Saturday, 4 August 2007
Fancy Farm 2007 Live!
This is the first chance I have had to update this post. Fancy Farm was my first attempt at trying to live blog while using my Palm Treo. I used an IM Jabber client to send my posts to an IM Bot that updated the web page in real time. It turns out that the pace of the speeches made it difficult to keep up with on my blue tooth keyboard. I have decided to go back through my post and fill in some of the missing pieces and provide some spell checking.
01:50:13 PM Well, we made it to Fancy Farm. It is hot and only looks to get hotter. I hope the speeches today match the heat.
01:52:10 PM Once you get off the highway and take the two lane road back to Fancy Farm one is usually inundated with Democratic signs. I was surprised to see more Fletcher than Beshear signs on the way in. ( I counted them on the way out and Fletcher had a 3 to 2 lead)
02:16:55 PM Ug, I just walked through loserville. I saw Beshear, Mongianardo, and Captain Ahab himself. Stumbo brought with him a blood hound. I am guessing to mock McConnell's old ads by "rooting out corruption". (It turns out his theme is searching for a real Senator.) They also had a Fletcher's favorite food table with noodles, blackberry jam and truffles.
02:19:12 PM Fletcher's group on the other hand has a mock up of a town with a mom and pop restaurant closed down with a casino next door. At the end of the houses they have a Beshear payday store. Pretty funny.
02:46:25 PM We are about 15 minutes out and the excitement is building. I got to talk to a number of old acquaintences and just saw the governor go past. He looks to be in good spirits.
02:52:37 PM It doesn't look like Mitch is going to make it this year which is a bummer. I was really curious to hear what he was planning to say.
02:57:24 PM Ok, we are gettting closer to the beginning of the speeches. Most of the top speakers are already in place.
02:59:55 PM The crowd is starting to get restless. Both sides are cheering and booing. Should be a good one today.
03:00:39 PM Ahh, the four more years chants begin... And of course the boos.
03:04:04 PM The union people are already starting looking to start a fight and the speeches haven't even begun. Nothing like the obnoxious union types. Most of the Democrats are very well behaved, but their is always a couple of union guys at this event every year who seem to be looking for a fight.
03:06:12 PM The place is packed and this year they aren't letting people mill around in front of the stage so I am stuck on the outside under the bleachers. My wife will have to be my eyes this year.
03:06:50 PM Ahh the speeches are about to get underway
03:09:23 PM False alarm... They are thanking everyone who helped put the picnic together.
03:11:16 PM We are getting ready for the speeches at the 127th Fancy Farm picnic. Their is a request for civility. I wonder how long that will actually last.
03:22:29 PM Cool, the Bishop is here and gave the opening prayer. He is pushing for greater immigration during the prayer. The Catholic church has been a major supporter of more open borders and amnesty for illegals. Not a stance I am overly thrilled with as a fellow Catholic. Especially the amnesty for illegals.
03:23:23 PM Now they are singing my old kentucky home. What a wonderful song.
03:26:01 PM Now we are singing the national anthem
03:35:28 PM David Williams is being introduced as masters of ceremony.. Lots of cheers and boos. The Republicans are outnumbered 3 to 1 but they are holding their own.
03:36:00 PM David Williams opens by thanking all of the Dems who voted for him to commissioner of agriculture. That was funny. (It was probably the best line of the day)
03:40:09 PM A couple of local reps are giving some intro speeches. Nothing exciting yet.
03:42:53 PM McConnell is here.. Cool... A lot of cheers and boos. Sweet! This should be interesting
03:44:10 PM He starts by praising David Williams, Trey Greyson and Fletcher.
03:44:31 PM Ernie chants are breaking out
03:44:59 PM He is welcoming back Beshear a face from days gone by.
03:47:42 PM He thank Beshear for getting back up after faling off his horse and hunt those foxes. McConnell tells him it is good to see him again and again and again and again
03:47:50 PM He is glad to see that the Dems are in to recycling. (Another really good line)
03:48:03 PM Beshear has much in common with Pelosi and Clinton.
03:49:12 PM McConnell is talking about a litany of liberal policies that Dems support.
03:49:49 PM He is inviting Hillary to come down and campaign for Beshear.
03:50:47 PM McConnell rocked. The Dems seem pissed.
03:51:17 PM Beshear won the only thing he is going to win this year. The coin toss.
03:51:17 PM Fletcher is first
03:51:58 PM He starts by talking about his accomplishments
03:52:32 PM He thanked Stumbo for being back from his sabatical at the school for knifings and political smears. That was a good line.
03:53:15 PM He turned around a deficit and worked on roads down here in Western KY. Yeah the roads getting to Fancy Farm are much better than they were 4 years ago.
03:54:13 PM Beshear is out of touch with our Ky values. Looking for the 10 commandments since they aren't in the school.
