Monthly Archives: July 2016

First of all, it was an eye-opening experience and I am very grateful for having had the opportunity. I loved being a member of the Mighty Texas Delegation, it was exciting to be in the arena, especially when I was able to be on the floor as a delegate, and I loved talking to delegates from other States. One delegate from South Carolina was pushing an idea that would require a prospective voter to pass a test on government, etc., before receiving a voter registration card! How would that work?

As I have written previously, I estimate that one-third to one-half of the delegates were committed to Donald Trump as the best possible candidate for our nomination. And the Convention per se did little to change that. Many of the speakers were obscure, albeit successful, businessmen or women or minor professional athletes that added little to enhance Mr. Trump as the nominee. Many of the others devoted their time to repetitious sledgehammer recitations of Hillary’s failings, which we all know..I myself would have preferred more positive messages as to how Mr. Trump is going to address the issue facing the USA and start us moving forward in the right direction.

However, by the time of the adjournment, the conviction of 90+% of the delegates was the need to unite behind the Party’s nominee and win in November.  The prevailing sentiment at the Convention – in the Arena, in the buses, at meals, at receptions and (more importantly) in the bars, was antipathy towards Hillary Clinton and the unswerving conviction that America cannot survive another 4-8 years of the Obama, big government philosophy trending towards socialism. In particular, the specter of  Hillary Clinton, should she serve 2 terms, nominating FIVE Supreme Court justices, was absolutely unacceptable.

On this date, it does not appear that either candidate has a clear path to victory. Hillary Clinton’s coronation has been tarnished, if not derailed, by more email scandals and unshakable support for Bernie Sanders from many of his most ardent supporters.  In the latest polls I see (for what they are worth at this stage of the campaign), 70% of the voters find HC untrustworthy and 56% disapprove of her. She has been on the public stage since the early 1990’s and, quite frankly, many people are tired of her act. Plus, historically, it is very unusual for one political party to hold the presidency more that 8 consecutive years.

Likewise, Mr. Trump has negatives that make his victory uncertain. 64% of the voters disapprove of him. He has not received the unqualified, or even tacit, support of his 2 closest rivals. He is leagues behind in the organization and fundraising that is de rigor for successful traditional campaigns. So far, Mr. Trump has not demonstrated any ability, or desire, to deliver thoughtful, well-conceived messages in lieu of off-the-cuff bombshell sound bites.

The contest may well boil down to whether Hillary can make herself likable to the independents and undecideds or whether Trump can demonstrate and give serious, thoughtful proposals that address what must be done to get America moving again.Time will tell.

Finally, is this the best America can offer for us to choose who will occupy the most powerful office in the World?  To quote the immortal Casey Stengel, “Can’t anyone here play this game?” Where are the statesmen; where are the leaders willing and determined to do what is RIGHT for the American people despite the political consequences? Are there no Ronald Reagans,Harry Trumans, Scoop Jacksons, George H.W. Bushes, Thomas Jeffersons, Abraham Lincolns left in our body politic?

Please, study the candidates and their positions on issues that impact you and all of us. And not just the presidential candidates but candidates up and down the ballot. Study, learn, choose and VOTE.

I intend to put forth my ideas and impressions on politics and other topics of interest from time to time. I hope you will continue to join in the conversation.

Stay Tuned!!