Posted on 07/26/2004 11:44:36 AM PDT by NonValueAdded
The Kerry Campaign came to Florida’s Space Coast on Monday, July 26,2004 to make a campaign speech at the Kennedy Space Center’s visitors complex. Bush supporters and Vietnam Veterans were out in force to greet Kerry’s motorcade as it left the hotel and to show to the motorists on the heavily traveled highway A-1-A that Brevard County is Bush Country as a prominent banner proclaimed.
The turnout was great with the crowd estimates ranging from 60 to 125 (as reported in Florida Today). There were two lone Kerry supporters later joined by three others wearing identical SEIU (Service Employees International Union) purple tee-shirts. Florida Today gave 15 as the number of Kerry supporters. Many organizations were present including Vietnam Veterans for The Truth , Swift Boats Veterans for Truth , DAV, the Brevard County and State GOP, Bush supporters and of course, FreeRepublic (McMuffin and NonValueAdded). [please FReepmail me if I left you out].
Flipper the dolphin was there (Michael Ayers of the State GOP, the coordinator for Brevard and Osceola counties). Flipper carried a sign saying "Hey Kerry, I'm a Flipper Too" I updated the flip side of my "Not Fonda Kerry" sign to honor Lurch's first pitch at the Sox / Yankees game last night. (That will teach him for standing us up at the airport and the hotel yesterday evening).
The reception from the public was even better than what I reported for last night. Of the response we received from the passing cars, I'd say about 90% were positive - lots of honking horns, waves, and thumbs up - the dissent was shown by polite thumbs down, extended middle digits and the occasional shouted obscenity. Maybe 2 out of 10 cars expressed an opinion in one way or the other. It was also encouraging to see enthusiastic thumbs up from cars with out-of-state plates as one might expect to encounter in Cocoa Beach. Judging from the crowd at Ron Jon's Surf Shop last night, the tourist economy is booming.
The bulk of the crowd was in place by 7:30 AM as we awaited Kerry's departure when happened at about 9:45 AM That means lots of cars got to see our support for GWB! McMuffin led us through practice drills of "GWB ... 4 More Years". He also led us in expressing our appreciation for the job being done by the 25 or so motorcycle officers (one of which was severely injured several miles up the road - our prayers go out to him and his family). The rest of the motorcade raced out of the parking lot and flashed by us in a matter of seconds. I guess they didn't want to savor the moment.
As I reported on another thread, one gentleman who said he was with the Swift Boat Veterans was set up right on the corner of the parking lot and A-1-A. He said that as Kerry passed, eye contact was made and Kerry flipped the vet the bird. As I was reminded on that thread, this is hearsay since as of yet I'm unaware of any video capture of the fleeting event. Of course, I'm reporting this on an opinion site and obviously am an ardent "broken glass" Bush supporter, so take this with a grain of salt. But to me, the reaction of the vet has me convinced that it really happened. After all, it is in character for JFK and there's definitely no love lost between Kerry and the SBVfT. I will assume there will be more said on the incident on the switfvets.com website.
I want to thank the state GOP for bringing water and Gatorade and for furnishing signs and bumper stickers. A special thanks to our "Flipper" who spent 2 hours in costume under the July Florida sun. If I learned any lesson, it was that blanket video coverage is essential for any encounter with the Kerry campaign and allies as you never know when you what you will encounter (just ask Doctor Raoul and Kristinn). And if not documented, then it is as if it never happened.
The Swift Boat Veteran who said John Kerry flipped him the bird as the motorcade left the hotel
My favorite sign, side 1
side 2 (photo on left says "girlie man" on the right says "real man")
A photo collection from the FReep
Using up my posting quota for the month ping. Rumor has it that GWB will make a Space Coast campaign stop. He can be sure of an enthusiastic welcome.
Great FReep though. I would have LOVED to see Kerry flipping off that vet, and I'm sure FNC would have loved it, too.
we need a Kerry rally body count (ala vietnam)
It seems his crowds are a tad small for such a hot contender.
How do I make em bigger?
Great job BTW, seriesly!
I love the "Space Coast"...spend 2 weeks there every spring...please ping me the other FReep thread you mention, and add me to your Brevard/Cocoa Beach "ping list"...thanks! ;)
Awesome job, folks!
Great work!
I miss youse guys!
Here are the various posts pertaining to the FReep:
Central Florida Kerry FReep - After Action report – July 26, 2004
FReep Flash! Kerry flips bird to Swift Boat Vet
Interim FReep report - Kerry visits Central Florida
John Kerry to make speech at Kennedy Space Center Monday, July 26th
Central Florida FReepers: Man the Ramparts! Kerry is coming to Town! (Vanity)
88, you are on my CentFla list I'm just starting
Dog, can't expand it, it is a contact sheet to keep server space consumption down. Sorry.
Great photos and after-action report. Thank you (and especially Flipper) for being out there to freep Kerry and support President Bush. Kudos to all!
FANTASTIC JOB GUYS! Channel 9 WFTV in Orlando showed a guy with a Vietnam Vet hat saying Kerry is a liar! HAHAHAHAHA! 6pm news. I am hoping it comes on again at 11:00pm. YAAAHOO!!!!!!!!
Great Job !!( and a BTTT !!)
FRegards to a FoRever FloRida FReeper!!!
See y'all at the next freep when I'll be back in town.
Leni
great freeper pics ping
Sorry I couldn't make it, but too many personal distractions...
But my HEART was with you! ;-)
FReegards,
Bob Ireland
What a fabulous "after action report"---and great pictures!
Have you seen the pictures of Kerry --in the NASA space suit--all over the tube today?----shades of Dukakis "in the tank"--
Central Florida will be "ground zero" as we gear up---WE WILL BE READY!!!
BTTT to ditto that!!! We miss you too!!! Once a Florida FReeper, always a Florida FReeper!
GREAT FReep guys! I videotaped the channel 9 coverage - it was too short to suit me! Sorry I couldn't have been over there with you this time - but I'll make up for that!!! :)
Way to go, Florida Freepers!!!
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