Richmond Democrat Fundraiser FReep After-Action Report 02-07-04

02-09-04 | Flora McDonald

[Flora McDonald]

Wow! What a great time we had Saturday night! The Democrats held their Jefferson Jackson Fundraiser at the Greater Richmond Convention Center with several Presidential Candidates in attendance. As Bush-bashing promised to be a central theme of the evening, three of us from the newly-formed Richmond Conservative Forum and Free Republic decided to counter them on the sidewalk. In attendance were Al, RCF's president, helmut 113 and Flora McDonald. We stood across the street from the convention center so as not to interfere with the Democrat activities but close enough to be seen.

Al was resplendent in a black suit and sunglasses. Taking his cue from the Men in Black, he carried an MIB sign that said at the bottom "Men Intending to elect Bush". Helmut113 started out with a sign that said,"Peta Alert! Democrats Still Flogging That Dead Horse Socialism", but gave it up after having to explain several times to the Dems on the sidewalk what it meant. He settled on "World Peace starts with W". I carried a picture of a multi-headed alien. Each head was a Dem Candidate. The sign said "No Amnesty for These Aliens". We also rotated through Support our Troops and President signs, leaning them against trees and fire hydrants.

Except for the Dean supporters who all seemed to have beards, most of the Democrat people on the street were young and having a great time. The most vocal seemed to be the Edwards and Clark factions engaging in dueling chants and cheers every time the traffic stopped at the intersection. One man rolled down his car window and yelled, "George W!", much to our delight. Cabbies and a van load of Churchladies smiled and gave us a thumbs up.

There was a large group of Pro-Life people on Broad St. from Life & Liberty Ministries in the Lynchburg area. Shortly after they arrived, the NARAL women emerged from somewhere with little Pro-choice signs and stickers. Several men carrying American and Confederate Flags held a sign that said "Who Wants My Vote?". Now those guys were real attention getters.

One of my favorite signs said "Archeologists for Edwards". Helmutt113 countered with "Paleontologists for Bush!". There were several signs comparing Edwards to RFK: "RFK Lives - Vote Edwards" and "Bobby Kennedy is Back - Vote Edwards". My reaction? EEEEWWWW!

One of the funnier moments was Wesley Clark's appearance on the sidewalk. I think he was standing on a planter of some sort but even so, he was hard to see. Being a Mom, I can make my voice heard in a two block radius but the General couldn't be heard across the street. As we watched, we noticed a No Right Turn sign over his head which gave us a good laugh.

It was a fine evening. Afterwards, we had some dinner and conspired to further advance the Great Right Wing Conspiracy.

[Flora McDonald]

Click here for photos

[Flora McDonald]

PING!

[Gopher Broke]

Way to go, Flora!! Thanks for Freeping from the rest of us VA Freepers who could not make it!

[spookycc]

Great FReep and thanks for posting the photo site! Love the "World Peace begins with "W"" sign!

[iceskater]

Way to go Flora! You guys rock.

I wish that picture of Weasley were clearer. That would just be too funny for words and would make a great campaign poster....

[Angelwood]

Great post and great signs -- Love the alien sign especially!

You look like you are having fun in the photo. Take care until the next time our paths cross.

[talleyman]

Great job!

[Darnright]

Way to go, Flora! Thanks, y'all!

[Mudboy Slim]

Great FReep, Flora...looks like y'all were outnumbered just a tad...LOL!!

FReegards...MUD

[nina0113]

Need some help deciding who to vote for tomorrow...I'm leaning towards Clark. I had wanted to vote for Sharpton, but he's completely off the radar (I was hoping he'd be another Jesse Jackson), then I was going to switch to Dean, but he's sinking fast, plus he's from Up North just like Kerry. I'm hoping only a Southerner will be able to carry the primary in Virginia and it'll be a foodfight at the national convention. I think Kerry might be willing to split the ticket with Edwards, but I don't think he'd take Clark (who I refuse to call Weasley - they're my favorite characters).

Comments/suggestions?

[mountaineer]

"RFK Lives - Vote Edwards" and "Bobby Kennedy is Back - Vote Edwards".

Wow, these people really are nuts.

[WOSG]

He settled on "World Peace starts with W".

That is great!

[.cnI redruM]

Aww, my old school, VCU. It's good to see you guys did your part to make it an interesting evening at VietCong University.

[Corin Stormhands]

Bravo!

[VA_Gentleman]

Richmond Freeper ping!

[Teacup]

Oh wow, sounds like you all did a great job. Is Westly Clark short? You know, he doesn't blink when he talks.

[Mudboy Slim]

"...my old school, VCU"

Hey, that's where I went to grad school...yer right, it's a Lefty haven.

FReegards...MUD

[Mudboy Slim]

I'm voting fer Edwards just 'cuz he's got the best chance of winning and extending the DemonRAT primary...MUD

[nina0113]

see 10 & 18.

[Prov3456]

Great job everyone!!!

I really like the signs, especially the "W" and the "aliens" signs. (And it's nice to meet you, Flora)