03:54:28 PM Or government buildings. Fletcher wonders which commandment doesn't he like
03:55:09 PM Beshear is against the guns. (They parade out a guy dressed as a hunter with a giant sling shot) and has a record of being against them. Fletcher is for the 2nd ammendment
03:56:55 PM Easy money steve (guy dressed up comes on the stage) offers us money for nothing. Casinos get your money while the people get nothing. Fools gold.
03:56:55 PM 1.5 billion dollars out of your pocket and not in your local business. Most of the money will go to Vegas. Many churches and local organizations will see a drop of drop of fund raising by 50%.
03:57:56 PM Truth about gambling is that it creates more crime, more divorces, and more problems
03:58:13 PM Fletcher will not bring casinos to Kentucky
03:58:47 PM We will take care of Ky without the fools good.
03:59:29 PM The Dems are chanting 3 more months.. At least they got it right.. Early I heard 4 more weeks.
04:00:15 PM Fletcher is for high tech jobs so people can dream to be astronauts and not a casino dealer. (That is a good line)
04:00:33 PM He will not roll the dice with Kentucky's future.
04:01:24 PM My thought... Casinos are for people who can't do math.
04:01:56 PM Great speech from Fletcher! I was impressed.
04:02:14 PM Beshear is next
04:03:32 PM Sen McConnell, it only took you 1 year to remeber Ernie's name (Good line)
04:03:43 PM 4 years for the nightmare to end
04:04:19 PM I guess it has been a bightmare for the dems. They haven't been out of power in 30+ years.
04:04:36 PM Now he is talking about his family. Booring
04:05:14 PM Wow he is recylcing his closing statement from the debates.
04:06:01 PM His dad told him it isn't important where they hang (the 10 commandments) as long as you live by them. We would be better if Fletcher lived by them (Good line)
04:06:34 PM He obeyed the law as AG and he will obey the law as governor.
04:07:35 PM He wants opportunities. (Opportunities to gamble?)
04:08:28 PM He wants to end partisanship. Ok? I guess he wants to go back to one party rule.
04:08:56 PM Wow he just insulted the local picnic. Nice touch Steve.
04:09:13 PM "They need to turn down the bingo so I can talk about gambling"
04:12:25 PM He wants to give people the option to vote for gambling
04:14:11 PM What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.. What happens in Frankfort should no longer stay in Frankfort (Good line)
04:14:11 PM No he is talking about Fletcher's "failures" with chants of "time for a change"
04:14:12 PM No he is recycling campaign slogans. Ug
04:14:32 PM Rudolph is next
04:15:22 PM Very proud to be on the ticket
04:15:58 PM He is talking about the scandal and notes that the judge in the case is working for Beshear.
04:16:20 PM Beshear has rolled snake eyes every 10 years and is a two time loser
04:17:24 PM Mongianardo
04:17:29 PM He put the fancy in Dan
04:17:39 PM Fancy Dan is a liberal (Fancy Dan is a funny line)
04:17:55 PM Fancy Dan lost to Bunning
04:18:28 PM One is hunting foxes in the field the other in the bars
04:18:43 PM Where's steve pence chants are going on from the Dems. (Finally a good chant from the Dems)
04:19:18 PM Beshear made it easier to take your gun
04:19:31 PM Dan doesn't have a clue either
04:19:38 PM Voted for domestic partners
04:20:40 PM Our plan isn't to prey on the most vulnerable.. Or with policies that belong in Massachusettes or California... Good line
04:22:26 PM Fancy Dan is next
04:22:28 PM Started by thanking all the workers
04:22:28 PM Took a shot at Bunning by saying he will glad to be back (Reference to Bunning saying he will never come back)
04:22:48 PM If you are satisified with this Gov's leadership send him back
04:22:59 PM If you want competent leadership elect us
04:23:34 PM If you want a governor with a legal defense fund then vote for Fletcher
04:23:55 PM If you want leadership that works vote for us
04:24:05 PM Blah blah blah.. More comparisions
04:25:07 PM Not very interesting.. It is time for a change... Not overly original either
04:25:26 PM Stumbo is a good AG
04:26:07 PM (What I am suprised is how weak the Dems speeches are. I thought they would be much better)
04:26:49 PM Stop the partisan fighting? I don't get that one. The Dems are as much responsibile as Repubs for partisanship)
04:27:40 PM The Dems didn't say what they would do.. They only talked about change.. Very weak.
04:28:22 PM Trey Greyson won the toss.. His oponent is first.
04:29:09 PM Hendrickson is rambling
04:29:33 PM People are still talking about him in Pineville... Huh?
04:30:24 PM 4 years as non corrupt mayor.. What does that have to with SOS?
04:51:28 PM I have no idea what the heck he is talking about. His greatest attribute that I can gather so far is that he is loud.
04:51:28 PM He wants to end voter fraud. (He needs to go talk to Patton about that)
04:51:28 PM Wants college kid and pregant people to vote early. That was a nice bit of a rambling.
