The Kennedy Detail

If you've been reading my blog since it's begun, you probably know about my beyond-normal interest in the Kennedy Administration. After reading Mrs. Kennedy and Me this summer, I decided just to go straight into the book written about all of the Secret Service Agents on the Kennedy Detail, appropriately titled The Kennedy Detail. Whereas the first book was written by Jackie Kennedy's agent, Clint Hill, the second book was compiled by all of the surviving agents from the Secret Service assigned to protect the president and his family.

The book begins about two months before the assasination, and even touches on the years following it, detailing the lives and experiences of several agents. I learned not only more than I could have imagined about the Secret Service, but also about that horrible day in Dallas. After finishing the book, I realized just how different things were back then regarding the safety of the president, and how risky the situations were in comparison to the protection provided the Commander in Chief today. But above all, you get to see how the American people loved President Kennedy, how the agents admired him so greatly, and finally, you come to understand the heartbreak they endured after November 22, 1963.

Tricking, treating and politicking

The last presidential election was during my freshman year of college. I remember slightly panicking over what to dress up as, because I wanted it to be funny, creative and cute at the same time. I ended up dressing up as Sarah Palin, because by the end of October, she had become the most talked-about individual in the 2008 election—you either loved her or hated her. After dressing up as her for two nights of Halloween parties, I unfortunately realized most people hated her. Needless to say, I think I pulled it off pretty well, and I even found a John McCain one of the nights!

In the spirit of this year’s election, I thought I’d give my readers a few ideas if they wanted to go the political route for costumes this Oct. 31 (it’s an election year, I’m definitely taking advantage of it). The point is, you have to have fun with it and make it laughable, so I pulled out the individuals’ funny characteristics for some of the costumes.  I hope you find some inspiration!

President Barack Obama: Sure, there are plenty of masks you can wear, but go all out with the Presidential look (FYI, Obama has stated that he only ever wears navy or black suits). Make sure to bring a handful of change in your pocket.  Or you could go as Obama at the Republican National Convention, which would just be a chair.

Gov. Mitt Romney: Again, you could buy the token creepy Romney mask, but it can easily be done without. Just make sure to nail the grey sideburns, and if you really want to make it funny let a hundred-dollar bill hang out of your suit’s breast pocket.

Donald Trump: Buy lots of bronzer and a blonde wig (or just spray your hair gold). Tweet obnoxious things all night, and demand to see Obama’s birth certificate.

Michelle Obama: Find a chic dress from Target (and make sure to note it’s from Target), flats, and a “Forward” sticker. Break out in jumping jacks every 30 minutes to encourage everyone to be “On the Move.”

Ann Romney: Much like Michelle Obama, Ann is pretty easy to pull off. Find yourself a token red dress, a blonde wig, and a “Romney for President” sticker. Enter a room full of women and shout “I love you, women!”

Herman Cain: The key to really nailing this costume is either carrying a pizza box or wearing a pin/sticker that says 9-9-9. Or if you want to get really creative, have your girl-friends join you as Mr. Cain’s “mistresses.”

Sec’y of State Hillary Clinton: Very simple. Pantsuit + headband.

Any kind of “Politically-charged Percent”: 47% is the new 99%, but the 1% is still popular. Make it more creative than just carrying around a sign. Below are a few people who dressed up as the 1% last Halloween.

Paint the town red

After a seven consecutive days of getting no more than four hours of sleep per night, I think it's safe to say the GOP knows how to throw an event. Going into the forum, I think the other volunteers and I knew it was going to be bittersweet because it was our last night, but you could not wipe the excitement off of our faces as we walked into that forum one last time. 

My roommate and I were so lucky to have floor passes, so we got to watch the entire final night from the floor with delegates, congressman and the media. It was quite a feeling walking onto the floor and looking around at all of the cheering faces exuding excitement for Romney's speech. I think they were pretty thrilled about seeing Clint Eastwood too!

We found the perfect spot to watch the night unravel, and it was person to person... there was almost zero room to move. You couldn't complain though, because we had an amazing view, and best of all, we were in a prime location for the balloon drop at the end of Romney's speech. 

Ann Romney and her sons watch from their private box.

Piers Morgan preparing for a live shot.

Two shots from the video that ran before Clint Eastwood's speech. It was a great video, I linked to it below.

