First in the Nation - Heidi

Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minneasota

2008-09-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

The Republican Party and John McCain are once against revived and rejuvenated for another few months of this historic campaign. A week ago today, the campaign seemed to clearly be in favor of Senator Barack Obama as being our next President of the United States. Throughout the DNC, it appeared as if Republicans truly were out of touch with the average American and too focused on political agendas and partisan bickering to see the problems challenging the lives of Americans and the direction in which they wanted to see the country take.

John McCain began this week with a bang as he announced Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. The country was thrown for a loop as this choice appeared to come from out of the blue with not even a slight indication of Palin even being an option. Not only was the media and the American people searching to find out all they could about Palin they were also engaged with the hurricanes that were hitting the South. With the media busy covering both Palin’s life and the hurricane, it appeared as if the Republican Party was going to have a difficult time energizing their party and accomplishing the goals of the Convention.

Wednesday night of the Convention, it became quite evident that Republicans were able to come together and inspire hope for McCain/Palin supporters as well as the country. The speakers at the RNC followed the DNC by showing compassion and understanding of the problems facing our nation today but Republicans went beyond that by offering solutions to these problems. I, along with many, was energized by Obama about the leadership change that will soon be occurring in our country. I felt that the Obama/Biden ticket was really showing an understanding and a willingness to listen to the American people’s wants and needs. At the same time, I feared that the McCain was falling to the waste side and clinging on to his experiences and qualifications without listening to his constituents.

After leaving the DNC, I was skeptical that McCain would be able to bounce back enough to have a chance in this election. The change came slow and it came wavering as still I am not sure if the media and the voters know what to expect in November. Again it has become evident that this election will be tight and it will continue to be exciting. The debates and the negativity will follow as do all elections. Obama and McCain will continue to run a campaign as they feel fit to when the Presidency. They will determine their own campaign styles but it is the American people who will determine our next leader. One needs to determine who is most qualified to be lead our country and who has the best plan in place to lead America in the years to come. McCain and Obama now must figure out away to not only prepare to fill this elite position but to also become the most electable candidate in order to obtain the vacancy.

DNC vs. RNC

2008-09-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

As we arrived in St. Paul, the differences between the Democratic National Conventions (DNC) and the Republican National Conventions (RNC) slowly revealed themselves. Not only can one see a difference in the ideas of both parties but one can also see the differences in their Conventions. These variations come from a variety of characteristics including: location and openness or lack there of to the public.

I believe one of the main reasons for these differences stem from the location in which both parties chose to host their convention. The Democrats location in Denver, Colorado near the 16th Street Mall created an atmosphere that was both welcoming and easily accessible to the public. This created an atmosphere where delegates, politicians and protestors had access to one another allowing for more dialect as well as confrontation. However, St. Paul/ Minneapolis is a much different atmosphere. The RNC is hosted at the Xcel Center in St. Paul which is surrounded by both an interstate and a river. These two barriers as well as the many barricades that engulf the Convention makes it near impossible for the public to have any type of engagement with the conventions and the delegates.

While in Denver, community members and spectators are able to (in many times not easily) participate in activities surrounding the DNC. These include round table discussions, panels, Obama’s acceptance speech and many others. While at the RNC, we have yet to find any online listing of days events and those that are open to the public. It is much more difficult to find an agenda including activities involving the Presidential Elections. This can be quite disappointing for spectators like myself and residents of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Although we are quite disappointed with the St. Paul area, we have heard that there is much more commotion and accessibility within the Minneapolis area.

These locations and accessibilities show a view of beliefs and values that each party have. I compliment the Republicans for choosing a city that is currently rebuilding after the I35 bridge collapsed a year prior to the first day of the RNC. This choice shows the pride and persistence to bounce back after such a devastating occurrence as this was. The DNC’s selection encourages political involvement, demonstration and dialogue. These Conventions are a glimpse into the parties goals for the future and a look into the way they plan on accomplishing their objectives.

