CONDI

[Kingpoleon]

... Did Cruz just race bait in Indiana?

[Devout Centrist]

... Did Cruz just race bait in Indiana?

It's not like this is a big f**king surprise. Even Clinton racebaited.

[Progressive]

... Did Cruz just race bait in Indiana?

Well, I mean, he's going to argue that he meant in terms of big government, liberal ideals, etc. But the writing is on the wall. In some ways, Cruz is figuring out now the vein of the GOP that was receptive to Trump ideas IRL.

[Progressive]

CONDI IN CRISIS? CRUZ WINS DOUBLE

Nebraska and West Virginia Primaries: May 10, 2016

The Lead Up


At a rally in Nebraska, Rand Paul endorsed Condi Rice, saying that while they were not ideological matches, Rice had all the leadership qualities he sought in a presidential candidate. This was done in an attempt to shore up support in Nebraska, a state amenable to Rand Paul's libertarian message. Still, Ted Cruz was gaining steam in West Virginia and Nebraska.

RESULTS

Nebraska
Ted Cruz                54.46%
Condi Rice               45.54%

West Virginia
Ted Cruz                66.77%
Condi Rice               33.23%

The Fallout

These latest losses for Rice were especially stinging. Though mathematically unable to clinch the nomination outright, Cruz remains in a strong position to deny Rice an easy time over the next several weeks. The good news for Rice is that no more contests remain in which Cruz remains a strong contender. The next contest, Oregon, has Rice up by double-digits. Still, it remains unlikely that Rice will be unable to clinch the nomination until June 7. Currently, the Rice campaign is in talks with Rand Paul about unbound delegates supporting Rice.

CORRECTION: I neglected to include the Colorado GOP Convention on April 9. In this scenario, Condi Rice won 26 bound delegates, 7 unbound delegates, and Cruz won 4 bound delegates.

DELEGATE COUNT
Condi Rice          915
Ted Cruz            719

NEXT UP: Oregon, Washington, and June 7 Final Tuesday

[GoTfan]

This might sound insane, but I think Rand or the Donald might get the VP nod.

[Progressive]

PACIFIC CONTESTS: 'WEST COAST BEST COAST' FOR CONDI

OREGON AND WASHINGTON PRIMARIES: MAY 17/24, 2016

Oregon
Condi Rice             61.0%
Ted Cruz                 38.4%

Washington
Condi Rice               63.6%
Ted Cruz                   35.0%

DELEGATES
Condi Rice          986
Ted Cruz            728


On the evening of the Washington Primary (May 24, 2016), Condi Rice declared that she would be the nominee if Republican voters took her Pacific Primary momentum to the June 7, 2016 contests. With just 303 delegates remaining, Rice won big in the primary contests and also scored commitments from 8 unbound delegates earned by Rand Paul in primary contests. Condi badly wants to avoid a floor-fight at the convention, and she is dedicating immense resources to winning big on June 7. Notably, she has deployed rumored vice presidential picks to various states. Donald Trump and Chris Christie are holding three joint events in New Jersey. Rice will appear with the duo together at an event in North Jersey, and will appear separately with Trump at two fundraisers in Cherry Hill and Tenafly, respectively. Rice cut and filmed an ad with Rand Paul airing in Montana. John Kasich, Rob Portman, Marco Rubio, and Lindsey Graham are traveling to California with Rice to hold events with her, as are local Republican elected officials, including members of Congress. Rice is also holding a major fundraising event and rally with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Rice is campaigning with Sen. John Thune in South Dakota, and Gov. Susana Martinez in New Mexico.

Meanwhile, Ted Cruz is campaigning with Jerry Falwell in Montana and South Dakota. Former Reps. Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter and campaigning with Cruz in California and New Mexico. Cruz also cut a New Jersey radio ad with Steve Lonegan, former Republican candidate for Senate.