"When someone doesn't do their job, we've got to let them go." -Eastwood on Obama

Romney making his way through the crowd.

And then came the balloon drop, which did not disappoint, and definitely made the entire experience (and made up for the agony our feet were going through from standing for four hours!) Just when we thought it was done, more balloons and confetti were released...

...so many that we were practically trapped...

.... And then we somehow wound up on Fox News behind Martha McCallum, the perfect ending to being on the floor. Afterwards, we made our way to the after parties and watched coverage of the night into the early morning hours. It was a perfect night.

Here is the video that really showed the true Mitt Romney, as a father, a husband and --above everything else-- an ordinary, average, and hard-working individual. 

Republican National Convention, Part 3

Today is the last day of the Convention, but I'm recapping yesterday's events. I swear, every hour that goes by is exciting, and as a whole I underestimated how incredible this experience would be. I wanted to write a quick post to sum up the past 24 hours, before tonight's events.

Today I met my greatest role model in television, Megyn Kelly, who I have been watching almost every day since I was a fifteen year-old high schooler. She was everything and more than I expected, and it was amazing watching her tape America Live while a chorus of singers was rehearsing in the background... I don't know how she didn't lose focus!

When we were waiting for her to come out, someone asked me if I was her sister! Could I ask for a better compliment? I don't think so. :)

It's crazy to think that I've met so many important people, and it's all been by chance for the most part. They'll be just walking around inside of the "perimeter," which is the area the city has blocked off for security purposes for the Convention. We met Newt Gingrich yesterday, and former Chairman of the RNC Michael Steele.

Newt Gingrich

Michael Steele

After Paul Ryan and Condoleeza Rice spoke last night, a few other volunteers and I were lucky enough to have tickets for the Kid Rock concert, which was hosted under the biggest tent in North America, or so we heard. As we were going in, my roommate and I saw that Luke Russert, the son of the late Tim Russert, was ahead of us, so we snagged a picture with him.

Luke Russert

Kid Rock toward the end of his concert

I am BEYOND excited for the events that are about to happen tonight, and I cannot wait to share it tomorrow!

xxo

GOP Convention, Pt. 2

Saying this week has been one of the most exciting of my life is a complete understatement. I've crossed paths with more influential people than I could have ever imagined, met some of the most powerful individuals in Republican politics and the media, and witnessed one of the most important events of a political campaign.

The best person I've met thus far (besides my favorite Fox News-ers) has to be Karl Rove, Bush '43s senior advisor. It was refreshing, because minutes before I had just met Chris Matthews, who lived up to every negative comment I've heard about him. The man was clearly not enthused to be there, and he had no problem showing it when I walked up to meet him. Luckily, Karl Rove was coming down the stairs with a huge smile on his face, excited to be there and to greet anyone and everyone eager to meet him.

Diane Sawyer was walking around the floor... at first I mistook her for a young 30-something reporter. She's just looks that great. 

Starting ceremonies, Reince Priebus rallying everyone.

Volunteers

Craig Romney

The official first night. We have the best view in the house!

Ann Romney, Mitt Romney and Condoleezza Rice are all here... can you spot them?

Post Convention Hardball taping. Matthews was ripping apart Gov. Chris Christie's speech. I had to restrain myself from booing.

The calm before the storm: GOP Convention

I didn't do any posting the past few days, but I know on Friday I mentioned I was flying down to Florida, and now I can officially say it's for the Republican National Convention! I am a professional volunteer for the duration of the convention in Tampa, and I cannot even put into words how incredibly exciting it is. I think I've had a smile that goes ear to ear for the past 72 hours, and the convention still has yet to begin.

If any of you have seen the news or are following the news coverage of GOP Convention, you probably know that it's been postponed for a day because of Hurricane Issac, which is set to hit Tampa today! Crazy huh? I've never even seen a tornado, let alone a hurricane, so this will be very interesting. :)

Here are a few pictures from the past few days, a few volunteers and I met RNC Chairman Reince Priebus last night, along with Gov. Haley Barbour. Both such intelligent and sweet men... funny too!

I can't wait to share more once the convention begins.

xxo

Chairman Reince Priebus

Gov. Haley Barbour. He was so funny, right before we took this picture he said, "let's put the rose between the two thorns, try and make me look better." 

Still in the process of being set up.