It was an early start to our day today. The girls and I were up at 6:00 AM making our final preparations in anticipation of attending the John McCain event today.
- Pink Elephant Republican Gear for Paige & Taylor. Check.- Republican Team Color Bows in Our Hair. Check.
- Homemade "McCain 2008" Sign. Check.
- Balloons for Paige & Taylor. Check.
- Republican Elephant Lapel Pin for Paige & Taylor to Wear. Check.
- Happy, Smiling Faces Full of Republican Pride. Check.
I managed to snap a few quick photos this morning before we headed out the door.
Today turned out to be an awesome day. The girls and I joined fellow Republicans in the Capitol today to rally for McCain. Young and old alike, of all backgrounds and walks of life, raised their McCain campaign signs and chanted:
“Who de want? John McCain”
“McCain in 2008”
“Go McCain”
to the passersby on the street. We also enjoyed lots of honks and thumbs-up from many of the drivers as we all waved our signs and cheered our support. And, of course, there were a few supporters from the "other" camp too which helped to keep the day even more interesting.
Paige and Taylor made lots of friends today too – with other rallying Republicans who shared their signs with the girls as you’ll see among the photos shown below.
Paige and Taylor also made friends with the local media who were in attendance. I guess even the liberal media can enjoy a cute set of twins, even if they’re decked out in Republican gear and holding McCain campaign signs! Ha, ha, ha.
A handful of TV and print media stopped to remark “what cute little girls” and “they’re doing a great job waving the McCain signs” and “it’s great to see kids, at such a young age, being apart of this process in their own way”. I even had one film crew come over and say to me, “I’ve been filming you and your children from across the street…what are your names, I’d like to include you among our coverage of today’s rally participants.” Really? Well, how cool is that?! I guess the twins ended up being a draw for the media because by the time we left for the day, I had been interviewed by both TV and print reporters and Paige and Taylor had had their little mugs filmed and their pictures taken as well a handful of times – I counted six media outlets altogether (3 local TV News Channels and 3 or 4 print, including the Associated Press). I was interviewed about my reasons for supporting McCain, what my ‘hot-button’ campaign issues are in this election, etc. etc. Here’s a little snapshot of some of the Q&A:
Q: What is one reason that are you supporting McCain?
A: I believe McCain will continue to take us in the right direction on our national security as well as help to continue driving the success of the surge in the war in Iraq. Obama, on the other hand, will take a cut-n-run approach…
Q: Why do you like McCain – the man?
A: He has an extensive record of experience, he’s been tested in the most difficult of circumstances, I respect his record on some conservative issues that are important to me and my family and I also appreciate his long-standing military service.
Q: What do you think of Obama’s decision to choose Biden as a VP?
A: I was surprised. There seems to be quite a disconnect in Obama’s philosophy on the Iraq issue. He has long campaigned against the war in Iraq, as far back as his votes on the floor years ago following 9/11 and now again throughout his many months on the campaign trail. Obama has continually refused to support the war efforts in Iraq from the beginning, yet now he has chosen a VP pick who was supportive of the initiative to go to war and cast a definitive “yes” vote. That record is a direct contradiction to Obama’s position on the war in Iraq. The choice of Biden just doesn’t make sense on that one issue – and it’s one of THE main issues that Obama has staked his entire campaign upon.
Q: What do you think McCain’s chances are of winning the electoral votes in the state of CA?
A: I believe that his chances of carrying CA are very slim but I’m choosing to be optimistic. More importantly than how CA votes is how the rest of the nation votes and I believe that nationally, McCain has the support of the Americans and that he will be our next President.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah....
There were a handful of other questions from the media, but why bore you with them now?! I’m keeping my eyes peeled for any news articles and interviews that I participated in today that might be saved from the cutting room floor and if they are, I’ll be sure to post them here for you. So, stay tuned!
Today’s crowd was really diverse. There were a good number of other children today who had joined in the efforts to champion McCain in CA. It was awesome to see so many families with their young ones out there too and getting them involved in this process even in the smallest and simplest of ways such as passing out McCain bumper stickers, clapping their hands and chanting “We love McCain”, and donning their McCain Campaign tees and hats.
Definitely a fun day. I won’t soon forget it! As fun and exciting as it was to be with other Republicans rallying for McCain, the true highlight of the day came when John McCain stepped out of his SUV, amidst a stream of cars in his motorcade and escorted by police and secret service, and began his approach towards us. I got to see the next President of the United States up close and personal as some of the video footage shows. The most exciting part of the day was when he shook my hand!!!! He even greeted little Paige and Taylor!!! After he departed, and after Paige, Taylor and I started back towards our car, I stooped over and said to Paige and Taylor: “Guys you just got to meet John McCain, and he’s the next President of the U.S.” And, get this, Paige shouted back at me: “YAAAAY”. She really is a precocious little girl!
Today made for a great memory, one which as the girls get older we will always be able to tell them about….the day that they met John McCain and helped his campaign for president and helped our great country.
Please check back again tomorrow for the actual video footage of our day at the rally for McCain in "Part 2 - The Little-est GOPers / McCain Rally".
