McCain Blogette

Thursday, May 29, 2008

"Always & Forever: The Town Hall"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
VIDEO PRODUCED BY SHANNON BAE
ON 05.29.08 9:50 AM

Town halls are my dad's favorite form of campaigning. I love them too because it connects him with voters like no other format. Don't hesitate if you get the chance to attend one in the months ahead.


Wednesday, May 28, 2008

"Viewer Mail Volume 9"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
ON 05.28.08 12:46 PM

As we get back on the road following the holiday weekend, we thought it would be a good time to pick out some of the best comments from May. Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support!

Ryan from Dublin, California writes:
I just stumbled onto your site, and what an amazing site it is. I am a 24 year old country boy from California, I know hard to believe. I am glad that you and your friends are taking the time to produce these blogs. In a time when people are disgruntled with poltics and the world, your blog gives me security. People only have to read and watch your blogs for a short time to realize that you and your family are normal every day people. Its great to see that you can bring back some humanity to politics that has been absent for some time. Keep up the great work! Another thing its great to see a lady in the spot light that is actually content with herself! In reference to the "Inner Beauty" Blog.

Lauren from Brookhaven, Mississippi writes:
I absolutely love the McCain blogette! It's really interesting to see what y'all are up to everyday on the campaign trail... and how adorable y'all are all the time even though travelling must be so tiring. You McCain's are amazing! Best of luck! Go McCain!!!

Donna from Jacksonville, Illinois wrote:
I have pretty much been a Democrat all my life (my sister went to high school with Hillary) but between your blog, the article about your mother in Vogue, (not to mention the serious issues!) I am now supporting your dad. Love the Starbucks stop!

Jarod from Minneapolis, Minnesota writes:
I just discovered your blog, and its fantastic! I'm a registered democrat, but am unhappy with how this thing is turning out.  Your blog gives great insight, and I just might have to cast my ballot for your father in the Fall.

Jimmy from Chicago, Illinois wrote:
I really like this blog a lot and I think that more people should be reading this because this really gives the real perspective of who John McCain is.  I used to work at the White House and have been involved in politics for a while and I think that this is a great idea - not only can you get more young people involved but you're giving a real perspective.

Flavia from Campinas / SP - BRAZIL writes:
I'm from Brazil and I love your blog! Hope your father will be the next president, it would be so much better for Brazil and South America. You're adorable! And your mother?What a classy woman! Good luck and take care!

Meshell from Turlock, California wrote:
I have set your blog as one of my home pages for my work computer. I look forward every morning to see if you have a new post! Keep up the good work!

Tripp from Arlington, Virginia writes:
I have to confess, I loved the video of a week or so ago on your sister -- the "L'il Peanut" video. One of the great charities in New York is on facial reconstruction; their work and their benefits are always amazing... and I was laughing at the "beach scene" at the end of the video, by the way. Hilarious.

Brad from Del City, Oklahoma wrote:
Your blog is great. It seems very real and free of garbage... your dad is a great American hero and will be our next president. You obviously are a tremendous young lady and very beneficial to his campaign. Good luck Meghan!

Rodolfo from New York writes:
Meghan, congratulations for your artistic effort to keep us  informed about John McCain's presidential campaign. I do believe your father has the best economic solutions for our economy.

Megan from Casco, Michigan wrote:
I think that what you are doing for your dad is awsome. My mom is a huge fan of his work. I'm only 14 but I think that your dad will be the best president in the whole world.

Diane from Tallahassee, Florida writes:
Go girl!  Meghan, this is a tremendous blog.  You have done something others would never have thought of.  This is a great way to share information and involve so many in your dad's campaign. I'm proud to be a volunteer and thrilled you are so smart!

Austin from Henderson, Nevada wrote:
I just wanted to tell you what a geat job you are doing with your blog.  I am currently an E-6 in the Air Force and am truly inspired by what Senator McCain has accomplished.  I have followed his achievements for the last 10 years and believe he is one of the greatest men in our country.  With that being said I love how down to earth your blog is and plan to keep checking it out in the future.  Keep up the great work girls!

Gerald from Lincoln, Nebraska writes:
Your Pop is blessed to have such a daughter as you, Meghan! My daughter, about your age, is my greatest cheerleader, just as you are for your dad. This says volumes about John McCain. A man with such a loving, supportive family can conquer mountains. And, he is! LCDR McCain and I were in the same Carrier Air Group (CAG)in '67. I was working the flight deck the day he launched his A-4 and ended up in the Hanoi Hilton for his six years of torture. ...I have the highest respect for him and for his tenacity... God bless him... and his family... and you, Meghan. Keep up the good work!

Alycia from Flower Mound, Texas wrote:
I am constantly on your site.  I have started up my own blog and created a link from mine to yours.  I love getting on to write and being able to check your blog out too.  Thank you for inspiring me to blog.  It is my new found love and a great release when you have so much on your mind.  THANK YOU!

