Highs and Lows, Civility in political discourse

Todays sessions marked new observations, reinforced old stereotypes, and motivated me towards future goals. I have been researching internships and graduate schools throughout my time in DC, and made progress locating two new potential schools, and interacting with the Nixon Center Officials after an expert panel on defense. I also learned that the whole in the wall panel discussions of 20-30 people had more helpful information, as they were led by the experts, not the political figureheads. Tomorrow I intend to attend multiple breakaway panels, even at the expense of main showroom seating. Tomorrow is also the internship and job fair for CPACs exhibitors and I look forward to that search as well as the lectures on Nuclear proliferation, Afghanistan, Sharia Law, the 9/11 Mosque and others, though I doubt the Zionist movements are going to be excited by what I have to say about their irresponsible rhetoric. In the Main ballroom, on the other hand, there was a parade of fantastic speakers, from Pawlenty, to Romney, Thune and Caine. I was very disappointed in the Ron Paul crowd, as they flooded in early to reserve seating and pass out literature, but disrespected every canidate but their own, as well and talked and ignored panel discussions as if Ron Paul was their sole motivator for coming to CPAC. Several moderators attempted to correct their behavior by putting a halt to the badgering of canidates without allowing them to explain their actions, or calling them "war criminals". Overall I was very disappointed in the Ron Paul fan base, but Ron Paul himself was thoughtful, but nothing special. Herman Caine stole the show as the final speaker for the day, rousing the crowd with rhetoric and hints and a potential presidential bid. I would agree to vote for this man tody if we had an election, a Charismatic Black Southern Republican CEO and radio host who was raised poor but worked his way to the top is a fantastic rolemodel and he touches on alot of issues and maintains a rational approach to his politiking. Overall a good day, can't wait for tomorrow. ~Derek Noem