POLLS (GOP):
California: Rice 52%, Cruz 37%, undecided 11%
Montana:  Cruz 44%, Rice 43%, undecided 13%
New Jersey: Rice 60%, Cruz 28%, undecided 12%
New Mexico: Rice 50%, Cruz 41%, undecided 9%
South Dakota: Rice 46%, Cruz 44%, undecided 10%

-NOTE-

Rice is hoping, and observers are expecting, Rice to clinch the nomination on June 7. Either way, after the June 7, there will be a very detailed VP candidate primer examining pros and cons of various candidates, as well as internal campaign thinking. If you have a guess as to who the vice presidential candidate will be, please feel free to share.

[Progressive]

HISTORY MADE!

FINAL TUESDAY: JUNE 7, 2016

She's the one. Condi Rice, a former secretary of state, never elected to any office, has clinched the Republican nomination for president on the same date that a former counterpart, Hillary Clinton, clinched the Democratic nomination for president. Condi Rice's road to this moment was turbulent, and perhaps more painful than originally anticipated. Rumors, faux scandals, and all out political warfare nearly doomed her chances at clinching the nomination outright. But Condi, who is the first woman of color ever to clinch a major party's nomination, outpaced freshman Texas senator Ted Cruz in what was a bruising primary. Let's look at some of the data:

RESULTS

California
Condi Rice             63.3%
Ted Cruz                 35.0%

Montana
Condi Rice             51.3%
Ted Cruz                 47.9%

New Jersey
Condi Rice             70.0%
Ted Cruz                 29.4%

New Mexico
Condi Rice             56.76%
Ted Cruz                 43.01%

South Dakota
Condi Rice              53.9%
Ted Cruz                  45.0%

Fascinatingly, on the day of the June 7 primaries, Rand Paul released a statement releasing all of his delegates to Rice. After sweeping all five states during this primary, as have Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, Carly Fiorina, and Chris Christie. Additionally, 12 Cruz unbound delegates rescinded their endorsement of Cruz on the day of the primary as well. All in all, Condi Rice was able to total 1,250 delegates by the end of the June 7 primary night--just barely enough to clinch the nomination.

Cruz was unable to net any delegates during the California primary, the only non winner-take-all state tonight.

The next post will include Rice's future plans including the VP search primer that I've promised. It will also future Ted Cruz's future plans. He's not going away just yet.

[Progressive]

VEEPSTAKES PRIMER: FIRST UPDATE

Shortly after clinching the Republican Party nomination on June 7, 2016, presumptive GOP nominee Condi Rice met with top advisors to discuss the vice presidential search process. Preliminarily, Rice announced three individuals to chair the committee:

1. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
2. Ana Navarro, CNN contributor and former aide to Bush and McCain campaigns. Navarro left CNN to chair Condi Rice's National Hispanic Coalition and will direct operations for the vice presidential candidate for the remainder of the race.
3. Prominent Republican attorney and chair of the Republican Lawyers Association Michael Thielen

The trio, who reportedly had been working amicably together with the rest of the Rice campaign, sat with Rice to discuss her favorite choices for vice president. The search committee and Condi combined lists. The following names appear in the order in which Rice expressed preference for the candidates, not necessarily the order in which they are likely to be chosen. The candidate information includes inside analysis from within the campaign on the potential candidate's chances of being selected as vice president, including pros and cons.

Once again, the names are not in the order of likelihood of being chosen as the VP candidate.

1.  U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Choosing Graham could add regional balance to the ticket and he has a good, friendly relationship with Rice. It could also double-down on experience in foreign policy as Graham is a veteran.  Both Rice and Graham are bachelors and rumored to be gay, however, and Graham is not particularly well-liked by the base. Still, Condi has told her advisors that if she were in a perfect scenario, she would prefer to run with Graham, and feels comfortable with him as a surrogate.

CHANCES: Very low

2. Gov. John Kasich (R-OH)

Rice has expressed a fondness for the popular Ohio governor. His prowess in Ohio could add electoral advantages to the Rice campaign. Rice worries that he does not have substantial foreign policy experience, but feels that he could greatly complement hers with what she believes is deftness as being governor. She has referred to him in private as the best governor in the country. The media has focused on Kasich as a top prospect, though the base has expressed reservations. It is believed that Huckabee thinks Kasich could underperform in VP debates and as an attack dog.

