Beltway Insider: Obama Passes Paton; Hillary Wows; Bernie Bows Gracefully; Dem Convention Highlights; Trump Rhetoric

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Category: Beltway Insider

Published on Sunday, 31 July 2016 18:01

Written by Janet Walker

Hillary Rodham Clinton, made history this week as she officially accepted the democratic party nomination for the President, becoming the first female to ever lead the party ticket for the highest elected office in the United States.

According to Gallup, President Obama's job approval, over the past week, decreased by one percentage point to 49% of those polled who approve of his effectiveness as President and those who disapprove of his effectiveness as President increased three percentage points to 46%. 

President Obama Makes the Case for Hillary

President Barack Obama stood before a cheering democratic national convention and spoke on the past and the future. During those moments an articulation of emotions that possibly many, or perhaps only a few, who thought we understood and now with history about to be made again and finally a woman leads the ticket, the clarity of what was said eight years ago, on a cold January morning when the first discriminatory door at the white house was removed and now even the most jaded and hardened are struck with hope and it is difficult not to tear up hoping not only for victory but for possibility.

"The America I know is full of courage, and optimism, and ingenuity.  The America I know is decent and generous.  Sure, we have real anxieties – about paying the bills, protecting our kids, caring for a sick parent.  We get frustrated with political gridlock, worry about racial divisions; are shocked and saddened by the madness of Orlando or Nice.  There are pockets of America that never recovered from factory closures; men who took pride in hard work and providing for their families who now feel forgotten.  Parents who wonder whether their kids will have the same opportunities we have," the president said.

The economic challenges faced over the last eight years were unprecedented. No president except Franklin D. Roosevelt faced a worse economy; more difficult tests, greater global challenges. No one can deny the economy has moved; employers are hiring and while the actual unemployment rate is debated every month with Bureau of Labor Statistic numbers and Real Numbers often drastically different, jobs are available.

Underemployment is the challenge of the new President. When projections in 2009 called for a return of all lost jobs, which represented such a massive workforce hemorrhage, by 2017 the postscript always indicated possibly not all jobs will return.

In fact, it was a firm belief that not all lost jobs would ever return, technologies would advance, new markets would open, old manufacturing would be replaced with innovation and new opportunities would replace the options for the once solid middle class.

The Obama-Biden Presidency has made focus on creating jobs across the board from the Fifty-something professional to the first job graduate. And to their credit they have. The issue now remains many qualified workers, well educated, experienced, workers forced to underpaid jobs, saddled with student loan debt, which only increases as interest accumulates on the unpaid principal program of student loans.

"All that is real; we're challenged to do better; to be better.  But as I've traveled this country, through all fifty states; as I've rejoiced with you and mourned with you, what I've also seen, more than anything, is what is right with America.  I see people working hard and starting businesses; people teaching kids and serving our country.  I see a younger generation full of energy and new ideas, unconstrained by what is, and ready to seize what ought to be," the President said.

President Obama shifted his speech to the matter at hand, the next President of the United States, the reason for this monumentous occasion. Our POTUS needs to be experienced, a proven leader, the oval office doesn't have room for on the job training, one must hit the ground running, prepared to make the tough calls day one.

"You know, nothing truly prepares you for the demands of the Oval Office.  Until you've sat at that desk, you don't know what it's like to manage a global crisis or send young people to war.  But Hillary's been in the room; she's been part of those decisions.  She knows what's at stake in the decisions our government makes for the working family, the senior citizen, the small business owner, the soldier, and the veteran.  Even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect.  And no matter how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits," Obama said.

As the convention was about who we are and where we have come from the president concluded by stating, "That's the Hillary I know.  That's the Hillary I've come to admire.  And that's why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America."

Also Beltway Insider: Obama/Dems in Philly; DNC Chair Out; PM Slows Brexit; Munich/Kabul; IOC/Russia; Garry Marshall

Hillary Rodham Accepts Democratic Nomination Wows With Her Acceptance Speech

Hillary Rodham Clinton, made history Thursday night as she officially accepted the democratic party nomination for President of the United States, becoming the first female to ever lead the party ticket for the highest elected office in the United States.

Clinton, surprised the audience wearing a white pantsuit, sent a powerful statement to the female suffragette forbearers throughout history as she stepped to podium to the wild cheers and support of the convention delegates, performers and guests.

Hillary Rodham Clinton took the podium and thanked those who worked diligently to help her secure this historic moment.

Having survived a tough Political life, Hillary Rodham Clinton has proven herself in the fires of experience. She has, like most women, faced greater scrutiny than her male colleagues, has followed orders, maintained her allegiance to country, set aside personal aspirations for the good of the party, refused to act, despite all personal and professional strife, embarrassment or trouble, in a manner less than befitting a president.

Clinton used the 90 minutes effectively to outline for the world audience her platform, her plan for American, and her slogan of "Stronger Together" marked her speech of unity and inclusion. The party she was clear had a place for everyone for those who supported her and those who do not, for those who vote for her and those who do not. As your president she said, "I will work for you."

