All the buzz about the RPV convention, aside from general comments about the results of the voting (for those who haven't heard, Bob McDonnell is running for governor, Bill Bolling for lieutenant governor, and Ken Cuccinelli for attorney general), has been about the recent Virginia Tech graduate who gave the final formal speech to the delegates.Adnan Barqawi became a U.S. citizen on April 17. Last fall, he became commander of the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech. He delivered a strong, heartfelt address on the meaning of citizenship and the values that Americans hold dear. (I liveblogged about his speech -- and the rest of the convention -- yesterday. His comments begin at "3:15 p.m." Or perhaps I should have said "1515" in military time.)
In style and substance, Barqawi outshone keynote speaker Sean Hannity and most of the politicians who crossed the stage on Saturday.
A typical comment on Barqawi's speech comes from Nick Howard at Tertium Quids:
Adnan Barqawi was the final speaker (other than acceptance speeches). Outstanding. Simply outstanding. The best speaker of the convention. I hope his speech is available on YouTube.Nick's wish is granted. I uploaded video from Adnan Barqawi's speech just a few minutes ago to YouTube. Here it is, in two segments, divided by applause (and there was a lot of it -- the ovation at the end of the speech lasted for more than half a minute).
Political Brambles wrote of the speech:
Part I:
Part II:
This young man was an inspiration to all at the convention and brought the delegates to their feet cheering on three separate occasions. His address was inspirational and motivational. He is a new citizen of the United States and proud to be called an American.AMCIT wrote on AMCIT's Weblog:
Watch him. Charismatic, good speaker, outstanding message. I had tears in my eyes. The man will go far.If Adnan Barqawi returns to the Old Dominion from Mississippi, he will be a force to reckon with in Virginia politics. His vigorous delivery of what could have been an anodyne speech left the thousands of Republicans in attendance at the RPV convention with a sense of purpose, unity, and pride -- much needed qualities given the electoral losses of the past few years. Could we one day be inaugurating Governor Barqawi on the steps of Mr. Jefferson's Capitol?
Immediately, he’s about to head for the Mississippi Delta as part of the “Teachers for America” program. With a teacher carrying this message, our students will do well.
If I had an inkling all college students would hear and heed his message, I would never again worry about the future of our country.
Update: The full text of Adnan Barqari's remarks is now available on the Virginia GOP's web site.
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You are the man, Rick. Great job getting this posted so soon.
ReplyDeleteI was at this convention and tell you that this young man was impressive. He should be mentored and brought back to the Old Dominion. He has lived the American Dream in four short years. Of all the speakers, to include previous Governors and Senators, none compared to Adnan. He mesmerized the crowd. He should speak at a National Convention. He represents what young people with a brain represent. He doesn't accept sound bites.
ReplyDeleteDave
Thanks for putting the video up Rick. Excellent work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for getting the speech up too..
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this! Now let's try to make sure the party and its candidates live up to this young man's ideals.
ReplyDeleteI was there.
ReplyDeleteThis man electrified the convention! ... and he did it all with refreshingly genuine sincerity, - WITHOUT A TELEPROMPTER!!
If we didn't already have our slate chosen I believe he could have been drafted by acclimation to run for SOMETHING.
He said it was HIS honor to be a Repunblican.
It is ours to be able to claim him. Many More young people - all Americans - should hear this man ... actually, - Michael Steel needs to hear him. And listen!
This young man's speech was the best speech at the convention. His story was beautiful and his journey impressive. While I often have tears in my eyes watching everything decent and moral disappear from this country, Saturday I had tears of pride in my eyes. Thank you Adnan for renewing my hope in this country's future.
ReplyDeleteI was there, and after hearing Adnan Barqawi speak I wanted my ballot back. I would vote for him!
ReplyDeleteThis young man is the poster child (adult) for what America is about. His message clearly crosses party lines, but I am glad he is a Republican.
Martin, Delegate from Fairfax, VA.
What a fine young man...so proud of who he is and so very proud to be an American. This man should hit the national stage and let everyone hear his message...a true patriot. Someone the whole US should be very proud. I know I am!
ReplyDeleteJane G. Milliron
Glen Allen, VA