I met Newt Gingrich after the speech on the ropeline and was able to relay JimRob's FreeRepublic.com endorsement in person and that there is a lot of support for him on the website. Newt politely thanked me as we shook hands. He then stepped away, stopped, turned back, looked me in the eye again and emphatically repeated, "Thank you," as if it took a second for him to assess what was said and he wanted me to know he understood.
The event itself was packed, perhaps a thousand in the room and another thousand outside. I barely got in and was in the back a few rows before the press riser. More people were given standing room behind the riser.
I saw Fox's Carl Cameron and ABC's Jonathan Karl among the media. Print reporters and still photographers were brought to the front just before Newt arrived.
The crowd was revved up and waiting to cheer Newt. The speech was well received, as you saw on C-SPAN. While there were reports that leftists would infiltrate the crowd, there were no disruptions. The Q&A which was scheduled for after the speech was ditched. Newt lingered inside the room, Callista by his side, shaking hands, posing for pictures and giving autographs. He did the same when he went out the back of the Holiday Inn Express convention room on the way to his campaign bus. It was almost 45 minutes after the speech ended before he left for his next event.
I met FReepers 3D-Joy and mcmuffin after the speech. They were out sign-waving before the event. 3D-Joy made a special 'FreeRepublic.com supports Newt Gingrich' sign.
I think other FReepers were there, but I didn't see them in the crowds.
Thanks for the after action report! I’m really pulling for him.
TY. Great report. Good news.
Thank you for that report, and for the ping. Much appreciated.
Thank you, Kristinn
GO NEWT!!
Thanks so much for your in person report. I know it is an experience getting to see the next President in person. I took my grandson when he was 10 to see George W. Bush when he was campaigning and he got to have a picture taken with him.