The Larry Kane Report

First of all, I have to say that St. Paul , Minnesota is one of the beautiful medium-sized cities in America- tree lined streets, beautiful gardens, vital neighborhoods and non mall environments, and a beautiful convention center, the Excel energy center.

The place will not be humming on day one of the GOP convention because of the Gustav threat and the reality that this is not an appropriate time for celebration. But as the GOP watches the hurricane’s path, there is a real problem facing the John McCain campaign. It is imperative that McCain have his chance to speak to the convention. The convention prime time speech, especially with eight weeks left, is critical. This is a dilemma. It is also a dilemma for the GOP. Caring is one thing. Overdoing it might seem not very genuine, and possibly exploiting a disastrous situation. In that regard, this is a dangerous tightrope walk, a political journey into the unknown. The Republicans want redemption from the Katrina catastrophe. Ironically, when Katrina was happening three years ago, George Bush was presenting a birthday cake to John McCain.

I might add that some Republicans, angry over the choice of Sarah Palin as the Veep choice, are deeply concerned that she won’t play well in those purple states, like New Mexico, Colorado and North Carolina that Obama hopes to win. This is purely subjective. Palin may turn out to be one of the most refreshing new faces of 2008, but the Obama campaign will have a touch theme - do you want to trust a 72 year old President taking office with a first term Governor with no foreign policy experience.

On that score, our sources report that Governor Palin will soon receive a private briefing on foreign affairs from Secretary of State Condi Rice.

Also, a notable to watch for at the GOP Convention. Pat Meehan, former US Attorney, will be making the rounds as he eyes the Governor’s race in 2010.

I’ll be back.

Comments(170)

I know that many of you have a partisan bent but this convention  has been a good run so far for ther Dems. The  Clintons behaved, and Joe Biden hit one out of the park. I find it fascinating that the Dems have to apologize for their discord. I mean, the Clintons are self interested, but a good argument is better than watching an administration that only cares to hear one side of an argument.

The real local stars: Bob Casey Jr. I mean the guy got the best prime time spot in the house, That’s what happens you support someone in a state where he needs help. And Casey went to bat for Obama.

My only problem with this convention is Denver, not the city but the plan. This place has no coordinated plan to direct people where they are supposed to go. No exaggeration: I have already traveled in a bike rickshaw, a sheriff’s dept. golf cart, and the back of a pickup truck to get to the Pepsi center from the security perimeter. The city has no idea how to direct people, and all the hotels seem like they are in Kansas, or Nevada, they are so far away. They have a mass transit system here. It’s cleaner than Septa. Anything is. But it doesn’t stop at the Convention site. The arena only has two press elevators. People are trapped wall to wall. Bad for phobias. Sweat pouring out from your neck.

Some highlights. I am the only person in the Pepsi Center to ask for a Coke at the concession stand. They thought I was insane. The Pepsi center is small. The people here are great, but the cops are upset that the traffic patterns are such a mess. Most people left town for the week, leaving it to the transportation-seeking, hungry delegates and news people who are ready to leave mile high for St. Paul.

I’ll tell you one thing. I’ve been to 21 political conventions. This one has been fine, but there is little coordination, and lots of confusion for the attendees. You may not like the Republicans, but they run much smoother conventions.

What did you think of Biden’s speech? I thought it was the best yet, but make no mistake about it, Barack Obama will be on top of his game at Invesco field tonight. I will be there. I’ll let you know what it was like.

My best interview of the week? Terry Madonna, super pollster, who said the Clintons were hijacking the convention. Best chance meeting, Martin Lurher King the 3rd, touring the hall today. Best special moment:  Terry McCaullife, Clinton insider.yelling out, “We are down a few points.” He was talking about a tracking poll showing Obama trailing. He was breaking out in a grin.

Sorry I’ve been “off: for a few days, but I’ve been doing KYWS Newsradio, CN 8, Smerconish, getting food, sending out dry cleaning, answering emails, reading, meeting and greeting politicians and walking a lot.

BY THE WAY, DON’T MISS THE VIDEO BLOGS ON CN8.TV or KYW1060.COM.

