Florida Primary! And the winner is...

Traffic was everywhere in Downtown Tampa, Florida. As I drove closer to the Convention Center, the traffic was heavy and the sidewalks were filled with pedestrians strolling to get inside the Convention Center. I finally was able to find parking on the rooftop of a parking garage. When I got inside the Convention Center it was congested with Mitt Romney supporters. I was able to spot Elizabeth Buchwalter (classmate and campaign coworker) amongst the crowd and she was already helping out with the Romney T-shirt sales. I searched for Alex Melendez and he instructed me to go to banquet room C. As I entered banquet room C, I realized it was a set for shooting another Mitt Romney commercial advertisement. Once again, I was able to enjoy the opportunity of being a part of history. There were about 8 participants in the commercial, 2 of them being in the previous advertisement I was in. 

The commercial advertisement was based on supporting Romney as a great leader as President of the United States.

After filming the commercial, I regrouped with Alex Melendez and he gave Elizabeth and I instructions on what was next on the agenda. Elizabeth and I were to gather several teenagers and college students and give them Mitt Romney posters. Since the media was heavy in the building,  we instructed the teenagers and college students to cheer and wave the Romney posters in front of the cameras. 

Time was getting closer to Romney's arrival. Everyone began to enter the main banquet room as time got closer for the announcement of the Florida Primary winner. The people quickly populated the seating bleachers that went along the perimeter of the banquet room. As everyone was organized and already seated, mini american flags and Romney posters were given out to wave during Romney's appearance in the room. 

The first people to stand on the stage were the Wife and children of Romney. Mrs. Romney spoke greatly about her husband as the crowd of spectators anticipated his arrival. When Romney officially arrived, the medium sized banquet room felt as if it were a football stadium as fans and supporters cheered and made noise. Once again, I heard the famous chant of my campaign experience, "Mitt!, Mitt!, Mitt!" 

Romney spoke positively about his future position in the White House. He claimed he was made for the position of President of America. Romney spoke about future projects and he is going to change the job position and turn it for the better.

After Romney and his family exited off the stage, Elizabeth and I were able to find our Professor in the moving crowd. We were excited to see our professor as our adrenaline was still heightened from the pep rally. We conversed about today's experience and took pictures. Overall, volunteering for the Florida Primary in Mitt Romney's campaign has been the greatest experience during this internship thus far!

1/24/12 - Speech! Then Meeting A Future President

The event today consists of supporting Mitt Romney during his speech in the industrial area of Tampa. Romney spoke upon the economy and how his Presidential term will contribute to better jobs and opportunities for American citizens to live a better future.
The event was scheduled for 10:15. I arrived upon scene near the given time and was amused to see the event's location. The event took place underneath a humungous overhang where business is conducted. Dozens of media were set on a raised stage facing the viewers and Romney's podium. About 150-200 spectators filled up the seats and socialized amongst one another awaiting the main event. Since the Debate Party was the night before, I speculated many familiar faces that I was able to converse with as I waited for Romney to give his speech.
As time came closer to the main event, Romney's wife, Ann made her presence first. As Mrs. Romney came out to take her seat, many fans, spectators, and media took her photos and slightly conversed congratulating her and her husband on their success thus far.
A couple minutes after a future First Lady made her presence, the crowd stood up and cheered, "Mitt! Mitt!" Mitt Romney himself came from the back of the building as he walked towards the spectators and media to give his speech. Romney's speech greatly focused upon better job opportunities and a better economy for everyone. The speech/rally had everyone applauding and supporting the great entrepreneur.
At the end of Romney's speech, he walked around shaking the hands of his supporters. Media and news crew were interviewing people all around at the same time. As Romney wrapped around the corner, he shortly approached my section. He stood in front of me, I extended my arm and shook his hand while congratulating him. I leaned over and asked if he could quickly take a picture with my classmates and I and he gladly accepted.
Today's event enhanced my perspective on Mitt Romney. I began this campaign with an open mind slightly favoring Romney as a candidate. After these multiple events and hearing him speak live, my views have strengthened for his campaign.

1/23/12 - Romney's Words Are Heard, and Welcomed.

The event tonight was a Republican Debate Party. Since there were no tickets available to watch the Republican Debate at the University of South Florida Tampa campus, majority of Romney supporters gathered together at a restaurant across the street to applaud his debate.
I walk into the restaurant and ask the hostess where the Romney Debate Party was, she pointed to the left and I was astound. The rented out room was fully embellished with Mitt Romney banners, signs, and patriotic colors, the room was enhanced from corner to corner. People themselves wore pins, t-shirts, and carried flags to show their pledge to candidate Mitt Romney.
Once the debate began, the room of Romney supporters became quiet as we all aimed our attention at the television. As Romney unleashed his words upon the other candidates the crowd cheered, toasted, and drank with ease.
Aside from the campaign, many names were exchanged and hands were shaken. The event was a great opportunity to gather local campaign supporters and to introduce clubs and other events that have similar interests. Phone numbers were swapped and acquaintances turned into friends.
Overall the decoration and supporters made the atmosphere. Though we weren't able to reserve tickets in advance for the Republican Debate, this was still a great experience supporting Mitt Romney.

1/16/12 - newly grads & young professionals in the present economy.

            I met with Alex Melendez at Mitt Romney's headquarters off of Platt St., Downtown Tampa. The event for the day consist of people speaking in front of a camera on the economy thus far and how it has an affect in our lives. The footage recorded will be posted on Mitt Romney's website, and maybe used for other purposes throughout the 2012 election. About 20 people were waiting to be interviewed in front of the camera. A lot of introductions, hand shakes, and networking were made while we were all waiting for our interview.
            When it was my turn to speak for the camera, the interviewer asked me basic questions, "what's your thoughts on the economy today?" "How has the economy affected your generation?" I explained how the economy has affected friends who have graduated with their B.A. and have had a hard time finding a career after college. Since no jobs were found, friends ended up going to grad, law, med school to hopefully have a better future. The economy has put my friends in debt through loans that they had to take out, and it's a hole they're trying to get themselves out of. Hopefully with a better education and a better economy, their ends will meet and a great career path can begin.
            Overall, my first event in the Mitt Romney campaign 2012 was a great experience. As a student back in college for my 2nd degree, I was able to contribute how my life has been affected by the current economy. I was also able to share personal stories and speak for other newly grads and young professionals that have had a similar involvement.

Video above is the campaign commercial made for Mitt Romney's official website.