John McCain speaking at National Convention

The last day of the Republican National Convention was everything I could want it to be.  Okay, well I wouldn’t have minded getting to shake hands with John McCain and Sarah Palin, but realistically, that was not likely.   The whole of the convention was wonderful.  We had some great speakers and some great video presentations about our future President, Vice President and their families.  I learned so much about these people; it is impossible not to feel connected to them all. 

McCain’s speech was obviously the highlight of the night.  He was so eloquent and spoke about what is most important to our country right now, the present day changes that are needed and the planning for the future.  Furthermore, even when protesters tried to rudely interrupt his speech, the only notice he gave them was something along the lines of “don’t mind the static”.  I did not start out as a supporter of McCain many months ago, but I can honestly say I am very glad that he is the one that won in the end.  While I love much of what Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney could do for the nation, I really believe that John McCain and Sarah Palin are the best option for the office.  While I have not always agreed with all of McCain’s policies, I really respect that he does what he thinks is right no matter the pressure to follow party lines.  Palin also has gained my respect and trust for the same reason, plus I love that she hunts! 

The day ended with Balloons dropping in huge quantites!  In fact there were so many balloon that I was waist deep in them while standing on my chair!  We all had such fun bouncing them around and popping them.  It was almost impossible to get out of the room with all of them there, and reporters had a hard time getting interviews.  I even heard one such reporter from MSNBC couldn’t even get any interviews because the balloons were stacked higher than her head.  I didn’t see it myself, but it does present quite the visual, don’t you think? 

Playing with falling balloons.

And as a final remark on the convention, if you google my name “Kimberly Peticolas” you will see which papers I have been in.  I even made it in a Spanish newspaper!  It’s all pretty fun!  I think I have handled the press well… at least I hope so.

But all in all, I am sorry to leave the convention.  I met the best people and had the best time.  It was one of the best experiences of my life.  I only wish it could happen every year.  4 Years is a long time to wait.

Colorado Senator Tom Wiens and Myself in our Colorado Delegation Stars and Stripes Cowboy shirt.

Last night was a night full of speeches by some of the best leadership in America.  Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Guiliani all spoke in support of McCain and especially in support of Sarah Palin.  There is much to be said about each of their speeches but since I know everyone out there saw it last night (or at least you should have, if you didn’t go watch it on YouTube or something) I will not do a play by play of the speeches. 

Of course as strong Republicans, we all support all these leaders, but the general attitude was so much more.  Everyone was excited beyond words about Sarah Palin.  All three of the former candidates did a great job in their speeches not only critiquing the Obama-Biden camp for their inexperience and constant waffling on the issues, but also in their support of Palin and her family.  What I and all the other delegates loved most of all about every speech, Palin’s especially, was that facts and not rhetoric was used to show why McCain and Palin are the candidates for the nation.  Obama is the king of rhetoric, but clearly not anywhere near royalty when it comes to say writing a major bill, leading people, or even saying anything of substance.  Palin is pure substance, facts and executive experience.  Some nay-sayers are saying that being Governor does not make her experienced.  Well if being Governor was enough experience for Ronald Reagan to become President then it is definitely the right type of experience needed for a Vice President.

Now, for some other news!  While at the convention I managed to find Bill O’Reilly and get him to sign his book which I brought from Colorado just for that purpose.  He was needed in the booth and didn’t really have time, but he took the time to sign my book anyway.  Thanks Bill!

On the home-front, while I am here at the Convention, my mom has been filling in for me on the Scott Starin Campaign.  She has been a great help to me while I am here at the Convention.  We are getting a lot done and every day more and more people are flocking to the campaign - democrats, independents and republicans alike.  This just shows that Scott is going to win this district.  We can still use every one’s support.  If you haven’t already done so, go to www.starinforcongress.com and volunteer to help out the campaign or donate online.

Mitt Romney and myself at party prior to the Convention!

 There were so many great speakers today, it is hard to choose a favorite. Fred Thompson spoke about John McCain and his experiences in the Hanoi Hilton as well as the unique attributes that McCain has that makes him a great leader. Specifically, that he speaks his mind and sticks to his convictions. His speech was moving and I think we all got a little better sense of what makes McCain such a great candidate, not that any of us need more reasons to support him. He is such a great leader that I cannot imagine a better President for our great country. Joe Lieberman also spoke with great conviction on why Democrats should support McCain.  I have to say that having Lieberman there was a great thing. George Washington warned against partisan politics in his farewell speech from office. He had a significant point. As much as I love the Republican party, and I think most would agree, we are first and foremost Americans. If Joe Lieberman can help us cross the divide between parties and present one united country to the rest of the world, then we as a nation will be at our best.

