Princess Zulu

The first person I interviewed was Princess Zulu at the One Campaign Event. I had the opportunity to talk with her after we made care kits there. She is a woman with personal experience dealing with HIV/AIDS as an orphan whose parents both passed away with AIDS. Now she lives in Chicago, where she is an advocate for supporting children in Africa so they have somewhere to turn if their parents are succumbed to the AIDS virus. She is not personally involved in politics, just purely here to get the word out through the ONE Campaign and World Vision organizations.

Because this was a political convention and it was semi-associated with the RNC, I asked her why she felt an event like this was so important to be represented at a time like this. She had mentioned that they had also done an event in Denver as well the week before. She stated that the American people say that they care, and with these organizations, One and World Vision, they have an opportunity to show they do. She was very pleased with the turnout of people who just wanted to make a difference and get involved in a non-partisan way. This campaign event during the convention was so unconventional in the fact that it was not about party affiliation, but coming together as Americans to help a cause. In this sense, regardless of who wins the White House in November, the organization can make sure that the President continues an initiative to fight malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other problems in Africa. I then proceeded to ask her what she wanted the young people in America and all over the world to really know about this particular organization and how they could impact the future, in politics and out. She responded by saying that young adults and persons could start as activists and just share with their friends and family. She said that it is important to get the word out at events like the RNC because those young people in attendance are already politically active. Even something as simple as making a care kit, as we were doing today, could impact so many lives.

In her own personal experience, her mother needed antifungal cream and they had to travel on foot for hours. By the time they returned to their home, her mother was dead. This death could have been simply prevented if her mother just had a local doctor or easier access to the cream. She then proceeded to tell me that there are stories out there much sadder than her own and this does not have to be the reality. Clean water, malaria, and poverty are all affiliated with HIV/AIDS and until these are conquered, HIV/AIDS will continue to be a huge problem.
Amazing, the story of her life. And amazing to see her advocating now.
Bless.

The case for Palin: Women in politics defend

Today, there as a press briefing: “Republicans Strongly Defend Gov. Palin’s Executive Experience, Criticize Media Coverage”

Carly Fiorina, Chairman, RNC Victory 2008
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Former Gov. Jane Swift (R-MA)
Rosario Marin, Former. U.S. Treasurer
Nancy Pfotenhauer, McCain 08 Policy Advisor
Renee Amore, PA Republican Party Deputy Chairman

*pictures below are all personally taken by me. Do not take without express permission from the owner. Thank you*

  Jane Swift 

She stated the record of achievement for Sarah Palin has prepared her to lead more than Barack Obama. His experience: running his campaign v. her running a state. She has experience in energy, economics, and schools and she loves her children. The governor is doing her job. 

 

 Carly Fiorina was the next to speak.

She spoke on the sexist attacks that occurred during this Presidential election, including those who attacked Hilary during her run. They admire Hilary for her historic run for President. Rosario also claimed that people attacked her with false accusations, like being a Nazi supporter. Also, she even stated that Obama had released his SS#. She has accomplished more as an executive and also just happens to be a woman, which is just thrilling. 

 Rosario Marin

She praised Sarah Palin, herself being a parent of a child with Down Syndrome. She also stated, “who better to understand career and woman?” No one questioned Obama about why he is running when he has two children at home. Rosario also stated she understood the challenge of being a career mom

  Marsha Blackburn

She understood how to put your name on the line and run as a woman in politics. She also sees a constant attack on conservative women. Sarah Palin managed 10 billion dollars and everyone in Alaska loves, appreciates, and respects her. Palin has fiscal responsibility, which many do not understand. She helped cut spending… half billion cut with the line item veto and knows how to manage a budget. Palin also gave $1200 to help Alaskan citizens having trouble with increase in gas prices. She has also has handled climate change, with formal action, creating a climate change subcommittee in Alaska. She ended by quoting Margaret Thatcher “if you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.”

