Alabama Politics in
Doc’s Political Parlor
& Home of Lawn Mower Repair

August 31, 2008

Palin a Great Pick by McCain

Filed under: Convention — Rep. Cam Ward @ 11:50 pm

The suspense over John McCain’s selection of a running mate is now over. While Governor Palin is unknown to many of the beltway pundits and talking heads I think she is going to resonate well with the people of Alabama. Her down to earth people skills and experience as an outdoorsman make her someone who people in Alabama will be able to relate to.

To begin with the 44 year-old Governor will compliment McCain’s reformist politics well. She rose to prominence in Alaska by taking on the political establishment. When she saw unethical behavior by those of even her own party she did not hesitate in confronting them head on. First, as a member of the oil commission she called out the Alaskan Republican Party Chairman for what she felt was an abuse of power. After that she went on to challenge an ethically challenged Republican governor in the primary and beat him because of her crusade for better ethics is state government. In short, she has the courage to take folks on regardless of the political consequences much as John McCain has done over the years by confronting Democrats and Republicans alike when he saw something he disagreed with.

I think as Republicans we have lost our way because we have neglected this style of governing. We need more leaders who are willing to stand up to unethical behavior, fiscal irresponsibility and the abandonment of our conservative values. Governor Sarah Palin does this.

Speaking of conservative values, Alabamians are going to find that Governor Palin is very close to the majority of people in our state. Her pro-life, anti-tax and strong support for energy independence for the United States make will make her a popular candidate in Alabama.

One final note- Democrats will crow about Palin’s experience, but do they really want the election in the months ahead to be about who has less experience Palin or Obama? If that conversation dominates the political battle ahead then the Obama campaign has steered off course. Interesting side bar- Palin has two more years of executive experience than Barack Obama.

Business Only

Filed under: Convention — Rep. Cam Ward @ 4:20 pm

Tomorrow’s first day of the convention will be business only with no political speeches. It will be shortened due to the impending threat from Hurricane Gustav. It sounds like the RNC has decided to go ahead with the full convention but the celebrations will be greatly scaled back.

Daily Headlines, Sunday, 8/31/2008

Filed under: Daily News — H @ 3:30 pm

Birmingham News - Mexican and Central American drug gangs said to be operating in the Birmingham area

Birmingham News - State GOP delegates urge return to core values

Birmingham News - Alabama congressional candidate Love takes stage at RNC Monday

Birmingham News - Alabama GOP praises VP nominee

Birmingham News - Bowman fails to make Jeffco commission race ballot

Birmingham News - What bankruptcy would mean to Jefferson County

Birmingham News - The threat of bankruptcy for Jefferson County brought creditors to the negotiating table Friday and bought the county some breathing room

Press-Register - Powerful Hurricane Gustav threatens Alabama’s coast

Press-Register - Republicans take center stage this week at GOP convention

Huntsville Times - Bush fundraiser looks definitely on

Huntsville Times - Palin likely to boost state’s GOP support

Huntsville Times - Bad times, bad news

Montgomery Advertiser - State officials laud Obama; McCain steals spotlight

Opelika-Auburn News - Oil companies shutting down Gulf operations

Associated Press - 2 Baptist deacons seek Alabama seat in US House

Delegates Pumped About New Poll

Filed under: Convention — Rep. Cam Ward @ 2:20 pm

Alabama Delegates to the Republican National Convention are enthusiastic about a new poll released this afternoon showing John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate negated any post convention bounce enjoyed by Barack Obama. The latest nationwide Zogby poll which began Friday after John McCain announced Sarah Palin as running mate and completed mid-afternoon today, shows McCain/Palin at 47%, compared to 45% support for Obama/Biden.

Of all the issues being discussed here at the convention it seems like the selection of Palin has excited people more than anything else.

