Any word about guest speakers at the Texas State Convention next month?

[derby378]

Just wondering. There doesn't seem to be a peep on the TDP website.

[PDittie]

1. I'm guessing that the best we can get

is some lower-level elected official endorsers of the two campaigns, on the assumption that we still have a contested primary by convention (by no means a safe assumption). Perhaps someone who might be under consideration for Veep, like Bill Richardson.

Maybe Mrs. Clinton will make an appearance if she has withdrawn by that time, in a bid for consideration as second on the ticket (she'll be too busy campaigning elsewhere if she has not pulled out, I suspect).

Or perhaps even her husband. :wow:

No chance of them both speaking, and really no chance that Richardson and either Clinton speak on the same day. Can you imagine how icy it would be backstage if that were the case?

But I could see Biden, or Dodd, or Edwards being a keynoter.

On another note, I heard another something disconcerting over the weekend about our fearless leader Boyd Richie. The source is pretty much ironclad, FWIW.

Specifically, that he refused an invitation to attend the meeting of state party chairs and the Obama campaign last week. A meeting which, among other things, is meant to have a discussion about and hear the requests from state party chairs about investing campaign resources in their respective states.

Let me emphasize: the Obama campaign personally invited Boyd Richie to Chicago, but he did not attend or send anyone to represent Texas on his behalf. This is the point where the state campaigns start bidding for resources from the national campaign. We need those resources in Texas, especially for the Noriega campaign.

Boyd appears to be not neutral, but indifferent to the prospects for Texas Democrats in 2008, which would be a encore of his act from two years ago.

:mad:

[derby378]

2. Hasn't Richie been showing up at Noriega campaign stops?

If so, and if what you're telling me is correct, it looks like Richie just doesn't get it yet. The NRCC, last I heard, told Texas Republican candidates for the US House that they are financially on their own. If Democratic House candidates don't get the funds to get their vision across to their fellow Texans, we could be looking at a repeat of 2006 - while Democrats across the nation cheer and celebrate on Election Day, Texas Democrats may well be lamenting mediocre performance at the ballot box statewide.

Still, it could be worse - what if Gene Kelly actually defeated Noriega? :hide:

[PDittie]

3. Romney and Gingrich are speaking at the RPT convention

According to Harvey Kronberg at Quorum Report.

Romney of course is looking ahead to 2012; Newt is in demand as a high-profile keynoter, particularly because he is warning of big GOP losses all over the country unless they refocus and redouble their efforts, given heir monetary disadvantage in the presidential and the gloomy climate for Republicans.

A lineup like that for the opposition ought to put Boyd on the spot to deliver a headliner, but it probably won't (and neither will he). Who's out there for us to really send a strong message that Texas is going to be in play in November?

Oprah?

(No, seriously.)

[crispini]

13. Oh dear.

this is really very unfortunate. anyone know if someone will be running against him?

[PDittie]

4. Democrats, meanwhile, are holding out hope...

... that either or both of the two remaining presidential candidates will attend their Texas gathering in Austin.

"We've extended invitations to both Sen. (Barack) Obama and Sen. (Hillary) Clinton and we're waiting to hear back from them," said Hector Nieto, the spokesman for the Texas Democrats.

http://startelegram.typepad.com/politex/2008/05/newt-mitt-to-ta.html

There's more ...

Obama, now considered the likely nominee for the Democrats, hasn't firmed up his schedule for early June, his camp said. The Texas Democratic convention starts June 5, just two days after the final round of primaries ends.

"Right now, it's looking unlikely that he'll attend," said Josh Earnest, a spokesman for the Illinois senator.

Clinton confidante Garry Mauro, a former Texas land commissioner, said he expects the New York senator and former first lady to at least be represented at the state convention.

"I'd be shocked if Sen. Clinton or President Clinton either one didn't come to Texas," Mauro said.

Better be a unity address if either one of them makes an appearance. Otherwise I see big trouble.

[derby378]

5. If neither shows up, we're in big trouble

Texas cannot be ignored in this Presidential election season. I know both Barack and Hillary have made numerous campaign stops in Texas, but the State Convention is something completely different.

[PDittie]

6. John Edwards and Bill Clinton?

I suppose that would be pretty good, eh?

[Lisa0825]

7. I won't make a specific prediction, but....

I think we'll get a heavy hitter.... 4 years ago we were way less "in play" and we got Edwards. We're getting a top tier speaker... I would bet money on it.

[sonias]

8. I consider John Edwards a top tier speaker

Especially after tonight - he's the top of my list. :loveya: Edwards!


Sonia

[Lisa0825]

9. Oh, yes, I certainly would too.

Maybe I didn't phrase it well. I meant if we got a top tiered speaker like Edwards 4 years ago when Texas was SO out of play, then this time, when Texas is looking rather purple, we sure as hell will get someone like Edwards or someone else of his caliber or higher.... I'd love to see Al again... :loveya: .... I won't even tease myself with the idea of Obama himself actually speaking... but I am thinking along the lines of Hillary, Edwards, or a huge party spokesperson like Al. Aw hell.... you roped me into specific predictions! :rofl:

[sonias]

10. It won't be Al Gore - We'd love to have him

But I doubt he would be invited. I hope they do ask Edwards but the nomination would have to be 100% settled for that to happen. The truth is they're going to have a hard time finding someone who isn't clearly on one side or the other. Either they have to ask two people to speak, one for each side. Or they have to go outside of the political sphere. Maybe ask a journalist or a writer.

We'll see what they do.

Sonia

[derby378]

11. Al Gore's in a really weird position in the party right now

Depending on what day it is, Gore is either an environmental crusader, a potential Democratic kingmaker, or even a "consolation candidate" in case things go pear-shaped in Denver. He isn't part of the current inner circle for 2008, but at the same time he potentially holds the balance of power over who prevails at the convention. I can only wonder how Gore is sorting out all this information in his private moments - which I'm sure are currently few and far between.

[Lisa0825]

12. I think it wiill be decided by then.

It may even be decided already, but they are keeping up a storyline. The reason I mentioned al is because I htink that the folks who have so obviously NOT endorsed will be making the unity rounds as soon as the race culminates.