Hillary's local book-signing attracts protesters, proceeds like clockwork

Washington Times ^ | Friday, June 13, 2003 | By Jennifer Harper

[JohnHuang2]

The guy wearing the devil costume out on Pennsylvania Avenue yesterday was adamant.

"Enter the bookstore and take two steps down — morally and socially," he hollered into a bullhorn.

The mannerly crowd outside Trover Shop Books on Capitol Hill gazed back at him, clutching precious orange vouchers that proved they had already paid for "Living History," Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's new memoir.

[cherry_bomb88]

if i do show up i will be wearing a plaid shirt with red & green suspenders & a few rolls of duct tape (& a tigers hat) - dont want anyone to not know that I'm a real guy, in that neighborhood

With that get-up they might think you are trying to dress like the construction worker from The Village People LOL

[cherry_bomb88]

Like I said in later posts...I don't care what everyone else does....costume/no costume...makes no difference to me...for myself personally, I feel that it's not going to get the message across to the people I'm trying to reach...just a personal preference, not a dictation of what everyone else should do ;o)

Besides, if we have a devil dude, they'll say we're copying, we need something original of our own! :O)

[tgslTakoma]

Hiya, JV! I know it made Hillary! nuts yesterday. Because the store was so small and the crowd needed to be kept moving, the front doors were held open the whole time she was there.

For an hour-and-a-half, our silly costumed devil's voice was amplified and directed through those open doors; and I'll bet that she was well aware that Satan was taunting her.

Hillary! was scheduled to sign books from noon until 2pm, but the doors were closed at a little after 1:30 and shortly after that a policeman told us that she had left the store (out the back way, oddly). Did Satan's voice cause her to leave early, or did she have to race back to the Senate and cast an important vote? You be the judge.

[cherry_bomb88]

Did Satan's voice cause her to leave early, or did she have to race back to the Senate and cast an important vote? You be the judge

She wanted to race home early to catch Billy Boy in the act...she'd heard rumors....

[Ford Fairlane]

Actually, I was going for the Red Green look (if you dont watch it on PBS, you wouldnt understand, it's a guy thing)

[tgslTakoma]

After reading through this whole thread, and your comments throughout, I am having great difficulty understanding just what you do mean. It seems to change from one post to the next.

If you don't care what everyone else does, why did you say "no devil suits at our FReeping, it just makes ourside look silly and foolish. :o)" ? That sounds like a directive to anyone who might come out to your FReep that they ought not wear a devil costume.

Regarding the devil costume and "copying"... As was suggested by a few folks earlier in this thread, it may be helpful for you to check out some old threads dating back to Hillary!'s 2000 Senate campaign. Y'see... there was this devil who followed her all over the state.

More than one person participated in the Satan FReeping of the Hillary! for Senate campaign, and I doubt that any one of them would complain about "copying." AAMOF, "copying" would be a good thing - strategery and psy-op wise.

In any event, many if not most of your comments came across as petty, smug, insulting... and I don't understand why you would want to do that with people who you don't know, and whose motives, goals, and sincerity you also don't know.

I wish you well on your upcoming FReep and on your studies of FReeper history and tactics.

[tgslTakoma]

Is that show still around?

[cherry_bomb88]

In any event, many if not most of your comments came across as petty, smug, insulting... and I don't understand why you would want to do that with people who you don't know, and whose motives, goals, and sincerity you also don't know.

How did they come across petty & smug???? Perhaps you read that into them. Remember, emotions are hard to read, no tone inflictions, etc. in type. I was merely trying to remain calm and have a rational discussion/debate not filled with emotions.

As for me directing people what to do or not to do, it was more of a smart aleck comment, not a directive, I'm not organizing this FReep, Chicagolady is, I'm just going along for the ride. There's been much discussion about it on the Illinois board.

I'm sorry if you read into it smugness that wasn't there, and I'm certain NONE of it was petty as I made NO personal attacks to anyone. IF you re-read it I never called a single poster stupid or silly. I just stated for me, and for our environment here in Chicago, I do not feel it's the best strategy. But hey, what do I know, I just have about 300 businesses representing about 5000 professionals that are my clients in the city alone, without taking into account the outline suburbs. Being a successful marketing manager means I have the ability to "read" people and the best way to accomplish a goal in a certain geographic area. If we were doing this FReeping in Springfield, IL, I would have come out ADAMENTLY opposed to costumes as I know the enviroment down there is filled with Dixiecrats that are afraid of the big city and anything they view as "flamboyant"....heck, when I lived down that way my brother-in-law was rumored to be gay because he wore a pastel colored shirt at one point and no one would take him seriously. I was just coming at this from a professional stand point. That's all. People are different all over, which is why major companies take on different marketing plans & strategies in different areas. Politics is very much "sales & marketing". It's selling your ideas & views & logic to the otherside.

