Chris Smith American Candidate

Names of 10 American Candidates

2004-06-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

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?

American Candidate Media Buzz

2004-06-06T00:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Thoughtful Discussion... Friedman on Outsourcing and Iraq

2004-06-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

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

American Leaders

2004-05-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

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.

American Voices: Brian Leonard

2004-05-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

"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.

Campaign Posters

2004-05-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Another Great Meetup!

2004-05-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Attend A Meetup on Monday, May 17

2004-05-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Top 100 Candidate!

2004-05-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

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!

American Voices: Dan Chadwick

2004-05-11T00:31:00.000-07:00

"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.

Patriots, Power, and Liberty

2004-05-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

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!

First stop... Keene, New Hampshire

2004-05-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

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

Political Humor

2004-05-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

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.

American Voices: Kristi Leonard

2004-05-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

"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.

Candidate Page: Click "Support Me!"

2004-05-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

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.

American Voices: Shanti Minkstein

2004-05-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

"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.

American Voices: Richard

2004-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

"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.

American Voices: Catharine Miles

2004-05-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

"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.

American Voices: Jamie

2004-05-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

"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.

Listen Sunday...

2004-04-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I will be on a call-in program to discuss issues concerning our nation and Showtime's American Candidate show. I will be on the air beginning at 11:30AM Pacific / 2:30PM Eastern.

You can listen live, over the internet here:
http://www.newblackcity.com/radio/

During the show, you can call in with your questions on their Toll Free On-Air Number at 1-877-969-2004

Or while we are on, you can email questions to the host of the show at
jbordoe@yahoo.com

The program is hosted by Joe Caulfield and John Bordeaux.

In addition to questions, the host of the show welcomes phone calls of support during the program. (I appreciate it, too.)

American Voices: Wilbur

2004-04-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

"Chris Smith is a unique Candidate in that he does not fit into any convenient preconception of a politician. I have known this free-thinker for 5 years now and his devotion to our country and to the common person is admirable.

Chris Smith's priorities are exemplary of this devotion:

- an appreciation of the families who sacrifice time
and energy to the service of our country.

- an awareness of the importance of education
culminating in some innovative plans to restore our
students to international academic prominence.

- an understanding of the healthcare and medical
insurance issues resulting in common sense approaches
to preventive health maintenance and affordable health
care."

Wilbur
Software Engineer
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.

American Voices: Dan Pilkenton

2004-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

"Chris was my manager for many years at Tenth Planet (an educational curriculum software company). He was, without a doubt, the fairest, most diplomatic manager I've had. All issues were given careful consideration and his goal was a win-win for everyone. He was expert at finding a solution that left all sides feeling good. Another strength is his passion. He must believe in any task he undertakes. So if Chris has taken something on, you know he believes wholeheartedly in it and he will give total devotion to the task. And, his word is his bond. You can believe everything he says!"

Dan Pilkenton
Software Engineer
Taos, NM
www.encantada.com/WorldMusic

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

Listen Live... Call In With Questions

2004-04-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Late word that I will be discussing issues concerning our nation and Showtime's American Candidate show today on a call-in program. I will be on the air beginning at 3PM Pacific / 6PM Eastern.

You can listen live, over the internet here:
http://www.newblackcity.com/radio/

You can call in with your questions on their Toll Free On-Air Number at 1-877-969-2004

The program is hosted by John Bordeaux.

(In case you miss this one, I am scheduled to be on the channel again Sunday, with host Joe Caulfield. The Sunday program is broadcast from 11AM - 1PM Pacific. I will post updated program details for the Sunday show as I receive them.)

Patriot Act

2004-04-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

On Monday and Tuesday, President Bush joined his administration's campaign to renew and broaden the powers of the Patriot Act. In his remarks, Bush emphasizes the benefits of Patriot Act provisions that no one disputes, like stiffer penalties for terrorists and allowing information sharing between agencies, such as the FBI and CIA. However, Bush avoids discussing controversial provisions that weaken civil liberties for American citizens.

