2004

Rick and Susan's Pictures from the RNC in NYC!

2000

GOP Convention Updates
from ACRP Chairman Kevin Bryant

August 3, 2000
Thank You! – I again would like to thank all of my family and friends for your support. The Republicans in the 3^rd Congressional District elected me to represent them at this convention and I am grateful. We have had a wonderful experience that will last a lifetime!

Ready to Go to Work – After 4 nights of pep rally, the S.C. delegation is primed and ready to come home and get to work on electing the next President of the United States! Governor Bush has shown that he has more leadership, integrity, and vision for America than the opposition. S.C. does very well in Presidential elections for the Republican Nominee thus helping the rest of our ticket. I don’t envy local candidates of the Brand X Party that will share the ballot with Gore. He will do well in other places, but not in Anderson County.

Compassionate Conservatism – Many skeptics suggested the Bush’s coined phrase, Compassionate Conservatism is adrift from our traditional Republican values. After this convention, victories in the platform committee, and Dick Chaney’s pick, those suggestions are put to rest. Polls have shown that the public values the issues that Gov. Bush has been emphasizing the most, so "W" is evidently setting the pace for this campaign.

Gore Must Answer – Although I am convinced of Bush and Cheney’s commitment to the Pro-Life cause, they may miss a golden opportunity if they don’t make it a campaign issue. Al Gore has a record of defending partial birth abortion and I would like to see him forced into explaining this. The details of this procedure need to be communicated with the public.

A Risky VP? – Since Gore is behind and Bush has chosen a conservative VP, does this force Gore into taking a gamble with his pick? Many think so and hope this risky choice will backfire. He may not be able to catch up with a safe veep, so let’s hope he takes a gamble and looses.

Youth in Action – George P. Bush, who appears to be the newest heartthrob for teens, The Philadelphia Boys Choir and Miss America along with other young people took part in the convention. Will this energize young people to vote Republican? Let’s hope so. If nothing else, we have made our case that the conservative agenda is best for all Americans.

August 2, 2000
Invocation – Many were pleasantly surprised to see quarterback Steve Young give the invocation in tonight’s convention. 

Off came the Gloves – The assembly showed its approval of the Vice Presidential appointment of Dick Cheney, former Secretary of Defense and White House Chief of Staff.   A one-liner laced speech lathered the crowd into a frenzy.  After two servings of positive mush, tonight, Chaney served the Choir razor soup.  The easiest way to invigorate the Republican Base is to remind them of its opposition.  King William and Prince Albert were ideal targets.  This convention must accomplish two things, attracting the voters’ attention and motivating the troops.  After tonight’s performance, the workhorses of the Republican Party are ready to rumble.  I noticed an absence of “Democrat bashing”, but a singling out the two clowns that have occupied the throne for almost 8 years.

Regular? – U.S. congressman, Joe Scarborough of Florida entertained the audience tonight with his band, “Regular Joe”.  A rocking congressman doesn’t seem regular, but they were entertaining.

Ambassador Keyes – A small group of us attended a birthday party for Dr. Alan Keyes this afternoon for cake and ice cream.  Dr. Keyes has been a great orator of the conservative cause and many are disappointed in his absence in the convention program.  We haven’t been able to find out why he hasn’t been more involved.  Ambassador Keyes only spoke about 10 minutes mainly to thank his staff as today officially ended his campaign.    

Breakfast – S.C.’s delegation enjoyed a breakfast to honor Senator Strom Thurmond this morning at the Arts Museum.  This museum rests on the famous steps scaled by “Rocky Balboa” in the motion picture that made Philly famous.  Unfortunately, Senator Thurmond is unable to attend the convention due to a leg problem.  Governor Bush made his first appearance this week in Philadelphia on those steps Wednesday morning.

August 2, 2000 - 1:41pm
Today’s report is a compilation of scattered thoughts.

Strength - Tonight’s theme flaunted a foundational Republican concept of peace through strength.  Highlighted were speeches by Senator Bob Dole and Mrs. Elizabeth Dole, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, and a coronation by Senator John McCain.  The veterans in attendance received an extended applause of appreciation while the theme songs of the armed forces were played by the convention band.  Other highlights include the famous quote by President Reagan in a commemorative video,   “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”  Then “Freedom is not free.  It is bought and paid for by blood, limbs, and lives of our veterans…” said General W. Norman Schwarzkopf.  General Schwarzkopf, who spoke from a battle ship, went on to describe the tragic downsizing of the military that has taken place since the Gulf War.

Votes - Since S.C. played a key role in the primary; we have the honor of taking a “pass” on casting our votes tonight.  It is possible that our turn will come immediately before the Texas delegation commends their Governor Bush on Thursday night.   Our delegation elected Lt. Governor Bob Peeler as our chairman, therefore he will have the honor of serving as our spokesman.  We all speculate his ingenuity and wit will make this historic event memorable.