 Renee Amore
 
 Renee stressed that Palin has had more executive experience and has been an activist all her life. She is ready not only to be Veep, but President. Renee personally has dealt with racism and sexism, and we know who Palin is and she has the respect of young women. She ended with ebonics : “we know what we are doing, know who we are, and we ain’t gonna take it.”

The women stressed that it was a double standard in politics, and that they want the media and public to focus on the issues. In a comparison to Geraldine Ferraro, 24 years ago since and Palin is still having to fight the same battle, as did Hilary. In terms of national security, with oil, Palin has that experience as well. 

In a question asked by a reporter regarding a statement made by Lindsey Graham and Rick Davis stating that Palin expects to rely fully on McCain’s staff in terms of foreign policy. In that regards, they shooted back with the infrastructure and the fact that no one seems to be concerned with state senator & now U.S. Senator Obama who was 90x present in controversial and difficult issues… and relying heavily on Biden for foreign policy. 

Another question: handing over the Presidency who has led something 1/10 the size of a Fortune 20 company. HP leader Carly Fiorina stated that it wasn’t the size of the company that mattered when you handed the company to someone else, but the decisions that they had made within their own company. Having executive powers would imply that the executive, Palin, would be held accountable. Also, she would have to stand up to the constituency, which she has done as Alaskan governor. 

Someone asked about McCain’s executive credentials… and the women stated back that McCain led a squadron in the Navy, leading it from an abysmal squad to one of the best.

In regards to defending women in politics, namely Hilary Clinton… Fiorina stated that she has supported Hilary Clinton, not on her issues, but as a woman in politics making a historical mark. Lastly, someone asked them to concede the fact that those remarks were made from the Republicans, and the women would not do so. Although they disagree politically… they still admire her.

This is Joyce and her first press briefing. I honestly don’t think I heard anything today I haven’t heard before. Maybe a couple more statistics but otherwise.. women saying that Palin has more executive experience than Obama or Biden, and is a woman ready to lead this country. 

I guess we’ll see what critics think after tonight. 
from Minneapolis. 

the One campaign

 

“This isn’t about politics… it transcends politics… it’s about life.”

“To whom much is given, much is required.”

Today I had the opportunity to go to the One campaign event, where people would be making care kit for caregivers to hand out to HIV/AIDS victims in Africa. I was really excited to go to this event, on the sole reason that I am so interested in ambassadorial work in international relations. So anyway, it took me $26 to get there to the Minneapolis Convention Center, which was kind of harsh, but it was well worth it. Although it would have been better if I could have donated the money, but the detours & buses are a mess here. 

I got there, and it was a great sight to see to be there and take part. And it was nice to see Senators and Congressman there as well. That was great just to see them taking part in this event and participating to help the One Campaign and World Vision. Rick Santorum, represent PA was there. The special guests were Princess Zulu, First Lady Laura Bush, Bill Frist, Cindy McCain. It was great, my view was like five feet away. I got to see them speak up close, which was amazing since the short and sweet speech at the Xcel Center I missed last night since I was in the media tent. It was amazing to here what they have both done on behalf of children with malaria. My heart aches for these children, and I am glad that they are doing something as well. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to bring my camera in, and at one point… Laura Bush was literally like two feet away… and I didn’t have my camera. Lovely. But overall… I realized today that I really don’t need to meet anyone famous. And that might be the only speeches I may see in person, but the One event was just a great experience. I just love seeing bi-partisan things in action. (The organization is non-partisan OR bi-partisan and also had an event in Denver.) They just want to ensure that regardless of who wins in November, they continue the initiative. 

And honestly, it was nice to hear more about Cindy McCain. I realize she is wealthy, but I am glad to hear a more human side of her. For example, in 1994 the time of the Rwanda genocide, Cindy McCai took a medical mission trip, one of 55 she has personally led. Yes, she has the time and money.. but its’ nice to see she actually does. And of course, Laura Bush as well. She has been to Africa 5 times since President Bush’s term in office, especially supporting the PMI President Malaria Initiative. Bill Frist the co-chair of the ONE Vote 08 introduced Cindy McCain and also briefly spoke.

