After-Action: President speaks; FReepers present

[StayAt HomeMother]

If you’ve been following the Virginia board you’ll have known a bunch of FReepers spent this morning in the 1,500 member audience LIVE with PRESIDENT BUSH, speaking at the Annandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College.

The speech was set up last Wednesday afternoon; information about how to get tickets started spreading among FReepers Wednesday night. Republican Congressman Tom Davis's office coordinated the tickets, which were issued by name. They told us the President would be making a policy speech and did NOT want us waving flags or signs or whatever.

BillF, Angelwood, and kristinn were among the D. C. Chapter to get tickets. Kristinn facilitated getting tickets for Nofel and his son, Iraqis who have been speaking out in behalf of our President’s actions in Iraq, but they were caught in traffic congestion getting into the Campus and did not make it in time.

Ligeia gave a heads up about the event on the Virginia Board and nina0113, Coop, GeorgeW23225, Flora MacDonald, W04Man, and Right_in_Virginia were among the FReepers who obtained tickets.

By Saturday afternoon the tickets had all been spoken for and picked up. Flora MacDonald made the miserable drive up from Richmond to get her tickets (“The return trip was worse...5 hours of stop and go.”), but those of us who live close arranged to pick up tickets for some other FReepers. Then we FReep-mailed and e-mailed and called each other over the weekend to arrange car pools and “where to meet” information.

[StayAt HomeMother]

What did the President say? Stay tuned - we heading out for lunch and will have a lot more to say later.

In the meantime, look for us (in the back row!) in the news.

[cake_crumb]

"Kristinn facilitated getting tickets for Nofel and his son, Iraqis who have been speaking out in behalf of our President’s actions in Iraq, but they were caught in traffic congestion getting into the Campus and did not make it in time."

There are no words to describe how sad I am to read that. There presence could have boosts the president's morale, as well as reaffirming to Americans at least one important reason for toppling Saddam.

Hope you had a good time. Sounds it :- )

[CAbornAmerasianinDC]

And that's why the DC beltway was at a standstill this morning on my way to work...

I was a bit perturbed sitting in traffic for no aparent reason. I listened to the AM traffic report, no mention of the backup. I guess it was kinda hush-hush, for security reasons.

Not until I got to work, late, that I found out about W's visit to NVCC in Annandale.

So how'd it go???

[Steve0113]

ping

[OXENinFLA]

Remarks by the President in "ask President Bush" Event Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, Virginia

[OXENinFLA]

[nina0113]

It was awesome! Steve found out Friday afternoon that he wouldn't be able to go due to a deadline this am, so when I picked up the tickets I had them reassign his to my mother who was thrilled to get to go. We were lucky enough to be by the aisle he took to leave so we both got to shake his hand. Mom was really thrilled by that, me too of course.

I got lots of pictures (not digital, so probably won't be posting for a few days if at all) but none of us with him unfortunately.

He talked about taxes and the economy and the war and health care. I was not aware that he had gotten those rollover Health Savings Accounts going, it wasn't on my benefits list last open enrollment. He had a veterinarian speak about his HSA, a young married couple speak about their retirement accounts, an entrepreneur about her small business, and a first-time homebuyer about his equity & the interest rate.

There were some Kerry supporters protesting in the parking lot, but I didn't have time to stay and taunt them with "Four More Years!" as I heard other Bush supporters doing - I promised to be at work by one and just made it.

[baseballmom]

Lucky you, bump. Awaiting pix.

[StayAt HomeMother]

Two or three dozen protesters from the Other Side were at the entrance to the parking lot as we arrived; only three or four individuals had the fortitude to stay the course and greet us as we left. And as noted above, they were drowned out by the chant of Four More Years.

The line to clear security was about 45 minutes long when we got there, but the weather was beautiful. We talked with a man in line who had reported for duty with the Swift Boats three months after JK had left. He said the sailors were still talking about JK, using the same phrases the Swift Boat Vets are using now.