CHANCES: Medium-high

3. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH)

Faced with the prospect of a tough Senate challenge, Rob Portman has flirted in private with the idea of serving as VP if asked. Portman is a solid conservative, though is more socially-liberal on issues such as marriage equality, as he has a gay son. Rice does not know Portman very well personally, but she admired his surrogacy in Ohio and in other places. Portman polls well in Ohio, like Kasich. He is not believed to be particularly charismatic, however.

CHANCES: Relatively high [though the NRSC is lobbying Portman to insist on not being considered]

4. Gov. Brian Sandoval (R-NV)

Although she did not win the Nevada Caucuses, Condi Rice appreciated Gov. Sandoval's endorsement and felt that she gelled well with him. Representing a crucial swing state and demographic, Gov. Sandoval checks off many 'boxes' for Rice. This would be the first all-person of color ticket, potentially isolating conservatives, but also potentially serving as a base for growing Republican outreach. Still, conventional wisdom suggests she is more likely to pick a white male, potentially with substantial economic or financial achievements in government. Sandoval nonetheless remains a top choice.

CHANCES: Medium-high

5. U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-SD)

Once considered a future presidential contender, Sen. Thune's profile has since mellowed in recent years. But he was a strong surrogate for Rice, who has grown to value loyalty, and Rice considers him competent in policy and charisma. GOP insiders suggest that Thune could be a strong dark-horse first-place contender. Further, Thune represents a rural state, and holds crucial commerce and agricultural committee posts. Rice remains concerned however that Thune would struggle one-on-one against a potential Hillary Clinton candidate such as Elizabeth Warren or Cory Booker.

CHANCES: Relatively high

6. Businessman Donald Trump (R-NY) (

Though initially skeptical of the bombastic businessman, Rice has grown to admire her loyal campaign surrogate and has basked in her newfound friendship with the real estate tycoon. He is telegenic, has business acumen, and certainly commands an audience. Still, Rice and GOP insiders worry that his temperament and lack of serious political experience could turn him into the next Sarah Palin. Nonetheless, Rice has instructed her vetting team to conduct a full vetting process on Trump, stating that he has "earned his keep, and then some" on her short list.

CHANCES: Low-medium

7. U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR)

Numerous GOP insiders and Rice campaign aides think that the young, new senator from Arkansas may have the mojo Rice needs to wallop Clinton while also bringing home the far-right base. But with just a few years in the Senate, Cotton is relatively inexperienced, a trait Rice is not reported to admire.  She does however believe that his Army service is commendable and national security portfolio in the Senate, while thin, is strong and principled.

CHANCES: Medium

8. Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI)

After her disappointing loss in the Wisconsin primary, Condi Rice was reportedly furious that Scott Walker was unable to coalesce a coalition around her candidacy. That, combined with dropping poll numbers in Wisconsin, have probably sunk Walker's chances at being a tip-top contender. But the base likes Walker and Condi Rice tremendously admires his ability to strong-arm unions and defeat three Democratic challengers for the state house.

CHANCES: Medium

9. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

Similar concerns about too much "history" on one ticket. But, Rubio would add some flash to the campaign. He has announced that he would in fact run for U.S. Senate again despite pledging not to, however. This move was considered odd, considering that he was certainly in the running to be vetted for vice president. In addition, Rice is said not to have much fondness for Rubio, who she views as soft, similar to Pres. Obama.

CHANCES: Low-medium

10. U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)

See the last few "history" issues with the ticket. Condi Rice is grateful for McMorris Rodgers' leadership as House GOP Conference Chair, and believes that she could be a strong addition to the ticket, if some of her preferred candidates don't work out. Insiders see the double-woman ticket as a strong way to strong-arm what was once a strong-Democratic stranglehold on diversity.

CHANCES: Medium-high

11. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)

Although the two have many ideological differences between the two of them, Condi Rice believes that Rand Paul is a competent and intelligent senator who could be an effective surrogate for her and her potential administration. Insiders think he could possibly excite younger voters, but alienate much of the base, including on foreign policy issues.

CHANCES: Very low

12. Former Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN)

The former governor and Condi Rice have a friendship extending to the Bush administration. He is a popular former governor though he has been out of the spotlight for a number of years. He is also considered a potential dark-horse surge to the forefront.

