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Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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Sunday RNC Delegate Report by Joel Strom

Report from the RNC in St, Paul, Minnesota. And I thought “change” was the operative word of the DNC!


Immediately upon arrival we heard that “change” was afoot; as hurricane Gustav ambled slowly across the Caribbean, it became more apparent that this RNC would need some radical adjustments if we were to demonstrate the true concern and compassion truly felt by most every delegate here in the Twin Cities.

Rumors abounded in every nook and cranny of our California hotel, the Sheraton South in Bloomington (more on the hotel later). But even though the changes announced today were meant to maximize the huge opportunity we had to help, the convention planners could not overlook the like media lambasting of a rich, cold-hearted, incompetent GOP partying the night away while our Southern brethren suffer the displacement and suffering caused by another gulf hurricane.

Obama would no doubt follow suit.  By the way, where was B.O., yesterday and today — campaigning shamelessly while the potentially devastating storm was barreling towards the Big Easy.

Clearly, the highlight of the day was the American Carol event(s) featyuring the film directed by Naked Gun and Airplane’s David Zucker. Hosted by Paul Singer and Annie Dickinson, a tad over 2000 delegates and guests crammed into a large ballroom to enjoy the musical entertainment, highlighted by Lee Greenwood.  Great eats, great conversation, lots of opportunities to rub elbows with Hollywood actors, producers and writers.  David Zucker, Director and Myrna Sokoloff, Executive Producer, were gratified to see such a large crowd.Attendees streamed into the absolutely stunning theatre which seated 3,000 to view the film and here from the stars. Laughter abounded and people left the room ready to fill theatres nationwide October 3rd on 2000 plus screens..


What I heard……….Convention goers to a person agreed that the bulk of the convention parties and high-visible pro GOP speeches would have to be curtailed or eliminated.  The initial excitement of being together for the quadrennial social and political gathering was blunted a bit as people followed the storm and the changes it would bring both in Minnesota and down South.  Delegates from LA and MS were surprisingly upbeat and prepared.  McCain offered a chartered plane to return delegates to their homes yet just about every one stayed to complete their work, represent their state, managing their families from afar.  Just heard that the actual first night session has been canceled – no Bush, no Cheney, no prime time speeches – only early afternoon business session that is required for us to actually nominate a Presidential candidate.

Palin……..I kid you not, not one, not one single doubter or even a ho-hum over this pick.  Found out on the plane from our state Finance Director, Cassandra Vandenberg, that the campaign raked in $4.5 million the day after the announcement ON THE INTERNET!  So, all in all I think we are doing well with our pick.  Everyone is anxious to see her here in Minnesota.  With any luck, the changes to the schedule will not preclude Governor Palin from appearing and speaking at prime time.

And finishing off with that “change” word again…..delegates are scoffing or laughing every time they hear a Democrat say that they represent “change” while McCain’s selection of Palin represents more of the same. Now do you really think that will poll well??? If it does I think we need to “change” our pollsters!

More tomorrow. Your humble reporter, Delegate Joel Strom

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