The Original Maverick

Roberta McCain, Senator John McCain’s 96-year-old mother, is a twin, still drives, and has a great story about eloping above a bar in Tijuana, Mexico. The Republican Presidential nominee’s resilience and feistiness may have a lot to do with his genes.

You have probably noticed the spry, gray haired beauty seated among the McCains throughout Republican convention coverage. No, that’s not Senator John McCain’s sister, it’s his 96-year-old mother Roberta.

Roberta McCain has traveled the country campaigning on behalf of her son. Her means of travel? A red BMW. Yes, she still drives, according to a recent Vogue Magazine article. In fact, just eight years ago, she drove all over Europe with her twin sister, Rowena Willis. It seems that honesty, a strong sense of self, character, humor and simply, adventure, really drive her too.

Roberta is the daughter of a Los Angeles oil wildcatter and widow of a high-ranking naval admiral who died in 1981. She has three children and spent much of her life living in ports ranging from Panama to Hawaii to London. “I’m happiest wherever I am right this minute,” she told Vogue Magazine.

Possibly the root of Senator McCain’s “straight talk,” Roberta is rumored to have flown the Tawainese flag out her apartment window in Washington, D.C. facing the Chinese embassy, on the anniversary of the Communist Party’s victory in the Chinese Civil War. This was during her son’s Presidential run in 2000.

Her 96th birthday wasn’t too long ago. She and her twin sister were born on February 7, 1912, to Myrtle and Archie Wright. Roberta credits her own health to her California upbringing and good genes (her father remained active until he died of cancer at 98).

The family eventually settled in Los Angeles where at age 19, Roberta eloped in Tijuana, Mexico, with Jack McCain, a navy ensign. She left with her schoolbooks and they were married in a room above Caesar’s Bar. This caused a riff with her family and Roberta admitted to Vogue that it may not have been the best idea. “I realize now it was immature. I took life as it came, still do,” Roberta said.

As her husband climbed the naval ranks, Roberta was exposed to more and more of the world and the glamorous life. She became good friends with J. Paul Getty and Clare Boothe Luce.

While living in London, she learned that her son “Johnny” had been shot down in Vietnam and relied on her faith to get her through the next five years. In his memoir, Faith of My Fathers, Senator John McCain writes that his mother filled the role of both parents and he emulates and exaggerates her characteristics.

Senator John McCain is undoubtedly his “mother’s son” and will bring much of her spirit to the White House if elected in November.

Elephant Hats Off to the Republicans

No one was sure what affect the storm Gusav would have on the Republican National Convention. After a weekend of heavy rain and evacuations in the Gulf Coast region, the convention was back on track. Before traditional convention discussions began, those present focused on collecting funds for the Red Cross and other NGOs helping with the storm.

Laura Bush’s speech was one of the first. While a vocal advocate for education and a better America, she rarely makes public appearances on this scale. Having some difficulty with the teleprompter (we understand), she said that when natural disasters occur “we are reminded that first, we are all Americans – and that our shared American ideals will always transcend political parties.

Along those lines of transcending political sides, I noticed a tendency of all the speakers to reference taking off their “Republican hats” and putting on their “American hats” as if they were different. From elephant hats, to baseball caps, to cowboy hats – man, the hats were great on the convention floor!

One of the highlights of the convention was a flag tribute with clips of moments in American history. Victoria Blackstone, a Minnesota High School student won a contest in which students answered the question, “What does the flag mean to me?”

The most talked about events were the speeches given by Rudy Guiliani, Governor Sarah Palin, and Senator John McCain. Guiliani, former mayor of New York City, was a Republican Presidential contender prior to McCain securing his party’s nomination. He began his speech by telling the crowd that Hollywood should not decide our next President and that the American people have to ask the correct questions and then decide. He likened the position of President to any other job process. “You’re hiring someone to do a job-an important job that involves the safety and security of your family. Imagine that you have two job applications in your hand-with the names and party affiliations taken off the top. They’re both good and patriotic men with very different life experiences that have led them to this moment in history,” Guiliani said.

While Guiliani suggested a good thought process for hiring a President, many were taken back by his laughter at community organizing. After speaking about McCain, he said in reference to Obama, “You have a resume from a gifted man with an Ivy League education. He worked as a community organizer, and immersed himself in Chicago machine politics. Then he ran for the state legislature-where nearly 130 times he was unable to make a decision yes or no. He simply voted present.” Guiliani was making the point that McCain is more decisive.

Guiliani’s closing was a highlight of his speech, “And were are the party that believes unapologetically in America’s essential greatness – that we are a shining city on the hill, a beacon of freedom that inspires people everywhere to reach for a better world.

Life of a Delegate From San Diego

Michael and I had the privilege of interviewing Francine Busby, a Clinton Delegate from Cardiff representing the 50th Congressional District. She was one of 25 San Diegans elected as delegates this spring through regional caucuses, joining two local Democratic members of Congress. Busby ran for Congress two years ago.

Check out a snapshot of San Diego’s representation in Denver:

Here are some more photos:

Also, check out this link and scroll down. My purse was discovered! She’s now signed by Wilhelmina modeling agency. 