CHANCES: Medium-high

OTHER CANDIDATES THOUGHT TO BE VETTED: Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ); Gov. Charlie Baker (R-MA); former Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX); Gov. Phil Bryant (R-MS); former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA); U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO); former Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R-NY); Mayor Faulconer (R-CA); and Trader Joes CEO Dan Bane (R-CA).

[Enderman]

Kasich, Portman, and Thune seem a bit too safe, though would be good. Graham and Sandoval would be interesting, if it weren't for the Base not feeling so sure with Rice. Trump, Walker, Rubio, and Paul would be good on paper, but would probably be a liability for the Ticket. Cotton, Daniels, and McMorris Rodgers would be my finalists.

As for the Wild Cards? Christie would serve better as AG. Baker is good where he is. Stick a fork in Perry and Bloomberg. Bryant and Faulconer would be interesting, but there are better choices. Webb would be good for the VA Secretary. Dan Bane would be worth looking into, though I doubt he'd be able to make it into the final few. Gardner would be my pick of the wild cards.

Either way, this has been a great timeline, Progressive! I'd like to see what the Rice Administration would look like, if you were were thinking of having it go that far that is. Keep up the good work.

[Kingpoleon]

My finalists would be Daniels, Kasich, and Webb. Trump is probably the pick, as he'll ensure probably the highest floor for Condoleeza Rice, though Webb might be able to do that, too.

[Progressive]

NOTE: Thanks all for the compliments. Much appreciated, and I've enjoyed writing this. Several people have inboxes me asking about Hillary VP choices. I will include her VP choice in a post here, but I won't provide analysis as this is a Condi timeline.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE: VEEP SEARCH HEATS UP, NARROWS

RUBIO BOMBS ON FOX NEWS SUNDAY; WON'T SEEK VP SLOT - JUNE 18, 2016

In a lengthy interview with Chris Wallace last Sunday, Rubio delivered robotic, overly-rehearsed answers as to why Condi Rice would be a strong president. Further, Rubio struggled to articulate ways in which Condi Rice would be different than George W. Bush. Immediately after the interview, Condi phoned informal adviser Jeb Bush,  and the two contacted Ana Navarro to urge Rubio to focus on re-election in Florida, as the VP search committee would no longer be actively vetting the freshman senator.

VEEP TEAM MEMO TO VP HOPEFULS: SENATORS UP FOR RE-ELECTION THIS YEAR NO LONGER IN THE RUNNING - JUNE 18, 2016

In a nod to the wishes of the RNC and the NRSC, the three-person VP search committee sent a confidential memo to aides of potential VP contenders who were up for re-election this year. This effectively eliminated Sen. Rob Portman, once considered to be a top contender from the list. Also narrowed from the list were Sen. Rand Paul, and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who was considered a potential dark horse pick.

RICE HOSTS POTENTIAL VP CANDIDATES AT NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME - JUNE 20, 2016

Just after the confidential memo was sent to elected officials seeking re-election this year, Condi Rice invited a number of top contenders for the seat to her home just outside of Washington, D.C. in Arlington, V.A. The campaign confirmed that the following individuals attended, though did not confirm the purpose of the retreat: Sen. Cory Gardner; Sen. Lindsey Graham; Businessman Donald Trump; Gov. John Kasich; former Gov. Mitch Daniels; former Sen. Jim Webb; Gov. Brian Sandoval; Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers. The previous individuals are listed in descending order relating to the amount of time spent at Rice's home. For example, Sen. Gardner arrived at the home around 10:00am, and left around 10:00pm. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers visited for about 45 minutes. It is believed that a number of others were invited but were unable to attend including Sen. Tom Cotton,  Sen. John Thune, and San Diego Mayor Faulconer.

SOURCE: VP SEARCH TEAM, RICE SPLIT ON FINAL CHOICES - JUNE 26, 2016

Condi Rice campaign manager John Weaver signaled to top campaign pollsters and strategists that the VP search committee and Condi Rice were genuinely unable to agree on top choices for the VP search. As a result, Weaver has urged pollsters to assess various candidates and evaluate their potential value. Each member of the VP search committee has been asked to come up with a Top 3 (in order) to present to Rice and Weaver. Rice has been asked to participate by presenting her top 3 as well.