Once we got in, Angelwood and BillF and I found seats with Ligeia and Flora MacDonald and Right_in_Virginia. The speakers were on a platform in the center of a gymnasium. “Warm up speakers” included Virginia Attorney General (and future Governor?) Jerry Kilgore and Senator George Allen (who mentioned his fellow senator JK has voted, I think he said, for 98 tax increases totaling two point three trillion dollars).

Then we had a break of about fifteen minutes, giving us FReepers a chance to introduce ourselves and to set up lunch plans. Then, a couple of minutes after ten: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States.”

The President’s remarks can be found at OXENinFLA’s link at post #5 above. If you cannot tell from the transcription, on the platform with him were a small business owner; a first-time homeowner; a young couple saving for retirement; and a self-employed veterinarian who is also a single parent. After they spoke, President Bush took questions from the audience.

Prompt as usual, the President finished his remarks at 11:30 and left by motorcade.

[katana]

Based on the photos you posted I have a bit of news for the DNC. The President has over the course of the past four years steadily refined his stage presence and will absolutely mop the floor with Kerry in any and all debates.

Politics, especially now, is mostly stage craft. Unlike Kerry, Bush is a natural at making eye to eye individual connections with people and this sort of thing is what TV is made for. Clinton had the same ability but there was always a slimy after feel because he was so plainly insincere. With Bush it feels genuine because either A) he's a better actor than Clinton or B) it is sincere. I believe it's "B".

[Coop]

We were lucky enough to be by the aisle he took to leave so we both got to shake his hand.

Me, too. We might have been standing right next to each other. :-)

[Coop]

There were some Kerry supporters protesting in the parking lot, but I didn't have time to stay and taunt them with "Four More Years!" as I heard other Bush supporters doing

I kept asking them why nobody was wearing flip flops. :-)

Curiously, no reply.

[nina0113]

We were on the right side of the aisle as he exited - which side were you on? I'm wearing a black suit with pink roses.

[StayAt HomeMother]

I have heard the President speak before - yes, he was in good form today. If I wasn't concerned about being labeled a sexist or something I would also comment on how well his suit fit and how good his hair looked. But you can look at the pictures above and decide for yourselves.

[Coop]

We were on the right side of the aisle as he exited - which side were you on?

As he faced the door, we were on the President's left, about 3/4 of the way back.

[Christian4Bush]

bump

[StayAt HomeMother]

President Bush: “Today, we're going to talk about how to encourage an ownership society in America. Listen, these are changing times. If you really think about it, they are much different from the times when we came up. Most of our dads -- at least guys my age dads -- worked for one company. Mine did move around a little bit, but -- (laughter.) George's generally worked for one company. (Laughter and applause.)”

Not that the President needs me to clarify his remarks, but you non-Virginians, and especially you Texans, may be interested to learn the “George” he was referring to here was George Allen, Republican, former Congressman and Governor of Virginia who was elected to the US Senate in 2000, defeating Democrat incumbent Senator Charles S. Robb, son-in-law of Lyndon Johnson.

George Allen’s father (also named George Allen) was a National Football League coach from 1966 to 1977. Think REDSKINS.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Wow! You're fast. I just saw the post. Wasn't it wonderful?!! I'm still "digesting" the event.

In brief (in depth to follow), I thought the President was on the mark today---and the crowd very enthusiatic.

In all my years, I can't remember a moment more thrilling than hearing the announcement~~ "Ladies and gentleman...the President of the United States"...and seeing GWB appear through the crowd!!!

(I'm waiting for the blisters from clapping to show up on my (very delicate) hands.)

It was an uplifiting experience; made more so because it was shared with so many FRiends.

Thank you all.

Till later.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Be sure to let us know you're okay....after shaking the President's hand and all ;^D

[Right_in_Virginia]

I got lots of pictures (not digital, so probably won't be posting for a few days if at all) but none of us with him unfortunately.

Me, too! If any came out half as well as I hope...I'll post in a few days!

Wasn't it wonderful to see him?!

Bush/Cheney 04!!!!!