Mitt Romney in Hollywood—Take II

I had the opportunity to interview Mitt Romney before he spoke to our intimate crowd of 75. I was curious to find out if this seemingly “Stepford” cardboard cutout of a character had a core than ran deeper than what the television screen portrayed. I wondered if indeed he had what it took, and would this known moderate be supported by those he needed to impress—the billionaires, the TEA Party, Conservatives, the undecided, the Hollywood elite?

Saturday night I joined the “Hollywood elite” for a spectacular fundraiser in Beverly Hills.  My expectations were that I would see the usual attendees who attend these Hollywood Republican events:  Jane Romney—Mitt’s un-talked about actress sister; Lori Loughlin and her husband, designer Mossimo Giannulli; that one older soap opera actress who always shows up in her furs, wreaking of Channel no5 and dressed to the nines; a few Senators and other local politicians and business owners who support the Republican ticket. Who else in Hollywood beyond Clint Eastwood would dare to show their face at such a public event? Was Mitt Romney worth taking a chance on? Is he more than a clean-cut, morally sound, cardboard cutout?

I remember the first time I met the governor. Our conversation was cordial at first as we offered each other a smile and a handshake. He knew I was the founder of one of the largest TEA Parties in California and that they call me “Dr. B”, but beyond that he did not know me from Adam.

As I asked him pointed questions about why he was the right man for the job and why Tea Party conservatives should throw primary votes in his direction, the grip on our handshake began to feel more like a convincing squeeze. His secret service agents whispered in his ear and he immediately responded with, “I am talking to this young lady and I need a few minutes. Please.” As I looked around to see whom this “young lady” was he was referring to, I noticed the governor and I were the only ones left in that part of the room. With that, I continued my questions of accountability and concern and that is when I began to see a side to Mitt Romney I never expected I would see. With vigor, he passionately explained why he was the best choice over all of his contenders and although he went out of his way with his talking points on why he deserved my vote, he never once spoke poorly of his ballot mates. I was intrigued and also reminded of why I feel it is most important to have face-to-face interviews with these candidates before forming accurate opinions about them (Obama—my request is still in).

And then there was one.

After the primaries concluded I quickly got connected with my Romney contacts, attended events, rehearsed my talking points and off we went to seek out any additional support we could find. Being a staunch conservative both socially and fiscally and knowing that world, I knew I had a tough job in front of me, yet the alternative was unacceptable if our intent was to claim victory for the people of the United States of America.

So here I was on this fall evening in the heart of Hollywood-land wondering if this fundraiser would be a success. Along with being nervous, I was also cautiously optimistic. Deep down I knew that this man, the Presidential candidate for the Republican party, was of strong character, was a proven leader, a fiscally responsible businessman, a loving husband and father, and a great American.  I hoped the support would be overwhelming.

Dennis Miller was the first to speak and he wowed the audience with his dynamic-run-on-sentence-speaking style. Next was the man of the hour along with his beautiful and most graceful wife, Mitt and Ann Romney. When Ann mildly bungled a Romney family “inside” joke, Mitt gallantly rescued his bride and all was made well. This was the Mitt I had come to know and respect–and apparently Hollywood had similar feelings because some of the people I respect and revere the most showed up in ways I could only have imagined.

I was thrilled to see many famous faces including David Foster, who performed–all there in support of the Republican nominee.

What was remarkable to me was how kind and passionate they all were. Each one was ever so humble when I thanked them for supporting Mitt Romney and using their voice, their famous faces and their pocket books for the cause of all causes—to give Mitt Romney a chance to restore America to this one nation Under God. This was the side of Hollywood the media failed to recognize.

But yes, this side of Hollywood was definitely there, folks, and they participated to the tune of over $6 million dollars on Saturday evening.  My heart smiled all night.

There is hope for America and I saw a glimpse of it this weekend as God allowed me to be a part of a spectacular evening that I will never forget. Although you won’t ever hear the media admit it, Mitt Romney is Hollywood’s choice—the good side of Hollywood, the RIGHT side of Hollywood. Keep the faith and the hope alive, for true change is a coming and it will be in the form of a real life, passionate man who loves his family, and is dedicated to restoring America and returning it to her people. And his name is Mitt Romney.

Written by Dr. Bridget Bell Melson