Western Kentuckians Stuck in Red Tape

Sen. Rand Paul will hold a town hall this Friday in Owensboro and is bringing staff to assist constituents who need help navigating the morass of the federal government -- whether it's getting a passport, Veteran's benefits, Social Security, whatever.

• TIME: 12:00 PM CT 
• LOCATION: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Café A, 1201 Pleasant Valley Road, Owensboro, KY 42303

Andy Beshear Needs to Man Up

I just watched an especially good episode of Bill Goodman's One on One show on KET.  He hosted Scott Jennings and Jonathan Miller on a preview of next week's Fancy Farm debatapalooza (Scott will be emceeing).

I was shocked to learn that Attorney General Andy Beshear will not be attending Fancy Farm. As the highest ranking Democrat to hold a constitutional office in Kentucky, his absence will be glaring.

Given how relentless Young Beshear has been in trying to stonewall every move by Gov. Matt Bevin, it's odd that he won't take the stage to attack Bevin.  Of courser, most of his efforts against Bevin have been done in court filings.

Looks like Andy is a paper tiger.

Fancy Farm occurs the same time every year; the date is no surprise. So Beshear cannot plausibly claim an previous engagement.  Perhaps Hillary Clinton is so toxic in Kentucky -- after her remarks about putting coal miners out of work -- that Andy doesn't want any videotape of him defending her. So much for taking one for the team.

Andy has made a calculated decision to skip Fancy Farm. Maybe he'll send Daddy Beshear. 

ISIS Kills French Priest - Performing Mass

The number of terrorist attacks world-wide seems to be increasing exponentially, to the point where each seems less shocking:  we are getting numb to the horror.

Today's fatal attack on a French priest in Normandy, in the midst of the mass, is different.

There can be no doubt that these terrorists are truly evil. This is no just a war between Western Civilization and Radical Islam; it is a war between good and evil.

The attack happened in a church in Rouen, not far from where American soldiers launched their D-Day invasion to free Europe from Nazism. Rouen is also associated with Jean d'Arc.

If only we had a Jean d'Arc or a General Patton to lead us now.

The Law and Order Candidate

Donald Trump's theme tonight has been law and order, and almost everything else he has addressed -- immigration, public safety, his indictment of Hillary related to her misuse of classified material, even LGBTQ rights -- has revolved around the law and order theme.

It is striking that Trump didn't address social issues at all other than protection of LGBTQ rights. 

He did say he wants to repeal the Johnson amendment to allow churches to engage in political speech without losing their tax exempt status. But he gave no direct support of any of the social issues they advocate, in particular, the restriction of abortions. 

He said he would appoint to the Supreme Court a person with a judicial philosophy similar to Justice Scalia. Perhaps that was code speak for the abortion issue. But I don't think so. Instead he used the second amendment as an example of where he and Hillary differ as far as the Supreme Court goes. 

In short it looks like this campaign is going to steer clear of a conservative social agenda and push a law and order theme to frame virtually every other issue. That and, of course, the theme of winning. And making America great again. 

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

"I Humbly and Gratefully Accept Your Nomination for President of the United States"

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Ivanka Signals Trump's Pivot to the Center

Ivanka Trump described herself as a millennial who doesn't always vote Republican but who knows she is voting for the Republican nominee this year. Her father is "color blind and gender neutral." No red-meat right wing rhetoric from her.

 Ivanka gave the same vibe as did Thiel about the nominee: Trump is pivoting to the center politically for his campaign. In this sense, for a new type of candidate, Trump will be running for president in an old school way. Rather than focus only on turning out the base in red states, ala Karl Rove-like strategery, Trump will go after Independents and Democrats who haven't voted for a Republican nominee in a long while, if ever.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Peter Thiel's Big Republican Tent

Peter Thiel just brought another surprise to this most unconventional convention. He proclaimed what we already knew existed but nonetheless had never been so publicly acknowledged at a Republican Convention before: a gay Republican who supports the nominee. Thiel's self identification drew no boos and much applause in the arena. And with the New York delegation cheering in the front section, it got me to thinking some heretical thoughts. Might we be seeing a revival of the Rockefeller Republican? We all want to make Trump in our own image. But Trump will be Trump. And with his choice ofspeakers  of all varieties, it seems that Trump is going to have a political tent big enough for a lot of different types, including (dare we say it?) social liberals.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Twitter For Trump

Twitter has a huge presence at the Convention. That is no more evident than in the arena, where video screens with Twitter feeds are almost everywhere you look. Though Twitter says it is nonpartisan, it is currently under fire as having a left-wing bent for having banned tweets from Milo the Breitbart guy. But judging by Trump's popularity on this medium, one would think it has become his number-one mouthpiece. Indeed we learned earlier today from someone at Twitter that Trump has been killing Hillary in the number of tweets pertaining to a particular candidate for many weeks. While tweets can of course be either good or bad, Trump's dominance of this totally decentralized messaging tool favored by younger voters suggests a strength in the Trump media campaign that is widespread, innovative and far more in touch with the next generation than is Hillary's.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Preaching to the Choir and Football Fans

Now that's my kind of sermon! I hope Senator Cruz was taking notes. Pastor Mark Burris had the Convention on its feet like a gospel choir shouting "Trump! Trump! Trump!" This after Burris, an African American, preached that "all lives matter," which also brought everyone out of their seats.