For example, supporters claim that the Patriot Act requires court oversight. However, what they fail to mention is that the Patriot Act allows the government to seek this "oversight" 72 hours after a search has already occurred. They also forget to mention that the Patriot Act lowers the standard from showing evidence of probable cause to a simple "I say so" assertion of "relevance to an investigation." Somehow, Patriot Act supporters also forget to mention that in many instances, this special "court oversight" has no power to deny a request and is only permitted to acknowledge that a request has been made. This type of "court oversight" is not a very strong protection of your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure.

This is not a partisan issue. When President Bush signed the Patriot Act into law on October 26, 2001 both Republicans and Democrats had voted in favor of it. However, the Patriot Act was passed without customary Congressional hearings. In fact, many members were asked to vote for the legislation before they had a chance to review it. Since then, Republicans and Democrats have worked together to reform the Patriot Act over the objections and veto threats of the White House.

Underlying the Bush administration's argument in favor of the Patriot Act is their assertion that the security and intelligence agencies cannot defend the nation without it. However, we all remember that in the weeks following the 9/11 tragedy, those agencies did successfully defend the nation, identifying and arresting suspected terrorists, even though the Patriot Act had not yet become law. Their success is the best evidence that those pieces of the Patriot Act that threaten the civil liberties of American citizens are not required for the nation to be protected.

As testimony from the hearings of the 9/11 Commission makes clear, the attacks on 9/11 automatically set in motion the most important reform required to defend the nation. Even without a new law, the attacks of 9/11 focused the nation on the threat of terrorism and placed our security and intelligence agencies on a "war footing" in the battle against terrorism.

Unless new legislation is enacted, the most controversial parts of the Patriot Act are set to expire under a "sunset provision" on December 31, 2005. This will leave the remaining 90% of the Patriot Act in place. Do not allow supporters of the Patriot Act to scare you into sacrificing your freedom.

President Bush's Recent Remarks on the Patriot Act:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/04/20040419-4.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/04/20040420-2.html

Analysis of the Patriot Act
Slate: A Guide to the Patriot Act
Electronic Frontier Foundation's Patriot Act Analysis
ACLU Patriot Act Resources

Earth Day

2004-04-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day... a good time to pause for a moment to remember the importance of protecting our planet to pass on to future generations. With that in mind, I urge you to continue to stand against proposals to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (You may have heard this referred to as ANWR by those pressed for time... or not wanting to remind you that they are proposing to drill in a Wildlife Refuge).

Adjacent areas of Alaska's north slope are already open to oil exploration. Now the oil industry wants more. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was set aside to preserve the environment, not to serve as a placeholder for the oil industry to get around to later. Rather than planning new drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, let's plan new ways to use less oil and fossil fuels.

Supporters of drilling say that they have new methods for drilling that will protect the environment. If that's true, I encourage them to drill using those new, more environmentally friendly techniques at their existing drill sites... we don't need to drill in the Wildlife Refuge to test them out.

Supporters of drilling say that we need to produce more oil in the United States so that we can import less. However, over the course of 50 years, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would only provide a 6-month oil supply... that's like a "mosquito bite's" worth of oil in the big picture. Is six months worth of oil worth destroying the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? I don't think so.

Finally, are we going to trust a Bush Administration, overflowing with oil executives and Enron campaign contributions, to get the balance right on oil production vs. the environment? When the White House has closed-door meetings with oil industry representatives for their Energy Task Force, is it not wise to suspect that the environment is not getting a fair hearing?

When $40 Million in campaign contributions leads to an Energy Bill that "pays off" for campaign contributors, do we have any reason to believe that this is not more of the same old, status quo, politics as usual?

I leave you with this chart from the NRDC and some Alaska wildlife photos. Click the pictures to visit the NRDC and the Sierra Club web sites.