Barack Obama's Invesco Field Acceptance Speech

2008-08-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Patriotism, Hope and Power can only begin to describe the feelings that could be felt throughout the 80,000+ spectators that filled the seats of Invesco Field to hear Barack Obama accept the nomination as the 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidate. As crowds upon crowds lined the streets leading to Invesco Field one could feel the energy and historic happenings that were about to occur before our very eyes.

As we arrived at Invesco Field, one could not help but be filled with pride and patriotism as Shawn Johnson gave the Pledge of Allegiance. Various speeches and performances shortly followed including Bill Richardson, Stevie Wonder, Al Gore, Sheryl Crow and many other talented professionals. The excitement increasingly grew as the audience anticipated Obama's speech. Immediately before Obama took stage the crowd was brought to silence as a video played depicting Obama's childhood, his hardships and his rise to become the Democratic Presidential Nominee.

Many laughs were had and tears fought as Obama captured the emotions of all those in the audience. No matter ones view on his voting record or the promises that he makes as President, one has to admire him for his courage and his optimism that he inspires in all those around him. He has the power to influence everyone in hope for a better tomorrow. A belief that someone truly cares about them and that their leader will work hard for them everyday they are in office. Obama exclaimed that he is not where he is today because of anything he did but he is where he is because of the American people.

Barack Obama is a model for inspiration and for an individual's ability to change themselves, their situation and the communities in which they reside. No matter what the outcome of this election, Barack Obama will forever be an idol for the average American wanting and hoping for a change. He has motivated people across the United States to be better, to do better, and to continue to hope for more. America is truly better and more inspired now because of the efforts, the travels, and the speeches of Barack Obama.

DNC Protests and Corruption

2008-08-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

The Convention continues on and many locals and spectators hope the chaos and commotion will begin to seize. As I talked with a Denver resident I began to find out the inconviences that are placed upon them as they try to survive the week. Businesses are closing their shops allowing employees the opportunity to avoid the crowds, Families have planned their vacations around the DNC so they can avoid the crowds all together, Schools have arranged their class schedules to avoid as many conflicts as possible and the list goes on. As annoyed as some Coloradans might be, many still feel the need to observe the ongoings of this historic event so that they too have a story to tell.

With all of the hard working and money that was spent to attact the DNC to the Mile High City, much of the publicity that the city and the organization of this event is getting is ctiricism and negativity. Images of corruption can be seen throughout the streets and throughout the media. In almost every area of the city, police are on guard waiting for the next fight to break out, drug to be dealt or any other illegal act that is occuring throughout this week. Police arrive in squat cars, ride throughout the city on horseback, foot or bike. Many police post themselves on street corners with video cameras and camers so they will have proof of any illegal activity that is occuring on the streets of Denver. No one is able to escape the view of another arrest or suspicious activity.

Through the convention I witnessed several arrests including the selling of cocaine, protesting and assults. The DNC has attracted many outsiders to the city who are looking to stir some commotion. Police are doing what they can to keep the city at ease but with such an increase in crowds it can be very hard to control. As I walked the streets near the Convention Hall, the images and feelings that surround you are unlike any city I have been in. As they convention goes on, it appears as if now only two types of people remain. The impatient one who increasingly becomes filled with anger and hatred because their goals of this week have not yet been met and their voice has not yet been heard. While the irritiable one is eager to leave the city as they have already had the experiences and opportunities that they expected to have.

Tomorrow will be the last day of the Convention with the finale being Barack Obama's acceptance speech. The time crunch is being felt with relief, eagerness and for some panic. The city of Denver has increased its population seemling over night and will clear out just the same. Everyone is geared up the final day with whatever that day might bring.Here are some photos taken during the protests, and the city police reaction (see earlier DNC in Denver posts for details).

DNC Delegates

2008-08-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

One might ask why someone might be willing to give of their time and money to be a delegate at the National Convention. This was a question that I began to focus on the more I learned of the delegate requirements including time, money, and the efforts that have to go in to campaigning to receive the honorable spot. In order to be a qualified National Convention Delegate, one must move up the ranks from precinct to district to state and then on to become a National Delegate. An election occurs at each of these steps which can require much time networking, campaigning and communicating why you are not only qualified but also deserving to serve as the voice within the area you are representing.

