Judy McDonald - Catholic Comedian: 2016

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Bob Dole and Confetti

20 years ago at the1996 Republican National Convention I was in the rafters with several secret service agents while Bob Dole gave his acceptance speech. This was big time.
In the middle of his speech, a single piece of confetti fell from on high. It gently floated down, like a leaf off an autumn tree. The small piece of paper was one of millions which would fall down at the end of Dole's speech. Millions of red, white and blue confetti looks awesome on camera; One, not so much. From my perch I was able to watch it make the long journey down, down, down, twisting and turning all the way down to its final resting place which was not the floor but on to Senator Dole's left shoulder.
My parents watching at home were rumored to look at each other and knew right away their youngest daughter had signal handily ruined Dole's chance for the White House.
This was before Snap chat, selfie sticks and iPhone.
This was when a person's word was their proof.
Besides, who would admit that anyway?!
I would.
Me.
My name is Judy McDonald and I was the Assistant to the Production Manager and although I usually ruin Christmas, that night I ruined the election.

It was also the night when I realized that with my attention span and lacking the organ that stops thoughts from going directly out of my mouth and never stopping at my brain; I better get my butt in front of the camera instead of hanging out in the rafters.
So, thank you Bob Dole; you made me who I am today...and sorry about the confetti but an agent dared me to do it.