad, it was a teacher who pointed out the fun to be had with reading and writing, habits MOI has used well the whole of life. Imagine what MOI might have missed but for the teacher pointing out the fun to be had by 'learning'.
Derek, I thought I'd add my two-bits. Gary
September 3, 2008
Day 2 Blog from the Republican National Convention
By Gary Schulz, Delegate CA-21
Day 2 of the2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota opened with a blustery day greeting the California delegation bussing to an off-site location for brunch and addresses by radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt and pollster/focus group extraordinaire Frank Luntz. Hugh Hewitt was articulate about the campaign and the notoriety/popularity of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, John McCain’s choice for Vice President. Frank Luntz was spectacular in his assessment of the race and how words really count. His #1 emphasis for this presidential election is “Accountability…Americans want accountability in their elected officials!”
During the evening session at the Excel Energy Center, we heard from former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson and Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, an Independent who at least up until now caucuses with the Dems. Both called on Americans to unite behind the Republican ticket.
I have been very impressed with this year’s organization of the California delegation led by Bill and Maureen Jones, Bill Christiansen, and Kathy Tavoularis.
I was also very pleased to speak with these people:
• Sarah Simmons, top campaign official in the McCain campaign. She served at the top of the Victory 2006 effort to re-elect Governor Schwarzenegger, for whom I served as Regional Field Director. She clearly stated to me that there were several on the staff that advocated for Governor Palin’s selection as vice presidential nominee. She also stated that she was thoroughly researched (vetted) prior to her selection…as heavily researched as any other person they considered. Sarah Simmons also stated that the “Barracuda” is totally prepared for what is ahead of her and will perform magnificently!
• I was able to say hi and “Tiger Woods knuckle-bump” former Oklahoma All-American/national champion/Congressman J. C. Watts.
• George Argyros, major donor to GOP causes and former owner of the Seattle Mariners, the baseball team of choice in the Schulz household.
• I spoke for a few minutes with Governor Risch of Idaho. As Executive Director of the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Chamber of Commerce, we worked closely with State Senator Risch on many pieces of legislation.
• Observed these personalities in the Fox News booth, only 20 feet from my seat on the floor of the convention hall: Sean Hannity, Carl Rove, Dick Morris, Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Chris Wallace. (I ignored Allen Colmes as instructed by my mom!)
Gary Schulz
schulzgw@gmail.com