Posted on 10/25/2004 11:31:41 AM PDT by republicandiva
I have debated whether or not to post my story – stories like mine are sometimes misconstrued as pretentious or frivolous. BUT I’ve come to the conclusion if I don’t, then the opportunity with which I was blessed, as your run-of-the-mill, middle-aged rabid Packer fan to meet the President will have been squandered.
As the result of an auto accident years ago, I have residual medical problems, making it almost impossible to hold down a full-time job. The upside, I have more time for volunteer activities, primarily focused on conservative issues and the Republican Party. My husband is a Vietnam vet and we are both avid supporters of our troops and President Bush’s policies on terrorism, among others. So, donating as much time as I possibly could to the Bush-Cheney campaign was a no-brainer.
Fast forward to about a month ago when we received the official news – President Bush would be holding a campaign rally in my hometown of Racine – a targeted “swing” county of about 190,000 in the battleground state of Wisconsin.
At some point during the hectic, weeklong process of ticket distribution and phone banks, our regional director for the Republican Party (a young lady who constantly serves as motivation and inspiration) told me she was sending in my name as a “volunteer greeter” to meet the President. Even though I told her there were others that deserved this, she sent in my name. Not only was I uncertain what she meant, I wasn’t convinced that lack of sleep hadn’t caused delirium! A few of us had already decided on the person who would “meet” President Bush – a woman who has devoted hour upon hour, year after year to further conservative ideals and pro-life issues. So, this “greeter” thing, I thought, must be something different – maybe I’ll have an opportunity to shake his hand amidst a group of a hundred or so, maybe not. Since I’m not a business leader in the community, an elected official, or someone that would ordinarily be given this chance, I had mixed feelings…trying to contain my excitement, but mostly skeptical that it would actually happen.
Finally, the day of the rally arrived – it was a picture perfect early autumn afternoon. My husband and I stood in a huge line at the edge of Pershing Park on the shores of Lake Michigan anxiously awaiting the opening of the gates. After making it through the security checkpoints and finding my contact person with the Republican Party, I was led to a separate seating area for the “greeters.” As I saw the names of SEVEN individuals (myself included) written on the bleachers, it began to sink in that I might actually meet the President! But, glaringly obvious was the fact that most of us were volunteers!
The rally began, the bands played, local elected officials and candidates delivered their brief speeches, Charlie Sykes, a Milwaukee area radio talk show personality, emceed the event. BTW, a truly amazing fellow Wisconsin FReeper (LouD) served as the official cheerleader!
Finally the moment arrived and President Bush was making his way toward the podium. Congressman Paul Ryan attempted to deliver his introduction speech, but the 10,000 or so energized supporters wouldn’t stop the thunderous applause and chants of “four more years!”
The President’s speech was absolutely brilliant! He had, in the span of about 45 minutes, discussed his policies and laid out his plan for the next four years, with a seemingly renewed conviction that reinforced the crowd’s confidence and belief in Bush as a true leader and Commander-in-Chief.
The minute the President concluded his remarks, we seven were ushered to a small tent where our names were affixed to the grass marking the spot where we were each to stand. I was almost in “panic mode.” I was now certain I would meet the President, even if very briefly, and hadn’t really prepared what to say! I’m a classically trained musician, but that training never addressed meeting the leader of the free world. Since I was last in line, I heard snippets of the preceding conversations, which thanked the President for his stance on certain issues, praised his speech, etc.
We have very devoted volunteers in Racine and I felt I was representing them, so I decided on something like “On behalf of the most awesome and committed volunteers, it is my honor to welcome you and thank you for visiting Racine.” It didn’t quite happen as planned! I distinctly remember shaking the President’s hand and beginning my statement, while President Bush focused on hearing every word. I made it as far as the word “volunteers,” when President Bush instantly flashed a huge smile, while exclaiming “YEAH! THE VOLUNTEERS” put his arm around me and squeezed as the photographer’s camera flashed. I honestly can’t remember if I completed my greeting since I was very pleasantly dumbfounded by the reaction!
President Bush then discussed a few issues with others in the line, answered questions and signed autographs for everyone then began making his way to a canvas tunnel leading to his tour bus.
Racine County went for Bush in 2000 by a small margin but is essentially up for grabs in any given election. However, with the President’s 2004 campaign, we have seen a level of energy, excitement and enthusiasm that even some of our longstanding GOP members can’t recall. After speaking with hundreds of supporters that have passed through the headquarters, a common theme emerges. People believe in Bush as a decent, honest President with true conviction. In the wake of the Clinton era, President Bush has engendered, once again, the dignity and respect the office deserves.
I had an additional opportunity to say a few words as President Bush approached the tunnel, and briefly described the excitement and enthusiasm in our area for his Presidency and campaign. Although I can’t recall the exact words, I’ll never forget the look on his face as he looked back while entering the tunnel and basically encouraged us to find a way to convert that enthusiasm into votes on November 2nd.
This experience was, obviously, something I’ll remember the rest of my life! What I can say with certainty following my brief meeting is to reiterate what others have said that have met George W. Bush…THIS PRESIDENT IS THE REAL DEAL! His appreciation for the volunteers was genuine - the reaction I saw was not manufactured. The attention he gave each of us can only be described as intensely focused. And yes, he is more charismatic in person and does possess a very down-to-earth quality, lending even more credence to his words and actions.
