Flag City Politico

What...me worry?

One week from tonight is the Pennsylvania. There has already been quite a bit of stories about Clinton and Obama over the past few weeks as the media tries to find something to fill their columns and air time, so thank goodness the primary is right around the corner.

Just so we are all on the same page moving forward, here is how the two candidates stand coming in to this next contest:

 

The latest polling from Pennsylvania still shows Clinton maintaining her lead, staying between 5-9% in the latest polls. Obama wants to get past next week without receiving too much damage (or having Clinton narrow the lead much), before he heads into North Carolina and what still looks like the next win he can put into his column.

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Whether it was intentional or not, shouldn't the chairman of the Associated Press be the last person to make a mistake like this?

For Obama and McCain, the Bitter and the Sweet
So much for the liberal media. John McCain and Barack Obama both appeared before the nation's newspaper editors yesterday. The putative Republican presidential nominee was given a box of doughnuts and a standing ovation. The likely Democratic nominee was likened to a terrorist. >>
Dana Milbank
Washington Post

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In case you missed it, Stephen Colbert is in Pennsylvania this week.

Colbert reports at Penn
The Colbert Nation has become the Colbert Campus, as Stephen Colbert, the Emmy award-winning comedy host, has descended upon Penn's Zellerbach Theatre for the week. >>
Colin Kavanaugh
The Daily Pennsylvanian

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And finally, from the "Who called this one first?" department. One of the headlines straight from the pages of TheCourier.com today - RiverPlace? Developer, lawyers aren't talking. I'm glad everything about this was settled months ago. Instead of the city seal, the council chamber should hang up a poster of Alfred E. Neuman with the words 'What...me worry?"

-RSKnopfJr

Politics and St. Patrick's Day

With Pennsylvania only five weeks away, the candidates are doing anything they can for votes. If that includes targeting Irish-American voters, so be it. Smart politics or pandering is in the eye of the beholder, but make no mistake, everyone is doing it.

Clinton website

Clinton Marching In Pennsylvania


Obama website

Obama Supporters in St. Patrick's Day Parade


Even John McCain, who is in Iraq with the Vice-President, has merchandise on his website marketed toward this unique constituency. I guess when you look at it, none of this is necessarily bad...candidates should recognize that all of us are immigrants and make up one of the most diverse populations in the world. If Irish-Americans have their day, that is fine. With all of the talk over the past several months about women and African-Americans (and how they will vote during the elections), the Irish segment of the population is just another demographic. This year, March 17 just happens to fall during a time of the year when a primary election is not decided...and there are votes to be had.

I hope everyone has a safe SPD, and if you drink too much green beer, make sure you don't drink and drive.

-RSKnopfJr

A Day In The Spotlight

I'm taking a two-minute break from the local candidate responses because of what happened today. An event like a Presidential visit deserves some comment, but it will be featured for only a brief amount of time in order to make sure that all the local candidates get the same amount (or close to it) of 'airtime' (I would hate for anyone to accuse me of being biased - - next stop, SNL).

Before today, some of my friends and colleagues asked me what I was going to say about President Clinton's visit, and I told them "not much". At this point in the primary season, I could recite most of the points he was going to raise (although mentioning flooding and students loans could be considered as smart politics or pandering to the audience - depending whether you like him or not). I really don't have many comments about the President's message, not because I don't have anything to say (if you've read this blog before, you know better), but because I had other things to worry about.

As part of my job at the University, I was on the team responsible for making sure the event was recorded from every possible angle. Specifically, we had two video cameras and one photographer doing their best to make sure we did not miss anything...and let me tell you, my team did an OUTSTANDING job!

It was great watching my group stand alongside the media outlets from Findlay, Toledo and a few national organizations. The Clinton campaign organizers treated our group the same way they did traditional media outlets, and it was nice to see students excited about this unique opportunity.

No matter your politics, there is something special about a President visiting your city...double special because it was happening where I work. But ultimately, for me at least, it was more exciting to stand there and watch the event unfold than listen to the words being spoken.

Knowing how this was pulled together, it is a credit to all parties involved that these events occur. The logistics are mind-numbing, and when you factor in that this happens from city-to-city-to-city, it is a small miracle (and a credit to organizers, hosts and media) that everything comes off without a hitch.

Watching the crowd waiting outside in the snow, just itching to come in...seeing how the stage is set and cables are run...seeing how the media get ready...seeing VIPs restless with anticipation...the small rumblings in the crowd as the clock nears the announced time...the building excitement as the introductory speakers get through their remarks...the roar from the crowd that crashes down on you when the President comes into view...it was great to see how it came to be.