Once elected on the state level, delegates begin confirming hotel arrangements within their states assigned hotel, planning transportation, rsvping to dinners and rallies and scheduling days events while at the National Conventions. The preparation takes time but that is only the very beginning. As I talked with an Iowa delegate this morning, I began to get a better understanding of the various objectives the delegates have while attending the conventions. Some delegates use this as a way to serve their country, political party or their communities while others may use this opportunity for more selfish reasons by networking for possible future campaigning and fundraising.

Delegates are able to use this opportunity in a variety of ways. One could observe many deals being made, campaign money being raised and hands being shaken. For some this week is just another day at work while others view this week as an amazing vacation that was spent taking pictures and talking with celebrities that they would not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet. An Iowa delegate who is also a Political Science Professor at the University of Iowa said he is surprised at how little is accomplished at these conventions as he has so far been experiencing many motivational speeches and a lot of "fluff".

Overall, I believe that delegates walk away from this week with many different experiences and opinions as to the accomplishments and the future of their party. The experiences a delegate take away with depend on the state inwhich they represent, the amount of particpation they are involved with and the objectives and goals they had for the week. The diversity within the delegation is a key as to why the National Conventions can be interesting.

Democratic National Convention- Denver, Colorado

2008-08-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

Protestors, Delegates, Reporters, Politicians, and other political activists and observers began arriving on Sunday, August 24th. Each trying to find their own niche within the Convention and how they might be a part of history. With an online schedule of the weeks events, we (FINS) too tried to find where we might fit into this political realm. We decided to get a feel for the weeks events by heading downtown to observe rallies and protests while checking out the various booths being displayed on the Capitol Lawn.

As we walked the streets of Denver, one could feel the difference in objectives, backgrounds and knowledge that were displayed throughout a variety of means. Words cannot describe the passion and energy that was present from Union Station down the 16th Street Mall right up to the Colorado State Capitol. Everyone had something to say and a deep passion that had attracted them to this city.

The various interests groups and protestors brought a sense of hope and democracy that their efforts were making a difference in the upcoming presidential elections. Politicians worked endlessly networking with their parties influential leaders. Delegates can be seen wearing their badges with pride as they seem to glow with satisfaction of doing their part to represent their state at the National Convention. Spectators and Reporters scramble to catch the breaking news story whether that is the famous actress being seen eating on an outdoor patio on the 16th Street Mall or the Anti-War protestors causing a scene on a street corner as they debate those passing by.

The commotion is clear that Americans are passionate and eager to move past the current presidency and make the next chapter of the American story a historic one. This week, Denver is filled with political excitement much like that of New Hampshire and Iowa during the first in the nation primary and caucus. The atmosphere in many ways is quite different as Democrats fight to become united and to rally together as a party to win in November.

"Time Changes Everything"

2007-08-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

The end of my time in our nation’s capital is near and as I look back on my experiences and conversations here I think about all that I have come away with from these past six weeks. I have come a little closer to knowing what type of working atmosphere I would like to work in and the type of people I want to surround myself with. I have learned a great deal about the way of life on the hill and the meaning of the relationships they have. I have learned the importance congressmen, staff members, and even constituents put on time.

I never quite realized the role that time can play in a congressman’s success. For example, Senator Grassley has been in congress, whether it be the House of Representatives or the Senate, for many years. This extensive amount of time plays a major role in the relationships he has and the ability he has to get legislation passed. Senator Grassley is very successful in working with both political parties because of his experiences he has had and knowledge that he has gained over the years.

The amount of time that he has been in the United States Senate has also played a role in the relationships and the way in which his personal office operates. An emphasis is placed on the amount of time a staff member has been working for the Senator. The longer one has worked there the more they will work there way up the latter and the more money they will make. If one can bear there time at the bottom and put their time in at an entry level position they will then be set to join the "loyal insiders".

