It’s All About Winning Elections
I was impressed with the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last week. I’ve attended many of these National Conventions, both Republican and Democrat events; many as a certified reporter, once in Miami as a Republican alternate delegate for Nixon’s last term. Attending both party conventions has given me a broad understanding of both party platforms and a clear view of differences of opinion. I was always treated very well by both political parties. My first experience was serving as a Sargent At Arms at the1960 GOP Convention in Chicago where for 10 days I was a paid security guard checking in delegates, alternates, press, and celebrities. I ushered in the team of Huntley and Brinkley to their TV booth and many others. It was a life enhancing experience to see the power of the press, speakers, and the political power of politics and candidates for office. I’m still a firm believer in our two political parties and the success of America under our two-party system.
This past week I was impressed by the organization of the Republican National Committee and the organizers of this convention. It was flawless, night after night of impressive speakers. They stayed on time and point, maintaining a high level of rhetoric, including the president’s speech urging national unity. Trump stated he didn’t want to be president for only half of America.
At this point we will await watching the Democrat Convention in Chicago in mid-August. My opinion at this time is that President Biden will hold his delegates and be the nominee with his Vice-President Harris. (**SEE UPDATE BELOW) The only exception might be increasing health issues that would curtail his campaign efforts. Otherwise, he is not a quitter and still holds close polling statistics in many states. He also has a $200 million campaign fund. While it appears President Trump has united the Republican party, survived an assassination attempt, and has enjoyed a very powerful Milwaukee Convention; it is early in the campaign. *** This was my opinion until this past Sunday afternoon before the announcement that President Biden was ending his campaign and endorsing Kamala to take his place. His health condition seems to have worsened with his recent bout with COVID. With his withdrawal, it is unclear who will be the nominee at this late date. His delegates will be released, and it will now become a race to nominate a new presidential candidate or nominate Kamala.
One scenario might be in several weeks that President Biden, depending upon his health, resigns the presidency, casting Kamala Harris into the role of being the first black female president in history. She indeed could be the president by the Democrat Convention, starting August 19 in Chicago, and would fulfill the end of President Biden’s term in office and while seeking her own presidency. Would the convention dare challenge her position? She would be the incumbent president on Nov. 5, 2024, and convention would nominate her and seek a new vice-president. Will President Biden go that far to give up his office to support his vice-president? Health issues may be involved in any decision to resign the presidency early.
Colorado didn’t fare very well at the GOP Convention for several reasons; we’re a blue state now with two Democrat Senators and Democrat Governor Jared Polis among the candidates for the presidency or now maybe vice-president role. Polis was just elected chairman of the National Governor’s Association, a high honor. Last week I never saw a Colorado person on camera, or in the audience, although I know we had delegates present.
On the other hand, Colorado should have a leading role in Chicago, and delegates will be sitting up front, that’s the way it works.
It’s all about winning elections.
*Footnote: It appears at Villager press time that Vice-President Kamala Harris has collected enough delegate votes in the past several days to give her enough votes to be selected as the Democrat nominee for president on the first ballot in Chicago.