CONVENTION JOURNAL - GULLIANI, McCAIN, and WAR: There is little doubt that the convention delegates are taking this Convention seriously and last night the prime-time line-up struck themes that resonated across the gathered masses in Madison Square Garden, and no one left their seat once former NYC Mayor Rudy Gulliani began to talk about the importance of winning this fight against terrorism.
Several moments of worth through the evening Monday night. I personally teared up horribly when the "Widows of 9/11" came forward to tell their stories. Most noticably to me was the clarity of Tara Stackpole, the widowed wife of a fire-fighter who "ran into the doors of the World Trade Towers, only to never run out..." Her comments regarding the heavy burden that her son now feels as he pushes out with his naval unit to Iraq later this year brought resounding applause.
John McCain scored the direct hit of the night pummeling film-maker Michael Moore by referring to him as "disingenuious". So much did it fire up the crowd that McCain was momentarily knocked off message and then decided to repeat the line. Moore was greatly celebrated at the recent Democratic Convention - even given a seat of honor in the President's box.
By all accounts NYC Mayor Rudy Gulliani was the hit of the night. Captain Ed of Captian'sQuarters remarked, "he brought the perfect mix of personal heartfelt sensitivity, and packed the right punch" in hitting back at the President's critics.
Previous to the heavy hitters there was plenty to take notice of during the day.
PROTESTS -
The promised "Mighty Army" is beginning to look like the "mighty few". Previous estimates had put the Sunday march estimates at somewhere between 250,000-500,000 people. Now the reports are coming in from police and those photographing the scene that the actual numbers look more like less than 100,000. Over 650 arrests have been made by NYPD. Yesterday a federal judge threw the book at a protestor who had been arrested for lighting a paper mache' dragon on fire. That little stunt earned him not only multiple nights in the slammer but also a cash bond of no less than 100,000. Some groups are threatening tougher turn-out today...
PERSONALITIES -
One of the true stars of media row has been U.S. Senate Candidate from Illinois - Alan Keyes. Every time he appears in the media center he is surrounded by cameras and questions. He has done dozens of radio shows in addition. He does not seem discouraged by the most current round of polls which seem to show him behind by a 41pt. margin...
George P. Bush, the President's nephew has been spotted frequently throughout the Convention site as well. The young newly-wed and arguably most talented future Bush office holder is detailing the efforts being made to turn out more than an additional 1,000,000 youth votes, than those who turned out in 2000.
Also making appearances yesterday on Bloomberg Radio, The O'Reilly Factor, and the Alan Colmes Radio show Miss America 2003 is letting folks in on the impact of the Bush Administration policies on minority communities. The much praised "Faith Based Intiatives" will be the topic of her address tonight before the delegates on the main floor. Harold is scheduled to be with the Kevin McCullough Show today or tomorrow as well as other numerous appearances before beginning Harvard Law School on Thursday.
Harold is pictured here with me, and David Spady of National News and Public Affairs of Salem Communications Corporation.