Now, I admit that I did not vote for the President in either election, but that did not stop me from appreciating the history of the event. My wife and I made sure that our daughters would attend (only my youngest came because the other had important school work to complete) because it is not every day a (former) President comes to Findlay (and even rarer for a Democrat).The bottom line...it was a great event.

If you want to find out more about this visit, it is bound to be in all the papers, and there is this little thing called the Internet that has places to find out more

• The Courier's on-line photo album
• WTOL's video (this is about an hour long)
• The University of Findlay's article on the event
• The Pulse (UF student newspaper)

If you have any stories or photos you would like to share with others, either add your comments below or send me your story and photos, and I will publish them. All voices heard.

Now, back to our regular programming.

-RSKnopfJr

Melissa Andrews - thanks for the autograph you gave my daughter! It is already framed, and you made an 11 year-old girl extremely happy (and her Dad a hero).

He's Baa-aack!

With Michael Bloomberg dominating the headlines regarding his on-again/off-again interest in running for President as an Independent (doesn't look like that is going to happen if Obama and his campaign for change ends up beating Clinton), many people have forgotten about the man who has already 'been there' and 'done that'.

"In this corner, representing organized citizen power facing off against corporate power...the man putting together a ground force of citizens who are informed, committed, tenacious advocates for a just future...the candidate inviting you to join in a mass push back against the corporate powers that are dictating our future, heeeeeeerrrrre's.....Ralph Nader!!"

<blink>(applause)<blink>

With everyone concentrating on the race for the major party nominations, Nader has very quietly launched an exploratory committee (www.naderexplore08.org), and is seeking contributions. It is no coincidence that on an open Sunday with no primary/caucus coming up the following week, Nader is going to be headlining the 02-24-08 edition of NBC's Meet the Press. Who else thinks that the first question Tim Russert asks him is a foregone conclusion?

Oh yeah, when Nader announced he was running for President in 2004, he did it on Meet the Press. Have you ever had deja vu? ('Didn't you just ask me that?'  :-)  How about, 'No, but I can ask the chef'? - it is strange what seems funny when the Nyquil starts to kick in before bed).

If anyone doesn't think that a Nader campaign would not make a difference, remember Florida in 2000 - Nader got 96,837 votes. Remember by how many Bush won the state, and the election? It was 537. Remember how a Perot candidacy helped contribute to George HW Bush's loss to Clinton in 1992? Please, do not underestimate the power or third party and independent candidates.

Isn't it appropriate, however, that in this wacky year of political happenings, an Independent may have an opportunity to really have their voice heard and their agenda advanced? I am not saying that his chances are better than Obanton (I need to get that trademarked) or McCain...or even Bloomberg.

I'm just saying if ever there was a year (and the time in our history) for America to allow Nader (and others) to enter the national discussion, it is now. Sometimes those lone voices, calling for change in the wilderness, make a little more sense than we want to give them credit for (or allow ourselves to believe).

-RSKnopfJr

Some Straight Talk

Whatever the cliche you want to pull out to describe the situation he is in, McCain needs to realize that payback is a bummer (edited because this is a family blog).

So what happened? Accusations of a romantic relationship between McCain and a female lobbyist...but even worse, the intervention by McCain to provide political favors for this person. The New York Times published the story (the timing depends on who you believe) before The New Republic came out with a story about the NYT article.

McCain voted guilty on both the perjury and obstruction of justice charges that were filed against President Clinton in 1998 (wow, has that really been ten years?), and you have to think that Clinton's supporters will have long memories. Even if McCain did not do anything wrong, the appearance of impropriety is there, and the Democrats would feel justified to go after him just as hard as Republicans went after Clinton a decade ago.

In response to the NYT allegations, McCain's campaign issued the following statement:
"It is a shame that the New York Times has lowered its standards to engage in a hit and run smear campaign. John McCain has a 24-year record of serving our country with honor and integrity. He has never violated the public trust, never done favors for special interests or lobbyists, and he will not allow a smear campaign to distract from the issues at stake in this election. Americans are sick and tired of this kind of gutter politics, and there is nothing in this story to suggest that John McCain has ever violated the principles that have guided his career."

The saving grace for McCain? This happened after he (pretty much) secured the Republican nomination for President, and has happened early enough that it can be dealt with in advance of the general election. Something like this can be the story of the moment, hurt him now and not be an issue by the time we head into the conventions.

