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Great FReep! Way to go!

You mentioned the SF Airport Marriot yesterday. The Contra Costa Times had a big article about the ANSWER crowd and how large it was, with several quotes. There was one "interview" with one pro-Bush person and no mention that there was a FReep in support of the President. The paper said that there were 800-1,000 ANSWER protesters there, but the pictures they had in the paper didn't show anyone but three individuals who were holding signs.

There may have been 1,000 ANSWER protesters. It is hard to estimate. Protesters and supporters were kept behind police barricades on the west side of the street. We had a sidewalk and a small part of the street. There was no specific place for the supporters, at least none that we learned of. We set up across from the hotel with a banner we attached to the fence, signs and flags. The ANSWER crowd quickly surrounded us and tried to intimidate us by using their megaphones for chants into our heads and by elbowing and light touching. Whenever a press person approached or asked us a question, they blared louder or moved in between us.

I fault the Republican organizers in part for this. Perhaps there was a separate area for supporters, but, if so, County Committees should have gotten the word out. The presidential campaign staff should be sure there is street space for supporters. ANSWER is organized. Supporters were scattered in unorganized groups of 2-5 along the street for many blocks. Even the reporters had trouble hearing our responses to questions. I suggested to all of them they start to investigate and report on ANSWER and who's paying their bills.