Current Politics: The Republican National Convention

Every four years, on election year, political parties host a major convention for their presidential nominee. These conventions are a political rally, that are structured to support the presidential candidate and demonstrate the political direction. However it is also a major networking opportunity for politicians, and a good chance to be discovered on the national stage. The convention usually consists of three to four days of speeches. I remember the first time I learned of Barack Obama was when he gave a powerful speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention. It became clear to me that this convention served as the ultimate launching pad for up-and-coming politicians. I thus watched the RNC this week to understand Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan's conservative direction as well as scout the new Republican talent.

Scott Walker

I began watching on Tuesday night and was quite disgusted to first see Scott Walker speaking on stage. This governor from Wisconsin came to notoriety last year, when he led an assault on collective bargaining rights. This led to a major protest amongst labor unions in Wisconsin that lasted for several months, resulted in the fleeing of state representatives, and finally a recall of Gov. Walker's office. It was only the 3rd governor recall in history, and Walker rounded up as much money as he could not to be humiliated. Milwaukee mayor, Tom Barrett, had no chance in the recall election, outspent 10 to 1 in campaign funding. At the RNC, Walker then went on to present his case as if the people had spoken in favor of big business and no labor rights. The fact that he was nearly ousted from office gives him absolutely no credit to speak. Shame on him!

Nikki Haley

This governor from South Carolina, seemed to be quite the new appeal Tuesday night. She is a middle-aged attractive, tea party-conservative, who was quite sharp on the attacks of President Obama. And although she gave a very impressive and passionate speech, she has no grounds as a 2nd generation Indian immigrant, to be so firmly against immigration. Illegal immigration is no doubt an issue, yet conservatives sometimes tend to forget that we are a nation of immigrants, and should be a little more tolerant.

Ann Romney

The wife of candidate Mitt Romney, and potential First Lady, was on everyone's eyes that night. In my opinion she came off a little fake and cheesy and was the cliche, rich Caucasian, political wife. However her history is surely more admirable than Mitt Romney's. She has dealt with the struggles of cancer and raising 5 boys. Major kudos to that. However she continued to echo the theme of "We Built It" trying to emphasize the importance of small businesses. What this theme doesn't consider is the necessary government services such as roads, education, health, agriculture, scientific research, security, environmental protection, and many other services that a private company would not want to fund.

Chris Christie

The animated governor of New Jersey, took center stage Tuesday night as the Keynote Speaker and gave a fiery speech. Although I did not stay up for this one, I heard it was loud and mostly about himself. He only mentioned Mitt Romney's name 7 times, and clearly seemed to be more interested in his own future. Christie is no doubt a very passionate politician yet he doesn't serve as a good healthy role model. He is however very popular and was considered a favorite had he run in the Republican Primaries. He could definitely be a front-runner candidate in 2016 or 2020 depending on who wins this election.

Mike Huckabee

The evangelical radio host and former 2008 republican contender, gave a fierce speech revolving around religion. He attempted to portray Romney's Mormon faith in good light, yet ultimately declared his leadership of America was more important than his faith. (A questionable stance coming from a religious extremist) He then however wasted no time to attack Obama on his religious faults and misdirection concerning gay-rights and abortion. Huckabee claimed that Obama had created government as the ultimate God. I don't understand how Christian-Republicans can make this argument against Democrats who simply want to take care of the sick and poor. After all was this not Jesus' greatest mission?  

Condeleeza Rice

The former Secretary of State during the Bush administration, was a potential running mate. She has made an apparent desire to return to the national spotlight. She gave a strong speech on foreign policy and American Ideals. She was one of the many speakers to highlight the rise from humble beginnings to success. And although her story was quite inspiring, she lacked passion or emotion, and was merely reaching out to a certain demographic.

Susana Martinez

Latinos seemed to be the main demographic target in this convention, with numerous Latino speakers and small business success stories. This especially frustrates me considering Romney's strict regulation on immigration. He does not oppose Immigration enforcement laws (such as in Arizona), wants to build a wall on the Southern Border, and hardly any amnesty whatsoever on illegal immigrants. Gov Susana Martinez gave a typical likable story of humble beginnings to success, in an attempt to reach out to Latin voters, however she represents only a fraction of the Latino population. Conservatives try to align themselves with these "Texicans" (Southern Mexican-Americans) through gun-rights and Christian values, yet only appeal to them when it's time to round up the votes. Latinos should not expect any Republican legislation whatsoever in their favor.


