[McLynnan]

it must be his view of the intended nature of the event. If he didn't mean it, he shouldn't have said it. Can you say foot in mouth (again).

Wrong. This is a figure of speech in our part of the country. It's a display of good manners indicating he appreciated all the hard work that went into making the forum come off smoothly. It's common knowledge in the Waco community that many, many people at the university put in a lot of overtime and effort and worked cooperatively with the White House and Secret Service. Ditto for the Chamber of Commerce, local law enforcement, merchants, etc. who donated man hours and goods and services. This was a special event for the city and university and I think they did a darned good job. Apparently the President agrees, and many people also agree many good ideas and exchanges of information came out of the forum.

[SEGUET]

" This is a figure of speech in our part of the country."

That good ole boy rhetoric is fine for private moments (off-mike), or when he's picking his beagle up by the ears - even LBJ knew that - but he should really learn to be a little more succinct. The correct term should have been "event" or, as you noted "forum".-

As far as your "part of the country" I'm not quite sure where that is and for all you know I live in Cut and Shoot, Midland or in downtown Waco. After all the term "Really big show" started on the Ed Sullivan program -

And thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to write.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Well explained, McLynnan.

Not that it will make any difference.

[olliemb]

I suppose Sequet never had to thank a soul for their hard work--probably feels entitled to all that hard work and no need to thank.

You are right-in Texas that is how we speak. Sequet must come from the school of literal speaking.