 We also heard from President Bush this evening.  Even through a video screen, he has charisma. It really felt like he was talking to us individually. I especially like the fact that he cracks jokes at his own expense, like when he said that McCain speaks his mind no matter what, finishing with the statement, “Trust me I know”. I think the theme of ‘Country First’ was really embodied in the entire proceedings. Politics are important but our great country comes first. We all need to think about what our country needs and not what our Party needs.  I believe whole-heartedly that what this country needs is John McCain.

George Bush speaking at Convention via video-conference

 Also, during the preceedings today I was interviewed three times!  One interview was with a German jounalist, one was with an organization regarding young politicians, and the longest one was with Democracy Now; a Boulder based station that interviewed me for quite a while.  So look for coverage on that.  Hopefully I will not be misrepresented in the interview despite Democracy Now’s political leanings.  Come on fair and equal coverage!

Finally, I ended the night with a party hosted by Xcell Energy.  It was a lot of fun and I got to speak with former Governor Bill Owens.  His daughter Monica is also a delegate this year.  I have enjoyed talking with her throughout this week so far. They are both wonderful people.  It has been so much fun for me to connect with people with like-minded values, ethics and convictions.  I have never met a nicer bunch of people.  And I can honestly say, I can’t wait for tomorrow despite the fact that I will only get about 5 hours of sleep.  Who needs sleep anyways!

More to come this evening after the Convention!

I also got to hear a little bit from Laura Bush and Cindy McCain.  It was great to see them in person and humbling to be present at an event with so many great leaders.  While on the convention floor, I really got the sense of American pride and of this piece of history I am lucky enough to be a part of.  It was truly overwhelming.  To hear all the delegates, alternates and guests belt out our National Anthem and have everyone proclaim their great love of America was moving.   While there were no great parties or events this evening, it was not a sacrifice by any means.  I got to meet so many wonderful people within the Republican party and we all got the chance to support our fellow Americans by donating to the relief funds for those affected by the storm.  This is truly a time when we are not Republicans and Democrats or any other party members, instead we claim a much greater title, Americans.

I got in to the hotel and was immediately greeted by a crowd of fellow Colorado Republicans and handed my credentials, plus a gift bag full of goodies.  Now I don’t know about the rest of the world, but I love getting free goodies.  My favorites of the pack?  The Republican Macaroni and Cheese, and the Patriotic Cowboy shirts top the list.  (Don’t worry, I will post photos when I wear the shirts)

Republican Mac and Cheese, complete with Republican Elephant noodles!

Finally, the day ended with one heck of a party.  It all began with an early premier of the movie An American Carol.  It’s a re-telling of one of Charles Dickens’ greats; the story of Scrooge.  Except in this version Scrooge is played by one Michael Monroe AKA Michael Moore.  The film is quite funny.  Let’s just say if you don’t like Moore’s movies, you will love this.  It provides the solution to the Michael Moore problem, although if you are sensitive, beware - this movie does its best to be as politically incorrect as is humanly possible.  That being said, everyone should go see it on Oct. 3rd when it comes out! 

After the movie, the party moved next door to the Minnesota CIVICFEST featuring famous American documents and antique campaign buttons, a replica oval office where you can be sworn in as President, gowns worn by first ladies and finally, a very detailed White House replica complete with furniture and wallpaper.  I wish I had that for a doll house; just think of the conversations you could have with those dolls!  There would be a Laura Bush ’Barbie’ Doll and George W. Bush ‘Ken’ Doll.  Complete with Cabinet members and the Presidential Book of Secrets.   Accessories not included.  

And there was one particular aspect of CIVICFEST that I would be remiss if I did not include.  The Shopping!!!!  There were all sorts of vendors there selling everything from handmade jewelry, Republican wear, books signed by the authors, games and of course everything John McCain.  While my funds are limited, I did manage to add a couple of pieces to my collection of elephant necklaces!

My new delegate badge as well as a new elephant necklace for my collection and a Colorado State painted coin necklace.