You’ll laugh,

Comments(123)

Okay. So my timing is off, thanks to the Obama campaign, but I stand by my previous entry about VP picks. And for fun, here’s a contest. The first person to write to this site with both the Democratic and Republican VP picks will get a prize - a signed copy of my first book, “Larry Kane’s Philadelphia.” Maybe some of you self-styled experts can learn something from reading about my first 35 years here. The second fastest entry will win a copy of “Lennon Revealed”, my NY Times Bestseller. These are valuable books. After all, I wrote them. The third fastest entry gets honorable mention and a dollar for free air at any local gas station. That’s an inside story for people who have been lambasting me for attacking the concept of actually paying for air at service stations.

So, with Obama’s announcement coming any hour, get your entries in fast.

Winners will be announced as soon as John McCain picks his VP.

Have fun.

Comments(167)

Logic has never mattered much in Presidential politics, but I will offer you my forecast and explain what will happen. Please save this column as an example of the occasional failure of my political forecasts. Or, if I am right. eat your heart out.

First of all, look at Obama’s weak spots - perception of inexperience, especially in a troubled world. That’s why the Governors of Virginia and Kansas will not be the Veep nominees. The Senator from Indiana is an unlikely choice. The nominee will be either Senator Joe Biden or…..Hillary Clinton! The reasoning: Obama finds himself in a close race, with McCain closing in and making headway in key battleground states. This is the year, as I’ve said before, that VP is important to both candidates. If Obama’s campaign should select a politician who is a novice with a lack of skilled diplomatic experience, he may find a tough road ahead.

So watch for either Biden or a Hillary surprise.

On the Republican side, Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman is very much back in the picture. Lieberman is very close to McCain and offers a chance for McCain to buttress the “change” argument by claiming that stability is more important than change.

Right now, the voters are in a changing mood. They want more specificity. They want it now.

By the way, Obama will announce his choice by Thursday at 9 a.m.

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For those of you who want some extra fodder for the 08 race - I will file daily reports from the Democratic Convention in Denver on this site and the Republican party in St. Paul. I’ll be there to report for KYW Newradio, and to join CN 8’s live coverage in prime time.  I will also appear on the Smerconish show. Listen, watch, and go online. It’s only your future we’re talking about.

Comments(47)

Message to Jimmy Rollins. Relax already. You have been cheered for eight years. Philadelphians love your spirit and your talent. You are a winner, but winning is more about just winning. It is also learning about to deal with highs and lows. After all, you didn’t complain when adulation was rained down on you quite consistently.

The problem is very clear. You do not understand the viewpoint, or the general perspective of Philadelphia fans. Philadelphia area fans are the most forgiving and passionate fans in the nation. But they also reserve the right to let athletes have it when they don’t live up to the Philadelphia standard. The Philadelphia standard is one of demanding excellence. Philadelphia fans get more angry about an athlete showing up for work late, or not trying hard enough. We all have slumps in life, even the talented ones like you. So get over it, and stop trying to explain yourself. You have a right to get angry. But understand that when you complain, the fans WILL react.

VP CHOICES -

Did you really think I was going to predict who will be selected for VP?  Well… sort of.

For the Democrats, the nominees will be either Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, or Sam Nunn. Biden and Nunn are the stronger choices. Bayh is loved in Indiana, but he does not appear to have the “command presence” need for the job.

For the Republicans, the nominees will be Charles Crist, Mr. Sunshine State, Tom Ridge or Joe Lieberman. Of the three, Lieberman and Ridge are the tops, but Crist is VERY PERSONABLE, and youthful.

Please understand that my batting average on these forecasts is lower than Jimmy Rollin’s batting average.

What do you think?

SEEING RED

The Russian blitz of Georgia, halted when the Putin gang feared Western economic reprisals, was symbolic of the bloody Russian history of rampage and destroy. There was no reason for the Red Army to begin demolishing towns after the strategic objectives were met. The conspiratorial Kremlin militarists are back in charge. Diplomatically, our response was mild. Sometimes strong words are important and the White House reaction was too soft. It got stronger by the day, but it was too little, too late. The strongest reaction was an article by Joe Biden, who insisted that Russia had to stand down . Secretary of State Rice did a good job, but overall, we needed military maneuvers, or something, to back up our resolve.

Comments(102)