No matter whether you believe him or not, this puts a little tarnish on the idealistic theme McCain has cultivated with his 'straight talk express'. With a tight race between Obama and Clinton, and a few debates coming up, this story may be off the front pages soon...but you can see how anti-McCain foes will want to keep this front and center as long as possible.

When this election cycle is over, this may be nothing more than a blip in the stories that will be coming out about both nominees. With the Internet, cell phone cameras, and citizen journalists, candidates cannot do something without an entire country knowing about it in a matter of minutes. This is now a 24/7/365 world, and nothing (unfortunately) shocks me anymore...and that's some straight talk.

-RSKnopfJr

20160 minutes

Two weeks.

14 days.

336 hours.

When the clock hits zero on March 4, we will know who the Republican nominee for President will be, and we may be closer to knowing the identity of his opponent.

Watching the results from last night (between fits of coughing), it is amazing how far these races have come over the past few months. Clinton was supposed to be the nominee, and McCain was very close to being out of the race.

Listening to Obama and McCain give their victory speeches last night, you could not help but notice the differences that are sure to offer a clear choice between now and November: younger versus older, fresh candidate versus experienced candidate, new generation versus greatest generation.

It is still possible that Clinton could pull this out, but not probable, and last night, you saw McCain and Obama address each other during their speeches, giving us an early look at how their national campaigns will be.

Obama's speech (which was over 40 minutes) provided a laundry list of substantive issues that he believes (I didn't want to use the word 'hope') will be appealing to voters. McCain touched on patriotism, national defense and experience...not the sort of thing that might work in a campaign against Obama, considering this is what Clinton has been trying to rally around over the past few months.

My youngest daughter keeps asking me who I am going to vote for in the primary, so I used an old trainer's tool by asking her who she would vote for. She started telling me that they are talking about this in school now, and they started developing study packets on the candidates and issues. She had to write who she would vote for, and why.

To her credit, she must be paying attention to me at home because she wrote that she would vote for Mike Huckabee. Reading her paper, she tried to write about Huckabee's fair tax...pretty astute for a sixth grader (my goodness, they grow up quickly), making me proud that she is tuning in to current events, and taking an interest in something that her Dad has a passion about.

The most important thing about March 4th is not who is going to win the primary, or even if a candidate will clinch a nomination. I wish that people would just vote. We keep hearing about all of the other states breaking records in the number of voters coming to the polls, and it would be nice to have Ohio (or at least Hancock County) be part of this.

We have a few weeks for the yard signs to pop up, people to wear the buttons, and for neighbors to talk to each other about who (and why) they will vote for. I would really enjoy seeing long lines at the polls that day, and everyone taking, not only an interest, but an investment in our democracy and our future.

If you want to share your election stories with others, e-mail me and I will post them here. Send me pictures of what is going on in your neighborhood, or at your polling place, and I will make sure they get on-line so others can see the spirit and enthusiasm that is out there.

In the meantime, the clock is running.

-RSKnopfJr

The hardest step

We knew last night that Rudy Giuliani was dropping out and endorsing McCain this evening. Today, the other shoe (surprisingly) dropped. John Edwards finished his campaign where it started, in New Orleans. Even wearing the same clothes as when he announced he was running for President, he took the hardest step any politician has to make, that of saying good-bye. You have to appreciate the symbolism of the event, and understand how hard it is for individuals to stop campaigning when they have put their hearts and souls into the endeavor.

The question that everyone had when they learned of the announcement was 'Who is he going to endorse'. Edwards' aides quickly let it be known he wasn't endorsing anyone.....today. Why make that the story when media outlets should be writing his political obituary?

If Edwards is going to make an endorsement, however, it is probably going to come before Super Tuesday, and it is probably going to be Obama. Why Obama? One of the central principles of Edwards campaign has been change, and getting rid of the status quo. Who better fits that description; someone who appears to be pulling together multiple constituencies, or someone the Republicans wish gets the democratic nomination?

