Still feel like I have the wind knocked out of me…
I know that I have endorsed Senator McCain for President, so none of the “you’ve made your bed, so now you have to lie in it” sentiments here after you read what I write.
Today, I just feel so bummed. I remember long ago when I wore number 12 on my back and I played recreation basketball. I loved it, and really got a lot out of it. Well one day one of my teammates got angry and wanted to take it out on me, so when I wasn’t expecting it she threw the ball straight at my stomach and I had the wind knocked out of me. I can remember to this day the pain of that moment. I was in a heap of pain, and boy did I ever bawl my eyes out. Well, I’m not quite bawling my eyes out here, but that lingering feeling that I felt even later that evening after the incident resonates with me still in terms of this race for President.
I’ve endorsed the man whom my man has endorsed, I feel that I did the right thing there. But I also feel such a void. I spent almost every day of the past 31 months waking up to check my mail, do the rounds looking for stories, and recruiting others to the marvelous cause of getting Governor Romney elected. I donated money for the first time ever in my life to a campaign. I traveled to and braved the bitter cold that day in Michigan for his announcement with Jason Bonham. I went to America’s Calling in Boston. I was present for his Faith in America speech in College Station TX, and I was there for his final campaign rally in Long Beach CA. I did phone banks, and I revved up the troops when I needed to.
Yes, I am on to new and exciting adventures, ones that I am absolutely happy and thrilled to be a part of. But, I have to say that this experience, this man (Mitt Romney) will leave a indelible mark on me for the rest of my life. This will go down in family history, and my children will pass it on to their children, and so on. They’ll talk about when Mommy or Grandma gave it her all for Governor Romney, I know the end of this story is yet to be written but this is how I feel about it all right now. I hope it wasn’t too sappy.
Thank you to all of you who also gave it their all, we’ll be ready to go when Gov. Romney gives us the go when and if we start this all over again!
Ann Marie
February 15th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Ann,
You did the right thing. Consider these closing remarks of Lincoln’s first Inaugural Address:
Now from the closing of his second Inaugural Address:
February 15th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Thanks for the quotes Mark.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
The curtain has just come down on the first act…there are many more to follow! Your kids and grandkids are going to have much more to tell. It will be an epic story.
Mitt’s a real man of destiny…hang on to his coattails!
You’re an inspiration, Ann Marie…keep on keeping on,
Alex
February 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Please help us get John McCain into office.
Feel free to contact Michael Schuyler, National Co-Chair for Blog Out-Reach if you would like to join us.
His email spambot proofed is
Michael (at)mccainvictory08(dot)com
Thank you Pet Campbell
February 15th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Even McCain admitted that Romney has a bright future in the republican party. Just wait and see. I do think McCain was nominated because he was “next in line”. Now it’s Romney’s turn. Keep up the great work Ann. We need you the next four years.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I too feel a void. I have never been so involved in any campaign myself, either. Following and participating in Governor Romney’s campaign became part of my daily life. I am still trying to process that it’s all over (for now) and that McCain has won this nomination, but I know life will go on! I am all-in 100% if the Romney family decides to take on the run for president again in 2012. . . and I sure hope they do. I sure hope Mitt does. But until then, all we can do is keep fighting for conservatism and keep following Mitt’s example of being a true team player for the GOP. No matter what, we can’t let Obama or Hillary take over!
Mitt did what he had to do yesterday–and imagine how difficult it must have been to endorse this man who had done and said so many nasty things to and about you. Mitt Romney is a much bigger person than I’ll ever be–yet another reason why a man like him will make an incredible president someday.
And thanks to you, Ann, for all your updating and support of this blog. I really have appreciated reading it and I continue to do so regularly! Let’s keep fighting for Mitt in 2012 (or maybe in a VP spot?) and God bless the USA. . . =).
February 15th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I am so depressed that Mitt Romney has endorsed an evil man for president. I felt such hope when Mr. Romney was running. For him to endorse McCain is like a punch in the gut. I feel sick about it. Mr. Romney was a man who couldn’t be bought - he was rich enough already, couldn’t be found unworthy - he is a man with a high moral code, and was someone the Lord would have wanted to run this country. The U.S. must not be bad enough yet to need such an honorable man to lead it. I pray that McCain will have him run as the V.P. at least. There might be hope then. McCain said one lie after another about Mr. Romney. I just cannot believe he stood up and endorsed him. It must have killed him inside to have to do such a thing for the republican party.
