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.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble Has Passed
Earlier the Secret Service had closed all but one exit from the security perimeter as well as a section within the perimeter close to protestors. We were told that protestors were burning flags near the perimeter. Apparently seven people were arrested.
By the time we made it to 4th street, the protests appeared to have passed. So far we have yet to witness any protests get out of hand and the massive assembly of law enforcement officers has kept things under control.
The security perimeter around convention facilities almost forms a mini city, secured by a Trump-worth wall. Border security around here is excellent.
There have only been two protestors within the arena who had smuggled in contraband signs. They were quickly escorted out with few evening noticing.
Worried About Fourth Street
The secret service has cordoned off an area of the parameter next to Fourth Street. Another reporter told us that security on this street is the weak link in security at the convention. We shall see.
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.
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 Real Political Commentator
You know you've arrived as an amateur political commentator when you arrive with a professional one: Charles Krauthammer.
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.
Trump's Dramatic Entrance
After a morning tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we saw a crowd gathering next to the Science Center. Unsure of what was happening, we went over and soon discovered it was for Trump's dramatic arrival to Cleveland. Trump's family, along with Mike Pence, stood ready to greet him.
Soon classical music was blaring from speakers as Trump's plane made a theatrical pass.
Minutes later, Trump's helicopter flew by and continued to circle the area in a spectacle only Trump could be behind. After Trump landed, he greeted Pence and his family and spoke briefly before departing in a Trump-worthy motorcade. All around me, press from across the world could not help but laugh at this incredibly ostentatious sight -- I can only imagine the reaction if Hillary tried the same thing next week in Philadelphia.
The Eagle Has Landed
We just witnessed the Trump plane fly past all the media next to Lake Erie. He has landed and presumably is about to fly over in his helicopter. Mike Pence and the Trump children are here waiting to greet him. They just played the Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want."
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.
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.
Trump Helicopter Watch
More evidence that this is not your typical political convention. We were at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and learned Donald Trump is flying in next door at the Science Center in about a half an hour. We've scurried over, given up our souvenirs to security and are now waiting for the man in a crowd of a few hundred, mostly media. They are playing an opera aria. We are on the look out for the helicopter with Trump emblazoned on it to make a grand touch down. You've got to admit, he is quite the showman!
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.
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.
Mike Lee
At the Federalist Society Lunch. He avoided discussing any plots to derail the Convention and instead focused on protecting the Constitution.
Donald Trump Officially Nominated
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| McConnell and Bevin announce Kentucky's vote |
Yesterday, Donald Trump was officially nominated after a roll call vote of all the states. Kentucky was represented by Governor Matt Bevin and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. While Monday's rules vote may have been contentious, Kentucky Bourbon was unanimously approved when Bevin declared Kentucky "the state that produces all the bourbon that is fit to drink in the world." Here was Bevin's full statement:
Mr. Chairman, from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, home of Churchill Downs and American Pharaoh; the source of Bluegrass music and the home of Bill Monroe; an auto manufacturing state with the largest Toyota manufacturing plant, the maker of the Ford Super Duty and the Chevy Corvette; from the state that produces all of the bourbon that is fit to drink in the world; from a state where our citizens still respect God, the Constitution, our military and our police officers, it is our honor to cast 17 votes for the next president of United States of America, Mr. Donald J. Trump.Convention Chair Paul Ryan allowed New York to vote out of order, allowing it to push Trump over 1,237 into the nomination. Donald Trump Jr. announced his state's vote.
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| The Trump children entering the arena to vote for their father |
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| The band played "New York, New York" as soon as Trump earned enough votes to become the nominee |
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