04:51:28 PM Trey Greyson is next
04:51:28 PM He will have a really difficult time topping that speech.. Not
04:51:28 PM He isn't letting dead people vote anymore. (Republicans cheer)
04:51:28 PM Trey is making a baseball analogy about turning in the line up before games. The Dems have turned in the wrong card. They have a bunch of minor leaguers up here
04:51:28 PM Bull Durham analogy
04:51:28 PM He is much better than he was 4 years ago. Very polished
04:51:28 PM Now he is talking about our elections and they are better than ever before.
04:51:28 PM Wants to get young involved. The teachers endorsed him.
04:51:28 PM He believes it is your money and not the governments money.
04:51:28 PM No public financed campaigns.
04:51:28 PM We shouldn't send a minor leauger to do a major league job. (Finaly wraps up his analogy which was a bit of a stretch. It was at least original)
04:51:28 PM Williams introduced Richards and asked him if he wanted to close the speeches early. (David Williams had the best one liners and he didn't even speak)
04:51:28 PM Crit Luallen is up next.
04:51:28 PM She has gone after fraud and abuse.
04:51:29 PM She is talking about her accomplishments and is very loud.
04:51:29 PM Now she is ra ra ing the Democrat ticket
04:51:29 PM Next year they will restore hope
04:51:29 PM And vision ... This funny since they ruled the state for 100+ years and we never got any of their promises they are making now
04:51:29 PM Lind Greenwel is next
04:51:29 PM She is starting with her bio.. Boring
04:51:29 PM The dems will talk about the working people. I am a working person. (good line)
04:51:56 PM Unlike her opponent she is not an insider
04:51:56 PM Crit was a fixture in Frankfort
04:51:56 PM Her an Patton said we needed a tax increase with a billion dollar deficit.
04:51:56 PM Fletcher turned it around while cutting taxes
04:51:56 PM (Nice way to tie her to Paul Patton)
04:51:56 PM Did all of this while remaining faithful to his wife. (excellent)
04:51:56 PM Captain Ahab is next
04:51:56 PM Fletcher must have been nervous with blood hounds and chain gangs
04:51:56 PM We represent law and order in this state.
04:51:56 PM He told Fletcher to name something after himself since he is only going to be in office for 4 years.
04:52:19 PM Stumbo is asking Beshear to name street sweeper after him once elected.
04:53:15 PM Williams line: now for candidates who actually won their primary. (He is funny)
04:53:43 PM Stan Lee
04:54:24 PM Liberals city boy versus Country boy
04:55:13 PM He makes a comment about good looks. In apparent allusion to his opponent. But then said he is not just another pretty face.
04:55:22 PM He will not bow down to the ACLU
04:56:20 PM His opponent is for gambling and it brings a crime wave.
04:56:38 PM Good line -- that's a fact Jack
04:56:53 PM Excellent refrain
04:57:55 PM Nancy Pelosi and planned parenthood have given to Jack's campaigns. (that's a fact Jack)
04:58:18 PM To the criminals out there.. Fear the stache.. Another good line.
04:58:34 PM Jack Conway is next.
04:58:45 PM He is loud
04:59:02 PM He sounds angry.
05:00:24 PM He is a good speaker, but he hasn't said anything.
05:01:18 PM Now he is talking about all of the crime (where has Stumbo been with all this crime?)
05:02:13 PM Has a good line about Stan Lee's local paper saying they don't believe Stan can follow the law.
05:03:25 PM He is the best speakers the Dems have, of course that isn't saying much. He sounded loud and angry. He needs to tone that down or it will come back to haunt him.
05:04:51 PM Commission of Ag candidate, David Williams, is having some one speak for him
05:04:57 PM Ouch... The guy is doing a good job. He should have been running instead.
05:06:21 PM Ok, never mind.. He called the people on the stage schiesters.
05:06:21 PM The real David WIlliams is laughing as he introduces Richie
05:06:21 PM 4 years ago he was awful
05:06:21 PM He is infinitely better this time
05:06:43 PM He is talking about his accomplishments.
05:08:05 PM Excellent speech.
05:08:44 PM Todd Hollenback is first. Wow he is young.
05:09:13 PM He is starting with his bio
05:09:39 PM He avoided mentioning what county he is from. He must be from Jefferson County
05:10:15 PM He is saying his ticket (TheDems on state) are all still there. (that is because the Republicans have jobs and need to be some where)
05:11:24 PM Government can help you... And then he started laughing. I am sure that was a slip. But was pretty humourous.
05:12:16 PM He was nervous and very fast because of it.
05:12:35 PM Linda Wheeler is next. She is so excited and loud
05:12:51 PM Wants to abolish the office
05:16:25 PM She just called out Miller for not doing his job since he became party chairman.
05:16:25 PM We could save the state millions each year by abolishing the position.
05:16:25 PM That's all for the speeches folks. I might do some recaps a bit later.
05:17:30 PM My first thought is that this was a really tame Fancy Farm from pevioius affairs. The separated people so the crowd wasn't as rambunctious as it has been in the past.
