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!
It took me a few minutes to figure out what you meant...had no idea Tennessee's team was the Volunteers...you know, maybe that's what he was referring to! lol
Any word in your neck of the woods if W will be back in SE Wisconsin?
Thanks, freemama. Love your ideas, especially standing up in church!
So glad to hear you're volunteering. What's the status of Oregon? Last I heard it Bush was gaining.
~ It took me a few minutes to figure out what you meant...had no idea Tennessee's team was the Volunteers...you know, maybe that's what he was referring to! lol ~
(grin)
I have a sister that lives in southern Wisconsin, so if you ever run into a lady wearing Tennessee orange and her accent is a cross between Daisy Duke and a Chicagoan, say Hi to her.
Kewl..and thanks...BTW..W's a lucky guy, with supporters like you..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.