Sunday, September 23rd, 2007

Kristina Dodge; former MA Governor, Mitt Romney; Professor Lynne Doti, President James Doti.

On September 23rd Don and I had the opportunity to witness a question and answer session with former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney, a Republican Presidential Candidate for the 2008 election, at Chapman's Paul and Daranne Folino Theater in the Marion Knott Studios that house the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts (breathe).
While we're agreed that we still need to investigate other candidates, my personal opinion is that if what I see is what I get, I don't think I'd be disappointed if this one wins. No candidate represents ALL of my values but this one might be the closest match for me.

The former Governor of MA introducing his wife, Ann. She then relates that she's heard Mitt speak so often now that she could deliver the speech herself, and closes with a joke about a janitor and a professor (I think those were their roles) exchanging places, that illustrates her point. The joke ends with the "professor" responding to a question about his lecture as though it were so ridiculous that a janitor could answer it, before turning it over to the "janitor".

Ann and Matt (son) Romney (front left).

Beginning with an autobiographical introduction.

Apparently this little tyke has also heard it all before.

Members of the audience are now lined up behind microphones to the left and right of the stage. Mr. Romney is responding here to a question.

Still responding.

"Yes sir, I wonder if you could distinguish the difference between your health plan and Hillary Clinton's health plan?"

"Thanks for asking, I'd love to! . . ."

"... and that's what's wrong with Senator Clinton's plan, whereas my plan . . ."

Judging from University President Jim Doti's expression this must be the point where former Governor Romney responds to the distraught woman whose son just returned from Iraq. If the former querrant (is that a word?) was planted by the Governor, I'd have to say this one was planted by Hillary. Even so, I felt he answered this woman eloquently and compassionately, yet without backing off of the view she attacked.

Having concluded the session the former Governor generously shakes hands with those on stage and will be available afterward to shake the hands of audience members. We'll be sorry we didn't stay for this when he becomes President.

Hugging son, Matt.

Hugging wife, Ann.

University President Jim Doti thanks us for coming.