The remaining contenders wasted little time in placing their phone calls to Edwards and getting messages on their websites

"John Edwards has spent a lifetime fighting to give voice to the voiceless and hope to the struggling, even when it wasn’t popular to do or covered in the news.  At a time when our politics is too focused on who’s up and who’s down, he made a nation focus again on who matters – the New Orleans child without a home, the West Virginia miner without a job, the families who live in that other America that is not seen or heard or talked about by our leaders in Washington.  John and Elizabeth Edwards have always believed deeply that we can change this – that two Americas can become one, and that our country can rally around this common purpose.  So while his campaign may end today, the cause of their lives endures for all of us who still believe that we can achieve that dream of one America."
- Barack Obama

"John Edwards ended his campaign today in the same way he started it - by standing with the people who are too often left behind and nearly always left out of our national debate. John ran with compassion and conviction and lifted this campaign with his deep concern for the daily lives of the American people. That is what this election is about - it's about our people. And John is one of the greatest champions the American people could ask for. I wish John and Elizabeth all the best. They have my great personal respect and gratitude. And I know they will continue to fight passionately for the country and the people they love so deeply."
- Hillary Clinton

My best guess...Edwards endorses Obama, and then waits for a call from him offering the VP slot. Now picture Richardson doing the same thing with Clinton. What is more appealing to Democratic voters: Obama/Edwards or Clinton/Richardson? We'll find out next Tuesday.

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Tonight is the Republican debate from the Ronald Reagan Library. Since I need to spend some time with my family this evening (because I haven't been able to the past few nights and can't tomorrow), I am not going to be able to give you commentary along the way. I did watch the first hour, however, and Romney and McCain started being civil to each other, but they are regressing (despite Anderson Cooper's reminder at the beginning about Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment: do not speak ill of other Republicans).

The stage is once again fabulous. Red, white and blue with Air Force One as the backdrop. You have to hand it to MSNBC and CNN...this is a beautiful (and extremely symbolic) location to hold two of the debates this year. If anything happens during the debate, and it doesn't appear that this is going to change much, you can read the AP summary tomorrow morning at The Courier (or feel free to make comments along the way).

Reminder about tomorrow night: CLINTON! OBAMA! DEBATE! It ought to be entertaining (coming from Hollywood).

-RSKnopfJr

Deep Thoughts

Great night last night (and early this morning)! It is days like this that you want to jump out of bed at 6a to watch 'Morning Joe'.

Not all of the Republican precincts are in yet for Iowa (they are stuck at 97%), but unless McCain gets a nice bump from the remaining votes, he is still going to fall short of surpassing Thompson for third.

Everything happened pretty close to the way I thought it would break, although I was surprised at the distance between first and second for both parties. Clinton finished (a close) third, and it looks like anything less than a win in New Hampshire will make Super Tuesday her firewall (sound familiar Rudy supporters?).

You should have all seen the headlines by now praising Obama and Huckabee on their monumental wins. Watching the concession (if you can call them that) and victory speeches last night, it was striking how well the two winners communicate. Huckabee has a low-key way of speaking, but it is very poetic. Obama's speech, on the other hand, was soaring and inspirational. I was extremely impressed with the way he gradually built the emotion, and by the end of his remarks, the assembled supporters were cheering madly.

I watched Tim Russert on MSNBC talking about how he went to a rally at an Iowa high school earlier that day, and Obama had brought in old and young, black and white, every segment of society, and that some people were moved to tears because of the power of his words advocating change. After what I saw last night, I can see how Obama has touched upon a theme that may very well carry him to the nomination.

When you look at the turnout and interest that the Democrats generated across the state, and you have to believe that the state will be blue this November. Whomever the Democratic nominee, they should be well received in Iowa when the general election rolls around.

But first, there is a little matter of the rest of the primaries and caucuses. Plus, a few more debates, where the fields will be narrowed (no Biden, Gravel, Kucinich or Gravel), and the attacks are going to ramp up (McCain v Romney and Clinton v Obama v Edwards should keep your interest).

Tomorrow, ABC is hosting two debates from New Hampshire. Starting at 7p, the Democrats and Republicans will be debating back-to-back in Manchester. On Sunday, the Republicans have an additional forum at St. Anselm College.

Also, in what has been overlooked by everyone, the Wyoming Republicans are holding their caucus tomorrow. Since there hasn't been any polling since September, no one is sure what to expect. Ron Paul has bought some newspaper advertising out there, and Duncan Hunter has visited the region (as well as Romney and Thompson), but it is wide open. My guess would be Romney, but who knows.

Looking ahead to New Hampshire, did yesterday's results change the numbers at all; did the Iowa winners get a bounce? It is too early to tell, but for reference, this is what the most recent poll from NH looked like for the Democrats

• Clinton - 37%
• Obama - 25%
• Edwards - 15%

and Republicans

• Rommey - 29%
• McCain - 25%
• Huckabee - 13%
• Giuliani - 9%

Tune in tomorrow for coverage of the two debates and to see who won in Wyoming - that should be a cliffhanger. In the meantime, take the latest poll (located at your right), and drop a comment. To get you started, was Oprah the real star of Iowa? Discuss.