I am sorry you read into emotions that are not there, but I am not apologizing for my opinions. I am entitled to them.

If you'll also note, I was the one that was put on the defensive for a silly smart arsse remark right off the bat by Area 51 saying "you're the only one who cares" and then later on "deal with it"....to me THOSE are petty & smug comebacks driven by emotion. I beleive that I came back very calmly to him explaining my position. I've never once stepped out of line in here.

I don't understand why you continue to attack and attempt to alienate a fellow FReeper....we all have the same goal at heart....more converts to the conservative side & exposing the liberal lefties for what they are, lying, theiving, greedy, power hungry, controlling jerks! We're on the same team, remember?????

Remember the old cliche...."there's more than one way to skin a cat".

[cherry_bomb88]

Ahh, ok...well, can't be too careful in that area, FF...but I've got your back!!!! If any of them approach you while we're FReeping, you can just come put your arm around me...LOL :o)

[cherry_bomb88]

Takoma...I had a chance to ponder this while I was in the shower (some of my best thinking is done in there...LOL)

Coming at it from purely a "marketing" angle....

DC NEEDS the theatrics and it's awesome you have people that will do it. I would bet from what I read/see/hear (never been to DC personally, so just going by what I get from others) that on any given day of the year there is someone or a small group of someones protesting something. The politicians grow "immune" to seeing protestors and probably mentally block them out, as does the media. I know if I was a politician I would...it's kinda like the homeless guy on the street....you see the same ones in the same spots every day walking along the city streets and pretty soon you either take routes to avoid them or just mentally block them out. DC FReepers MUST do something to get noticed. You have to & you need to! You need the politicians to notice and the media. See, that's the difference there too, everyone in DC is pretty political, so your goals are not necessarily to win converts (except via the media) as much as they are to annoy the politicians or get noticed by them and the media.

Chicago, on the other hand, other than during war time has few protests. Chicagoans are very professional and business like...many are "middle of the road" and are TIRED of the theatrics that Jessie Jackson, Louie Farakahn and Daley put on. To appeal to those "swing voters", we need to appeal to their needs...they need to hear the message without irrationality (don't get me wrong, I'm not saying FReepers in costume are irrational...I was referring to Daley..if you've ever seen him throw a tantrum on the news, it's quite amusing). They also, in the particular gay & lesbian area that Hitlery is going to, are so used to seeing outrageous costumes and theatrics every Friday & Saturday night by the "boys" in Boys Town that they'd just figure we were just some of them hung over and stumbling in and not read our signs as they drove or walked by. If you've ever seen the gay pride parade in that area....it's a trip. So, in order for us to get noticed, we have to set ourselves out to be different. :o)

In saying all that, I do believe that Chicagolady is planning on wearing a Hitlery mask with a witch costume....WAHOO.... you go girl!!! I think that will be awesome and very irritating to the "senator". I just feel if we ALL dressed up...well, again, we'd be the stumbling drunks of boystown wandering home from a night at the "Man Hole" (yes, that's a real bar name there).

Now do you understand why I made the comment I did???? I assure you I was not trying to be smug, insulting or condescending. And I FULLY support any of the Chicago FReepers that choose to come in costume. I was being quite serious when I said I'd wear my Winnie-the-Pooh costume (even as hot as it SHOULD be) and hold a sign that says "Hitlery's book belongs in Children's Fantasy" if I thought it would be my best option. I feel more confident and calm and professional, however, wearing my best business dress like I was going to sell a big client...that's where I personally will come across best. In the Pooh costume I might tend to digress and not hold my emotions....funny how that works, isn't it??? LOL :o)

[cherry_bomb88]

PICTURES FROM THE LAST CHICAGO FREEPING/RALLY I ATTENDED! Any Chicago Freepers see themselves in the pictures???? :o)

Click here for more pictures of the Chicago Rally

Actually, I have the Chicago Rally and how awesome it was to thank for becoming a FReper...until then, I didn't know about FR.

[kristinn]

Let's tally up the results of our two-day effort freeping Her Heinous at Wal-Mart and Trover:

Wal-Mart--coverage on three of four local TV evening news broadcasts; photo and mention in the Washington Post; mention on local news radio; prominent mention in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution; a Weekly Standard article; Hillary's fans saw and heard us, as did hundreds of passersby.

Trover--prominent mention and photo in the Washington Times; prominent mention in the Baltimore Sun; worldwide coverage via the Voice of America; Talon News article; Hillary saw and heard us; her fans saw and heard us.as did hundreds of passersby.

What was our message: Hillary's a crook, a liar, a thief, an abuser of power, a poor role model for women, has a violent temper and is downright diabolical in her political machinations. Check the news reports. You'll find that message got out.

Costumes and schtick are an integral part of how we get our message out. Sometimes acting the fool and lighthearted gets your message across more effectively than maintaining stoic dignity. We do both--and we're quite effective. Just ask Al Gore.

