* As I told you last week, I’m not a big fan of the national conventions. But at least the weather has given reporters something to write about down in Tampa…
As hotel workers tied down reclining chairs and other beach furniture ahead of the storm’s anticipated high winds, heavy rains and surging tide, some delegates recalled the Republican convention in St. Paul four years ago, when Hurricane Gustav also threatened a New Orleans that was still reeling from the damage of Hurricane Katrina.
Then, the first day of the convention was cut short and delegates immersed themselves in charitable acts to help hurricane victims to offset the negative image of President George W. Bush, who critics alleged did not do enough to avert the Katrina tragedy. With some storm-tracking forecasts showing Isaac heading toward New Orleans, questions about another Republican convention and Bush’s Katrina legacy were abundant.
“We’ve had practice (in Minnesota) from getting a curve ball thrown to you that you didn’t expect,” said state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington. “I mean, the perception is, we want Illinois to know we’re down here doing serious work when it comes to conventions. It’s not just a party.”
The situation has the potential to offer voters the contrast of a Republican celebration of Romney while Obama deals with hurricane relief. Rutherford said a potential storm striking Louisiana would “highlight the strength (Republican Gov.) Bobby Jindal has.”
* My brother Doug is at the convention as an alternate delegate. He’s Tweeting…
So humid here that I think I’ll go swimming in a lake to dry off.
* Rep. Ed Sullivan and lobbyist Jim Riemer are having a bit of fun with weather and convention video updates. Here’s the first update they sent on Sunday…
* Monday morning’s report was more sedate about the weather…
* And, what the heck, let’s do a ScribbleLive convention thingy as well. BlackBerry users click here, everyone else can just kick back and watch the coverage…
–So humid here that I think I’ll go swimming in a lake to dry off.–
Doug, go jump in a lake — I’d say that’s good advice for most delegates in today’s national GOP.
I kid.
Seriously, if you need to get out of the heat, take in Tampa’s world-famous contribution to American culture, the shake-em-shack. More per capita that anywhere else in the country.
And you thought Michael Steele led the charge for Tampa just because Florida only swings in the electoral college.
–“I mean, the perception is, we want Illinois to know we’re down here doing serious work when it comes to conventions. It’s not just a party.”–
I don’t know if it’s a much of a party (on any level), but I doubt you could sell anyone on the idea that the Tampa national convention is serious work.
Some of us read that proposed platform online before it was pulled down. It might have been work, but it certainly wasn’t serious.
Amazing how IL GOP remains stuck in the past. Just cue Jim Edgar from 2008 or 2004 or 2000.
And didn’t Jim Edgar vote for Obama last time? Would bet anything he did. He certainly gave that impression 4 yrs ago.
As far as “Obama won’t win IL by as much this time” - thank you for stating the incredibly obvious Jim. Everyone knows the 25 point margin of 2008 won’t be repeated. But that’s a very high bar.
Hey Jim: It doesn’t matter if Obama carries Illinois by one vote or one million. 20 electoral votes is 20 electoral votes. Denial isn’t a river in Egypt.
This GOP convention’s theme is, “We Built This,” meaning the private sector. The building in whicn the convention is held, the Tampa Bay Times Forum, was built with 62% public financing.
- wordslinger - Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 10:13 am:
–So humid here that I think I’ll go swimming in a lake to dry off.–
Doug, go jump in a lake — I’d say that’s good advice for most delegates in today’s national GOP.
I kid.
Seriously, if you need to get out of the heat, take in Tampa’s world-famous contribution to American culture, the shake-em-shack. More per capita that anywhere else in the country.
And you thought Michael Steele led the charge for Tampa just because Florida only swings in the electoral college.
–“I mean, the perception is, we want Illinois to know we’re down here doing serious work when it comes to conventions. It’s not just a party.”–
I don’t know if it’s a much of a party (on any level), but I doubt you could sell anyone on the idea that the Tampa national convention is serious work.
Some of us read that proposed platform online before it was pulled down. It might have been work, but it certainly wasn’t serious.
- just sayin' - Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 10:25 am:
Amazing how IL GOP remains stuck in the past. Just cue Jim Edgar from 2008 or 2004 or 2000.
And didn’t Jim Edgar vote for Obama last time? Would bet anything he did. He certainly gave that impression 4 yrs ago.
As far as “Obama won’t win IL by as much this time” - thank you for stating the incredibly obvious Jim. Everyone knows the 25 point margin of 2008 won’t be repeated. But that’s a very high bar.
- walkinfool - Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 10:44 am:
Have fun. That’s what these trips are for.
Wear a funny hat. Even hang tea bags from it if you feel like it.
Fake diversity by strategically placing faces for the camera.
Disrespect the flag by using it as clothing.
Pretend you’re doing something other than being a prop in an extravaganza for TV.
At least you all will spend a lot of the party’s money in Tampa. I am glad some of you are helping charities in your down time.
- Deep South - Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 11:02 am:
Hey Jim: It doesn’t matter if Obama carries Illinois by one vote or one million. 20 electoral votes is 20 electoral votes. Denial isn’t a river in Egypt.
- The Captain - Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 12:53 pm:
I’m starting to like this Riemer Report. I hope this becomes a regular feature.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 1:21 pm:
This GOP convention’s theme is, “We Built This,” meaning the private sector. The building in whicn the convention is held, the Tampa Bay Times Forum, was built with 62% public financing.
- cover - Monday, Aug 27, 12 @ 3:11 pm:
The IEA is one of the ILGOP delegation sponsors?