Gustav Scrambles Convention Agenda

Filed under: Convention — Rep. Cam Ward @ 8:35 am

While we prepare for a convention here in Minnesota everyone has their eyes on Hurricane Gustav and the potential danger it poses for the gulf coast. We should know sometime today what the rest of the convention will look like and if we will have to cancel part of the week. Although I am ready to see John McCain and Sarah Palin accept their nomination before the convention like everyone here, I think we all realize that the lives and possible tragedies from the hurricane take a bigger priority right now than politics. I think the Republican National Committee will let us know how the rest of the week will proceed sometime this afternoon when we have our first Alabama Delegation meeting at 3 p.m.

August 31

Filed under: TDAH — waltm @ 12:01 am

1939: Musician Cleveland Eaton was born in Fairfield.

Source: Bhamwiki

August 30, 2008

Overheard in Denver

Filed under: Convention — Danny @ 5:59 pm

A lot of the Friday chatter was about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain’s pick for VP nominee. Most of the Democrats were pretty pleased with her selection. More than one said it was reminiscent of George Bush’s 1988 pick of Dan Quayle, suggesting that both picks overlooked more experienced and/or qualified candidates in an attempt to reach a demographic group. Of course, any pick like this is made with political calculations and considerations, and we’ll know how this one panned out in November.

Drawing of an earOn that subject and others, here are some comments heard and overheard in Denver the week of the Democratic National Convention.

“I think it’s great. She’s anti-choice, pro-gun, no experience. I’ve met her and she’s very nice, but she’s a great one for Democrats to run against.”
- Woman on the selection of Palin as GOP VP candidate

“[There are] some second rate celebrities. I don’t know who they are, and I don’t care. (Pause) And I know you don’t either.”
- Older man on street when I asked why a small mob of gawkers was blocking the sidewalk ahead.

“I’ve been to the Olympics, and that is much easier to sneak into than the convention. Here you have professional bluff runners who will call you on it, and you aren’t getting by on a bluff at the convention.”

“I’ve been to the Republican convention, and it is nothing like this.”

“Yes, she gave the speech last night that she should have given in May and then shut up.”
- Woman on rail transportation speaking on phone about Hillary’s speech.

“You have a guy in Alabama, Davis, that could be right there where Barack Obama is. He’s that good.”
- Washington, DC, camera man on Artur Davis when he learned on a media bus that I was from Alabama

“I hear the Alabama delegation threw quite a party the other night. Music in the alley? I wish our delegation would do something like that. Everybody’s talking about it.”
- Colorado volunteer convention host upon meeting Alabamians on the street

“I’ve heard people say, ‘I wouldn’t beg Joe Reed for floor tickets,’ and I’m like, ‘Are you crazy? I would! For floor tickets? Sure!’”

“Yep, I’m one of a few professional pedi-cab drivers. This is what I do.”

“I’m so excited about Obama. He inspired me to run as a delegate. I have already made my reservations for a hotel in Washington in January.”
- Mississippi delegate on plane to Denver

DNC Highlights

Filed under: Convention — Danny @ 5:41 pm

The highlight of the Democratic National Convention? I asked a few people for their personal choices…

The best moment was when Hillary Clinton moved to suspend the rules and declare Obama the nominee by acclamation. It showed strength on her part.
- Kelly Dittman, NJ

Hillary. The way she helped bring everyone together.
- Holly Kinser, Pennsylvania

Wow. That’s a hard one. One thing that sticks out for me was when Hillary asked the delegates, “Are you in this for me? Or for the issues?” and reminded us that it’s about the issues.
- Robin Kelly, Illinois

Thursday night at Invesco Field and the roll call vote [on Wednesday].
- Ron Powell, Illinois

Definitely the last night.
- Patricia Cruz, Florida

To me it was when Hillary did the motion to make Obama the nominee. I got all emotional. She walked out, and you could see her coming. You could see it all coming. That was the best moment.
- Marina Martinez, Illinois

The women’s breakfast with Michelle Obama and Barbara Boxer. Michelle told some of their family’s story and talked about why Obama was ready to lead.
- Deborah Darrell, NY

What about Obama’s Thursday night acceptance speech? Given his reputation as a speaker the bar was set high for him, and the consensus heard here was that he did not disappoint. The Alabamians I talked to were quite pleased with the evening and believed Obama met or exceeded expectations.

