President Bush in Wobegon country

Gone Fishin

<alert: political bias, stumping and heckler squashing ahead… this is your chance to bail>
Yesterday afternoon I made the quick trip from Wobegon over to Duluth for a visit from the leader of the free world. In the past, northern Minnesota has been the absolute anchor for such thunderstorm electoral returns as Michael Dukakis and Walter Mondale—a slam dunk. But two years ago, our ultra liberal senator Wellstone’s seat was filled by a Republican and a Republican governor was swept into office. Not to mention a Republican majority in the state legislature which put all the political pundits on their ears. So now for the first time since probably the Lincoln election, Minnesota’s electoral votes are not a foregone Democratic conclusion.

The pics I have below begin with a shot of the Secret Service in action. Every item carried into the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center was examined. What a job. There were probably 50 guys and they had 7000 people to look over.

After the security checks, I worked my way onto the arena floor and settled in for a good 90-minute stand until the President arrived. The college Republicans from the University of Minnesota, Duluth were in fine form. Taking up a section of the arena, they led out plenty of arena ‘waves’, “four more years” chants and “George.Dubya.Bush” hollers. The few “pre-game” speakers were wrapped up with more than a half-hour before the President. Whether orchestrated I can’t say, but I suspect the college Republicans began a chorus of “American the Beautiful” and then the National Anthem. Everyone joined in and when it was through, the lights dimmed and a huge spotlight generated “W” began sweeping the crowds. After it lapped the arena a few times, over the speakers, the simple introduction came, “Here’s Your President”.

I guess this is where it occurred to me what I personally like about Dubya so much. It’s his charm. He didn’t stride in with a handful of coattail legislatures like Clinton did when he visited here ten years back. And there was no choreographed points and selected waves that seem to always happen at events like this. It was simply the President, by himself, shaking as many outstretched hands as he could and just trying to make his way to the platform. Just one guy, but President of the United States.

As you might expect the noise level was roof lifting. Noise makers of any kind being banned, it was all handclapping and cheers. The President’s speech illustrated more of his charm. Yeah, he mispronounced a couple things. And he’s not a polished humorist. But that’s what makes him seem real. It’s probably one of my bigger pet peeves, but when I witness Clinton’s charisma or Gore’s downspeak or Kerry’s doom n’ gloom, it rubs me wrong on how shallow those things are. But something about the genuineness of President Bush makes him real. He doesn’t bounce around the stage. And his volume changed little for emphasis. But his resolve and focus on his agenda become so very apparent that way.

The main thread of the President’s speech was the commitment to fight terrorism. “Going wherever we have to fight it in the world, so we don’t have to fight it at home.” And he spoke of the recession left to him by the Clinton administration and the turnaround of the economy. His commitment to jobs, traditional marriage, and the military were all there.

One of his most poignant stories was that of his first visit to Ground Zero after 9/11. When he arrived there, the rescue workers all began chanting to him “whatever it takes”. And the President obviously took that to heart. His fight on terrorism is cued on that promise to continue, whatever it takes.

Why I picked to stand where I did, I can’t say, but as it turns out, it was the bit of floor space that for a few seconds became the lone action point for the Secret Service. After the President had been speaking for a few minutes, I noticed the fellow next to me begin to pull out his shorts some kind of fabric. Judging by the red and white on it, I figured he must have smuggled in a flag and was going to begin waving it. But he stood there for a bit with it crumpled in his hands. I wasn’t sure what was next, but during a lull in the speech, he blurts out “Shame on You” at the top of his lungs. It was somewhere about the time the “You” got out his mouth, the memory of Michael Moore at the Academy Awards suddenly rushes through my head. I turn to him and yell right back, “Come On Man”. It was some kind of instinct in that the thought didn’t even occur to me, but I caught the crook of his left arm as he began to try and bring up his ‘bloodied’ sheet to wave it. The shocked and dismayed look he turned on me will be etched for a good while in my mind. But even before he could continue his protest, the Secret Service had seized the heckler by the shoulders and in a split second he was en route off the floor with his heels dragging. The President barely missed a beat in his speech and all the agents that had instantly appeared, just as quickly melded back into the crowd. Wow.

The President’s exit was but a reverse of his entrance. One man, one direction, one handshake at a time. I wish I was a better digital camera photographer, but you’ll have to put up with my feeble attempt to capture the moments. Mostly, I lifted my arm up to point and click by chance. Anyway, it was amazing to be within 50’ of our President. For those on the right coast or in Texas, this might not seem so thrilling, but for a flyover country backwoods boy, it was pretty cool Very Happy

crazy cat lady

Interesting you mention how liberal Northern Minnesota is, I heard the Prairie Home Companion broadcast from Duluth "Zenith City of the Unsalted Seas" earlier this summer and it was all about how solidly Democrat the area is, it was pretty fubby as I always think GK is....

Anyway, I think seeing the president is very exciting. I got to see a similar rally for Clinton in '96 only because they held it at my high school during school hours and somehow school administration negotiated that the students had first priority for seats. I wasn't a big Clinton fan but even seeing him speak, what power he had, and what surounded the whole event was pretty amazing. Its also very interesting to see them speak live and see how it really is as opposed to how they look on TV. Really cool you got to go to the rally.

For the record, secret service men prefer high school cafeteria fried chicken over turkey sandwiches. I know you were losing sleep on that one. Mr. Green

The Movie Geek

I almost went to see a Presidential visit/rally once in 2000 when Bush was in state. Almost. I'm not sure why i didn't because i think it would be supremely interesting to get to personally see and hear the President, no matter what i may think of him.

Adjunct

That would have been cool to see. Having worked with the USSS, they know one job and do it very well.
They do not mess around.

Member

Got a big taste of disillusion with my "presidential" experience. When I was a senior in high school, President Bush Sr. had a rally at the local community college. Being in the school band, I got to sit to the left and somewhat behind the podium/bleachers/stage area. The band was situated directly between the chopper landing area and the platform.

I saw lots of confiscation and staffers passed out "homemade" signs. puke

I was horrified, despite my Conservative preferences back then. "Hail to the Chief, baby" (My apologies to Bruce Campbell)

Side note: Gerald McRaney (Major Dad) dad was right behind where the band was set up -- he was sour-looking and chain-smoked during the whole event. I couldn't get over how little that dude is!

Master of Prissface

Very cool, JJ! I know he was just here in Philly not long ago, I wonder if Gogirl has pictures too? Wink

The Pinball

i really admire you for even attempting to get into that auditorium....sounds like it was well worth it though.

heckler:

nice try.

Adjunct

Member

Nice story jrjo. You are nice person. I probably would have beat the living tar out of that guy. Smile

Back in 1988, I volunteered for the Democratic National Convention for a few days here in Atlanta. It is interesting to see the "politcal machine" in action.

President Bush in Wobegon country

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