Mike Huckabee has recommended: 1. Sen. Cory Gardner; 2. Businessman Donald Trump; 3. Former Gov. Mitch Daniels

Ana Navarro has recommended: 1. Gov. John Kasich;  2. Gov. Brian Sandoval; 3. Sen. Lindsey Graham

Michael Thielen has recommended: 1. Gov. Brian Sandoval; 2. Gov. John Kasich; 3. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Condi Rice sent a memo to her VP search team and to John Weaver with her top candidates, but presented a caveat memo indicating that she was truly split, and found this decision the most difficult piece of the campaign so far:

Hi Team: First of all, thank you for all of your work so far. We are still several weeks away from launching this thing. I would be lying if I told you that I was sure of my responses tonight. I learned in this campaign, sometimes painfully, that many people, voters, including those in my own party do not necessarily agree with me on issues, and do not necessarily believe that my style matches their style. To that end, in my gut, there are three people I think may complement me the most. As you all very well know, I am fairly measured in my decision-making. I did not arrive at my preference list easily, but I am quite certain that, at least in this moment, the following three candidates would make a great partner in finding solutions for our nation's troubles: 1. Sen. Lindsey Graham; 2. Businessman Donald Trump; 3. Sen. Cory Gardner. Please know that at this stage, I am willing to reconsider, and willing to review other candidates more deeply as well.

RICE CAMPAIGN REPORTEDLY FRUSTRATED WITH 'TOP GOP TALENT' IN VP SEARCH - JULY 5, 2016

Marco Rubio. John Kasich. Scott Walker. These were considered to presidential candidates in 2016 before Condi Rice's foray into the presidential field. Yet these three men, and others, have underwhelmed Rice and her team on the campaign trail. On CNN, Gov. John Kasich was visibly flustered by former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, debating Planned Parenthood and Hillary's emails. Rice, growing frustrated, wrote to RNC Chair stating: "Reince, these were the people I was supposed to be scared of when entering the race? This was the top crop field of talent? My team and I are certain that these people are tremendous leaders, but we are growing increasingly anxious about their abilities to perform on a national stage--whether as my vice presidential candidate, at our convention, or on the campaign trail for us for November..."

REPORT: RICE CAMPAIGN ZEROING IN ON GARDNER, TRUMP - JULY 11, 2016

The Rice campaign confirmed that the vice presidential announcement would take place in Virginia Beach, Virginia. All eyes were on the freshman Sen. Cory Gardner and New York Businessman Donald Trump. To Rice's fascination, and slight concern, despite several weeks of reporting controversial comments from the real estate tycoon, he polled strongly (in fact, stronger than many conventional choices) among white working class Americans, union workers, independents, and self-identified moderates in states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. Similarly, to Rice's fascination, and superstition, Cory Gardner's political acumen winning a tough race in Colorado could prove fruitful in November. Rice also seems to be relieved that while Garnder is a freshman senator, he has two terms in the U.S. House.

Still, campaign insiders insist that other candidates have surfaced to the top of the VP search, including Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Gov. John Kasich, Gov. Brian Sandoval, and Sen. John Thune. Several campaign insiders reported, however, that Thune did not reach the final level of vetting. Further, Rice has supposedly decided that Kasich would not be emerge as the VP choice unless there were some cataclysmal event, such as a meltdown or bad-looking discovery about one of the candidates. In other words, Kasich will likely only emerge as the choice if he is needed to temper some sort of chaotic happenstance to one of the other candidates. McMorris Rodgers has emerged as a tempting choice for Rice. The two get along well, and two women could be a huge history-maker for the GOP. Rice has urged her team to give McMorris Rodgers another "look over." Gov. Brian Sandoval fits a similar bill to McMorris Rodgers.

STAY TUNED: NEXT POST, CONDI RICE AND HER VP CHOICE EMERGE TOGETHER IN VIRGINIA BEACH!

[Enderman]

McMorris Rogers and/or Gardner it is

[Stm85]

I'd love to see a Rice/Daniels ticket but Gardner would be a great choice too.

[Senator Cris]

Rice/Gardner!