Aspects of Hillary Clinton's rise to her current political position were also presented. The Chelsea test during her days as Arkansas' First Lady became a standard for schools in the state, if the school wasn't good enough for her daughter it wasn't good enough for anyone's.

We're faced with different tests now from enemies within and those from foreign shores that have infiltrated our nation.

With Newtown, Orlando and San Bernardino and each before and after common sense gun control, reforms must be completed.

Mrs. Clinton addressed these issue, "And if we're serious about keeping our country safe, we also can't afford to have a President who's in the pocket of the gun lobby.  I'm not here to repeal the 2nd Amendment. I'm not here to take away your guns. I just don't want you to be shot by someone who shouldn't have a gun in the first place. We should be working with responsible gun owners to pass common-sense reforms and keep guns out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and all others who would do us harm."  

Mrs. Clinton was strong, determined and clear on the issues. Her core platform reflects the Democratic message of concern and care. She is dedicated to service.

Convention Highlights: Bernie Sanders, Katy Perry, Chelsea Clinton, Balloon Drop

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, the chief challenger of Hillary Rodham Clinton, gracefully called for the suspension of rules and the nomination of Mrs. Clinton.  For the sake of the party Sanders put his personal aspirations aside which seems to be the mark of a truly dedicated public servant and bowed out with grace. His actions were poised and stately and secured even more dedication from his devoted followers. 

Katy Perry spent a moment addressing the very different crowd. Not the usual fans, Ms. Perry, who has been campaigning with Mrs. Clinton since Iowa, offered the delegates and the world a small glimpse into her background a life.  Ms. Perry, who rarely allows personal questions, explained that she was hails from Santa Barbara, California is the child of two evangelical pastors, and a high school dropout and on November 8, 2016 your vote, her vote, is as powerful as that of any billionaire.

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of one and possibly two U.S. Presidents, reintroduced her mother to a crowd who needed no introduction to Mrs. Clinton, the former first daughter humanized the staunch democratic and tough as nail public servant.

Chelsea, who grew up in the media glare and spotlight of her parent's public service, spoke freely and eloquently on the virtues of her children's grandmother. The democratic Presidential candidate Mrs. Clinton in description softened to a dotting and eager grandparent, one who no matter the hectic schedule would always take the time to spend a moment or two with Charlotte or speak with newborn Aiden.

Avalanche of Balloons

The crowning moment of any convention for the "Stronger Together" tough and ready democrats not even the usual, the tried and true balloon fall for this historic moment would do. Not only did red, white and blue traditional size balloons fall, but the democrats added the large beach ball size blue decorated with white stars. It was a glorious cap on a week of Democrat stalwarts, supporters, guests and friends.

End of the Day

As Election 2016 drops below the 100-day mark, we the people need to be mindful of one thing, and that of course is who is better qualified to lead the nation.

This is not about who is better dressed, has more wealth, who's spouse holds up under scrutiny, as we know Melania would run circles around all. It is about, as any of us who has ever looked for employment, the best qualified candidate.

Let us not make the same mistakes as many who held those positions in front of us, understanding our education alone should place us in the top five choices; experiences, skills, talent and ability and the transferable life skills that create a completed package and still passed over due to gender.

Donald J. Trump is a highly skilled business leader. He is well known and well liked from his stint as a reality star. He is well suited for many things; President of the United States is not one of them. As many are qualified for many things, few are qualified for brain surgeons, cardiologists, or Astronauts. Those specific skill packages are learned, honed over time, practiced, and perfected. The office of the Presidency of the United States is the same.

Trump Continues Rhetoric Blasts

Republican Candidate Donald Trump, who enjoys pressing buttons more than a nuclear specialist, manned Twitter this week as his opposition took to the podiums and delivered the democratic plan for the next presidency.

As a politician Trump remains a dogmatic leader spouting rhetoric on topics he has not been thoroughly briefed on including the possibility of a permanent Annexation of Crimea, the move that had the Russians suspended from the G8.

Trump is closer in background to Ukraine's current President Petro Poroshenko, a former confection businessman, than Russian President Vladimir Putin, the former head of the KGB. Crimea is now part of the U.S.S.R and until it is returned to the Ukraine, the sanctions remain in place. It is unclear if the United Nations and G7 can vote and veto any measures set forth should Trump win the day in November.

Trump remains committed to repelling Obamacare and announced a slight deviation this week from the Republican platform in his support of a $10.00 federal minimum wage.

Tokyo Elects First Woman Governor

Yuriko Koike, 64, has joined the ranks of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, as she becomes Tokyo's first female governor. Koike assumed the office after her predecessor resigned amidst allegations of corruption associated with funding the 2020 Summer Olympics.

For more information on President Barack Obama: www.whitehouse.gov

Sources: Whitehouse.gov, Wikipedia.com,