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/photos

Pantsuited for Health Care Reform

Early Wednesday morning Michael and I attended a Health Care forum called “Winning Health Care Reform in 2009.” The event, held at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, was co-sponsored by Families USA and SEIU (Service Employees International Union). 

We were able to hear Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Former Senator Tom Daschle, and Senator Hillary Clinton speak. The last and much anticipated speaker was Senator Hillary Clinton. Walking on stage in a what Michael and I guessed was a sea foam green pantsuit (or maybe a fresh, but faded mint), Hillary was ready for some health care reform.

Clinton had a nice self-reflective moment where she recognized the failure of her and husband’s nineties universal health care plan. The audience applauded her past efforts and felt a particular comfort that she is still on board. Learning from the past, she advised that we elect Senator Obama as President, and then we pass a system of health care for all. Clinton talked about the need to get a system in place and then fix the kinks, otherwise time will keep passing by. She asked everyone in the room to get behind Obama and the movement of not just governors, but ordinary people around America to fix a broken, and often fundamentally immoral system. 

In closing, Clinton reminded the audience that health care for all is one of the paramount objectives of her life. While she did not get the presidential nomination, as a strong senator from New York and a health care advocate, she seems “pantsuited” for health care reform. Here is a snippet of her speech:

You Might be at the Dem Con When…

1. People on the street ask you if you have hope-AND change

2.  Groups of police in riot gear, big guns, and big smiles

3.  People ask you if you are a delegate and you respond,  “I like to delegate, but I’m not a delegate”

4. People are placing their bets on what color pant suit Hillary Clinton will wear

5. Cabs are everywhere, but they’re all full.  Ugh!

7. Cyndi Lauper, Rufus Wainwright, Melissa Etheridge, Thelma Houston, and Margaret Cho all perform on one stage

8. A singing choir stands on the stairs in a coffee shop and sings, “Goodnight Bush, goodnight bush”

9. You are witness the black market sale of press credentials

10. People are holding both Hillary and Barack signs and still shouting out, “Unity”

We attended a news conference about uninsured America. The conference, sponsored by Families USA, was a discussion on Census Bureau data and what it means for the future of American health care. 

We also listened to a policy discussion about quality, affordable health care for all and a widespread problem called uninsured-itis on the Digg stage at a media haven called “The Big Tent.” For a small fee, journalists can join the big tent for smoothies, massages, wi-fi, beer and all day events and special coverage under one really large tent. 

Feelings on the street are mixed in response to Hillary’s speech. Most people agree it was great, but many people were disappointed she didn’t drive home how ready Obama is to lead. Others, were over the moon about her energy and the “sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits.”

We are getting ready to attend a larger Health care forum today with the possibility of Hillary Clinton as one of the speakers.

Today is Roll Call, where delegates use a paper vote to affirm the nominee. Joe Biden “the scrappy kid from Scranton” and Bill Clinton are speaking tonight. 

Obamarado

I saw a sign at a gas station that read “Welcome to Obamarado.”

The main convention events started yesterday. The streets were packed with t-shirt vendors, advocacy groups, delegates, and even celebrities. Even with all the guests, the streets of Denver seem remarkably clean and safe. Although, a city block was blocked off by the Boulder County Bomb Squad last night not long after the festivities ended at the Pepsi Center. 

After walking around, we made our way to the Curtis Hotel for an event sponsored by the Lifetime channel. The “Future Frontrunner Summit” flew about ten girls to Colorado to meet powerful women who had some life lessons to share, from political activist Ariana Huffington to CA Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez to Beth Frerking, a senior editor with Politico.Com. The purpose of the summit was to inspire a new generation of women to succeed and help them realize they have no boundaries because as one panelist said, “We’re really tired.” 

Frerking along with the others talked about the historical presidential campaign of Senator Hillary Clinton. While Hillary is no longer the Presumptive Democratic Nominee, she did receive somewhere between 18 and 20 million votes. The young ladies were told to keep breaking the glass ceiling that Hillary and others have shattered thus far.

We interviewed one future frontrunner from Orange County whose message to young voters is “get off your butt and pay attention,” and an 18-year-old political reporter for Cosmo Girl who herself, has already interviewed Hillary Clinton and House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.

Being bi-partisan

We made it to an outdoor stage where MSNBC is filming shows like Hardball with Chris Mathews. One of the shows that was about to film had Rachel Maddow as a guest. People on the street were yelling things out to her like, “We love you Rachel.” My co-worker coincidently read earlier that soon Rachel will have her own show on MSNBC. 

Many of you probably watched the emotional tribute to Ted Kennedy last night in what could be his final appearance at a Democratic Convention. They first played a documentary created by Ken Burns and then Ted addressed the crowd. Looking out at thousands on their feet, holding signs bearing his name, Kennedy gave yet another powerful endorsement for Barack Obama and stressed the importance of party unity. He also vowed to return to the Senate floor in January to see the enactment of his universal health care bill. 

Michelle Obama’s speech was more of a biography. She discussed her upbringing in the south side of Chicago, the tremendous influence of her parents, their family values, and even credited Hillary Clinton with putting “18 million cracks in the glass ceiling.” 

