Chris Smith American Candidate

This is currently believed to be the list of 10 candidates, based on current press reports (a little different than the 12 originally reported).

I have been helping Bob Vanech, since we agree that it is time to return power to the American people, not big business and big government. You can check out his campaign web site here: http://voteforvanech.us/

As you review the names, yes, that is Dick Gephardt's daughter on the list. Will this help or hurt Dick Gephardt's chances of being picked to join the Kerry ticket as VP? (Actually, latest analysis has Senator Edwards from North Carolina as the leading pick... unless you choose to believe the rumors that Kerry is pursuing Republicans like McCain or Hagel, which anyone can tell you is very unlikely. Kerry is apparently getting pressure from Southern Congressional leaders who do not want Kerry to concede the South, and think that having Edwards on the ticket may help be the margin of victory in Southern Congressional races, even if it doesn't actually impact the Presidential math.)

If only Bush's nephew, Nader's friend's daughter, and Kerry's step son had applied... oh well:

Bob Vanech, Los Angeles CA... Free Speech, power to the people not big business and big government

Lisa Witter, New York NY... Healthcare, Election Reform, Repeal Bush Taxes

Park Gillespie, Stanley NC... End Terrorism, Pro Family Pro Life, Judicial Reform

Chrissy Gephardt, Washington DC... Equality and Community, Dick Gephardt's daughter

Joyce Riley, Versailles MO (Ark City?)... Libertarian and Veterans issues, Gold Standard, Bring Jobs Home

Keith Boykin, New York NY... Minority rights and equality: race and sexual preference issues

Bruce Friedrich, Norfolk VA... PETA Activist, Withdraw from NAFTA & WTO, Proportional Voting

Malia Lazu, Takoma Park MD... Jobs & Living Wage, Universal Education, Universal Healthcare, Diva

Richard Mack, Provo UT... 2nd Amendment, abolish IRS, Repeal Patriot Act, Close Dept. of Education

Jim Strock, Scottsdale, AZ... updated to include his name, War on Terror, Repeal IRS code, Empower Economic Leaders for Growth

Originally reported as being part of the 12, in error:
Andy Somers, Hollywood CA... End Drug War, Replace Electoral College with Condorcet, Balance Budget

Steve Kramer, New York NY... Likes Tim Penny

Mike Rosch, Round Rock TX... Bigger Soap Box, Flat Tax, Population Control?, Comedy?

SF Weekly recently published an opinion column about American Candidate. The column gets a few things wrong. But, it mentions my web blog site (though incorrectly) and my supporters, so I link to it here for your enjoyment.

SF Weekly: Matt Smith Column

Columnist Matt Smith calls those of you who wrote for the "American Voices" feature "photogenic everyday Americans" ... so at least the column got that right.

I just don't know what facts the columnist is using as the basis to say that "the 'candidates' were tricked..." I haven't felt tricked by any of this.

In other news, some who have seen ads for American Candidate on Showtime say that there will be only 10 candidates. I have not seen the ads, so I am unable to confirm that.

Today while in the car, NPR aired a thoughtful interview between Terry Gross and Thomas Friedman on Fresh Air. Thomas Friedman is a New York Times foreign-affairs columnist who has written numerous books, including The Lexus and the Olive Tree (Amazon).

In the interview, they discuss the issues surrounding free trade and gloabalization, and also Iraq. Friedman supported invading Iraq, and I did not. However, I respect his honest presentation of his point of view. Thoughtful discussion is a refreshing change of pace in the political season.

You can listen to the program with Thomas Friedman here:
Fresh Air: June 3, 2004

More on outsourcing:
The Los Angeles Times, May 30: Outsourcing Ax Falls Hard on Tech Workers

Things have been quiet on the campaign trail. While hope springs eternal until the 12 finalists are announced, it is increasingly unlikely that I will be one of those 12.

Just in time, a new opportunity has arisen to answer the question... "What happens when you gather over 1000 leaders, and then invite 12 of them to lead?"

The answer appears to be that those not asked to lead, blaze a new trail together. Those not on TV this Summer may spend their time building a new group... American Leaders.

American Leaders is a collection of people who may disagree on political issues, but, who all agree that it is worthwhile to shine a light on new ideas for America.

I have been invited to co-edit a book compiling ideas from across the political spectrum... ideas that often defy the easy party labels. I have been happy to help with a new web site that enables us to further discuss politics, organize the book, and if interest continues to grow, stage a convention. All are invited... feel free to join the discussion.

http://www.americanleaders.net/

Note: This is a very early stage... people are still weighing in on what the name of the group, web site, book, and convention should be. Don't be surprised if the name changes in the coming days. Consider it a work in progress.

"Chris is my political encyclopedia. If there's a political issue, subject, or person that I want to know about, I turn to Chris. He's that knowledgeable.

Bottom line: Chris' platform is rock solid and he's a good guy with the right agenda. I'm voting for Chris Smith! Some day, I hope to be able to do it for real."


Brian Leonard
Connecticut



American Voices is a new feature that provides an opportunity for you to share your thoughts about Chris Smith and his ideas for America.

Did you miss the Meetup? No need to miss the campaign posters. My thanks to Kristi (presentsofmind.com) for the "Vote Chris Smith" poster. Thanks to Jennifer for the "Soak Up The Sun" and "Chris Smith" poster.

You can download posters and postcards designed to print on regular paper:
Campaign Materials

Here are some poster images. Click on the picture for a larger view.

The Santa Monica Meetup for American Candidate was a success, continuing to draw the largest number of candidates and supporters in California. Candidates gathered a crowd on the Santa Monica Pier, delivering speeches, debating the issues, and gaining new supporters.

A reporter and a photographer from the Los Angeles Times were in attendance, interviewing candidates and capturing images from the sometimes intense exchange of ideas. Issues like the economy, education, and energy independence drew quite a reaction from the crowd, and candidates answered questions from an interested audience. (Or, at least those were the issues I was talking about, and people seemed genuinely interested... no, really.)

One thing that becomes clear is that Americans are ready to hear from candidates who, regardless of the issue, are not in the pocket of Washington's Big Money Special Interests.

Here are some pictures from the event. Click the picture for a larger view.

It is time for an American Candidate Meetup. On Monday, May 17 at 7PM, Meetups will be held across the nation. You can find a Meetup near you at:
http://americancandidate.meetup.com/

What happens at a Meetup? Whatever you want... it is YOUR Meetup. You can discuss issues, hear from the candidates, or discuss Showtime's American Candidate series. You can canvas your area for a while, trying to register voters, if you like. It is up to you.

I will be attending the Meetup in Santa Monica, CA. I will actually be starting early. Between 5:00PM and a little before 7:00PM, I will be on the outdoor patio of Yankee Doodles having a casual voter registration drive. From there, I will walk to the Meetup location, which is scheduled to be in motion beginning at the end of the Santa Monica pier to a short walk heading towards the Promenade Dinosaurs near Yankee Doodle. Things may wind up around 8:00PM, though anyone is welcome to stay longer if the event remains in full swing.

Santa Monica Meetup Information and Signup are found here:
http://americancandidate.meetup.com/512/

No telling what all will happen, but, based on what people have been saying, I have a feeling this is going to be quite the event to see. I would not be surprised if this event ends up on the news, given all the candidates we have involved.

I hope that if you have time, you will stop by.