Submitted by Roman from Miami

Q: If Jeb Bush's last name were Ellis instead of Bush, would he have been a legitmate nominee for VP? Has the Bush brand been so tarnished and tainted by W that he has prevented his more intelligent and more qualified brother from seeking the Presidency?

Answered 09/03/08 13:21:43 by Political Currents

A: That is a good "gotcha" question. Last night was an emotional evening for me. I have been a friend of the Bush family since the 1970's and have worked very diligently for 41, 43 and Jeb Bush since that time. With the president's speech at the convention last night it seems an era of Bush's in politics have now come to an end. Governor Jeb Bush has made a successful transition to the private sector and is enjoying the opportunity to spend the time with his family that the rest of us take for granted. Is there a future for him in national politics? I hope so. He is a great leader and we miss his public service. However, I don't see that occuring in the near future. Al Cardenas

Submitted by Vic from miami

Q: I'm pretty much a rank and file republican with every issue except war. The GOP has always been the party of peace and humble foreign policy. It was Nixon that ended Vietnam, and Reagan that ended the cold war. Why do you have to be a hawk to be a Republican nowadays? Saber rattling and invading other countries is not what republicans used to stand for.

Answered 09/03/08 13:13:06 by Political Currents

A: I beleive that most Republicans, as most Americans, want the war to end and our troops to come home as soon as possible. However, unlike the Democrats, I believe that we have been safe at home since 9/11 because our troops are fighting for us over there, and thus, keeping us safe over here. The Democrats don't see it that way. Having said this, I don't believe that either party has an appetite for further military excursions except to defend our country. I also do know that the greatest guarantee of peace is a strong military and thus we differ from Democrats in this regard. Al Cardenas

Submitted by Harry from Coral Gables, FL

Q: Should Senator McCain be elected and the unthinkable, but not improbable scenario happens where he were to suddendly die in office, how comfortable would you be with Sarah Palin, a woman who has served in office as Governor for all of 18 months with no history of any legitmate foriegn policy or national security experience, as the new President and Commander-in-Chief? Is she is the most qualified person in your party to assume the Presidency, as Senator McCain implies she is by selecting her as Vice President?

Answered 09/03/08 13:07:26 by Political Currents

A: Thank you. That is the question most Americans are deliberating since Senator McCain announced her as his selection as VP. 1980 was a year of the conservative revolution. In 2008, Barack Obama and Joe Biden are leading a revolution to take America to the left. John McCain's campaign is a revolution of sorts to shake up Washington in its inability to deal for years now with America's greavest challenges, such as energy policy, immigration legislation, budget deficits, and so on. A criteria in his selection was to bring to the ticket someone who is not a part of the beltway establishment and is willing to take on those on both sides of the aisle who are bent on a business as usual approach. I am very hopeful that she is the right answer for America. But, it is her responsibility to address our nation and demonstrate that she is ready. It all starts tonight. Lastly, bear in mind that your comments would have disqualified most Presidents who ran for the presidency as governors. Al Cardenas

Submitted by Paula

Q: Good Afternoon, What is the criteria for becoming a delegate and how does it make you feel to know that you are a part of history in the making? Thanks P.H. from Florida

Answered 08/27/08 13:57:58 by Political Currents

A: I am a District level delegate. I had to run in an elections against other people who wanted to be a delegate. They seperated it out by gender and who you supported. I ran as a Female Delegate supporting Obama against other females supporting Obama. (there were otheres who ran for the seats supporting Clinton and Edwards but those in my race were not running against them). So, anyone can be a delegate if they want to try! Then, there are some delegates that are selected by the Florida Democratic Party and they are generally elected officials who are active in the Democratic Party in Florida. As for how I feel about being a part of history, I can honestly tell you that it is incredible!! When I learned that I would be coming to Denver to represent Florida in this historic vote, I was absolutely thrilled and honored. Thanks for your question! Shannon McLin Carlyle

Submitted by Cory from Miami Beach

Q: Why is Obama dropping in every poll?

Answered 08/27/08 13:48:46 by Political Currents

A: I think there was a lot of uncertainty about how Hillary Clinton was going to respond at the convention. Well, she knocked it out of the park last night!! I also believe that Michelle Obama's speech on Monday night will improve his poll numbers because she demonstrated to the American people that the Obama family is very much like many working families in this country -- dealing with the stresses of raising two little girls, caring about issues like health insurance, child care, and education. As Americans, especially American women, recognize that Senator Clinton needs to work with President Obama (not President McCain) to do her job, and as they learn more about him as a father and husband, I believe his poll numbers will rise. Thanks for your question, Shannon McLin Carlyle

Submitted by T from Miami

Q: I was wondering what the schedule is like the day to day, leading up to the convention at the convention and afterwards? Is there downtime? Is it a gabfest? What is it like? Thanks again

Answered 08/27/08 13:03:52 by Political Currents

A: Good morning!! Every morning, we need to report to the Red Lion Hotel between 8-9:30 am to receive our credentials for the day. Then, we head over to the Convention Center for caucus meetings from about 10am - 2pm. The Convention starts every day at 3pm at that's at the Pepsi Center so we have to take a shuttle over there, and the Convention lasts from 3pm to 9pm each night. After that, there are tons of different parties and events to attend. So it makes for a busy day. My feet are killing me!! :-) Shannon McLin Carlyle

Submitted by So.... from Miami, FL

Q: When will Biden be making his first appearance in Miami as America's next VP?

Answered 08/26/08 14:00:16 by Political Currents

A: Sen. Bill Nelson told the Florida delegates this morning that he expects Biden to visit frequently, but he didn't set a date. Beth Reinhard

Submitted by Sam from Washington, DC

Q: How do you think McCain's houses gaffe will affect the campaign? What do you think of his response -- that he was a POW?

Answered 08/26/08 13:59:23 by Political Currents

A: The problem for McCain is that the gaffe plays into broader concerns about his grasp on the economy. His response was probably smart, since his biography is so compelling. Beth Reinhard

Submitted by Eric from Tallahasse, FL

Q: Why do press care so much about poll numbers? There are so many other factors that are more telling at this point in a campaign..

Answered 08/26/08 13:56:00 by Political Currents

A: Poll numbers are often overhyped, but they do provide a snapshot of how the candidates are doing at a certain time. Also, the campaigns rely heavily on polls to make decisions about scheduling and television advertising. Beth Reinhard

Submitted by Ready to Vote

Q: Should the Obama campgain take a slighty more attack position against McCain? Would that help in Obamas lower poll numbers?

Answered 08/26/08 13:22:53 by Political Currents

A: Some Democrats are itching for Sen. Obama to get his hands dirty, but it's likely that his new running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, will take the lead on the attack dog role. Obama has to be careful not to taint his message of promising a new brand of politics.