The Republican candidate for vice president has been introduced to the nation as a tough, can-do female politician. And Sam Hardage is buying the image. Hardage is a long-time conservative Republican leader who chaired the local Republican party from 1995-1997 when its 1996 national convention, held in the San Diego Convention Center, nominated the ticket of Bob Dole and Jack Kemp.
Hardage is a major funder of Republican campaigns and chairman of The Hardage Group where he earns his millions by developing hotels. His wife, Vivian Hardage , is a community activist who helped start a San Diego Republican women's club and the Vision of Children Foundation. The family's contributions to Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign helped assure her seat on the prestigious Del Mar Fair Board.
Just before the Republican National Convention began earlier this month, I phoned Sam Hardage to set up an interview at the site on the Convention's first day. Hurricane Gustav changed everyone's schedule that day when the convention was truncated to just two hours. But Hardage was punctual and found my space on radio row while I was checking out the convention floor and the schedules of some other San Diego delegates. It is uncharacteristic of me to be late for appointments and I was profuse in my apologies while he responded diplomatically. The interview began and I got my first in-person exposure to the official Republican delegate reaction to Sarah Palin.
michael valentine
from spring Valley
September 13, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Sarah Palin is a bad joke and an indicator of John McCain's poor judgement.
McCain said himself that he hadn't been a mayor of a city or a governor for a few years while he was running against Rudy and Mitt. That he had the international experience to be President. Then he wants Sarah Palin, who was a small town mayor and governor for twenty months.
John McCain said that Sarah was the best expert on energy in America. Is he crazy? She sure isn't an expert.
She went to five collages in six years to get her Journalism degree. Now a collage degree is a good thing, but she isn't an energy expert. That is a lie on John McCain's part.
That isn't Straight Talk.
She said she didn't want the bridge to nowhere. Maybe, but only after it became a national joke. Oh and she took the money anyway.
The 'thanks but no thanks" to the bridge to nowhere line is a lie too.
John from Talmadge
September 16, 2008 at 06:04 AM
Gloria complained about the pizza that was available at the Dem's convention, and praised the availabtity of salads at the GOP convention.
Hum, sounds elitist to me.