I had the opportunity to interview Princess Zulu, and that will soon follow. She has an amazing story to tell.

www.one.org

Vetting anyone?

I am surprised to find out, like with the rest of the world, that Sarah Palin (the Rep VP nom)’s daughter is pregnant. About 5 months pregnant, apparently in her second trimester. This story surfaced after rumors that Palin’s youngest son was actually her daughter’s child. Though McCain knew about this information, he did not think it was a determining factor to choosing Palin for his VP nominee. It should be noted that the daughter and her fiancee will be keeping the baby. In a time of dirty politics, I was very refreshed to see Obama’s reaction to this vetting. Because Obama and Biden have continually been in the national news, we knew we were going to see vetting of Palin. The controversies continue on the Republican side, with surfaces of a DWI of her husband and a controversy of a phone call from her office trying to get her brother-in-law, the brother-in-law currently in a divorce battle with her sister.

But back to Obama’s reaction. In a quote:

“Let me be as clear as possible,” said Obama, “I think people’s families are off-limits and people’s children are especially off-limits. This shouldn’t be part of our politics. It has no relevance to Gov. Palin’s performance as governor, or her potential performance as a vice president.”

Now while I realize it was political that he did say that… I felt that was exactly what I wanted to hear from Obama. I honestly don’t think that McCain would have reported a story similar either if one should surface on the Dems side, but I am very happy that Obama made a clear statement, especially to his supporters. In a time where dirty politics are the name of the game, I hope that both camps take families and friends outside of the political battles. To attack Palin’s daughter would just seem to be unnecessary, especially in a time where I’m sure she does not want national coverage on the fact that she is pregnant. But now that it’s out, I am sure it will be talked about, amongst not only social conservatives, but also with Democrats who have already stated that Republicans are hypocrites for this situation. With all of the conservatives and social issues surrounding this, it’ll be interesting to see the response. But in all actuality, why should it matter? Does it matter?

Clearly, it does to some extent, well, at least people love the gossip. While I think its ridiculous that the Veep’s daugther may influence the election and unfair to her, we will see how much it does as the vetting continues around Sarah Palin.

RNC updates

Most importantly, I am nervous to see the continuing weather reports regarding Gustav. The levels keep increasing, and I know some of my friends here from Texas are nervous about what will happen come tomorrow. The category has dropped to a 3, but they are anticipating another rise overnight. A state of emergency has taken affect, including emergency evacuations. Hopefully people will be leaving the areas and surrounding areas willingly. I really hope that it doesn’t hit, especially some areas who have already had trouble with Katrina. They are still recovering from Katrina and Gustav would certainly not be helpful in their stay. I am also interested to see how the RNC will be impacted by Gustav. In about one hour, so 4 p.m. EST, McCain should be making an announcement to see how the RNC is going to be impacted by Gustav. We cannot be celebrating in the time of crisis for the United States. Unfortunately, if it is postponed… I don’t see things going well for any of us here. I know that we all have plane flights and other commitments, eg school, that we need to get back to. Senator McCain has come out and stated that he is thinking about postponing or delaying the RNC.

And the VP nominee is…

I have no doubt in my mind that you have no already heard about Sarah Palin: the new Republican VP nominee. So the story broke this morning at around 9:30 here in Minneapolis; Aaron received a text message from NBC. We saw McCain and Palin speak on CNN at the uni. What an interesting choice…

Let me explain basics of just what I think. She is a new person to politics in general, she has had two years as the governor of Alaska. Yes, that’s right… Alaska. But she has many things going for her. Noted as the most popular governor, in just two years she has fought corruption in Alaska. She is a mother of five, which I’m sure you heard as well. She worked her way up the ranks. From basketball coach to PTA all the way up to the governor. I know governing is no easy thing, but it’s hard to say how it is to govern a state with a population of less than 700,000 people. What does that mean for Palin? Palin also has a son shipping off to Iraq, so she is invested in the Iraq war as well. She is a working mother, really starting at the bottom and working her way up the ranks.