THIS IS WHERE THE VANITY ENDS AND THE PLEA BEGINS… Because not only do I see that energy and enthusiasm for President Bush in Racine County – it’s rampant on this website. But something else I can tell you with absolute certainty...I WASN’T GIVEN THE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE PRESIDENT BECAUSE I'VE RECENTLY SPENT ENDLESS HOURS SEATED BEHIND A COMPUTER READING FREE REPUBLIC!
Please don’t misunderstand, I have a deep affection for FreeRepublic, my fellow Freepers and the valuable information I’ve gained as part of this cyberfamily and am proud to call myself a FReeper. But, if you’re able, the time has come to harness the enthusiasm, step away from the computer, even if just for a little while(OK, might now want to ping the Robinsons to this thread) and make the commitment to do anything and everything you can to help re-elect President Bush.
So, you’ve signed up to be a pollwatcher – can you do more? So you’re going to make some GOTV phone calls, can you spare an extra 4 hours and knock on some doors as well? Don’t live in a battleground state…are you close enough to help out in one that is? What about that Saturday and Sunday before the election – can you farm the kids out to grandma and grandpa and devote the day to helping President Bush – after all, it’s in your children’s best interest. Do you have any friends or family that are ”iffy” – find a way to make them believers and get them to the polls.
Please help save our country from the slippery slope to socialism named John Kerry! Just as the road to he!! is paved with good intentions…Is the road to President John Kerry paved with the enthusiasm of conservatives that failed to act? Sorry, maybe that’s a bit Heinz-Kerryesque, BUT, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT…NOW WILL GET OFF YOUR BUTTS?
And, aside from the above, I need my fellow FReepers’ help…I’m asking for your help! The same medical problems that have afforded me the time to work on the campaign, are now making it very difficult for me to do as much as I’d hoped. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be there doing everything I can, with the assistance of some chemical intervention (legally prescribed of course. lol) But, if you’re in a battleground state, can you make the difference…I know you can! FReepers are capable of amazing feats when the cause is right, and I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say the re-election of President Bush is the right cause…now that we’re down to crunch time…IT’S THE ONLY CAUSE!
I need your help! Help me put my amazing opportunity to the best use possible. But most importantly, President Bush needs your help to convert every bit of energy and enthusiasm into votes on November 2nd. The only question remaining, WILL YOU, PLEASE?
Thank you!
Give a link to the website picture.
Your story was just wonderful, and, so uplifting.
Both my hubby and myself are Bush volunteers.
What we have seen in this liberal bastion is much excitement about Bush.
There are lawn signs every where, never have seen that before for a Republican.
I am predicting a landslide of over 10% on November 2.
GO BUSH
Thanks for the ping!
It's a start - but politics is an audience participation sport. I'm glad that you're going out to vote for the President, but the fact that you are reading FR indicates that you know how important this election is.
This is not a Packer game - Get out of the recliner, and come down to party HQ and help. FReepmail me, and I'll let you know what you can do.
OK, I'll ask. What can home-bound/shut-ins do to help?
Besides what they already do?
Thank you so much for the wonderful synopsis - I felt like I was right along side of you!
They can make phone calls. Call your party office, and tell them you want to make calls from home. They will drop off lists for you to call.
Good job -and I really liked reading your story.
Good job -and I really liked reading your story.
I just got in from volunteering eight hours campaigning just today!!~ ARkanas will go "W"!
ehhh, a minor suggestion....
Condense your story, orrrrr, put the plea up at the top.
I've volunteered for the 72 Hr. phone bank and will also volunteer to drive people to the polls.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU & KATHEY AFTER ELECTION.
Has she registered yet on FR?
What a wonderful story and an important call to arms. I see why you were selected to share the joy in meeting the President.
Thanks for posting this, Diva.
Hey, the rest of you - here are a few ideas to help.
- get your circle of friends to vote now then bring them with to HQ to volunteer
- stand up in church this Sunday and offer rides to those who need them to vote on Tuesday
- stay-at-home-moms - give your kids to another Republican SAHM for a few hours and get to HQ to help. Then trade places with her.
- Find something worthy to email about the importance of voting and helping and send it to your entire address book.
Get out there and get this election to go the Right Way!
Diva:
What an amazing story and well put plea for help. And now I feel guilty for being somewhat disappointed at the Racine Rally for not getting to shake his had again. We had positioned ourselves along the walkway thinking that he would also exit that way, but he just disappeared after the Rally -- now I know why! And it was for a very good cause.
I missed him on the way in too because the SS was rushing him so fast. He stopped briefly across from me to speak to a family who were showing a picture of their fathr/husband/son/brother in Iraq. That was a good cause too.
I got only 2 of his fingers in Racine, but I had gotten to shake his hand twice before this summer -- in West Allis and Waukesha. Now I feel guilty even feeling sad for even a brief time because he was greeting folks far more worthy than I.
Thank you for all you do. We're up here phoning, poll watching, and painting signs to replace those that have been torched.
We'll keep you in our prayers tomorrow. God help us if anything happemns to our President, and we don't want anything to happen to his supporters either.
From the tiny tip of the iceburg that I see, he has an incredible staff and security. Every area is visited beforehand and some people stay until he is gone. They are not visible. The visible people hold each item of information so closely that we know only what we must at the last possible moment.
LLSS and I am not sure what is common knowledge, but History channel has been running a program on the Secret Service that is really interesting.
We are all praying, as well!
Have posted the thumbnail on my profile page - will leave it up for a couple days. When they send the full size, I should have a release to post that.
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