Posted on 09/17/2015 2:29:20 PM PDT by markomalley
On Wednesday, the normally peaceful and sedate atmosphere of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley was transformed into a hectic, crowded and high-energy setting as the eyes of America, and many in the world, tuned into the second round of the GOP Presidential Debates.
The setting was awesome, with the podiums for all of the candidates arranged in front of the impressive superstructure of Reagans now-decommissioned Air Force One jetliner. When I walked into the Air Force One Pavilion, about two hours before the first of two debates, I have to admit being blown away by the majesty of the setting. (Of course I very quickly found someone to take my photo.)
When I first arrived at the venue, I quickly secured my all access media credential, arranged by a friend, and then stood in line outside, waiting for my actual ticket to sit with about 300 other people to watch the debates live (enjoying a lengthy chat with Andy Puzder, CEO of Carls Jr. Restaurants).
Im told of all of the debates that will take place, because of the limited space in the pavilion, this one had the smallest audience (in Columbus last month there was seating for thousands). Nearest as I could tell, the tickets were distributed in bunches: the Reagan Library took care of their donors and board members; the candidates each had some for supporters (and with so many candidates, that was probably the biggest chunk); and then the RNC had a large group (how I got my seat).
(snip)
Its worth noting that there was very little feeling of a grass roots presence in the audienceit was largely the well-connected crowd, perhaps with the exception of some of the RNCs block, which did trickle down to some local GOP leaders.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
“it was largely the well-connected crowd,”
Yep, and being in California I bet a lot of Carly supporters were there.
Ping.
Yep, only GOP Insiders and big time donors got seats.
What about the CNBC event next month at the University of Colorado? My son attends CU and is taking Econ and I was hoping that he might scare up a couple of tickets.
I heard rumors that it has been canceled.
I SO agree with you!
True, there was no public tickets available.
Gee... who woulda known.
Have we?
Yet another example of the GOP attempting to muzzle the base. My disgust for them is only exceeded (slightly) by my disgust for the DNC.
Boehner operatives.........
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
Here is a link to the CU website. It was mentioned in the local news last night so it might still be a go. I asked my son to ask his Econ prof about it.
Ya don’t say....
I’m pretty sure the debate last month was in Cleveland, not Columbus. Well informed journalist, huh?
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