With Tea Party protesters gathered outside, President Barack Obama said Thursday he understood the anger and frustration in the country but insisted his policies would move the nation forward. (snip) Out on the street, conservative protesters withstood stormy weather to express their concerns with signs criticizing Obama and Blumenthal. Some held Revolutionary War-era flags depicting a coiled snake and the "Don't Tread on Me" slogan, while other placards in the crowd of mostly white, middle-aged demonstrators said "B.O. Stinks," "I am not your ATM," and "Stop Socialism, vote Nov. 2."