[Kingpoleon]

I'd love to see a Rice/Daniels ticket but Gardner would be a great choice too.

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

TRUMP

[Progressive]

RICE SELECTS GARDNER FOR VP - JULY 15, 2016

At a rally with nearly 2,000 supporters, Condi Rice introduced first-term Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner as her choice to serve as vice president. Gardner, a former U.S. House member who unseated Democrat Mark Udall in 2014, is said to have met most of the criteria that Rice and her VP search team put out. Gardner is young, telegenic, and charismatic. But he also has a principled, conservative legislative portfolio. Here is a snippet of his first speech as a member of the Rice-Gardner ticket:

"Secretary Rice, I thank you for your offer to serve under you as vice president. I'm here in beautiful Virginia Beach to tell you and our country today that I accept your offer, enthusiastically and without hesitation. Folks, in 2010, when I was first elected to the House of Representatives, I defeated an incumbent liberal Democrat hellbent on implementing Obama's agenda. In 2014, I defeated a long-time member of the political establishment in a shocking win to the U.S. Senate. And this year, in 2016, I will help Condi Rice become the first woman president! And I will be proud to serve as her vice president! Together, we will prevent Obama from reaching a third term, through Hillary Clinton."

Hillary Clinton was still thought to be about a week away from announcing her VP choice. Her campaign remains waiting to see how the GOP convention unfolds.

GOP CONVENTION PROGRAM - JULY 18-21, 2016

Rice-Gardner: Forward Stronger

JULY 18, 2016: Prosperity for All

Jaime Gardner
Donald Trump <keynote speaker>
House Speaker Paul Ryan
Gov. Scott Walker
Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Former Sec. Elaine Chao
Bruce Willis
Assorted other speakers including members of Congress, governors, celebrities, etc.

JULY 19, 2016: Overcoming Adversity, Embracing Diversity, and Making History

Gov. Nikki Haley
Gov. Greg Abbott
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian
Rep. Mia Love
Carly Fiorina
Rep. Elise Stefanik
Gov. Susana Martinez
Sen. Marco Rubio
Sen. Ted Cruz** (being given a courtesy speaking slot by Rice-Gardner campaign)
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Former Democratic Rep. Artur Davis
Former PayPal CEO Peter Thiel
Assorted other speakers including members of Congress, governors, celebrities, etc.

JULY 20, 2016: Making America Stronger at Home and Abroad

Former Democratic Sen. Jim Webb
Rep. Peter King
Sen. Joni Ernst
Former NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly
Former Rep. Allen West
Sen. John Thune
Gov. Chris Christie
Sen. Cory Gardner and family
Assorted other speakers including members of Congress, governors, celebrities, etc.

JULY 21, 2016: A Future Brighter Than Ever

RNC Chair Reince Priebus
Gloria Estefan
Gov. John Kasich
Sen. Tim Scott
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer
Alex Smith, College Republican National Committee Chair
Condi Rice, and family, along with running mate Sen. Gardner and his family
Assorted other speakers including members of Congress, governors, celebrities, etc.

Other speakers may be announced. It is likely that each day of the convention will get its own post, including the Sen. Ted Cruz speech and roll call.

STAY TUNED! RNC 2016 will be very interesting.

[Kingpoleon]

Who introduced it?

[Progressive]

Who introduced it?

Not sure I know what you mean? Who introduced what?

[Kingpoleon]

I said that very, very, very weirdly. Who introduced Condoleeza Rice? Kasich or Faulconer or Smith?

[Progressive]

I said that very, very, very weirdly. Who introduced Condoleeza Rice? Kasich or Faulconer or Smith?

Ah! Ok! Haha. The convention hasn't happened yet actually. There will be a few surprises and I will put each day of the convention in a separate post most likely.

But I will say this. There will be surprise speakers. Stay tuned.

[Progressive]

Out of town until Sunday. I will update shortly. I promise RNC 2016 will be fun to read!