February 15th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Thank you so much! I felt like I was reading my own story (except for the traveling). For the last week everyone approached me with the “how ya doing today?” look. I know you know what I mean. I’ve had some really strange dreams that always end up with Mitt in the White House. Maybe someday I’ll share:)
I really appreciated all that you have done to keep those of us who “just can’t let it go…in the know”! You are doing a great job and …just so you know…I too am trying to catch my breath and dull the ache in the pit of my stomach!! But I continue to have hope for the future for I can not beleive that our man Mitt is gone for good!! I think that this last round (the campaign) can be compared to priming the pump! It was necessary to prime the pump so that the water will be able to flow later. We will still have the chance for that tall cold drink of water….later. There must still be a little priming to do.
Holly
February 15th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I think the reason we all keep coming back to this blog is that we’re all feeling the loss of letting go to the dream. Constantly we’re reminded (like yesterday when the two men stood side-by-side) that the best man for the job is not the nominee….this year. Probably most of us here have never been so committed to a candidate. I know I’ve never made phone calls before, and I hate making phone calls.
I really feel the process needs to be changed by the RNC. Were it not for the “winner-take-all” states, Mitt would have been in good shape. Yes, it could have meant a brokered convention, but I don’t think that’s bad. The people should decide their candidate, not the RNC. As I understand it, the RNC made the winner-take-all states in FL, NY, NJ and CA to help Giuliani, at that time the national leader in polls, get it over quickly. I don’t believe throwing away the votes of everyone who didn’t vote for the winner is representative government. Maybe Mitt will get the RNC nod and fix it before 2012!
February 15th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Oh no! Where is the campaign website??? Is it all gone? All the pictures, videos, speeches … I guess Mitt really wants us to get on with life. I feel like there’s this big empty hole that I don’t know how to fill … I didn’t know it would feel like this
February 15th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Ann Marie, Thank you for all of your time and effort! I have been following Mitt since his run against Kennedy in 1993. At that time we were stationed in Mass. and I said then that I felt that he should run for President one day. The time finally came and I have spent countless hours working to convince others that they should support him, collecting signatures on petitions, calling people who didn’t want to listen to me, posting on every site that I thought I could make a difference on and talking, talking, talking to everyone who would listen. I wanted to do so much more - like making trips to other states, but the arrival of my biggest motivation - my first grandchild - made it not possible for me to travel. I still believe that Mitt’s presence in this race has made a huge difference for the true conservatives out there. I am proud to follow his example (and his true leadership) and endorse John McCain. I am however, hoping that I will get to do this all over again in 4 years. I will be ready!
February 15th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Like you said, this story is yet to finished and written. 2012 is just around the bend…
February 15th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Thanks Ann Marie for all that you have done. When I first learned about governor Romney this was one of the websites I came to learn more about him and very quickly I became an admirer of him.
I too will be supporting John McCain. It is the right thing to do for our party and for our country. However no matter how hard I try, I can not shake the feeling that we have made a terrible mistake by nominating John McCain. A mistake that we will regret deeply this november and that could end up being costly to our nation. It is sad.
But this too shall pass. Our country has survived bad presidents before and it will survive no 44 as well.
At least we have the reassurance that for the first time since Ronald Reagan left the presidency, conservatism has a new face and name: Mitt Romney.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I consider myself conservative first and republican second. Ronald Reagan left the democratic party and many followed the principles he espoused. I would follow Mitt to any party if he continued to live the same principles for which he campaigned! I believe he captured the conservative vote in most all states during the primaries. I am convinced he would have a tremendous following of conservatives, EVEN IF he ran as an independent! What do we have to lose? We lose the presidency to Obama, Clinton or McCain? Each will move the political agenda to the left. If Mitt runs as an independent and takes votes away from McCain and allows Obama or Clinton to win, we are no worse off. However, I don’t think that will happen. People get to know Mitt and they are encouraged and uplifted! I am convinced that Democrates and Republicans along with Independents will discover and follow after the principles conveyed by Mitt Romney. I am interested to know if others feel this way. I also feel the void. A void that can be filled by speaking my mind! Are their others that aren’t ready to wait until 2012?
February 15th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
In 1987, I cried because my sister died. I had not cried again until last week when tears flowed from my eyes upon learning that Mitt had dropped out. I too now have an empty void to fill. I have grown to love Mitt Romney, his family, the people running his campaign, and all the people who write here in this blog. The man Mitt Romney is the best candidate for President of my adult lifetime. It is difficult to understand how anyone could have been nominated over him. It was a no brainer. It unfortunately says alot about the people in our country. It is sad. But, I do look forward to 2012…
February 15th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
David, I cried when Huck beat Mitt in Iowa, because I knew Mitt couldn’t recover from that with McCain on his tail in NH. It sucks, doesn’t it? I love Mitt and his family too. Maybe one day we will be lucky enough to have them as our first family.