Phone Home – WRIX has been kind enough to allow me to call in John and Bev’s “Voice of the People” each morning.  Today was my first chance since being here.  I appreciate this opportunity and should be able to call each morning the rest of the week.  The show is on from 6am to 10am.  My calls should be around 8:30 or so.

Spin – During the Presidential Primary Senator John McCain was hyped as a “straight shooter”, one that speaks his mind.  This week he has endorsed Governor Bush, released all of his delegates, and is encouraging full support.  Some political commentators now say that he doesn’t mean it.  Isn’t that interesting?

Protests - The normal convention demonstrations got a little out of hand yesterday.  Several hundred protestors stretched out in the streets blocking busses and sidewalks.   The ruckus caused a disruption at a few hotels causing a few delegations to be late for the convention.  The Philadelphia Police Forces have done an excellent job at keeping the peace.  Violence has been a minimum and our safety has not been threatened.   In addition, when Representative Jim Kolbe, an open homosexual, occupied the podium for comments, many of the Texas delegation demonstrated a silent protest by removing their cowboy hats and bowing their heads.  Many delegates felt the choice of Kolbe as a speaker was unfitting.

Eats - After a visit to a rally hosted by the Christian Coalition, S.C. House member, Jim Klauber and I enjoyed a legendary Pat’s Philly Steak in a quaint ethnic neighborhood.  Pat’s is a walkup, sidewalk dive that is famous for their steak and cheese hoagies.  This is the first meal that we have purchased since as there are several receptions provided by Corporate Sponsors. 

August 1, 2000 - 11:07am
In a display of unity, Senator John McCain released all of his delegates yesterday and encouraged them to get behind the nominee, Governor George Bush.

According to the rules of the S.C. Republican Party, delegates are bound to vote for the winner of the district in which they represent. For example, Governor Bush won the state; therefore, at large delegates are bound to cast their vote for him. Since Senator McCain won the first Congressional District, (Charleston Area – Rep. Mark Sanford) the three delegates from that district were bound to vote for McCain. Our delegation officially passed a resolution this morning to free those votes in order for S.C. to cast its entire delegation votes for Governor Bush.

The first of many surprises last night was a short greeting by Hank Williams, Jr., a rock band’s short performance, the exciting segment by The Greater Exodus Baptist Church, and the skit by school children occupying desks on the convention main stage. In conventions past, the program’s intent was to reach the audience of the delegates and those present. This year’s convention seems to be focusing on the voters watching on T.V. Most voters do not concern themselves with all of the details of government and policy like us political junkies, so the strategy will help us in November. I am confident (especially after Cheney was chosen as veep) that the conservative principles are intake, yet presented in a warmer, fuzzier manner. Republicans may have finally mastered the art of "connecting" with the ordinary voter.

The speeches on education and opportunity by Mrs. Bush and General Powell interlaced with the philosophy of parental choice was a double grand slam, if you consider the above strategy. A little too puffy for most of the delegation, but we are Bush voters anyway. I anticipate this new found "Oprah" style of politicking pays off.

July 31, 2000 - 9:13am
An article appeared in many SC Newspapers last week headlined "Fewer Delegates Part of Movement".  The gist of the article was that less of SC's delegation to the Republican Convention is part of the Religious Right.  This may seem discouraging to the conservative faithful at face value, but consider my interpretation.

 Sometimes the mainstream media attempts to define the grassroots base of the Republican Party as intolerant and uncompassionate; you've heard these labels.   Since my election as delegate to the RNC last spring, I have participated in several phone interviews and surveys.  If asked if I am pro-life, for traditional family values, less government, etc. my answers were probably with the rank and file "Religious Right".  However, if asked if I was part of the Religious Right, I would answer "no". 

 Other delegates and alternates I have talked with have answered these questions similar to me.   I do stand for the traditional conservative issues, and proudly confess Jesus Christ as Lord of all, but don't appreciate the nametags that come with these commitments, especially the “Religious Right”.  When others give us nametags, then often they define our motives.  If other delegates and alternates from across the nation are thinking the way most of us are, the Republican Base is in good shape.  I encourage all Christian Conservatives to stay the course, but avoid allowing others to decide under which banner we will march.

 Compassionate Conservatism does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? 

July 31, 2000 - 8:57am
I appreciate the support of all of my Republican friends that have supported me as I have been selected to represent South Carolina at the Republican National Convention this summer.  Many family and friends have requested daily report of the goings on in Philadelphia.  In addition, I will attempt to send interesting tidbits that may not be covered by the national media.