I was the keynote speaker at this Convention, and it was my first experience with a rush of photographers in front of the podium. It gave me energy and an inward chuckle. I knew my speech well. It was the second time in the day to deliver it, and with a three-hour drive for rehearsal, I was not thrown off. The main thrust of the speech was the importance for taking action that might be uncomfortable. It's a comfortable thing to criticize policy from the safety of your PC, but if it's uncomfortable to show up at a council meeting to assert your position, it is 100% more effective. It's a comfortable thing to be a paper candidate running for Township Trustee, but if it's uncomfortable to run a real campaign for County Commissioner, it's eminently more valuable. Etc.
The speech was well-received, as I could see the group energized by it. People began talking about what offices they would be running for. The local media was on hand for Q & A afterwards.
The LaPorte Herald-Argus used the front page to report on the event, focusing on my speech. The photo used includes the strangest expression I have ever seen me wear in a photograph while not playing hockey.
This was my first truly busy five-day stretch, and it gave me insight into what it must be like to run a full-blown campaign for governor or US Senate. Saturday's activities required a certain amount of energy and discipline. I started my prep for the day at 11 a.m., and got home at 1:30 a.m. I had to be 'on' for two hours, had travel to manage in a timely fashion, was 'on' for three hours, and then was 'off' for a three-hour late night drive, when the energy is gone. When you are dressed as a candidate dresses, and you pull up at the local, rural gas station to fill the tank and add a quart of oil, everybody stops and looks, and the bold ask a question or two. Back 'on' again.
That's nothing. The full-blown campaign down the stretch means every day is at least like that, and probably more.
This and other items appear on my blog: www.kolehardfacts.blogspot.com. My campaign website is out there, but I won't use this forum to direct you there. If you want to find, you will, Google willing.
Article comments
1 - Temple Stark
"Libertarians on a pub crawl." That sounds like a good song. Or a horribly involved short story. Good luck. Keep the updates coming - interesting.
2 - Mike Kole
Thanks. As mentioned, the pub crawl was very effective, so I expect more of them to occur. Maybe that song will be forthcoming!
3 - RJ
Good luck, MK!
4 - Leoniceno
Fascinating article. I wish you luck.
Go libertarians!
5 - Mike Kole
Thanks for the well-wishing. I appreciate it!