I started being a presidential convention watcher the summer I turned 17 in 1968. There was no cable back in those days. TV was pretty much the 3 major broadcast networks and they all showed the conventions. In Philly there was a minor exception of UHF channels for non convention viewing options. At that time in Philly, we had channels 17 and 48. Channel 17 gave the clearer picture with old movies. so that was the choice in my household against the Republican convention. I did watch much of the 68 Chicago Democratic convention due to the televised violent protests. I paid more attention to the Democratic conventions until 1984. While still very much a Democrat, I did make a point to watch the 1984 Republican convention due to my curiosity at the time for black Republicans.
From then on I watched both Democrat and Republican conventions. I still get a laugh when thinking back to the late Texas Governor, Ann Richards’ really funny speech against George Herbert Walker Bush at the 1988 Democrat Convention. I started work earlier that day at 7:30 a.m.. I never went home after work but killed time until the start of Vacation Bible School at my church (I was the assistant director). When I got home that evening a little after 9 p. m., I turned on the TV to watch the remainder of the convention. The late Governor Richards was hilarious. But the Democrat presidential candidate, Michael Dukakis eventually lost. In another little interesting tidbit, that was the first time seeing Bill Clinton and I automatically thought that he would be president within the decade. It only took 4 years.
I really enjoyed this 2012 Republican convention. I even think if I was still a Democrat, I would be quietly liking it. A Democratic member in my household gave it a thumbs up. I responded in front of the TV at home to the wonderful speeches like the delegates did in Tampa. I know some Republicans/conservatives did not like Gov. Chris Christie’s speech as I did. It was not red meat enough for some, but he made the right points. I also liked Gov. Scott Brown’s and Gov. Nikki Haley’s speech. The Wednesday night speeches of Gov. Susana Martinez, Condoleezza Rice who was absolutely fabulous, and Republican VP candidate, Rep Paul Ryan topped the convention for me. I love the budgeting, numbers crunching Ryan. I am so glad, Romney picked him to be his running mate. Pres. Obama and the Democrats do not have anyone in economic matters that comes even close to Rep. Ryan.
Mitt Romney’s speech was a good Republican energizer. Yes, I know he is conservative-light, but I go with him and Rep. Ryan over the already proven socialist directed, increased government controlling and economy depleting Obama/Biden ticket. We really do not need another four years of those two. I will be watching the Democratic Convention for a 2nd time as a Republican. I will be looking for the spin, condoning of illicit social behavior, going for the emotional (and racial) heart-strings and the ignoring of the hard cold economic facts.
