Shortly after I set up, fellow freeper sonsofliberty2000 showed up with a fine sign with a drawing of flipflops and a related message. We stood in the cool, damp weather for a while before deciding to to closer to the building. We received a few rude remarks and middle digits (Democrat IQ readings).
After a little while, a woman approached and asked whether we'd seen the kids from the local Catholic high school, as they were going to bring pro-life signs. We said we hadn't, but it wasn't long before about two dozen fine young people arrived. Also joining us were some Bush campaign people, including one young man dressed as the dolphin Flipper (get it? Flip flop? Flipper?) Some moms with small children also joined us a little later, and they made pro-life signs.
One of the guys had a bullhorn, and we regaled the assembled Dems (mostly union) with various chants. Kerry was at least 45 minutes late (emulating Bill Clinton), and we couldn't see him sneak in the back way. At our peak, we had about 40 on our side.
The event was supposed to last from 10:30 a.m. - noon, but it was well after noon before the attendees started leaving. Kerry was taking his time, even though he already was late for his next appearance in Washington, Pa. Our GOP operatives told us that he's really getting upset at the protesters greeting him wherever he goes, so keep up the good work, freepers and others!
Finally, we saw that one of the three or four full-sized buses (gobs of diesel fuel burning!) was about to get going, so we resumed chanting with vigor. Finally, he snuck out again - I think I may have caught a glimpse before he boarded one of the buses - and drove right by us at about 1:45 p.m. as we yelled and showed our signs, and we know he saw us.
More to follow ...
You gotta love those socialists, they are original aren't they?
In the old days, no Democrat would have bothered visiting West Virginia. Its still a heavily Democratic state but its swung Republican in presidential elections - at least since 2000. Something tells me blue collar Democrats in coal country don't particularly identify with a blue blood aristocratic radical liberal Democrat from Massachusetts. President Bush should carry the state again easily.