Fran Tarkington followed with a joke that backstage he had tell Pastor Burris to "loosen up." The former Minnesota quarterback followed up on the theme that Pastor Burris had emphasized: that jobs are the only way the poor are going to improve their lot. And jobs can only be produced by a business leader like Trump: "He gets stuff done!"
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

I Love the Media

While others simply counted to 10 during their sound checks, Trump had a special message to the media gathered to catch a glimpse of him as he prepares for his speech tonight:

Testing the Mic

Donald and Ivanka are doing a dress rehearsal for tonight.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

WSJ Interviews Leader McConnell

In a piece entitled "No-Worries Mitch" in today's issue, the Wall Street Journal reports on its interview yesterday with Senate Majority Leader McConnell. When asked about how yesterday evening went (presumably the WSJ had Ted Cruz on its mind), the Leader wouldn't take the bait: "Oh, I'll leave that for others to judge." Nor would McConnell step on Trump's message, while at the same time reminding us of what the party is about and will remain: "I think the right of center will constantly renew as some leave and others come on. I'm not worried about that. We're not going to change what the Republican Party is. It's America's right-of-center part, it's the private sector party."  The Democrats  "are the government party, and the left-of-center party. That ain't gonna change."
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

"A Christian, Conservative and Republican, In That Order"

Indiana Governor Mike Pence just delivered a speech replete with self deprecating humor and modesty. He also came across as trustworthy and solid while embracing his role as the "softer" side of the ticket, as well as the man who will bring most if not all of the voters that Cruz has claimed -- those who are "Christian, conservative and Republican, in that order," as Pence described himself. Three attributes that Cruz would have us believe aren't "New York values." Regardless of the truth of that claim, any perception that Trump doesn't represent the rightward side of the party is dispelled by his choice of a running mate. Pence gave a reliable Midwestern stump speech for the New Yorker. Pence confirmed that Trump made the right choice to balance the ticket both geographically and politically. As the delegates chanted, "We like Mike!"
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Who Needs Cruz Anyway?

Newt Gingrich tried to rehabilitate Ted Cruz by arguing Cruz meant to say vote for Trump when Cruz said to "vote your conscience for the candidate who will uphold the Constitution." It is interesting that Newt felt the need to translate Cruz-speak. If Newt's efforts are the result of a backstage request from the Trump campaign, they shouldn't bother. Trump doesn't need Cruz's endorsement. In fact it may help Trump in the blue states not to have Cruz's endorsement. Texas is already in the bag for Trump, so Cruz is irrelevant for Trump to win Cruz's home state in November.Cruz's debacle at the podium tonight is just another example of how a very smart guy can exercise remarkably poor judgment.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Cruz Doesn't Endorse Trump!

We all know Cruz isn't exactly #TrumpTrain, but I thought he would bite his tongue and endorse Trump as almost every other Republican primary contender has. But he didn't. In fact, he mentioned Trump's name just once in a shallow congratulations on officially earning the Republican nomination. 

Midway through his speech, when it was becoming clear Cruz may not endorse Trump, members of the New York delegation (sitting just feet in front of Cruz) began chanting "Endorse Trump!" As they chanted, Ctuz awkwardly stood there for what seemed like an eternity before finally remarking that he appreciated their enthusiasm. 

As Cruz continued, other delegates began to demand an endorsement. But at the end of Cruz's speech, with no endorsement, the entire arena went crazy and erupted in boos. As Cruz walked off the stage, leaving perhaps one of the most uncomfortable moments of his life, he hesitated and looked back, wondering if Trump really is just a brief phase. Perhaps Cruz has as much to gain from a Hillary presidency as anyone else. 

Cruz is a Sore Loser

Senator Ted Cruz began by praising LeBron James and slain policemen. He didn't praise Trump. The winner of the nomination was hardly even mentioned in Cruz's sermon, I mean speech.

"We are not fighting for one particular candidate or one campaign," he intoned. No mention of the party's nominee other than to congratulate him for winning the nomination.

Cruz got what he wanted: A lot of attention without having to endorse Trump. Maybe Cruz was trying to channel Ronald Reagan's speech at the end of Barry Goldwater's failed campaign, where in the party's defeat, Reagan laid the groundwork for future victory. But Trump is no Goldwater and Cruz is certainly no Reagan. Cruz's failure to announce his support for Trump made him look more like a sore loser than a future president.

The boos in the arena following Cruz's speech were deafening.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

State Senator Ralph Alvarado Impresses

Kentucky state Senator Ralph Alvarado delivered an impressive defense of Trump, including a message of support delivered in Spanish that brought the delegates to their feet. Kentucky has a new political star!

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

"No Hillary, You're the Problem!"

Laura Ingraham delivered a powerful speech. Laura was one of Trump's earliest supporters in the media, but tonight she delivered a stump speech for Trump like a seasoned politician. Her rhetoric got the crowd on their feet. And fired up. A nice contrast with Hillary.


Her calling out the media for their hostility towards Trump received a sustained standing ovation. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Party Time

This place is more like a rock concert than a political convention. Republicans party!

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

The Power of Unpredictability

One thing that continues to impress me about the RNC is the controlled unpredictability, especially in regards to the nominee. In a normal cycle (because face it, this is hardly a normal cycle) the nominee would not appear in any major sense until his acceptance speech on the final night. 

Trump, as always, is the exception. Between his silhouetted walkout to "We Are The Champions" on night one, to his recorded interjection on the monitors last night, you can't quite tell when "the Donald" will appear. 

Like his primary campaign, Trump has crafted an unorthodox convention style that keeps everyone guessing. Earlier today, the press waited in the sun for his 2 o'clock press conference. At 2 speakers blasted Italian opera and the Trump jet roared by. Then the nominee took a helicopter to the press conference green and spoke maybe 100 words before ducking into the motorcade. One reporter exclaimed, "is that it?!" 

Clearly the Donald is doing his best to keep the Fourth Estate on its toes. Now that major groups of protestors are arriving in Cleveland, lets's hope the unpredictability doesn't spill past what's been scripted.