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A Note From the Republican National Convention

Posted: 08/31/2012 9:15 am

My mom Mika Brzezinski dragged me to Tampa to watch the Republicans get together to nominate Mitt Romney. I say "dragged" because I am a Democrat and have announced to my family that I will leave the country if Governor Romney is elected president. Maybe that's why Mom wanted me to open my mind with a quick trip to Tampa.

We touched down Wednesday morning and dropped our bags off at the hotel and soon were on our way to the Tampa Bay Times Forum to tour the convention floor. We found Joe Scarborough on the floor and soon we were walking around the floor taking pictures and watching Mom and Joe do interviews. They also did a comic bit for Conan O'Brien. Mom ran into my dad's best friend Tom Manning, a photographer for ABC News. We all caught up and took pictures to send Dad. It was great to see him. While we were on the floor, Senator John McCain was rehearsing for his speech which would take place later on in the evening.

Next to the convention center was the Huffington Post's Oasis. Set up by Arianna Huffington, this was a place for journalists, politicians and convention participants to free their minds from all that was taking place in Tampa. They offered yoga sessions, facials, massages, and all natural meals under 500 calories. Set up in the Oasis was the studio for HuffPost Live. Abby Huntsman and Arianna Huffington were doing a segment and I was able to join them for a bit.

The next morning I got up REALLY early to watch my mom and Joe broadcast Morning Joe live at Howl at the Moon restaurant. I'm not sure how my mom does that every day. I was able to take pictures of all the guests and meet Senator McCain and Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Arianna Huffington also stopped by to be on show for a little.

I'm so glad I came down to Tampa, even if the city is filled with Republicans. The experience has made me feel so good about the politics and how this country works no matter who wins. That said, I hear Canada is beautiful in the spring.

Loading Slideshow...
  • <em>Morning Joe</em> live on air at Howl at the Moon Bar, in Tampa, Fla. covering the Republican National Convention.

  • Mika Brzezinski (my mom), and Katty Kay, British journalist and correspondent live on <em>Morning Joe</em>.

  • Former presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich handing out Chuck Todd pins to the audience before going on the set.

  • Senator John McCain on the set of <em>Morning Joe</em>.

  • Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post, and Mika Brzezinski, my mom, catching up before going live on air.

 
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11:38 AM on 09/04/2012
Please leave sooner and take your mother with you.
04:38 AM on 09/04/2012
I love ya CARLIE!!!!
11:57 AM on 09/01/2012
enjoy Canada-your mother is obviously infatuated with Obama, so I can see why you are too.
04:33 AM on 09/04/2012
You should try lets say....Mmmmm you go to Iran!!
04:35 AM on 09/04/2012
Well Mary, lets say that you get ready for "lets say....Mmmmmm! "IRAN"!! Catch you later...##
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Tennys Daughter
A fool and his money shall soon perish
10:21 PM on 08/31/2012
Romney is a nice guy but he has as much chance of being President of the United States as Wesley Snipes has of being the grand wizard of the Klu Klux Klan.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Americangangster
Dual masters in dominance and modesty
10:14 PM on 08/31/2012
Can you leave regardless of who wins??(even though Romney will)

Your freeloading, anti-American type really isn't welcome.

Sincerely,

The American Gangster.

One more thing...Make me a sandwich before you leave
04:36 AM on 09/04/2012
Ahh, we have a "DREAMER" in the HOUSE!!!
10:00 PM on 08/31/2012
Hi Carlie,
Found your column via a friend's Facebook post. I love your feedback from Tampa. Fabulous! Fabulous!
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demisfine
Often correct, NEVER right.
09:09 PM on 08/31/2012
Carlie, I'm glad you went, endured the heat AND the conservatives.
Canada is lovely, the people are friendly, the food isn't bad and the Hockey is fabulous.
So, even though I am working my butt off to make sure you don't have to leave, I second your choice of adopted land.
Obama 2012 - Because it isn't 1950 anymore.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
shamumbo
08:53 PM on 08/31/2012
Please no more children of politicians as "commentators." This makes two generations of Brezhinski's riding on daddy's coat tails.
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BostonBloviator
No empty suits for Prez.
08:52 PM on 08/31/2012
Your grandfather is a famous Democrat, not sure about the rest of your family, so you should have lots of support. Romney getting elected is almost as remote as seeing Santa Claus. Ain't gonna happen.
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
efffox
The truth is NOT halfway between right and wrong
08:48 PM on 08/31/2012
It appears she got her grandfather's brains!!! NIce blog Carrie - I look forward to more in the future!!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
kiksadi50
08:32 PM on 08/31/2012
British Columbia (B.C.) is where I'm heading if Obana fails to be re-elected.I didn't think that the GOP could possibly find a worse ticket than McCain/Palin;but they have.Ann Romney and Paul Ryan.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
hiker11
Brain needs exercise too
07:21 PM on 08/31/2012
I don't know how old the writer is and would hate to dampen young people's enthusiasm. But it must be said that this is a vacuous, content free article more like a middle school trip report than anything worth reading by adults. It doesn't fit in a conversation on politics among adults.

What was HP editorial staff thinking when decided to publish this junvenile (but harmless) piece? This shows that Republicans have no monopoly on bad content decision.
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Monica Woodson
06:46 PM on 08/31/2012
Gotta love her!!
06:26 PM on 08/31/2012
I'll be joining you there, kid, if Romneyhood wins.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
crazyalice
still traveling hopefully
05:55 PM on 08/31/2012
you sound like a person with conviction. but trust me, it will make a huge difference if the republicans win. and you still know that. i'm glad you gave it a chance and hope you don't have to pack up and move.