It’s interesting to look back and see that Mitt’s defeat was totally out of his hands. He did everything right and still lost. In the end I think people who might otherwise have voted for him didn’t want to take a chance because he seemed too good to be true. Maybe in 2012 people will be willing to take that chance.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Tell me it isn’t true! Mitt’s website is officially closed. I would have loved to continue reading the Five Brothers blog and looking at all those wonderful pictures of the family.
Wow, this is really sad you guys. I guess they need their space and time with the family. It’s too bad America missed out on someone who would have brought tremendous
honor and great experience to the White House and to this country. What a shame. Makes me so mad when I think about it.
Please stay in the public arena Mitt and come back stronger than ever in 2012!
February 15th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
I too know how you feel!
For the first time, I made a contribution to a campaign. I phone banked in Iowa for a year! I got the wind knocked out of me at caucus in Iowa. We continued on and traveled to Michigan, Florida and Missouri. Now it’s over.
I’ve spent time with the whole Romney family over 2 years in Iowa. Very few understand…This family has changed my life and my view on life forever…in or out of the White House.
The website is gone. The energy is gone. The debates are gone. The adult on the stage has left us with children…
How are we supposed to settle with a lesser candidate? We had the best!
It just isn’t the same!
Maybe it’s OK to still cry…
February 16th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Ann Marie, when President Romney occupies the White House we all are going to insist that you and your family receive a special invitation. Your dedication and comMITTment has created special memories for yourself and all of us. There is a brighter day in store because we are comMITTed to an optimistic, intelligent, energetic, honest, hard working, and God fearing patriot named Mitt Romney with an equally qualified First Lady named Ann. You and all of us are in good company with a bright future! Let’s follow Mitt’s example and go forward ever optimistic, cheerful, dedicated and full of energy doing good and everything will work out for the best.
February 16th, 2008 at 1:01 am
I have to agree with all that has been said. I was glued to the television yesterday when I heard that Mitt Romney was going to endorse McCain. I just wanted to see him again. The difference in the two men was stark. It is clear that we write our character in our very countenance. Obama talks about hope, but I feel hopeful just knowing that there is a man with such integrity. Is anyone out there making bumper stickers that say, “Don’t blame me, I voted for MItt”
February 16th, 2008 at 1:28 am
One thing that always strikes me is to hear the Mitt supporters say I have never worked for a candidate like I did for this one. I have to echo those words. It is so hard for me to believe that not everyone could see the hope for America in his words. I think the loss is two fold. The first is the loss of some one to stand up against the evil and actually make things happen. The second is getting back to life after being involved in something bigger than me. I pushed myself out of by comfort zone over and over again. I gained much in confidence and experience.
My big question is can one man with honesty and integrity really win against a world that will lie, plot and scheme? I want to think so. Will bigotry be gone in 2012? I wish.
When I heard his speech I felt a calm inside that this was the right thing to do. But where does it lead?
Thanks Ann for all your hard work on this site.
February 16th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Ann, I just want to thank you for every minute of your very hard work. Its nice to see you with Mitt Romney. I only wish it was me, I am a little jealous!! Must have been wonderful to be a part of all that excitement. I finally think I have part of blogging understood a little bit. How will I know if someone has replied to me? I would be very excited if Mitt and McCain would join forces and be a team, but I don’t see that happening. My friend thought McCain would chose Guiliani for VP. What do you think? I will probably write in for Mitt. I just don’t think I can vote for Mc Cain. But isn’t McCain slightly better than Hillary and Obama? All three are to me unacceptable. I thought that Mitt wanted to hold his nose when he was up there with McCain endorsing him. What is Mitt thinking? I think I know, Mitt is trying to keep the Democrats from winning, and its because of the war. I can understand that. He was caught between a hard place and a rock wasn’t he? Linda A
February 16th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Pet Cambell,
John McCain will be lucky to get my vote. I have know interest in working to get him elected.
February 16th, 2008 at 2:55 am
Hi MJ from ‘Arizona, I live in Az too. I am glad that you got a good calm feeling that Mitt was doing the right thing. I did too. Well, not immediately it took a while, like with Ann, it felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. I am so glad that I was alone and I could cry without anyone seeing me. I didn’t know that a candidate could suspend his run to the White House, I thought he was completely through. The drive by media seemed to think so too. Then later that day I found out that he could still get back in if the situation changed when and if he felt he could. Now he endorses McCain? Its all for the love of America. Hicabee is sooooooooo jealous of Mitt. He knows a man of God when he see’s one and Hickabee knows he, (himself) is lacking. Mitt rubbed his face in it.