The same individuals as above described the evening for the Parlor…

It was pretty phenomenal, the nature of it all. It hit me that, wow, an African American man is accepting the nomination for President of the United States. In terms of the speech, it proved he could do policy as well as inspirational.
- Kelly Dittman, NJ

Amazing!
- Holly Kinser, Pennsylvania

It was overwhelming in a sense. Unbelievable. That’s from me knowing him, serving with him, and him being a friend. I’m so proud. Just so proud.
- Robin Kelly, Illinois

Electrifying!
- Ron Powell, Illinois

Wow… it was definitely life-changing. I’m only 17, and I couldn’t believe I would have an experience like that.
- Patricia Cruz, Florida

Overwhelming.
- Marina Martinez, Illinois

The best word I could use is ‘transformational.’ Not just for me, but for the country. There are so many levels of things going on there. [With his speech,] he defined why we need change.
- Deborah Darrell, NY

Carter and Sparks Address Bama Delegation

Filed under: Convention — Danny @ 5:21 pm

Notes from the Democratic National Convention…

The Wednesday morning breakfast meeting featured former president Jimmy Carter addressing the combined Alabama and Georgia delegations.

Jimmy Carter at the 2008 Democratic National ConventionCarter spoke of his admiration and respect for Obama, and told of how moved he has been during an Obama speech.

On the matter of whether the Democrats would be divided this election, Carter says, “I’m the world’s expert on divided parties. In 1976, I won the nomination, but the GOP was completely divided. They left the convention with delegates still divided between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.” Carter went on to win the presidency by defeating incumbent Gerald Ford.

In 1980, the Democrats had a tough primary fight, and Ted Kennedy memorably declined to shake Carter’s hand on the dais after Carter won the nomination. “I lost because the Democrats didn’t support me. I’m not complaining. I’ve had a good life since then.”

“But I am an expert on divided parties. I have seen it from both sides.” He went on to predict that by the end of the convention, “We’ll have a totally united party.”

“My first wish, above all, is that Obama will win the presidency. But my 2nd wish, is that Obama carries Georgia.”


Afterward Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks addressed the Alabama delegation, saying that Obama will not turn his back on rural America while McCain has unequivocally said he does not support agriculture subsidies in any form. “Agriculture subsidies are not for the farmers, they are for the consumers. It’s no accident that our country has the safest and most economical food supply in the world. I don’t want other countries putting food on our tables like they put gas in our car.”

Sparks became quite animated, fired up even, on how Democrats are the party that cares about veterans, Americans without adequate health care, and Americans in poverty.

His rousing speech led state Democratic Party chair Joe Turnham to tell the breakfast crowd, “Let’s get him on the [convention] platform.”

For what it’s worth, Sparks has clearly lost some of his trademark, rural, Southern accent, though we suspect that in front of the right group he could find it.

Siegelman Made DNC Rounds

Filed under: Convention — Danny @ 5:01 pm

Don Siegelman at DNCDon Siegelman made the rounds of the Democratic National Convention, speaking wherever he could find an audience, including Air America, the Alaska delegation, and a Press Club event.

Monday morning he spoke at a breakfast meeting of the Colorado delegation. In conversation afterward, Siegelman said that his point was that “it’s not about me.”

“If Congress doesn’t hold Karl Rove accountable, it’s sends the signal that everyone else is off the hook. That you can be subpoenaed and not show up and nothing will happen. Subversion of our Constitution will become part of our culture, and more likely to happen in the future.”

“Listen, the Democrats didn’t follow-up on Watergate after Carter was elected, they didn’t do anything about Iran-Contra after Clinton was elected, and they are not going to pursue this when Obama comes in. Timing is critical and that’s why I am here in Denver. It’s my best chance to talk to the most number of Congressmen.”