This was a political move. There were several other Republicans up for the VP spot as well. By the morning, we knew about Ohio and Minnesota being out. And then there was speculation about a plane from Anchorage coming in 10 p.m. last night. But then there were rumors that Palin was still back in Alaska. Hmm, interesting. Media wanted to break it first. Sarah Palin is a woman. Clearly. She is also a conservative, which McCain did need to go back to. By choosing Palin as a running mate, McCain was hoping it would give enough of a pull to just have him win. 

At the very least, McCain managed to shake up the VP process. She is the youngest, at 44 years old. She is inexperienced in national politics, but the Republicans make the case that she has had executive experience, something Obama does not. Everyone keeps asking the question as to if she’ll get the Clinton supporters. I don’t think its so much about that. I think its more about those women in the middle, who don’t necessarily vote towards either major party. I think its about those people, the more independent voting women. At the same time, if those Clinton supporters decide to go for neither candidate, then they could potentially stay at home. That will also be beneficial to McCain as well. I don’t think that all of a sudden women everywhere will go… ooh look, let’s go vote for her. At the same time, it’ll be an interesting thing to see as it develops. I think there is a case to make for her as a woman… in the sense that she worked her way up on her own. Whether or not you like Hillary Clinton aside, she did have that national exposure as the First Lady under the Clinton administration. I have heard women argue that we actually wouldn’t want her as the first female President because she wasn’t a women’s woman. That they didn’t want the first women President to also have already been the first Lady. 

However, Sarah Palin is a relative unknown. And I think, any way you spin it… she lacks experience. The McCain campaign took a huge chunk of the experience debate off the table. She is also the governor. of Alaska. It doesn’t say much. She is also dealing with a controversy, though nothing is connecting her at this time. 

Regardless, I think it was obviously a nonconventional choice. It was a shocking choice. But either way, in one announcement… the McCain’s campaigns have been able to completely shift the focus away from Obama and his amazing acceptance speech. Some people actually thought the McCain crew was going to announce Thursday night, but he McCain crew repeated that it was OBama’s night. What an interesting story, and I look forward to seeing the VP debate, and how she deals with the the vetting as well.

Recap of day one:

Today we got the opportunity to meet our faculty leaders. An interesting diversity of who they thinking have a shot to be chosen as the McCain VP nominee. Former Congressman Mickey Edwards started off by kind of reminding us that the Cogress is clearly going to play a huge role as well. I mean, everyone is so focused on McCain and Obama that people forget. I think it is valid as well, because many view the President as the head of state, or at the very least the biggest public figure and executive branch member in America. Although, I think people forget to recognize the President does need the approval of the Congress for many things. I think whoever wins the Presidency will have to deal with the Congress, especially after all the additional Presidential powers added during the Bush administration. With all the controversy of the immense increase of power in the Presidential powers during the Bush administration, people should want the Congress to check on the next President. I hope this happens as well if Obama is elected, even though he is a Democratic and there is a Democratic majority in Congress. I feel that every political analyst and everyone in between in talking about the VP position, especially with the recent announcement of Joe Biden for the Democratic nominee. Clearly people think the role itself is significant, 20% of people who have held the VP position have continued on to becoming President. Obviously, the Presidential nominees need to pick a VP who can answer the weakness of the President, Obama with foreign policy and McCain with economics. I think McCain really needs to find someone that conservatives can trust and everyone can trust to get them back towards a balanced budget. It’ll be interesting to see whether McCain uses strategy towards economics or winning specific states or even just to enter his VP candidate with a splash. There has been talk for two potential female VPs, so it would be a very interesting race.