[Progressive]

#RNCinCLE NIGHT ONE - JULY 18, 2016

PROSPERITY FOR ALL

The first night of the 2016 Republican National Convention was deemed a hit for Condi Rice and the GOP. Numerous speakers, from Bruce Willis to Speaker Paul Ryan to former Sec. Elaine Chao gave impassioned speeches praising Condi Rice and Cory Gardner, as well as down-ballot Republican candidates. But observers and pundits suggest that businessman Donald Trump stole the show.

Some notable lines include:

"When I see Condi Rice, I see success, and believe me I know success more than anyone. When I see Hillary Clinton I see failure...

...I'm famous for a certain line. When I look at Hillary's record of screw ups and lies and typical liberal politically correct foolishness, I have one line to say to you Hillary: you're fired!"

Rice, admittedly uneasy with Trump's style, found his passion endearing and many right-wing Republicans attending the convention, skeptical of Rice, admitted to finding Trump's style endearing as well. Meanwhile, there was an effort on Day One to draft Trump to run for NYC Mayor in 2017. Polls show embattled Mayor Bill de Blasio leading the businessman 45% to 34%, numbers that show Trump down, but de Blasio badly wounded, among key, high-turnout constituencies.

Rice's economic agenda had long been considered mathematically questionable at best, and her experience in economics rather thin. Rice called for tax breaks for middle and upper-middle class families, as well as reductions in items that could be purchased on public benefits. She called for a new kind of "community investment tax" on businesses that may contribute to environmental harm (such as fracking companies), but insisted that she would encourage the growth of such companies where feasible. Her plans include a family leave (though substantially less robust than Clinton's), as well as a national infrastructure bank with priority work for those who are unemployed or receiving public benefits.

Also of note, Cory Gardner's wife, Jaime Gardner, performed well, and is expected to be used increasingly as a surrogate on the campaign trail.

Tomorrow night will be the "shocker" night, however. Republican insiders are preparing for the most diverse speaker pool ever in GOP convention history. Republicans hope that tomorrow's diversity event will finally turn the page on GOP electoral struggles. Stay tuned for some very interesting developments.

[Kingpoleon]

Hopefully Kasich gives a good speech.

Is Mitch Daniels expected to give a speech at or near prime time? Or at all?

[Progressive]

#RNCinCLE NIGHT TWO - JULY 19, 2016

Overcoming Adversity, Embracing Diversity, and Making History

RICE AND GARDNER OFFICIALLY NOMINATED

In what was considered a shocking move, trans reality TV star and LGBTQ activist Caitlyn Jenner endorsed Condi Rice in an impassioned speech. To the sound of mainly cheers, but some jeers, and many shocked faces, Jenner declared about Rice, "She's the one! Few of you know me. Some of you probably don't accept me. But what we can all agree on is that we deserve a leader who will treat us fairly. And that person is the first woman president, Condi Rice!"

Numerous other speakers delivered impassioned statements on their support for Condi Rice and Cory Gardner. For example, Sen. Marco Rubio delivered a speech talking about his family's immigration from Cuba that brought many on the floor to tears. Businesswoman Carly Fiorina talked about the importance of adding diversity to business and government. **NOTE: I can provide more details on any of the speakers listed for the first two nights so far, as requested.**

But perhaps the biggest shocker of the night came with Sen. Ted Cruz's speech.

"Stand and speak and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution. Hillary Clinton does not represent those values. And, while it breaks my heart to say it, our nominee tonight, does not possess those values either. Vote your conscience."

Cruz's speech was not well-received. He and his family exited the convention to boos, physical threats, and behind-the-scenes scoldings from Texas and national Republican Party elites. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott condemned Cruz's remarks at "childish, embarrassing," while former Gov. Rick Perry called on Cruz to resign. A poll that night of Texas Republicans showed that 60% of Texas Republican voters disagreed with Cruz's decision to deliver that speech, while 29% supported it. RNC Chair Reince Priebus insisted that Cruz should re-consider keeping his job as senator, while the Rice campaign simply said: "We had a beautiful convention tonight, and supporters from all backgrounds spoke truth as to why Condi Rice and Cory Gardner are the right candidate to make history and tackle challenges. That Sen. Cruz chose tonight to deliver a career-ending speech, is certainly questionable."

NEXT: FOREIGN POLICY/NATIONAL SECURITY NIGHT/MORE CRUZ FALLOUT