This creates an atmosphere that does not place an emphasis on quality but rather on quantity. There is a lack of incentive to be innovative and successful because what really is important is the time that you give in your day and the years that you put in. One that has only been in the office for a year or so may have great ambitions and ideas but will be hindered by the little amount of time they have given.

As I am now beginning the process of looking for jobs, I begin to think does time really change everything? I sure hope it doesn’t in the eyes of my prospective employers. I will soon to be walking out of college eager to make a difference in the world but I find myself scared that because I have not yet paid "my dues" that I will get stuck in a job that is mindless and monotonous. I fear that I will have a difficult time with my job search because I fail to meet the requirement of x amount of years put into a certain field. The most frustrating part about it is that there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.

I am not about to apologize for my lack of time that I have given to a certain business, congressmen, etc. This is one area that I can not improve upon and I hope that someone will be willing to look past that element and help me grow in a position that will not require me to just put my time in. I don’t want to wish my years away for the day that I will be able to get my 25th anniversary with the company pin. There are far too many things I could be doing to better myself and the company I choose to work for.

I start to wonder if the American people are also choosing a president based on their time. The time they have given to visit Iowa’s 99 counties. The time they have spent with each voter. The time they have spent in ones state and the time they have given in public service. Should Obama not be our next President because he has not yet put in enough time in office? Should we not vote for John McCain or Rudy Giuliani because they have failed to put any time into the Ames Straw Poll?

Do we live in a society where everyone places such an importance on time and the belief that time "changes all things"? And if so is it all that bad? I believe that time is what it is. Sure, time can beneficial to a political leader and a business worker but time can also be harmful to the new graduate looking for jobs. I guess only time will tell…

"Tangled up in Blue"

2007-07-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have just finished two weeks now working in the Senate. I would like to think that this is an unusually busy time around the senate with the latest all night filibuster on the War on Terrorism and the heated debate on SCHIP but I am starting to wonder if this is a typical week. The hours have been crazy and the jobs up-in-the air until the last minute. The staff members are stressed because of lack of sleep, food, and personal life and frustrated by the ongoing debate of a bill they have been putting in countless hours working on for the past year. The senators continue walking through the motions as they meet with their constituents, vote on bills, and work within their committees with every minute scheduled out for them from 7 AM until 8 PM at night.

And the citizens of the United States wonder why it is that our government is out of touch with the American people? Maybe it has something to do with the type of lifestyle and environment that our senators and their staff are forced to live in. This is a fast-pace, always-changing, not-so-friendly, lack-of-personal life types of career that these people have chosen in hopes to better our nation. But when you turn on the news, is this the impression that you get? Do you have any understanding of the hard work, time, and situation these elected officials and staff are involved in everyday?

The only impression that I get is that they are all corrupt, selfish, and money hungry. There may be some that have their own interest at hand but overall these are good people working for the everyday person doing the type of tasks and passing the type of legislation that the average American cannot do on their own. I have utmost respect for all those that give their all everyday to their work on the Hill. Our nation would not be so great without their continued efforts and passion.

For all of the work that they do, I vow to do my part to keep informed and vote and become civically involved so that they can better do their job. I have learned that as many newspapers your read or C-SPAN hours you watch, you can never be too informed or be too civically involved. No matter what you do, as a citizen becoming informed and as an elected official getting legislation passed, it is never enough.

Instead of focusing on the things we aren't doing or the things we don't know, we should begin to look at all of the good things that are happening all around us. Our country is not perfect because we, as human beings, are not perfect. As long as we continue to try our best and work together we can accomplish great things. Divided we fall but together anything is possible.

Ms. Hesse goes to Washington

2007-07-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

I have officially started my internship in Senator Chuck Grassley's Washington DC office. Emily and myself arrived in DC Friday and have spent our time thus far trying to find our way around the city. We have had no problems yet and I am hoping we continue on this path.

