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Virginia C apitol C onnections, Fall 2016 7
The nomination of Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine
as the Democratic ticket was the official business of the
National Convention in Philadelphia. But it was also
a time to reflect on the accomplishments of President
Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Vice
President Joseph Biden over the last eight years and to
express our love and gratitude.
The days were long, but full of excitement.
Virginia was front and center not only as the home
of the Vice Presidential nominee, but solidifying our
role as a battleground state. Our delegation got a lot
of media attention and TV time, and was probably the
most spirited delegation in Hall every night!
We left Philly unified and invigorated to do
everything we can to elect Hillary Clinton and Tim
Kaine on November 8th!
Delegate Jennifer McClellan, 71st District of Virginia
As we were being treated to delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks
and good company inside, a huge protest was taking place right in
front of the building.
There were as many police and law enforcement personnel as
there were protesters. The irony was that the protesters were walking
side by side with police on bikes and horses that were used as a
protective barrier. Many of us gave the Cleveland Police and other
security officers a spontaneous round of applause and cheers as
we walked to “The Q”. A masked protester was apprehended and
detained right in front of me by four police officers.
Visited the Media Center where TV and Radio stations were
interviewing dignitaries and also went to the Communication Center
where the newspaper and magazine organizations were located.
The highlight of the evening session was the roll call vote of the
states to formally nominate Donald J. Trump for President, followed
by voice vote to officially nominate Indiana Governor Mike Pence
for Vice President.
Tonight’s speakers were Speaker Paul Ryan; Senate Majority
Leader Mitch McConnell; Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader;
Chris Christie, Tiffany Trump; Donald Trump, Jr.; Shelley Moore
Capito, and Dr. Ben Carson.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie especially shook the rafters
with his Secretary Clinton “prosecution” speech. Loud chants of
“guilty” and “lock her up” rang out throughout the convention hall.
Once we came back to the hotel for the late evening bash, I was
interviewed by Tom Sherwood of WRC-TV 4Washington, D.C.
Day Three – Make America First Again
Off to the convention hall for tonight’s activities. The highlight
tonight was Mike Pence’s acceptance speech to be our nation’s next
Vice President.
Other speakers included Laura Ingraham, Governor ScottWalker,
Senator Ted Cruz, Eric Trump, Newt and Callista Gingrich. Senator
Marco Rubio addressed the convention by video.
Governor Mike Pence’s acceptance speech was warmly received
by all of the delegates. Ted Cruz refusal to endorse Donald Trump
for President to a packed convention was met with thunderous ‘boos’
across the convention hall. Most Virginia Cruz supporters thought it
was a mistake for him not to endorse the GOP presidential candidate
Donald Trump but instead vote your “constitutional conscience”.
Day Four – Make America One Again
This morning at our delegation breakfast, we heard from Former
Presidential Candidate Dr. Ben Carson and Congressman Louie
Gohmert (R-TX).
Before our last session, Budweiser sponsored an “America’s
Grand Old Party” with food and drink for the Virginia and Missouri
Delegations at a local pub.
Surprised to see former Virginia State Delegate Jay Katzen, who
was an Alternate Delegate from Alaska. Katzen ran for Lieutenant
Governor in 2001 against Democrat Tim Kaine, now the Democratic
nominee for VEEP, and came within 2.29% of winning that election.
The highlight tonight was Donald Trump’s acceptance speech to
be our GOP nominee for President of the United States.
Donald Trump hit hard on Hillary Clinton’s incompetence
and disqualifying background that make her unfit to ascend to be
president. His main themes were to defeat ISIS immediately, and to
bring back law and order to America’s cities. He emphasized bringing
jobs and manufacturing back to the United States.
Since 1968, I have enjoyed going to many Republican National
Conventions. If you haven’t been to a convention you are missing
being an active part of our American political system. You don’t have
to be an elected Delegate or Alternate Delegate but participate as a
guest of the Virginia delegation to future Republican conventions.
Get involved now in a local Republican organization for your active
participation at the 2020 RNC!
Michael E. Belefski is President of CPC CORPORATION, a
Communications and Marketing Firm specializing in Performance
Management Analysis in Business, Law and Political Systems. He
can be contacted at .
Dr. Ben Carson
Rock And Roll from page 5
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