Posted on 09/27/2007 12:33:01 PM PDT by RobFromGa
The Thompson fund-raising event was at the private residence of William & Christine Barr. Mr. Barr was Attorney General under Bush 41 and their home is wonderfully full of mementos like photos with the Pope, Pres. Reagan, and a host of other notables.
We got there promptly at 6pm and they valet parked our car, and we went inside where we met our hosts, the Barrs, and talked to them as people arrived. They are warm, wonderful and normal people.
At about 6:20 there were about 125-150 of us in their "library" and there was a buzz in the room that FRED was in the building. We spotted that familiar tall man through a few rooms out in the entry area making his way back. He worked his way through three rooms stopping briefly to chat and shake hands with people in these rooms. At about 630, he worked his way into the library, and I got to talk with him for a few seconds and shake his hand.
I told Fred that I was all the way from Atlanta as a friend from Georgia, and that I felt we would have no trouble delivering Georgia to him. He was warm, and friendly and energetic and very much alive and engaged in the whole event.
After about thirty minutes of meeting and greeting, Fred moved to the front of the library and at this point they introduced Jeri (his beautiful wife) and his 4 year old girl. The baby was at home. Then Fred gave about a 35 minute talk where he expounded on his reasons for running, his theme of SECURITY- PROSPERITY- and UNITY, and then he ended with an optimistic tone about what he thought could be accomplished with a THOMPSON presidency.
Then he took questions from the audience (about 6 questions in all). They ranged from Iraq, to Iran, to economic growth, to how to communicate best with the American people and get around the media filter. It was candid, honest and refreshing. And not once did Fred seem to be at a loss for words.
The entire time he came across as totally in command of his message and he was able to plainly deliver that message which I believe is going to resonate with the American people.
During the Q&A he referenced his good friend "Sen. Allen" there in the back, and there he was smiling and happy to be in good company.
At the end, we got a chance to get a quick picture with Sen. Allen and then with Fred, and I got him to sign a quick thing for me. And then we talked to a few more people, and left at about 815 to go grab some BBQ for a late dinner.
I flew home at 630am this morning and it was a day I will always remember.
Here are some pictures...
Fred Speaking
Jeri putting her name tag on
Jeri attending to their child (not shown)
RobFromGa with Sen. Allen
Fred smiling at us
RobFromGa and Fred
RobFromGa and Fred 2
A good one of Fred!
Fred looking right at us
Fred in front answering questions
Fred and Jeri
Me too. Donation for the quarter, bump!
Here is my prediction:
Fred’s indolent lymphoma will remain in remission until well into his presidency (at least) and should it show signs of becoming active again (Fred has never felt any symptoms of the condition btw, not even once), the proper medication will be administered with few if any side effects, and will cause remission to resume again.
And President Thompson will complete his terms with no impact from the lymphoma on his ability to perform his duties or attend to the office.
Just like he and his doctors believe.
I imagine he was kissed by half the women in that room!
It’s INCONCEIVABLE how great Fred is doing this soon after getting in the race...
Hi Kristinn, I left you a voice mail yesterday on your cellphone since I was in DC. Sorry for the short notice and that we were unable to get together for a short visit.
Hope all is well and I’ll try to give you more notice next time.
nice pic, cute kids.
The jonesie is good...
Great report, and nice pictures of you with Fred and George.
How did you like the McLean Republican mafia :)
Great report, Rob! Good work.
THE A GREAT PERSON!
FRED VETS, SIGN UP TODAY AT:
I had the same reaction after seeing/hearing Fred at a rally a few weeks back...he really connects with the people!
You get the sense that this guy just ‘Gets It”.
Where’s Waldo? I didn’t see Waldo.
He looks good? OMG. He looks like the creature from the black lagoon.
He looks good? OMG. He looks like the creature from the black lagoon.
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