The 2012 Republican National Convention: A Circus Came To Town

I had hoped that after the election, logic and reason would prevail in Washington but that doesn't seem to be the case. The election is over and at a time when party lines should be taking a backseat to the problems in our nation, it seems the old mindset of "them" and "us" is still alive an well. The fiscal cliff is looming and it seems that our elected officials may just let us fall off the cliff. Millions of lives are hanging in the balance. Will Congress take their holiday vacation without reaching a compromise? If they do, and our country falls to it's knees again financially, I hope every American will exercise their right to vote in the next Congressional election and start fighting for term limits. We need to remind these folks who they work for. If you agree, start writing letters and making phone calls.

As someone who is sincerely interested in our political climate, I could not resist watching CNN’s coverage of the Republican National Convention? Is this a convention or a circus?

As a party, the Republicans claim that they are conservative thinkers who respect their fellow man. They talk a good game about reaching across party lines and working together. In speech after speech they speak of the value of the democracy that makes our country strong. Hey guys, did you forget what your mama taught you about respect? Your behavior during the vote was appalling. Refusing to announce the votes for Ron Paul, simply because he denounced you was the kind of behavior we expect from children. Your childish behavior towards Ron Pay should embarrass you. It made you look like fools.

For the most part, the speeches I heard were nothing more than redundant hype. I didn't learn anything and I wasn't impressed. There were only three speakers who stood out, in my opinion, and sadly, they stood out for all the wrong reasons.

Ann Romney:

All of the major media outlets had me anticipating a speech by Ann Romney that would dispel my concerns about the man. Having watched Mrs. Romney in several interviews, I had found her to be charming, with a warmth and self-assurance that I admired. My expectations were running high. Perhaps they were too high. I wanted Ann Romney to tell me a real story about her husband. I expected to to hear how he cried at the birth of his sons or visited a soldier dying from his wounds in Iraq. I wanted to hear those stories; anything that would change my opinion that he is nothing more than a power hungry, greedy mogul. I’m sorry Mrs. Romney but you didn't give me what I needed. Instead I heard you say repeatedly that “Mitt is going to change Washington”. Did I really hear you say that “Mitt is going to take back the White House”?

Excuse me Mrs. Romney but the White House belongs to “we”, the people. It will never belong to you and Mr. Romney. As for Mitt changing Washington, well, that’s will be determined by the clowns in Congress. If you don’t believe me, ask Mr. Obama. He could have changed things too if the members of Congress had been willing to reach across the isle to work together.

Rick Santorum:

Now, what planet is Rick Santorum living on? He makes success sound so easy. According to Rick, the key to success is to get a college education, work hard, and wait until you are married to have children. Wow. Who knew? Just jump on that magic carpet that will sail you right through college, into a job, and when it drops you off, you’ll be married and can start having babies. I guess those of us who aren't college educated, can’t find a job, aren't married anymore, and never had children are doomed for failure. Hey Rick, there’s a real world out here at the other end of your silver spoon. Maybe you should stick the other end in your mouth and see things the way they really are. Whether you like it or not, families today are not just a Mom, Dad, two kids, a dog and a white picket fence.

Chris Christie:

As the keynote speaker, I looked forward to this speaker. I like Chris Christie. He’s known for delivering a dynamic speech and, for telling it like it is. I can hardly be disappointed. Christie was certainly dynamic and I guess he told it like it is. He’s going to be a candidate for president one day and this speech proved it. You can’t deny that Christie has made a difference in New Jersey but hey Mr. Christie, New Jersey isn't a country. Your plate is a bit smaller than the president’s. Sure, they said you couldn't do it in New Jersey and you did. Of course you did, you’re the Governor. You didn't have a congress standing in your way. Mr. Christie, your speech was reminiscent of the speech Mr. Obama gave at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. That speech propelled him into the 2008 race and won him the election. Are these your aspirations Mr. Christie? If so, your speech might just have worked. It was a speech about you, your beliefs, and your commitment to the country. I believe you mentioned Mr. Romney in three sentences. You claim to speak the truth. Maybe there just wasn't enough truth about Mitt Romney to talk about. Or maybe, you just seized an opportunity. Time will tell.

Clint Eastwood:

And then there was Clint. I don't even know what to say about the speech (or whatever that was) delivered by Clint Eastwood. Like most of you, I've enjoyed my share of Clint Eastwood movies. Who could ever resist the charm of tough guy "Dirty Harry"? And I've always loved his western films. And yes, I know he's a quiet, private man, and he thinks outside the box. It's what made him an incredible director in Hollywood. But this presentation was nothing short of odd. He made some good points but his delivery was crass for such an event. One can't help but wonder about the Romney staff if they vetted this one and approved it.

Senator Marco Rubio:

Perhaps the best speaker of the entire Republican National Convention, Marco Rubio delivered! If there was a defining moment this week, for me it was this speaker. As an undecided voter, I could easily see myself voting Republican if this guy was on the ticket. He even made me feel a little more optimistic about Romney. Of course, that was his job.

Personally, I think this guy will rise to the top over the next four years. Unless something changes, he could well be our next President and I think he would get my vote. He gave a dynamic, down-to-reality speech and if you missed it, it's worth the few minutes it will take to watch the video.

The convention has not won me over to the Republican side of things. I am still a skeptic. I did however see a different side of Romney on Thursday night when he gave his acceptance speech. It was the first time I've seen him appear as anything other than a corporate executive and it was refreshing. I don't trust most corporate executives. Sorry. In my opinion, most of them step on someone (or lots of someones) to get where they are. I really did see something different in him and ok, I'll admit it, I almost liked him for a minute or two.

I continue to fear that there will be no winners this time around. I am concerned about the future and have little hope that this election is going to turn things around, no matter which party is declared victorious. With some of my concerns about Romney alleviated now, my primary concern is his lack of experience on the international scene. Maybe he can fix the economy. That would be great, wouldn't it? But will he destroy what's left of our foreign relations? Only time will tell.

As the Republicans partied in Florida, Isaac battered the Gulf States. Many Americans went to bed fearful and found their homes flooded at dawn. The Republican National Convention didn't miss a beat. Isaac didn't stop the party. As I turned out the lights for the evening, I couldn't help but wonder what was more frightening: to stand and face a hurricane or a country run by clowns.