 

A quick note of an overall recap…

It was our first official day at the Washington Center. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time as I would like. I actually didn’t realize I wouldn’t have much time for my blog today. Today was the first day of our seminars. It was nice because we got the chance to learn more about the faculty leaders, they introduced themselves more in detail. And we had other speakers as well, including the Honorable Mickey Edwards who discussed the importance of the Congressional leaders even in the Presidential process. I agree, because I feel that in most people focus so much on the Presidential election that they forget about Congress and the checks and balances that they have on the President. And also, what Congressional powers are specifically for Congress. Especially with a Democratic-majority for the Republicans. And as well if the Democrats don’t win the Presidential election… what will it say about the party itself. It was interesting as well.

Anyway, I will have to write about today and tomorrow when I actually have time tomorrow. It is two in the morning here and I am so tired. We are writing journal entries as well about our experiences here, so hopefully I have a lot to write about and think about for the future. 

The DNC started today, which I’m sure some of you know. Its really interesting here because my mix of friends are Democrats and Republicans. The people on the metro here must think we are so strange… we talked about politics the whole way to the Mall of America and back. We went there today, it was my first time there… and it was nice, but we only saw a small segment of it. Hopefully we’ll be back again. There is this like mini amusement park in the middle of the mall. About eleven of us went I think and I am sure we were pretty loud with our discussions on the metro . The people in the metro here is really quiet, which is really interesting. I think its fun that there are debates going on amongst people who are at the RNC as well. It’s nice to debate both sides. I guess we’ll see how the DNC progresses as well, especially after the Clintons speak tuesday and wednesday. I actually wish I could talk more about Biden and how I feel that he is the VP for Obama, but hopefully tomorrow. Afterwards the guys came over and we just sat and hung out. After today, I think it’ll be a really fun two weeks. I am learning about other people and the continuing learning of other people’s views is probably the best thing I’ve experienced so far.

On a side note, I’m actually learning loads about England and Northern Ireland as well. I absolutely love it and I’m so excited to go to England, although its not for a long while. It’s actually really amazing, and my roommate and I, as well as our other friends, are having very interesting discussions on religion. I hope to continue to learn about more as time goes on. 

That’s all tonight. As I said, updates tomorrow with more details on the seminars themselves. 
Good night~!

And we are here…

2 planes and a couple hours later, we are in Minneapolis. No complaints here though, our plan rides were really smooth and pain free. Some people here were in planes for HOURS and HOURS and jet-lagged even.  Although we haven’t even done anything yet, I am really grateful already for the chance to come here. Thanks Temple, the Vice Provost, Ruth, Dr. Kolodny~! I know I will have an experience of a lifetime, regardless of what I do. I have already met amazing people, and I love it because my roommate is not a staunch Republican either, so it’ll be great . I’m not staunch anything, as you will soon learn . We actually already had a debate after dinner regarding foreign policy, since we do have people here from other countries as well… and not everyone here is Republicans. Like me, they are here to learn. We had our orientation today and got our room keys & mates for the next two weeks. I was one of the winners of the ice breaker game~! haha I won an American scarf, which is sweet. I haven’t had much of a chance to explore Minneapolis (who knows if I will), but I am excited of what is going to happen in the days ahead. For some strange reason, I am really exhausted… I started getting tired at 8:30 p.m. here haha. Oops. Full day ahead, so hopefully some more interesting updates for you guys soon! My roommate seems awesome, I don’t want to give too much information about her for security reasons but I think it’ll be such a fun time these next days. 

Good night~!

Testing…

Testing… new blog site.

Hopefully I’ll use this website to write about my goings-on during the convention.
 

All I know so far:

  fieldwork placement: Boston Globe
 

Obviously, I know the convention is at Minneapolis and we are going to be staying in hotels while we are there. I’m interested to meet my roommate for the next two weeks and know what exactly what we are going to do on a day-to-day basis.