"Florida Primary and Aviator Sunglasses"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 01.29.08 12:03 AM

Today was the last full day of campaigning in Florida leading up to tomorrow's primary. Let me tell you, every day has been packed with tons of campaign events. There's nothing like running from event to event and getting on and off planes and buses... from dawn to dusk!  It's so much fun and such an adrenaline rush.  Whenever I exit the plane with all of the media and campaign staff, the song, "Black Betty", by Ram Jam starts playing in my head as I walk onto the tarmac.

The last event of the night was a huge rally in Tampa featuring FL Governor Charlie Crist (FYI:  he's just as handsome in person as he is on TV).  After my dad spoke, big confetti cannons blew tons of red, white and blue streamers and confetti on the excited crowd. It's my absolute favorite way to end an event!  Be sure to check in after the primary, when we head to California.

P.S. In case you're curious (many of you have sent questions to the blog), the aviator sunglasses I've been wearing for the past few weeks are made by Chloe. If I could only have one accessory with me, I'd easily choose aviators.  I have a million pairs, ranging from those I buy at 7-Eleven to Ray-Ban and Chloe - they're definitely a campaign essential!

Shannon and Havana on the bus today

Hugging Steve Duprey (I keep joking with him saying "Hey Steve, its you, me and Duprey", corny I know)

The event was at this amazing airplane museum

Townhall inside

This woman brought her cute granddaughter

Best backdrop for a media gaggle ever!

Press, press, press, press...

Shannon keeping it real as always

I had so much fun playing around at this event

This was the crowd that was waiting at the next townhall

Crowd view

So many people came

Dad had just told a joke

Working the crowd

I loved this guy's sign

The last event yesterday was at this pizza place called "American Pie"

Even Mom and Dad have to go through security before getting on the plane

Mom's suit matched the plane

Swedish fish is the snack of choice on the McCain campaign (Joe ate my favorite colors and was bragging)

View from my seat today

Joe directing traffic

Piper and Joe sword fighting

Walking to the stage at an airplane hanger

Watching dad onstage

Check out this AP reporter keeping it real

Walking to the last event of the night

This was my reaction when I found out we were going to be back at the hotel by 6:30...

Hanging out before going on stage with Governor Crist

On stage at the last rally

View from the crowd

Confetti!

Monday, January 28, 2008

"Viewer Mail Volume 1"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
ON 01.28.08 2:25 PM

As we get ready for another big moment tomorrow, I wanted to give a shoutout to all of our amazingly loyal visitors to the Blogette. Below is a sampling of just some of the submissions we have received in the last few weeks alone. We're going to share more of our emails with you in the future, but we really just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the kind words and support.

When I originally embarked on this site, I knew scrutiny would inevitably follow. Thanks to everyone who has written to me because it really does keep me motivated and make me happy that I have chosen this path to share my life with everyone.

Carrie from Abingdon, Maryland wrote:
I love this Blogette and getting to see the behind the scenes of your dad's campaign from a young persons point of view!!

Vicki from Destin, Florida writes:
Great source of information of activities behind the scenes. It is like actually being there.

Megan from Waco, Texas wrote:
Hi guys! Just wanted to say I love what you're doing. I replaced my celebrity blog addiction with my McCain Blogette addiction... it's amazing! ... Keep it up! We'll keep supporting you down here in Texas!

Kenneth from Otto, North Carolina writes:
At 62, I can't be a kid on your blog, but I am really happy that younger people are involved in our political process and use the internet to do it... which is truly the most free form of communication that has ever existed... and your blog gives me an insight that greatly enhances my already fervent hope that our next President is John McCain. Don't stop after he is elected... this form of free expression is the future...

Joseph from Nashville, Tennessee writes:
I just absolutely love your "Blogette."  I try to read it everyday.  Your Dad is quite a guy and I know you are so proud of him.  Keep up the good work. The photos are particularly fun and your playlists too.  I must admit I am older and some of your selections are not my style but I enjoy reading them anyway. Take care and keep the information coming...

Erick from Oakland, Maine writes:
I was reading a "critics" description of your blog on another website so I had to check it out.  I think its great, keep it up...  This will No Doubt (another talented blond) generate a great deal of interest in politics and that I think this is what some are afraid of, there are so many ways to talk about politics without repeating what we see on the TV.  Take care.

Aaron from Corvallis, Oregon wrote:
I just want to say that I love your blog and I hope that you guys keep posting all the time!  I am pulling for John McCain all the way and I love to check in with the "Blogettes" to see your perspective on this whole crazy election process! Keep it up!

Lauren from Charleston, South Caroline writes:
Just wanted to say "Bon Chance" in Florida! ... I can't wait to VOTE your father into the White House!!!  I can only imagine how exhausting and over-whelming it can get but just remember you are making history happen and on a personal note...Thank You for being the voice of all young adults... you get your political-on. Besos ;-)

Nancy from Elmore, Ohio wrote:
Your blog and videos are absolutely wonderful!  How great to get an inside view of what happens on the McCain Campaign trail!  And, how really great that he has a daughter who is so interested, on the trail with him and your mother, and so filled with enthusiasm for not only your father, but also the entire political process!