Dave from Herndon, Virginia wrote:
I love your blog.  ...when your Dad is elected, your Mom and you will officially be the hottest First Lady and First Daughter in the history of America.

Olesja  from Lexington, Kentucky writes:
I recently read an article about your mom in Vogue magazine.  I was very impressed with your mother. She is a truly strong woman who has a heart as big as this country.  That Vogue article really made me realize how down-to-earth your whole family is.   I have enjoyed your blog a lot.  I hope you keep up what you are doing and make your parents very proud.

Bill from Durham, New Hampshire wrote:
Love the blog.  I seriously read it everyday while sitting in my mass media class. I am graduating from UNH with a degree in political science and your blog is the only one worth reading.  Keep up the good work, and you can count on me to deliver a win for your father in New Hampshire this November.

Janet from Brecksville, Ohio writes:
WOW, seeing your Dad at the wall of current Cuban POWs was so poignant. Only he amongst us could truly empathize and feel their emotional and physical pain. A truly remarkable visit for him on a personal level... Thank you for taking a photo of your Dad's journey towards the White House.

Eleanore from Washington, DC writes:
I work in Washington and we all love to look at this site.  It looks like your trip to Meridian was successful and fun!  I have to say that the reason I'm writing today is because your dad was HILARIOUS on SNL.  I'm so glad to see the witty side of him - I was laughing hysterically...

Cait from New Orleans, Lousiana wrote:
What a GREAT blog, and what a smart way to reach out to a younger voting base! I'm in my late twenties, but my late dad was a Vietnam vet (an Air Force fighter pilot) who sometimes had difficulty finding ways to relate to me or to my peer group. You're a credit to your father's campaign, and I've known for some time that out of all the candidates (I'm a moderate who doesn't want to affiliate myself with a party), John McCain would have my vote.


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

"Weekend in Sedona"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 05.27.08 8:48 AM

As you’ve probably heard, we spent Memorial Day weekend at our cabin in Sedona.  Some of our guests were a bit camera shy but we've got some great pics to share with you. The weather was unusually cold, even for Sedona, hence the jackets and sweatshirts.  We'll be back on the road later this week!

Song of the Day: "Who Knew" by P!nk

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.



We saw a double rainbow on the way to the cabin.



Filming and driving.



There were news vans outside the entrance to our cabin.



Live from Sedona.



The road to the cabin is a beautiful drive.



Hanging with Michael Harper and Mark Braden by the pond.



Shannon in the house.



Shannon and Havannah take the rowboat out for a spin.



Dad grilling and Mom staying warm.



Our dogs!



Joe Harper (the Harpers are longtime family friends), Shannon, Michael Harper and I always have a good time.



Dad, Shannon, Heather, Havanna and I paused for a quick pic before dinner.



Shannon and I also got to hang out with my sister Bridget!


Friday, May 23, 2008

"California Girls"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 05.23.08 9:40 PM

Thursday was another very long day on the campaign trail. We flew into San Jose for a Global Competitiveness Roundtable with Governor Schwarzenegger and Silicon Valley executives and then flew to Stockton for a huge rally in the airport hangar. It was especially great to see members of the Rollling Thunder who came out to support Dad. Check out the pics below.

Song of the Day: "Cold Cold Ground" by Tom Waits

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.



Getting on the plane in the morning.



Dad signed an autograph for the flight attendant.



Our friend Meg Whitman.



The "Governator" with a stylish purple tie.



Dad was thrilled to see him.



Walking to the forum.



Global Competitiveness Forum with the "Governator" and Silicon Valley Executives.



The forum was in a factory.



Ugh, I don't think I can ever eat another doughnut.



Unfortunately, we get a lot of our meals from vending machines.



View from the back of the room.



My girl Shannon always filming.



Shannon and I taking a break between events.



An event at Meg Whitman's house.



Bill Jones, former CA Secretary of State, and his lovely wife.



Dad enjoying some lemonade. (My jacket almost matched this gentleman's tie.)



This is what it looks like when the motorcade stops at Starbucks.



Getting ready for the next event.



Shannon!



Dad speaking at the rally in Stockton, CA.



We were honored to have veterans in the audience.



I've missed the Roling Thunder!



Dad telling the Rolling Thunder to rev their engines.



A member of the Rolling Thunder.



Yeah!!!



Lovin' all the flags.



Awesome shot.



Gotta love flag hats.



Working the crowd.



Cutest kid with a captain's hat!



Taking pics with veterans.



Rolling Thunder at attention.



We love their rides.



Doing a press conference after the rally.



Photo op with some members.



Dad posed for some pics too.



Leaving the last event of the day.



Shannon found her favorite sign.



All these signs were great.



Heather on the other side of the lens.



Back on the plane.



We finally made it to our hotel.


