[WVNan]

Okay. I watched the President's appearance in Huntington at Marshall Univ. on the local. I could have been there had I known the details because one of my friends was sitting directly behind the President. He's head of our local Marshall Univ. branch, and we are both on the Tourism Committee. I'm gonna get him for not getting me an invitation (the event was by invitation only). When you watch the clips, he is the white haired, slighly balding man so behind the President you only get a glimpse of him.

The President hit another home run and I'm so thankful that it was carried live on the local TV stations. There were the obligatory Union protestors outside, but they were gettiing rained on LOL. The President sat on a stool the whole time as he made his standard speech about "when someone provides a good or a service, they need workers..etc." He pointed out today's good news, 308,000 jobs in March. He touched on the need for an energy bill and included the point that in his budget there is $400M for "clean coal" tech. That resonates with WVirginians.

He "interviewed" six people who were sitting beside him. One who heads up Marshall Community College, explaining how easy it is to attend for job training. One who heads up a "One Stop" place where people can get help with re-training, job search and placement, etc. One who started her own Physical Therapy business with three employees and now provides jobs for 45. One a young mother who qualified for re-training who will graduate soon and double the salary she was making before. One a young man who was a restaurant manager who went to MUCC and became an IT specialist. He provides networking services and assists handicapped people who need computer skills. He was red-headed and the President asked him if people ever call him red. He replied, "yes, but I've never figured out why." Everyone laughed and the President said, "Watch it, I'm the funny one around here." Another big laugh. I can't recall the sixth person for some reason (senior moment).

The crowd was enthusiastic and was a whole lot happier looking than kerry's crowd a few weeks ago in Charleston, WV. The President was so relaxed and he did a masterful job of interacting with the interviewees. He was funny too. I believe he will get a good boost in WV with this appearance.

[hoosiermama]

Thanks Nan, Really do appreciate the detail of your report......

[GretchenEE]

Great report on the WVA event, Nan. Thanks for posting it. Sort of felt as if I had been there. Sorry you weren't. =\

[mountaineer]

A fellow we know from Huntington offered to get us tickets, but we just couldn't make the trip. Glad you could see it on TV, at least.

[kitkat]

***"Watch it, I'm the funny one around here."***

Ohhh, I LOVE this man.

[ride the whirlwind]

"The crowd was enthusiastic and was a whole lot happier looking than kerry's crowd a few weeks ago in Charleston, WV. The President was so relaxed and he did a masterful job of interacting with the interviewees. He was funny too. I believe he will get a good boost in WV with this appearance."

That sounds really great for our president. He looks pretty happy himself in today's pictures - must be the reported 308,000 new jobs for March!

[DrDeb]

. . . loved reading your description of the President's townhall meeting today -- too bad you weren't able to attend!

If you and Ohio get things organized/confirmed for the 29th by early next week, I should be able to get the time off to attend -- I think a Bush-Cheney Party with fellow freepers would be GREAT FUN (and a GREAT way to support the President)!!!