Many were moved to tears as Michelle described her relationship with her husband, “The Barack Obama I know today is the same man I fell in love with 19 years ago,” she said. “He’s the same man who drove me and our new baby daughter home from the hospital ten years ago this summer, inching along at a snail’s pace, peering anxiously at us in the rearview mirror, feeling the whole weight of her future in his hands, determined to give her everything he’d struggled so hard for himself, determined to give her what he never had, the affirming embrace of a father’s love.” 

Her daughters. Malia 10 and Sasha 7, came out on stage after the speech and were joined by Barack Obama via satellite. “How bout Michelle Obama!” Barack said, igniting cheers from the crowd. Then, onto some cute banter between father and daughter that people had mixed feelings about. Although one man summed it up by saying, “if you got it, work it.” 

A personal highlight yesterday was running into a delegate from my home town in Pennsylvania who happens to be the mother of one of my good friends from High School.

Pictures to come soon…

 

 

 

If Washington Was a Mile High

It’s rumored that 38 different security agencies are here. That makes it a little bit difficult to get around the city. Many streets are blocked off, much to the chagrin of our shuttle driver who got lost on the way downtown yesterday. I’m okay with that. I’ll take being late over anthrax any day. 

What started as a traditional nomination and gathering has become a platform for media, art, philanthropy, technology, cultural and social issues. Each second I’m here, I realize and appreciate the incredible feat of putting together a convention. 

Last night, I attended the Young Democrats of America Convention Kick-off at Sidebar. It felt like I was back in Washington, D.C. only a little less oxygen. “This is the biggest mix of national and local politics. You see city council members talking to Congressman,” said Tyler Mounsey of the Colorado Young Democrats. Tyler just so happens to be an old classmate of mine from American University. 

We talked to delegates who still have friends who support Hillary and hope there is a yeah or neh call-out vote instead of paper. I was simultaneously interviewed by the New York Times and TMZ and introduced to John Kerry’s personal aide. It’s clear that many people are here for work, just for the party, or for both. 

T-shirt designers were on hand to display the latest in Dem dress. Mike Gomez of Blood Heart and Clothing Group and a European Professional basketball player was selling this earth friendly apparel that he says “teaches, inspires and gives back to our planet.” His t-shirts feature Barack Obama, Jackie Robinson, Cesar Chavez and other trailblazers. Also, Denver-based brand LARD was there with “Run DNC” t-shirts.

The convention is officially on!

I Support The Birthday Party

Last night, my co-worker Michael and I, aspiring scenesters, went to a section of town called “Lo Do,” the cool way to say lower downtown. When we walked into a restaurant the hostess asked us if we were here for the party and Michael said, “The Democratic Party?” and she said, “no, the birthday party.” Surprisingly, there is a life outside the convention this week.

Denver had to wait an extra hour for our arrival because we missed our flight thanks to long lines at San Diego’s airport, but we arrived safe and sound yesterday morning. Immediately after getting off the plane it was obvious that Denver is pulling out all the stops for the convention. No surprise, since every media outlet is converging on the Mile High City. From the sweet, gray-haired volunteers all over the airport to the fresh red, white, and blue flowers at baggage claim, no expense was spared. Our Ethiopian cab driver told us they even bussed in new girls to work at select “adult establishments.” Then he apologized for being inappropriate.

I’m excited to see what happens when Hollywood meets Poliwood. During our cab ride downtown, we heard a local DJ talking about how she must meet George Clooney who is supposed to be here this week). She asked all listeners to email or call her immediately if they knew where he was, so that she could track him down and profess her love.

The restaurant last night had the perfect random sample of what to expect in the days to come. A Nader supporter sipping beers, talking about the need for more parties, and calling John McCain “creepy.” Our waitress told us she was as far left as could be and was searching for Jon Stewart this week. We overheard many late night debates and I’m happy to report they were friendly. Although, we did see what someone told us was a “chick fight” out on the street. I wonder if the punch was thrown with a “here’s a change you can believe in?” Most likely the result of one too many “Obamapolitans,” a popular menu item.

We are heading to a few events today: A Young Lawyers for Obama meeting (my co-worker is in law school) and a Young Democrats for America Convention kick off party.  Later on this week we will go to several speeches and committee meetings. It’s such a privilege to be here. I feel so lucky.

Countdown to the Conventions

This time tomorrow, I’ll be in Denver for the start of the Democratic National Convention or what the kids call “DenVen.” Then, it’s off to Minneapolis for the Republican National Convention (still searching for the cool kids name). My name is Elizabeth Ireland and I’m a freelance writer for KNSD.

A Convention first-timer, I’m traveling on behalf of Campaign.com, a non-partisan voter education website. Campaign.com provides information to voters on candidates at the local, state and federal levels. While the Presidential race is widely covered, the other 45, 000 elected positions, which directly impacts each and every voter’s life, are virtually left in a void. Campaign.com is a great source for unbiased information so voters can educate themselves on all levels of candidates and legislative issues.

I’m looking forward to everything except for the 6:30 a.m. flight. I can’t wait to compare and contrast attendees, speakers, vendors, celebs, schwag and all things National Conventions.