Thursday, May 22, 2008

"Californication"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 05.22.08 9:59 AM

We started off the day flying from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles. Shannon, Heather, Dad, Brooke and I were the only people on the "Straight Talk" on the ride to the airport this morning, which was awesome! It's a much different experience without the press and, honestly, a lot more playful. We were laughing because Shannon was wearing overalls and the brand was called "Big Mac". Dad was wearing a checkered shirt and we joked that they had coordinated their outfits. The flight to L.A. was five hours, which was a nice change from the normal hour-long flight. When we landed, we drove to the studio where "The Ellen DeGeneres" show is taped (her interview with Dad is scheduled to air on Thursday).  Her show has the best green room goodies and atmosphere out of all of the shows we've been to thus far.

Tomorrow, we head to northern California and Arizona. We will be blogging a special "Sedona" edition this weekend that you won't want to miss.  Heather will be the only photographer taking pictures, so be sure to check it out!

Song of the Day: "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.



Shannon on the bus.



Moving in the morning with Dad already on the phone.



The buttons on Shannon's overalls are awesome.



Last moment of peace.



And it's time to get back on the plane.



Dad can tell when I'm a little stressed.



We're here!



Shannon having fun in Ellen's studio hall.



Dad getting mic'd for a "Last Comic Standing" piece.



The prop guys did a nice job.



Doing a segment for "Last Coming Standing".



Dad laughing with Mark McKinnon.



Shannon and I in the green room.



Dad joking around.



Dad on Ellen!



Hanging out in the green room.



Mark, Brooke and Shannon.



We built a candy tower.



It was great to meet Ellen!



Shannon in the green room.



Snacks!



Getting off the plane in Irvine.



OK, we couldn't find our hotel room so we decided to chill in the hall for a second.


Wednesday, May 21, 2008

"Cuban Independence Day"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 05.21.08 3:29 PM

On Tuesday, we flew from Savannah to Miami where Dad held a town hall honoring "Cuban Independence Day". Roberto Martin Perez, a former prisoner of war who was imprisoned in Cuba for 28 years, gave a very moving introduction for Dad who was energized by the questions posed by the enthusiastic audience.  It was one of the most electric town halls I have been to in a very long time. After the event, we visited "La Casa del Preso" (The House of the Prisoner) which is a memorial to former and current political prisoners in Cuba.  Again, the people we met were so supportive.  It was a very memorable day.

Next, we head to Los Angeles where Dad is going to be a guest on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"!

Song of the Day: "How was I to Know" by Nil Lara

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.



Getting on the plane very early in the morning with my cranberry juice and iPod.



Dad on the plane catching up on phone calls.



View from the bus window.



Talking to Carly Fiorina on the bus this morning.



The snack basket where strawberry Pop Tarts were on the menu.



Greg Wendt in the morning.



Checking out the recent blog post with Shannon.



At the Cuban Independence Day rally where Olga Guillot singing the Cuban National Anthem.



Photogs in the front row.



Ana Navarro at the rally.



Former Cuban prisoner of war Roberto Martin Perez introduced Dad.



He was held captive for 28 years and it was an honor to meet him.



Press...



View from the back.



The crowd.



Taking questions from the crowd.



I watched from back.



Meet and greet.



Dad doing an interview.



The press in the back of the bus.



Dad always gets excited when greeting a crowd of supporters.



Shaking hands with a supporter.



This memorial wall called "La Casa de Preso" is filled with the names of Cubans who have been killed as prisoners in Cuba.



The pics on the wall are mostly current POW's in Cuba.



Answering questions with the crowd



Back at Cafe Versailles where they have the best Cuban sandwiches ever!


Tuesday, May 20, 2008

"Chicago and Savannah"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 05.20.08 10:11 AM

Yesterday, we flew from DC to Chicago where Dad made a speech to the National Restaurant Association with my favorite Senator (other than Dad), Joe Lieberman. Seriously, he's the nicest guy ever. From there, we went to the Chicago Stock Exchange where we got to walk on the floor with the traders. It was an intensely chaotic experience. People were trading as we were walking right by them. Next, we flew to one of my favorite cities: Savannah, Georgia. If you haven't been to Savannah, it's beautiful, artsy and has amazing architecture. It's like a retro version of Charleston. On Tuesday, it's back to Miami again. And finally, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Song of the Day: "Fools Rush In" by Bow Wow Wow

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.



The crowd at the National Restaurant Association meeting.



Here's Dad delivering his remarks.



Senator Lieberman reacting to one of Dad's jokes.



Check out Joe's shoes.



It was a large crowd.



Dad shaking hands.



Senator Lieberman did too.



Walking with Dad.



Waiting to take some pics.



Roundtable discussion.



Press secretary extraordinaire Brooke Buchanan.



The Chicago Stock Exchange.



Walking with the press in tow.



There was paper all over the ground.



I am always scared someone is going to drop their cameras when they film this way.



Giving Brooke a hug.



Trying to keep up with the crowd.



Frank de la Rose (Yes, his last name is de la Rose!)



Insane.



Looking down below.



Getting on the plane with my iPod already playing.



Getting ready to roll in Savannah.


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