A second 19+ hour day would exhaust most people, but if you had the day I had today it would be impossible to be tired.
Although not intentional, education was the dominance of our day program. Governor Brandshaw and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds of Iowa paneled our morning session and discussed how important it was to them to make Iowa number one again on education by improving teacher's wages, but at the same time raising performance standards.
After that we moved on to Generation Next, an event of high profile speakers that wanted to connect to the younger generation. A list of the people there include Chelsea Clinton, Chuck Todd, Andrew Jenks of MTV, Jeb Bush, and my hero Michelle Rhee.
Michelle is the former chancellor of District of Columbia schools, which were some of the worst in the country. She was a controversial figure because she cut office bureaucracy, wanted to end the tenure system, and shifted the saved funds towards the students. In return teachers were offered double the normal salary. When she did this teacher unions objected and eventually she became unpopular and resigned. But she moved D.C. schools from the 13th to 90th percentile in some subjects. I have always admired her for her reforms, and was thrilled when I sat down at the event to see that she was literally right next to me, and I got her autograph and her picture. It was a dream come true.
After securing late credentials for the second night of the RNC, I was treated to another night of great speeches. Paul Ryan and Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice led the way with excellent speeches.
My big surprise, though, was when a delegate offered me the chance to go on the floor for about a half hour. It was an amazing experience capped off by shaking Rick Santorum's hand. Overall it was another great day at the convention.
Education is the key to the future success of this country. Both sides have good ideas, and it's time to come to the table and figure something good out for education.
I can't believe I only have one more day of convention watching left. I don't want to leave yet, it is too much fun!