Democracy - it's FANtastic!   :-)

-RSKnopfJr

Thanksgiving Tradition

One of the best known traditions in Washington is the annual pardoning of the White House turkey. At this time of the year, the President grants an unconditional release to a representative of this poultry family, and the bird moves on to live a life of luxury (usually in a petting zoo). Here is the story of this year's pardoning of May and Flower by President Bush:

"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation. Though live Thanksgiving turkeys have been presented intermittently to presidents since the Lincoln administration, the current ceremony dates to 1947, when the first National Thanksgiving Turkey was presented to President Harry Truman.

The presentation at times has brushed against broader history. For example, the November 1963 event was one of President Kennedy's last in the Rose Garden. The first President Bush conducted the 1990 ceremony just before leaving for Thanksgiving with the troops in the Persian Gulf region. President Clinton in 1996 returned from an Asian summit and literally went directly to the ceremony.

The 2007 National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate are from Dubois, Indiana and were raised under the direction of National Turkey Federation Chairman Ted Seger. The 21-week old turkey, will weigh about 45 pounds, when he is driven to Washington.

The National Thanksgiving Turkey was raised using normal feeding and other production techniques. The one exception is they were provided increased interaction with people so that they would be prepared for their role at the White House Ceremony.

Presidents traditionally have granted the National Thanksgiving Turkey a "pardon". After the presentation, the turkey will be flown first class to Disney World in Orlando, where he will be the grand marshal of “Disney’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” After the parade, guests will be able to visit the bird in the backyard of Mickey’s Country House in Magic Kingdom Park."

For more information, visit the official White House website.

How did this tradition begin?

Doing a little research, there is a story going around that Abraham Lincoln was the first to do this, albeit not in the traditional manner we have come to know:

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

-RSKnopfJr

RiverPlace Council Vote

Well, what did you think?

I sat here and watched the entire city council meeting, and just a few observations:

• It was interesting that 2 of the 3 speakers in favor of RiverPlace were from outside Findlay. I like to think big, but Indianapolis (population: 785,597) and Fort Wayne (population: 223,341) are hardly comparable to our community or what we can accomplish and support.
• I would have been more comfortable with Lynn Child's comments if we knew who she was exactly speaking for. Was she speaking for GFI, the board of trustees of The University of Findlay or the Findlay Downtown Area Association? Just curious.
• Sharinda Welton came back with more signatures; I guess there were actually people who weren't happy with this project.
• There was more discussion from council members AFTER the vote, then took place before. It may have been procedural and not appropriate to bring up when debating legislation, but it seemed like everyone who spoke were trying to put this behind them.
• The 'duh' statement(s) of the night were uttered by one of the public speakers and Ron Monday - paraphrasing, "I already know how city council is going to vote on this tonight".  Uh, really?!?
• The only thing I had a problem with was the lecture the community received from Tony Iriti at the end of the evening. It may have been the volume of the microphone, but it sure sounded like he had a tone to his voice, and the words coming out reminded me of someone who was tired of being questioned.

Here is how city council voted (7 in favor, 2 against), and their addresses/phone numbers if you would like to communicate your support or concerns:

Randy C. Ward - AYE
Council at Large
424 Hillshafer Drive
Res: 419-422-7439

James P. Slough - AYE
Council at Large
304 Greenlawn Avenue
Bus: 419-423-0001

M.A. (Andy) Peters - AYE
Council At Large
449 Strathaven Drive
Res: 419-425-5980

J. Michael Slough - AYE
First Ward
148 Laquineo Street
Res: 419-423-1935

H. Richard Rowe - AYE
Second Ward
2533 FoxFire Lane
Res: 419-422-3573   Bus: 419-425-4300

K. C. Collette - AYE
Third Ward
1128 S. Main Street
Res: 419-420-9594   Bus: 419-424-7873

R. Ronald Monday - NAY
Fourth Ward
332 West Sawmill Road
Res: 419-422-8646

Michael F. Eier - NAY
Fifth Ward
227 Lexington Avenue
Res: 419-424-4019

William J. Schedel, Jr. - AYE
Sixth Ward
1708 South Main Street
Res: 419-423-5725

No matter your opinions leading up to tonight's vote, it is now over. If things did not go your way, it does no one any good to hold any sort of resentment or be upset with the results. We will know eventually whether this was a good or poor idea, and everyone is free to make comments along the way. If you feel that council members acted appropriately, keep them in office; if you think they made the wrong decision, keep that in mind in May and November of 2009.