[kristinn]

BTW, I'm glad you're here at FR. Everyone has different styles and ways of doing things. I hope you have great success in getting your message out in your way when Hillary comes to town.

[cherry_bomb88]

Costumes and schtick are an integral part of how we get our message out. Sometimes acting the fool and lighthearted gets your message across more effectively than maintaining stoic dignity. We do both--and we're quite effective.

Exactly!!! So, why am I continually being "attacked" for suggesting in Chicago we forego the costumes??? Especially given the constant theatrics that normally surround that area?

I don't believe I EVER put down the DC tactics. I said they would make US look silly and our message would be lost. (US being the Chicago FReepers) They work for you ....whatever works for you, go with it!

I could see Daley now asked his opinion at a news conference:

Reporter: "Mayor Daley, what did you think of the people protesting Senator Clinton in costume today"

Daley (in a very condescending tone and quite child-like tantrum): "Well, they are just silly, look how silly they are, don't they have anything intelligent to say? Don't they have anything better to do than play dress up all day"

Typical Chicago viewer in his home: "that there mayor, he makes some sense, I'd never go out there and dress up, what was their point anyhow"

If you've ever seen Mayor Daley throwing a tantrum with the press, you'd understand exactly what I was talking about. Why the man keeps getting re-elected is beyond me! Oh yeah, the dead vote here!

Now, if she were at the Wal-Mart out here by me in Glen Ellyn I would say EVERYONE come in costume and totally hound her, we'd probably get people joining in..wait, what am I saying??? This is conservative DuPage County, they'd need too much security for that...never mind. LOL

I just think the tactics need to vary from city to city and locale to locale ;o)

Again, whatever it takes to get the message out.

[cherry_bomb88]

Thank you, Kristinn, I was beginning to feel a little unwelcomed by some DC FReepers because I don't chose to do things the same way you do. :o)

Chicagolady is planning to be the Hitlery Witch and I think that's both amusing and funny and should get Hitlery's blood boiling. LauraJean and I are dressing "business/professional" and Ford Fairlane said something about coming as one of the Village People *snickers* Not sure who else is coming along or what they are doing. My daughters will probably dress like typical teenagers, though I wouldn't be surprised if my younger one wanted to dress up in something outrageous...that's just the way she is!

[kristinn]

If I lived in Chicago, I'd be tempted to freep Mayor Daley wearing a Zoot suit and carrying a violin case. I bet that would set him off at his press conferences :-)

As for why you've been getting heat on this thread, I guess some folks didn't take kindly to your comments. That'll happen around here, even among friends.

[chicagolady]

So kristinn what do you think, Should I go as a Good Witch or a Bad witch?

[kristinn]

It's your freep. Do what you think is best to make your point.

[tgslTakoma]

In defense of costumes everywhere... Costumes are attention-getters. Once you have the attention of the media - and the eye of the camera, your signs will get your message across, and both will encourage the media to find out who you are and why you are there. A FReep with one or two costumed characters works. Your mileage may vary in Chicago, but probably not by too much. That's just my opinion tho.

Barnes & Noble FReep, New York City, June 9 - Costumes on scene: "Hillary" and "GW Bush"

Marion (OH) Star

Reuters Story

Gannett Suburban NY Newspapers

Boston.com picked up the Reuters story

Ithaca (NY) Journal picked up the Gannett story

New Zealand news coverage!

ABC News picked up the Reuters story

Phillipine news picked up the Reuters story!

Washington Post

White Plains (NY) Journal News (Gannett)

KUHF 88.7FM - Houston (TX) Public Radio picked up the Reuters story

Macon (GA) coverage of Reuters story

Three FReepers - firebrand, Doctor Raoul and hellinahandcart, IIRC - two of them in costume, got 12 stories worldwide.

- WalMart FReep, June 11 - Costumes on scene: "Ghostwriter" and "Satan"

Atlanta Journal-Constitution coverage

Springfield (OH) News Sun picked up the Cox News Service (AJ-C) story

The Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction, CO, picked up the Cox News Service story

Also the three local TV stations covered, to varying degrees, the costumed protest.

- Trover Books FReep, June 12 - Costumes on scene: "Satan"

GOPUSA.COM Baltimore Sun

Voice of America

Again, local TV stations covered this protest as well. Several weekly publications interviewed our members, but do not go to press until early next week, so it's not known how/if coverage will result. These are just the links to coverage I found during a cursory news search on a few key words. There may be more that I have missed.

As I said in both of my earlier replies, good luck with your efforts in Chicago. Hillary! needs to be met by FReepers at her every book-signing appearance.

[kitkat]

***ok...no devil suits at our FReeping, it just makes ourside look silly and foolish. :o) ***

OHHH?

Well it bothered Hitlery so much that she complained about being "followed by a man in a devil's costume" everywhere she went.

D.C. FREEPERS RULE