February 16th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Linda A & MIT 10,
I’m from Texas, and I am a Hard-lined Conservative. I’m also going to do my part come March 4. I am going down and vote for Obama, and I hope other Conservatives will do the same. We have to get Billary back to Arkansas, along with their half brother, Huckabee.
Obama is the worst candidate as far as experience and leadership, but I don’t think he is as mean spirited as Old McCain, and at least Obama is out front with his stupid ideas, McCain might surprise us with his.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
George Washington said in his famous 1796 Farewell Address
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm :
“Let me warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally….the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.”
Furthermore: Thomas Jefferson said, “In matters of Power, let no more be heard of confidence in men, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.”
Why Romney would endorse an evil man is something we all probably don’t want to speculate on. It leads to no good conclusion. It is wise to read what our wise and inspired Founding Fathers said. Keep in mind, these men laid down their great fortunes, and even put their very lives on the altar. These were special men. Greater than Romney, and we would hope that any leader we would support would have a record of supporting what these great men taught on the subject of government.
McCain is a serial oath-breaker. Pure and simple.
The question is not whether who endorses whom and why, the better question is, does that person have the track record and philosophy to endorse the Constitution.
Clearly, McCain fails miserably. And Romney did in many, many cases too with his big government proposals. However, Romney was/is a good, righteous man. That, however, to me, places him in a much greater position of accountability, as many supporters will follow him blindly, without ever questioning whether a position is constitutional or correct or not.
Ron Paul is the ONLY man who fits this bill. Romney may believe, but doesn’t walk the talk. I do have hopes for him, but an endorsement of a man who embodies EVIL in so many ways, doesn’t raise my opinion of Romney at all.
Like Washington said, we should be “discouraging and restraining” the spirit of party, esp. when the Republican party has rejected the very foundation is professed to stand on.
That’s my 2 cents. Again, folks, and I’m a faithful Mormon, we should never blindly support a man just because we’re Mormon, if so, we’re no better than a Southern Baptist who blindly supports Huck. I don’t reject Romney, I think he’s lightyears ahead of McCain, but he has rejected the very stone (the principles of freedom) upon which he should be building his political house. And in so doing, he had led many astray from a proper focus on the Constitution.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Mitt Romney is a smart man and I believe has a plan. All we need to do is wait and be patient, and we will be rewarded for all the work and prayers for this family. He belongs in the White House, but because of the religious bigoitry I believe the only way he has a chance in getting there is through a McCain administration, where he can prove himself, then he will earn the American people’s trust and confidence. I beleive in time he will be our president, but it has to be in the Lord’s own due time and his way.
February 17th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Rose, I concur 100%!
February 17th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Mitt stepped down because he felt the longer he is a candidate the better chance that Obama or Hillary will win. That is what he said. He felt he had to, so that McCain has a improved chance to win, and if we (republican party) win, the troops stay in until the war has been won by the Great United States of America. The only choice he had left was to step down and endorse McCain. That must have been a terribly bitter pill to swallow. Our situation is going from bad to worse, but for the sake of the war Mitt did what he felt he had to. Time may prove him very wise and a man with integrity.
People you know Mitt, you know that a man of his character would not make a decision about stepping down without being very sure of his decision. He just flat out wouldn’t do that. I would bet that all his life he has been that way about EVERY Decision he has ever made. We are going to be in a tough situation if anyone except Mitt gets in this year. It looks like this is not going to be Mitt Romney’s year, so get prepared, spiritually, and physically and get your years supply in.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Bruce, I hope when you wrote in saying you were going to vote for Obama that was one of your rare, weaker moment’s. I am sure if you still feel that way you will change your mind before Nov. or before you vote again. Please reconsider. Its far better we vote Mitt’s name in the ballot than to vote for someone that may take our country to a new and very dreadful low. Hillary and Huck will be horrible enough. Obama, because of his lack of experience might be easily overcome by those that are wiser sometimes. We really don’t know a lot about Obama. He isn’t exactly forthcoming. I know he does belong to a separatist church. Is it possible that the church he belongs to could affect the way he Presides as President? What I mean is, by the beliefs of that church by its very nature, could that have an impact on the way he thinks politically or racially? The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not involve its members in subjects about politics. That isn’t allowed, however I did hear something this morning that was an exception, it involved a lot of other religions coming together in Utah, but I don’t remember the specifics. I just heard it while I was busy doing other things. Yes, I do other things besides listening to talk radio and Fox News, and blogging. LOL!!
Linda A