Maybe there are some community members who feel strongly enough about what is going on to run for office in the future (I would like to see a lot more people from across the political spectrum on the ballot). The important thing is that this city comes together and we support each other as we move forward. As always, your comments about this evening and how we move on are welcome and appreciated, by myself and others.

-RSKnopfJr

Thanks

With Veterans Day being observed this weekend, I thought I would share a small tale with you. I saw a posting at work yesterday that piqued my interest.

I immediately copied the information and brought it home. This is a great sentiment and one that I was going to encourage you to also participate in. I got on-line to see if there any other local or national organizations doing this...and I came across an issue.

There is a website (Snopes.com) that casts light upon urban legends, rumors and weird news. Even though this does not necessarily fall into those categories, the site is useful to find out how accurate general solicitations are, and what you should really know.

It turns out that if you send a letter to 'A Recovering American Soldier', the mail will be discarded because of security concerns. There has been so much interest in sending letters, Walter Reed issued a press release last Thursday to let the public know what to do (a portion appears below)

So, what can we do? According to Walter Reed and other websites I found, there are a plethora of organizations that can be contacted, including (but certainly not limited to)

• www.usocares.org
• www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/rush_24_7_adopt_a_soldier.guest.html
• www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/
• www.aafes.com/docs/homefront.htm
• www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/index.aspx
• www.redcross.org

If you come across additional sites, please add them to the comments section and we will revisit this posting a few more times during the holidays.

There are plenty of men and women out there who have risked their lives (and currently doing so) for us and our country. No matter your political leanings when it comes to the war in Iraq or this administration, I hope everyone agrees that it is important to support all the troops (past and present) through the year and convey how much you appreciate the sacrifices they and their families have made (and continue to make).

One of my friends, Brad Salisbury, is a veteran (Marine Corps). We were both in a meeting this afternoon, and when it was over, I took a moment to thank him for serving our country and even gave him a hug. It may not seem like much, but we might be better off if everyone took a moment and did that for a veteran that we know. To Brad and the rest of you who have served this great country, all I can say is a simple THANK YOU!!

-RSKnopfJr

Election07, F.A.R.T. & NPC

What more can be said about the election that hasn't already been addressed by the media or in this - and other - blogs? Well, a little...

• Thank you to every candidate who ran for office. I know it is not easy to invest so much time, emotion and resources into campaigning; you all have earned my respect for doing so.
• Congratulations to everyone who won; we will be waiting with anticipation as you take on the complex issues that face our community.
• For everyone who made it out to vote, give yourselves a big pat on the back.
• To the 71.41% of registered voters who did not go to the polls yesterday - what happened?

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Behind the scenes of the Mayoral Forum

Before I get to what happened on the 22nd, I want to give you some background information. Since 2001, I have worked at The University of Findlay, and have been fortunate to work with very talented people in an exciting and challenging environment. In 2006, I was asked to manage a new group, which included oversight of the University's TV station. Since I joined the team, we have taped quite a few concerts/lectures/games that make it to the small screen, but I have never been involved in a 'LIVE' event before.

Halloween Parade

I know that you were expecting my views on last night's mayoral forum, but tonight was the Halloween Parade. I graduated from the Hancock Leadership program eight years ago, and the alumni association organizes the parade. Between HLAA and my colleagues from the University, it is a fun night and does not seem like work at all. My wife even volunteered this year, so if you were one of the people in vehicles, she helped send you on your way.

Hancock County Republican Fall Picnic

Tonight at the Koehler Center on the campus of The University of Findlay, I attended the 2007 Hancock County Republican Party Fall Picnic. Now, besides being a Republican and attending this annual Columbus Day tradition, this event holds another special memory for me.

Back in 1992 after I had recovered from cancer surgery and treatments, my family asked what I wanted to do for my birthday (which is on October 9th). Because of college, I hadn't been to this event for a few years, and I persuaded my family and fiance (now the FCP's wife) to forgo any presents and just join me at this BBQ. My mother got tickets for everyone, and they all joined me...my favorite hobby and my family together in the same room was very life affirming.

Anyway, tonight's event kicked off a little late, but soon got rolling as Judge Vern Preston got up and shared a few barbs about Democrats.

listen to Judge Vern Preston talk about Columbus Day or download the file

listen to Judge Vern Preston talk about famous books or download the file

After dinner, Congressman Jim Jordan got up and spoke to the crowd for a moment before introducing the main speaker...

listen to Congressman Jim Jordan address the audience or download the file

the Honorable Rob Portman.

listen to Rob Portman address the audience or download the file

For those who forget, Portman was a six-term Congressman from the Cincinnati area. He hit the national stage by serving on the House ways and Means committee, and later when he left to join GWB White House staff as a trade representative. He was later named budget director, but left the position this past June so he could spend more time with his wife and three children.

