Final Thoughts
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/313e24f7b149fefff7d31e840032fcef.jpg)
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
February 17, 2016
I attended the Port of Tampa Steel Conference (their 27th) and it was one of the strongest programs I personally have seen the Port of Tampa produce over the past eight years or so. This being an election year, the Port provided an exceptional speaker to put the whole process of selecting a president in perspective. Andrew Card, Former Secretary of Transportation and White House Chief of Staff, spoke about the nomination process for both the Democrats and Republicans (he is a supporter of Jeb Bush).
He discussed the process and how messy it might become. There is a chance that this year we might go right up to the conventions and not have one candidate with enough votes to get nominated on the first ballot. There is a chance we could actually see a “brokered” convention which can end up with someone other than one of the candidates who are currently running. It has happened before.
You may not recognize Secretary Card’s name but you have seen his face many times at a historic moment. He was the person who bent over and whispered into President Bush’s ear that a second plane had hit the World Trade Center and the country was under attack. He told those at the Port of Tampa conference that George Bush became president on that day.
He then challenged everyone in attendance to think of that moment and then vote for the person we want in that seat at that point in time. The President of the United States has to make life and death decisions on a almost daily basis. The President is the Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces and has the responsibility to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
Little known facts: Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States. He was not one of the top front-runners for the Democratic Party’s nomination for President. When the three front-runners deadlocked at the convention Franklin Pierce’s name received a vote on the 39th ballot and he was nominated on the 49th ballot… So, crazy things have happened before.
Another crazy possibility for this election cycle – There is a chance you could have Donald Trump running against Bernie Sanders. If that happens you could have a 3rd party candidate like Michael Bloomberg. There is a possibility that none of the candidates received enough electoral votes to become President. If that happens the decision goes to the House of Representatives and each state gets one (1) vote. They are not bound to any candidate and the next President could be Paul Ryan – Speaker of the House…
I will have more about the conference in Sunday night’s issue.
I want to welcome our newest member companies to Steel Market Update. If you have any questions, would like to learn more about website access and the data we house there or if you have any suggestions please do not hesitate to contact us at: Info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or by phone: 800-432-3475.
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/john-packard.png)
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/gears.png)
Final thoughts
Sheet prices didn’t roar back after Labor Day. But steel market news sure came out of the gate strong (or maybe chaotically is the better way to put it). First, the nearly $15-billion proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel exploded into the news. And when I say exploded, I mean that all sides seem to be escalating things now.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/gears.png)
Final thoughts
Welcome back from Labor Day, from Steel Summit, and from whatever fun you might have had over the long weekend. Personally, I enjoyed camping with friends and family near Starved Rock. No one starved, there were no major injuries, and we enjoyed the many splendors of Mystical Fire. (Speaking of which, does that have industrial uses? But I digress.)
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/SMU-Steel-Summit.png)
Final thoughts
I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ from all of us at SMU to all of you (more than 1,500!) who attended Steel Summit this year. We appreciate you taking time out of busy schedules to join us – whether that was up on stage, submitting thoughtful questions, or catching up over a drink and bite to eat. Also, a bit shoutout to everyone at SMU and at CRU who made this event possible. It’s no understatement to say that we have a fantastic team.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/SMU-Steel-Summit.png)
Final thoughts
Day one and two of SMU's Steel Summit 2024 are officially in the books. We covered a lot of ground, and the agenda sure did deliver.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/SMU-Steel-Summit.png)
Final thoughts
The big show is just about here. SMU Steel Summit will be getting underway on Monday. Where does the networking begin? I’d say at the airport. So don’t forget your business cards. And it can't hurt to wear a company golf shirt.