Chris Smith American Candidate

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.

Wow! You guys are amazing. Late on Friday, my American Candidate web page was posted. Now, in an incredibly short period of time, you have put me into the Top 100 Candidates with the most supporters.

Thank you for clicking the "Support Me!" button and for spreading the word to your friends and family. It is really having an impact!
http://www.americancandidate.com/candidate_homepage.php?id=728

We are only 300 supporters away from the Top 50! I couldn't do it without your help. Thank You!

"As I scanned the long list of candidates in the last California gubernatorial election, I was disappointed that Chris Smith's name was not to be found.

Chris has always been a politically charged person with strong interests in government and its role in our society. His knowledge of American systems and policies rivals or surpasses that of any candidate (or actor, or porn star, or magazine publisher...) you might find on the ballot.

His ideas are well-thought and practical. I especially like his take on environmental and energy issues. No one else is as progressive yet practical about making America energy self-sufficient while at the same time conserving the environment for future generations.

Chris embodies everything we want from one of our representatives in public service. The next time I see a list of candidates I want to see the name Chris Smith."

Dan Chadwick
Small Business Owner
Southern California



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

I present these quotes as we consider the politics of our day.

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."
-- Theodore Roosevelt


"We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist."
-- Dwight Eisenhower


"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-- Benjamin Franklin

If you have a favorite quote that applies, please click the Comment link on the next line and add your thoughts. Thanks!

The Union Leader is running an AP story that offers a glimpse of what to expect in the first episode of American Candidate. It says that 12 candidates will spend 5 days in Keene, New Hampshire trying to gain supporters. It is anticipated that those 5 days will be edited into a one hour episode.

The story says the show will be filmed in Keene June 10 - June 15. American Candidate will air on Showtime on Sundays at 9PM beginning this Summer.

You can read the complete story at the link below. However, I need to point out that there are some errors in the story. For example, it says that candidates are 35 and over... but, that requirement was changed to allow contestants over the age of 18 to participate.

http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=37373

In an effort to leave the comedy to the experts, here is a link to the "Sunday Funnies" as featured on "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/ThisWeek/Politics/thelist040509.html
He featured three brief clips from:
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Tina Fey from Saturday Night Live
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart


Here is a direct link to the video clips from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The one from the "Sunday Funnies" is Indecision 2004: Road Trip.
Other Headlines from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
(Real Player Video Format)

Do not miss Stewart's comment about the Kerry campaign bus and the "No Child Left Awake" plan. Of course, Stewart points out some things to consider about Bush, as well.

When you are done laughing at all that, then pause and cry when you realize those are the two major candidates in this current race for the White House. Then, in a sober moment of reflection, visit my American Candidate page, and click the "Support Me!" button.
http://www.americancandidate.com/candidate_homepage.php?id=728

Email it to your friends, and ask them to click it, too! Thanks.

"I have known Chris Smith for 10 years and have had an opportunity to see him in many leadership roles. Ever since I have known him, I have thought he would make a good political candidate. He has the ability to see issues from all angles and uses research as well as counsel from others to make a decision using all the information. He is cool under pressure and always fair. There is no one I trust more."


Kristi Leonard
West Hartford, CT
www.presentsofmind.com



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

My American Candidate page has been approved, and you can now click the "Support Me!" button on the site. If you have a second, please give it a click right now:

http://www.americancandidate.com/candidate_homepage.php?id=728

Currently, they have me listed as one of their three featured candidates. Hopefully, that will last for at least a week. As always, I am interested in your suggestions and comments.

"Chris Smith should be a role model for future leaders in our country. Chris was my direct supervisor for 4 years and in that time I had the pleasure of witnessing his excellent and patient management and leadership skills when dealing with complex issues, people, and environments. He holds up well in stressful situations and makes an impossible situation a win win for everyone."


Shanti Minkstein
Photographer
Northern California Bay Area
www.portraitsbyshanti.com



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

"Of all those I have worked with, or for, in 25 years in business, I've not met anyone as fit for leadership as Chris Smith. He is intelligent, well-informed, and fair. After spending many a lunch hour talking politics, I can say he is unpredictably independent. And while we don't agree on every issue, I have enormous respect for him."

Richard
Filmmaker
Northern California Bay Area



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

"As a business associate and friend, Chris Smith has a sincere honesty and integrity that is not often found in this culture. His ability to problem solve is always well thought out, equitable, objective and able. Chris is generous with his ideas and open to all possibilities. He is enthusiastic in his outlook and his personality offers a welcome warmth to all . A person with thoughtful respect and unimpeachable honesty.

If there were a dictionary definition:
Chris Smith: One who is true and sincere. A person of honor; one in possession of great intelligence and honesty . A person who can articulate equitable solutions with a keen sense of humor , incredible insight and generous heart."

Catharine Miles
Dana Point, CA



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

"Chris has outstanding talents and leadership abilities.

He is intelligent, open to new ideas, works well with people, well respected by his co-workers and passionate about his beliefs. All that and a great sense of humor!"

Jamie
Art Director
Salt Lake City, Utah



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