Back in the Saddle

Filed under: Housekeeping — Danny @ 3:31 pm

Saddle on a horseI was going to count how long I spent standing in line the last two days (Thursday and Friday), but gave up when I got to double digits. I was supposed to arrive back in Alabama yesterday at 1:40 or so but didn’t get home until after 11 last night.

There is a lot I’d like to catch up on… notes from the Democratic Convention, looking to the GOP Convention, the surprise pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican VP nominee, and more… I’ll start rolling some things out…

GOP Convention by the Numbers

Filed under: Legislative Dispatch — Rep. Cam Ward @ 11:35 am

With the Democrat Convention over the public will now have the opportunity to turn their attention the Republican gathering in Minnesota.  I have a link on my web site at www.camward.com where I have added pictures from the last four conventions under Republican History.  Every time I look at it I see how old I am getting in this business. I look forward to blogging on the happenings at the convention but first here is a little background information on the convention, by the numbers-

 

This will be the 39th Republican National Convention.

 

This will be the 2nd GOP Convention to be held in Minneapolis, the first being in 1892.

 

This will be my 4th convention including my time on staff at the 1996 Convention in San Diego.

 

There will be 4,607 delegates and alternate delegates to the convention.

 

There are 48 delegates and 45 alternate delegates in Alabama’s delegation.

 

Governor Palin will be the 1st woman nominated for Vice-President on the Republican ticket.

Daily Headlines, Saturday, 8/30/2008

Filed under: Daily News — H @ 7:00 am

Birmingham News - A judge errs, prosecutors balk at correction, so soldier faces prison

Birmingham News - Alabama Guard team settling into Afghanistan assignments

Birmingham News - Alcohol plays a huge role in traffic fatalities in Alabama - another reason lawmakers need to fix the state’s drunken-driving laws.

Press-Register - Coast readies for Gustav’s arrival

Press-Register - Gustav-related information

Press-Register - Report criticizes Navy shipbuilding

Huntsville Times - Local women pleased to see Palin on ticket

Huntsville Times - County reworks illegal alien rule

Huntsville Times - TVA: still a bargain

Montgomery Advertiser - Area Republicans think Palin right choice for ticket

Montgomery Advertiser - Radioactive gauge lost in Birmingham

Montgomery Advertiser - Students protest delayed checks

Montgomery Advertiser - Tenn. offered $577 million in incentives for VW plant

Montgomery Advertiser - Ga. bank fails; Regions steps in

Montgomery Advertiser - RANTS AND RAVES: DUI cases taking monstrous toll

Anniston Star - One group’s mangled logic: How to reform our schools

Opelika-Auburn News - Bond set at $250,000 for LaFayette councilman

Los Angeles Times - Ala. governor in talks over possible county bankruptcy that would

Small Town Political Gazette 8/30/08

Filed under: Small Town — waltm @ 6:59 am

Dothan Eagle - McCain not guaranteed to win all local Republican votes

The Atmore Advance - Escambia County Commission looks to improve worker training

Prattville Progress - Mismatched voter lists made election difficult for some

The Daily Sentinel - Pisgah Council race comes down to one provisional ballot

(more…)

August 30

Filed under: TDAH — waltm @ 12:01 am

1813: Creek Indians attack Fort Mims in what is now Baldwin County, killing nearly 250 settlers gathered there for protection. The attack caused fear and hysteria among frontier settlers, who quickly raised militia companies to fight the Indians in the Creek War of 1813-1814.

1908: Officials of the United Mine Workers (UMW) in Birmingham call off a bitter strike, prompting the Birmingham News to declare that the result would be “Prosperity in the Birmingham District.” Workers had walked out of the mines in early July to protest wage conditions, and almost two months of violence ensued. As many as 18,000 black and white workers had joined UMW, but resistance by employers, intervention by Gov. B. B. Comer, and public dissatisfaction broke the strike and debilitated UMW’s strength in Birmingham for years.

Source: Alabama Department of Archives and History

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