Portman might run for Governor or US Senate in a few years when Strickland or Brown come up for re-election...or maybe Voinovich will face a conservative challenge (unlikely, but possible considering some of the comments and votes he has made over the past few years). The crowd responded enthusiastically to his speech, and I believe he would make a great representative for the state.

I hope that the recordings and pictures are adequate. I am in the market for a nice unit to record audio at these events, so if you have any ideas, let me know.

-RSKnopfJr

Match Game 2008

Before you get excited, I did not discover several lost tape stocks featuring Gene Rayburn, Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly (although that would be pretty cool if I did).

Instead, I came across something interesting at USAToday; a match game where you answer questions about topical issues (you need to be honest when you respond), and you find out which of the Presidential candidates is a best match for you.

I took the test straight-up and these were my results...

Not really shocking, although I was surprised to see Giuliani so high. I thought Fred Thompson or John McCain would have been in the mix, but that is what makes this fun.

USAToday also provides another little feature where you can emphasize (by moving an arrow) the issues that matter to you. You can see what was important to me, and who came out on top...

Once again, not really shocking. Although, it was a little unusual to see Paul, Kucinich and Richardson as my next three.

So, who are in your top 3 (no - this is not a cellular commercial)? Go ahead and take the test, slide the arrows how you want, and see what happens. Share your top 3 in the comments section, and check back often to see what others put. It is a fun way to see how our personal beliefs and political convictions match up with the individuals running for President.

Warning: the results may disturb you.

-RSKnopfJr

Is Pat Robertson still around?

Pop quiz time! Get out a piece of paper and a No.2 pencil.

Which of the following headlines does not belong with the others?

1. Giuliani Inspires Threat of a Third-Party Run
2. Christian Conservatives Consider Third-Party Effort
3. Religious right may blackball Giuliani
4. Giuliani may generate conservative third-party campaign
5. God Hates Rudy

It was a trick question...they all belong together. Well, that last one was a little mean, but I think you get the idea.

You know that Giuliani is more moderate than the other Republican Presidential candidates (if you don't, I suppose a Thompson supporter hasn't gotten to you yet). Well, apparently being married three times, cross-dressing for fun, and supporting abortion is enough to turn a few people against someone. Who knew?

A secretive group of Christian conservative leaders, better known as the Council for National Policy, met over the weekend (in Salt Lake City of all places - I wonder if Mitt was there to show them around) to discuss ...well, I don't know...it was a secret.

A few leaders, however, had a secret, secret meeting to discuss what to do if Rudy Giuliani turned out to be the (gasp) Republican nominee. The meeting, which included Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family), Tony Perkins (Family Research Council) and former Republican Presidential candidate Gary Bauer, came to the conclusion that if there was a pro-abortion nominee (ok, who else but Rudy and Romney?), then this group would consider supporting a third-party candidate.

Does this make the Republican Party nervous? If it doesn't, then they are obviously so out of touch with what is going on that they will get what they deserve (a Democrat in the WH). Next year's Presidential election is shaping up to be tighter and more negative than ever before. A handful of lost votes along the 'Bible Belt' and in the south could make or break a campaign...and don't think the other side doesn't know that.

It is not a coincidence that the leading Democratic candidates participated in a forum a few months back that dealt with faith. I am not suggesting that Christian conservatives are going to start voting for Clinton/Obama/Edwards, but if more of the general voting public sees Republican voters turning away from their party due to 'values and family' issues, then those not paying attention (i.e., don't know any better) may get swept up along the way.

In my free time, I came across this handy chart from beliefnet (in partnership with Time magazine). It is interesting to see how politics, faith and religion are all coming together, in some ways you have probably never considered. I encourage you to take a look. It is interesting and informative.

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Oh, BTW...some of the individuals who write blogs for The Courier's Virtual Village have been invited to be on Good Mornings with Chris Oaks this Wednesday. Yours truly will be among those in attendance telling everyone else how wonderful you all are, as well as trying to promote the National Presidential Caucus (sign up now...I am working on providing babysitting). So, tune in to 1330-WFIN at 8am this Wednesday, and you should be able to put a voice with this blog...or something like that.

-RSKnopfJr

I forgot

To be totally honest with you, I forgot today was September 11th. With family, work, and a Bengals victory on my mind this morning, I did not watch any morning news...did not see the paper...did not get on the Internet when I arrived at work.