Jason from Santa Ana, California writes:
I saw the interview and this blog mentioned on Access Hollywood... so I had to check it out.  Meghan is so down to earth... and so cool.  Anyways, I just wanted to stop by and send you guys some support...

Richard from Algonquin, Illinois wrote:
Dear Meghan, Great job on Access Hollywood.  You were so down to earth about yourself and your Dad that even though I'm leaning toward Thompson, I just had to look at your blog.  The pictures are great because they show more of that quality and the closeness of your family and their friends.  I admit, it puts a real human touch to your dad. Being ex-military (66-68 Germany) I'm familiar with stoic officers, so a big thanks for showing a side of your Dad that means a lot to me.  Good luck!

Colleen from Weymouth, Massachusetts writes:
Hey Meghan, I think it is very cool how u stay professional but still continue to stay stylish and like everyone else. U r a great role model for girls my age. PS... I felt bad when I saw that u broke your heel at that party!

Matthias from Berlin, Germany writes:
Very interesting blog with totally new insights into the way of U.S. campaigning. Good luck to John McCain in Florida, and keep on blogging, Meghan, as it is really beyond interesting!

Barbara from Tallahassee, Florida wrote:
I love you Meghan! I'm definitely voting for your Dad! I'm so glad you started this blog... I come to it all the time!...

Karen from Durham, North Carolina writes:
I love your blog (fashion + political news).  Great job!

Sunday, January 27, 2008

"The Shell Factory and Charlie Crist Endorsement"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 01.27.08 4:43 PM

We spent yesterday traveling on the bus to events in St. Pete, Tampa, and Ft. Myers. We started the day out at this absolutely huge event at "The Shell Factory" in Ft. Myers. It reminded me of the dinosaur theme park in "Pee Wee's Big Adventure", but with shells. It was very kitschy and I loved it.  It was definitely one of the highlights of the campaign.  The crowd was so huge, it was almost overwhelming.  There were tons of people filtering out of the building everywhere.

Later we went to a few other town halls and a meet-and-greet. The highlight of the night was the surprise endorsement from Florida Governor Charlie Crist. Tomorrow will be yet another day out on the road in the Sunshine State.

P.S. The Blogettes would like to give a special shout out to Green Mountain Politics for supporting us and this project from day one. We still get excited when they give us a shout out. Thanks for the love!

Rolling into "The Shell Factory"

View from our van (My suitcase is in the front seat.)

There was a huge crowd waiting for us

"The Shell Factory" was very kitschy and cool

This is Heather's new boyfriend on the right

Doing a video blog with Shannon

Me and Shannon with Heather's boyfriend

There were so many people everywhere

I love this guy's flag shirt and USA hat

These geese were huge! I wasn't into them...

We were really tempted to buy these

Ray, me and Shannon

There were so many people, it got a little crazy

Watching the townhall with Steve Schmidt

People were listening from a loudspeaker outside

And watching through the windows!

This man brought his groundhog and I immediately walked the other way - it was scary!

It was enormous

But Dad wasn't scared of it

Working the crowd after

Getting into the van was nearly impossible

People were everywhere

This is Chris Morris' sweet little girl, Havana, who traveled with us yesterday

So cute!

Just chilling in the back of the bus

McCain sign at another huge event

Mom and Dad on stage

I really like this shot

Mom speaking to the crowd

Shannon climbed this huge ladder to get a great shot

Yeah, I know... I do the majority of my sleeping on the bus these days...

Hanging on the bus

Saturday, January 26, 2008

"New Hampshire Has Spoken"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
VIDEO PRODUCED BY SHANNON BAE
ON 01.26.08 2:44 PM

This new video features my Dad's win in New Hampshire. We waited a bit to put this video out because, for many reasons, this is the most personal and intimate video thus far.  In the spirit of keeping it real and truly documenting this process (no make-up!), we present you with "New Hampshire Has Spoken".

Saturday, January 26, 2008

"Traveling through Gator Country"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 01.26.08 12:29 AM

Today we traveled from Boca Raton to Fort Myers, driving through the absolutely breathtaking Everglades - and trust me, the closest I like to get to nature is Central Park! Seriously, it is absolutely breathtaking. We also saw a ton of black alligators basking in the sun, which made me glad I was on the bus and not in the swamp. Anyone who  gets a chance should take a drive through the Everglades - it's worth it. We're campaigning hard in Florida with a few gaggle and media stops today. Tomorrow will be another day soaking up the sun in "The Sunshine State".

On the bus this morning

Charlie Black and Steve Duprey chatting it up

Dad talking on the phone (our view from the window of the Straight Talk Express)

Mom and Dad drinking coffee this morning (Rudy was staying at the hotel - check out his bus in the background)

Fixing Dad's collar

Getting off the bus

Big gaggle

The lights are always so bright in those things

Some press imitating the fish

Hanging out with Ray on the bus

These are the buses we roll with these days

Shannon pushed Heather on the luggage cart outside our hotel

The bus and the cart outside the hotel

Attention anyone who questions Dad's age: I'm 23 and I have become the queen of the power naps and I have yet to see Dad take a nap on the trail

Ugh, I will never eat another donut again

I think I've worked Shannon to death...

Justin driving the van

Jay, our amazing amazing bus driver, FINALLY being driven by us!

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