There are eight of us interns that will be spending the next six weeks learning from Grassley's staff and experiencing what its like to work for the Senator. Emily is working on Healthcare in the Finance Committee while I am in the main office working as the Press Intern. I have and will continue to be helping out with phone conferences and his weekly webcasts.

I am truly enjoying being able to watch the Senator work and speak with such passion. If there could only be a few more political leaders like Grassley this country would be far better off.

I have not yet hit the point where my job has become monotonous and I don't think that day will come because of my limited time in D.C. However, I have noticed that the people here are so accustomed to seeing political figures that it no longer has any thrill. I think that is a major difference between New Hampshire and Iowa politics. While studying in both the first in the nation states this past month, I got the feeling that most people are genuinely passionate about the leaders they choose. They are thrilled when a political leader comes to town and go out of their way to speak with the candidate.

I don't feel that this would necessarily be the case in D.C. I don't think the excitement or eagerness to speak with the candidate would be as prevalent as it is in New Hampshire or Iowa. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that DC does not have as much political enthusiasm as Iowa or New Hampshire. What I am saying is that there is a different type of political enthusiasm that can be found in these states. Both are very beneficial and necessary to the type of activities that are found within these states.

Now that I have been spending my summer in politically involved states, I am interested to continue on my travels to get a feel for other parts of our nation. Do all the states truly have this much political involvement or did I just end up living in ones that surpass the norm?

"8 Days a Week"

2007-06-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's our last day of our First in the Nation course. I can't believe how quickly this course has come to an end. These past three weeks have consisted solely of politics. Whether it was attending political events, discussing politics with my fellow peers, or just thinking about the presidential candidates and who I am choosing to support. As the Beatles sang about love "8 Days a week", I feel that as Americans we need to be kept informed about the current issues 8 days a week. It is our duty to keep informed and involved in our government.

I feel that I am fairly-well informed and involved politically and yet I know that one can never know too much or be too involved. This is why I feel that it is important for us (FINS) to stay connected and involved in our communities. This is not just the end of this course but it is the beginning of our involvement with the '08 Presidential Elections and the political process. I am excited to see where the next year takes us, as scholars and as Americans.

I will be keeping weekly updates as to my ongoing views and experiences. I am looking forward to spending the next 6 weeks in Washington DC with Iowa's very own Senator Charles Grassley. I am interested to see how the views of the DC residents differ from the First in the Nation states. I wish that I would not have to miss the opportunities of getting to meet Presidential candidates this Summer and I hope to take full advantage of these opportunities when I return.

"A Beginning"

2007-06-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hello there Everyone! This is my first ever blog and I am not quite sure how all of this works and what is "blog worthy" so work with me a bit as I might be a little shaky at first.

I am currently in New Hampshire where the first primaries are held. Woo hoo! We arrived at Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, New Hampshire yesterday and so far all we have seen our trees. I have never been to New Hampshire so I am very excited to do some sightseeing and to learn more about the role that New Hampshire plays in the presidential elections and the importance that role is to the state.

I believe this will be another exciting week for us, first in the nation scholars. Last week, we spent the week in Iowa traveling across the state to learn more about different aspects that play a role in Iowa politics. We traveled to KWWL, WHO and KCRG to see how they cover the Presidential elections and how they perceive their role in the election process. We listened to a panel of religious leaders and spoke with a Muslim lady about how they looked at religion's role in politics.

We also spent some time looking at local politics. Last Friday night, we attended the Bremer County GOP picnic with appearances by Mitt Romney and Senator Charles Grassley. I truely enjoyed having the opportunity to meet a presidential candidate who is one of leading Republican candidates. It was also great seeing the enthusiasm that Iowans have for politics and the importance they feel that their role is in having our caucus go first in the nation. This is truely something we take seriously. The local political leaders panel was an added benefit for us to hear how they perceive the feelings of Bremer County residents.

Overall, I have truely enjoyed being a part of the First in the Nation program and I look forward to the many experiences that are to come.