After a staff meeting this morning, one of my co-workers asked me, out of the blue, 'Do you remember where you were on September 11?'. It finally dawned on me what day it was...and to answer his question, I remember exactly where I was on that day.

Eagles, Bengals and...I know there was something else!

Was there anything going on today? Let's see...

My daughters finally started the school year (both are attending Glenwood - Go Eagles!), my favorite team is playing on Monday Night Football (Go Bengals!), and General David Petraeus was notifying Congress about the progress in Iraq.

So, yes, there's a little bit going on today.

Everything's Bigger

The Texas GOP Straw Poll was held this past weekend, and the winner is...Duncan Hunter.

What else can be said?

I am not as eloquent as others in the media, so I will never win awards or praise for my prose. But I would be remiss if I ignored the events of the past few days. So please bear with me as I try to share some thoughts with you...

With what has happened recently, it is great to once again see how the great people of Northwest Ohio have come to their aid of their neighbors. There have been numerous stories in the paper and on the radio and television about how people have gone above and beyond to help out others; the Midwestern spirit is alive and well in Findlay, Hancock and the surrounding counties.

It is interesting to see how differences are put aside when it comes to coping with emergencies. No matter your politics, it is not a concern right now. With Governor Strickland, he was not a Democrat visiting a very Republican area, but he was the leader of our state, literally embraced by our community and a person we look to for guidance and assistance.

Kudos go to county and city leaders. They may get lambasted by individuals in the community for decisions they make, but you need to give them credit...despite anything you may disagree with, the planning and preparation they have done over the past several years has been worthwhile and proven to be effective.

Look at what has happened: the emergency communications command center has worked as planned...The Cube has been a refuge for those seeking food and shelter...the city maintained water and electric services. Injuries and deaths have been minimal, and with the waters receding, plans are already underway to get everything cleaned up.

This area has been the focus on regional and national newscasts the past few days. It is unusual to think of Findlay in the same way we think of other places needing assistance; seeing FEMA in the area, people being helped by the Red Cross, and aerial shots of downtown on CNN and MSNBC have a way of making the reality and gravity of the situation really hit home.

It is an amazing thing to observe. We just went through the worst flood in the city's history. I have told my daughters that they have just been through something that they will be telling their children and grandchildren about. I want them to remember how the community responded, and how our neighborhoods pulled together to help one another.

Thank you to everyone who has done something to help during this time...from our government leaders, to the police and fire departments, to the rescue workers who came to the area, to the numerous volunteers, to the neighbors...all of you deserve a pat on the back and a hug for the great jobs you have done! I am proud of all of you, and from my heart, I thank you!!

-RSKnopfJr

The Man from Hope

Sure, Mitt Romney received the most votes at this week's Iowa Straw Poll, but that was expected. The biggest story to come out of Ames, however, was the surprise second-place finish of Mike Huckabee.

For those of you have regular FCPolitico readers, you know that I have (on more than one occasion) extolled the virtues of Huckabee, so it was a little satisfying to see him do so well. After the results were announced, you had the feeling that the press was going to pick up on this...and the reaction came fast and furious...

• Meet the Press - "T he Huckabee story is amazing for a couple of reasons. He didn't buy a single bus. ... The other thing is Huckabee actually had a negative ad run against him for this last week. The Club for Growth went after him. So here's somebody who didn't have any paid media up himself, had a negative ad criticizing him, and he finished second. It's a big deal. ... Huckabee may start inching up and saying, 'Hey, I belong in this first tier.'"
• Bloomberg - "He got more votes than he bought tickets, which is a rare thing in Iowa. You usually get what you pay for. Huckabee got more than that."
• Des Moines Register - "Governor Huckabee was arguably the biggest winner yesterday, because he did beat Sam Brownback, and the two of them were in a real contest for the hearts and minds of the social conservatives."

...and the candidate himself on Face the Nation...

"We're in fact in the first tier I think by everybody's estimation, and here's why. It wasn't just that we surprised people with a second showing. It's that we did it with so few resources. I mean, this really was feeding the 5,000 with two fish and five loaves. An amazing kind of day for us. Because if you look at how much money some of the candidate spent to get the votes they got, it's staggering. And we spent less than $100,000 on the straw poll.

If we add everything we did over the course of the last seven weeks in Iowa -- that includes paper clips and gasoline for the vehicles to get us from place to place -- our total expenses were $150,000. So when you look at what we were able to ach