Paul Ryan

I have to honestly admit that Paul Ryan is the future face of the Republican party, with the total political package; Ideology and Charisma. He is a family man in his mid 40s, with small town roots. Similar to Obama he has a genuine charisma and likability of relating with the people. I found that I have more in common with him then Obama; he is a Catholic, fitness advocate (P90x), and listens to Led Zeppelin. Paul Ryan could surely be a president in the future.

However his economic ideology is way out of touch. He was inspired by the Russian capitalist philosopher, Ayn Rand. She was quite hypocritical, against collectivism, yet accepted government scholarships and medical aid. Paul Ryan however is firmly against government collectivism. He came to fame as the chairman of the House Budge Committee and has been considered one of the lead congressmen against government spending. Yet this laissez-faire approach of economics, suits only a few, 1% in particular. A free market ideology such as this is a complete survival-of-the-fittest approach, that would not care for the weak. This is simply an unethical, un-Catholic, and unacceptable ideal!

Marco Rubio

Here is a name I have heard over and over again on NPR, (mostly controversy relating to his citizenship), yet had never seen before. Marco Rubio is a Cuban-American Republican Senator of Florida, with another cliche rags-to-riches story. He was the ideal person to introduce Romney on Thursday night, once again reaching out to the Latin vote. I must admit that second to Paul Ryan, he was a very charismatic speaker to be noted in the future. He went on and on about American exceptionalism as well as his own personal story. He demonstrated an admirable strength and passion on the national stage and he will surely pave the future direction of the Republican party.

Mitt Romney

So after about 6 years now, beginning sometime in 2006, Mitt Romney has finally secured the Republican nomination for president. At first glance he has the presidential qualities; cliche Caucasian in his mid 60s, full batch of hair, firm stature, and a strong persona. He is a loving father and a loving husband, with a trophy attractive blond wife. He is very involved with his Mormon faith and gives a lot to charity. At first glance Mitt Romney seems like Mr. Perfect. Yet then he opens his mouth, and reveals his ideals and personal history of sheer capitalistic prowess. Although he had a brief term as governor of Massachusetts he is ultimately a business man, not a government man, concerned more for profit than sustainability.

Mitt Romney was raised into a high-class life from the beginning through his father George Romney, governor of Michigan from 1963-1969. It is thus fair to say that he was handed success, and used that wealthy upbringing to only climb higher and higher. With his powerful network, Romney was able to climb the business ladder, through Harvard Business school and eventually managing a Finance Company known as Bain Capital. Here he demonstrated not only his business skills yet leadership and organizational skills to direct, save, and especially invest in many companies. Some may argue that his venture capitalist tactics were a sheer takeover method, and he was only creating his own financial empire. Nonetheless Romney attained a significant fortune from his investment and finanical career, and could thus turn to a career in politics.

He came to national prominence when he rescued the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic games, through his organizational leadership. He of coursed used this heroic national achievement to secure a governor office in Massachusetts. During his four years as governor he was able to turn the state's debt into a significant "rainy-day" fund, however also was noted for his statewide medical reform. This statewide medical reform is the exact law that President Obama passed in 2010, requiring all Americans to get health insurance. Yet now Romney has strongly stood against Obama's health care bill, calling it unconstitutional with a platform to repeal it. This is sheer nerve and total hypocrisy from Mitt Romney!

Yet his greatest flaw is not his business profile yet instead his disconnect from the people. Mitt Romney has come to the national stage at a time of economic recession and instability in the world. The gap between the rich and poor has undeniably continued to grow, resulting in widespread frustration. Romney represents the essence of the privileged 1%, who ruthlessly achieved their fortune through a powerful network and the hard labor of others. He is no doubt a strong leader, yet he is a business leader, that is out of touch with normal workers and normal people.

Romney would undoubtedly be an efficient and powerful leader yet his desire for power would undermine the infrastructure. Businesses would thrive beyond the global market, resulting in a sudden collapse of production. Time and time again history has shown that this free market approach, only leads to economic depression. The only sustainable approach for this country is a balanced economy that does not produce beyond its means. This is why government regulation is a necessity! My hope is that people can see through Romney's broken approach that favors 1% of the population and recognize Obama's genuine appeal to the other 99% of Americans.