Post by Gorezilla on Nov 11, 2003 6:22:14 GMT -5
Hi everyone, here's a report of my experience on Sunday. I went together with Cynthia (dolphins4gore) and her friend who was kind enough to get us to DC and stick around even though she isn't really a Gore supporter. (Hope that changed afterwards) We met up with Libe, Andrea, Bill and Tangy and started distributing our flyers. Unfortunately the organizers wouldn't allow us to take the material (including the signs) inside because security was really strict. (Which I suppose was a good thing) So intead we just did it all outside. I chose the line on the left side of the Hall and handed out the many different flyers we had, one by one. Most people were receptive, sometimes mixed with an amused smile. There were Kerry and Dean supporters to which I gave out the flyers and said: "I can see a Kerry (Dean) button but maybe you should consider this!" They took them. The worst reaction I got was a bunch of young girls who exclaimed: "Oh...how sad!" I still don't understand that comment...? Oh, and there were - hold your breath - three freepers. The only thing they were bold enough to say was "Why draft a loser?" I just smiled.
Once inside the hall the place was already packed and everybody couldn't wait for the speech to begin. First Tipper, Kristin and somebody else entered the stage and took their seats in one of the front rows. The crowd gave them a really great reception! As a matter of fact, after Tipper had sat down someone screamed "We love you Tipper" so everyone went nuts and she had to get up again in gratitude!
In the audience, our draft Gore group had decided to split up and spread throughout the sections. The plan was to chant "Run,Al, run" and have it catch on that way. Unfortunately that didn't work out because the clapping was so loud and as someone else pointed out this wasn't necessarily a 'Gore for president' crowd. (Some were for current candidates actually) But there were individual cheers that could be heard throughout the speech, the best one was right after Gore asked "So what should be done?" You can hear it on TV too! Unfortunately Gore made a rejecting gesture but I think you could also see a smirk on his face? (Somebody please study this, I don't have the speech on tape) Personally, as soon as Gore mentioned that this should not be for political gambit but should be a bi-partisan approach in order to effectively combat terrorism without undermining our liberties, I knew Gore wasn't going to announce anything. The whole speech would have lost its credibility and the media would have not paid attention to the important message he wanted to convey that evening. Anyway, Gore was looking really good, even from the side (that's the view I got), and although this may sound strange to some of you, I can swear that I was able to see his aura for a minute!
After the speech, to rousing applause, Gore shook hands with everyone and hugged a lot. I went all the way to the front of the upper left floor to get a good glimpse of our president and I witnessed how he stepped over the security line in order to embrace a woman in a wheel chair. That was so moving! He then came through the left exit/entrance towards the lobby and I knew this was my chance! So I forced my way through all the photographers and got some really good close ups of him that I intend to post later. Everyone was crushing Al and gave him compliments like "Great speech!" or "Awesome man, right on target!!", all of which Gore modestly thanked for. Finally my moment came and I shook his hand (very soft hand shake
) and in a very sincere tone I told him: "Al, please run or at least accept a draft. Please!"!
First he seemed taken aback a bit...I guess he was struck by my seriousness! After a second or so he replied "Thank you for the encouragement!" He small talked with a couple of more people and I dared to pat his back! Actually it was more his left shoulder and I don't think he noticed it was me lol. Then, he finally went behind the curtain. You can imagine that I was very happy! And of course this profound face-to-face encounter with Gore made my day. I couldn't wait to tell the other Draftees!
We went on to hand out more of our flyers outside where people were leaving. It was there where I got into some very good conversations. One group consisted of 3 immigrants, I think they were Arab Americans, and they were sooo for Gore to run. As an immigrant myself we hit it off real well and we all agreed how important it was for someone like Gore to speak out about the abuses of immigrants and how concerning it was to hear about these cases. The women promised to spread the word in their community, so did a black lady from Florida!
After most people had left, the Draftees gathered at the entrance where Gore was suppose to come out. There were a few journalists around and one approached me asking why I think none of the candidates address the issues that Gore did today. For some reason I thought he had said "the media" so I gave him an earfull why I think the press isn't doing a better job of scrutinizing the Bush administration! I even said "Maybe too many reporters are afraid of getting fired or fear other repercussions." The guy just looked at me real baffled and stuttered "That doesn't explain why the other candidates (he said other!) aren't adressing these issues". I was like"Oh! I thought you meant the media!". LOL! (Should have said "Oh, did I talk about you there for a minute?? I'm so sorry!"
I went on and basically explained it the same way like I did for the media. (Afraid, maybe they think it's not mainstream enough, etc.) Needless to say the guy had stopped jobbing down notes as soon as I adressed the media problem lol. Oh well, I think he was meant to hear it!
After this funny episode I joined the others in awaiting Gore to come out. First it was Tipper, then Kristin and finally it was Al! He welcomed the cheers and was grateful as ever. I got a few more good pictures of him and even captured him signing Cynthia's book case! (Yes, I'll send it to you Dolphins) Then the Gores took off in their limousine...
Afterwards Libe, Bill, Tangy, Cynthia, her friend and me decided to have something to eat together. There was a lot to be absorbed and talked about! Let me finish by saying that my thanks goes out to them for working so hard at this event and for all they've done for me personally. I also wanna thank all those who weren't able to attend but were with us in spirit fighting the good fight! I can only tell you that this was one of the greatest weekends I've ever experienced and I feel so lucky and proud that I got to tell Al what I had to tell him! Now we need to see where this will all lead to. We need to be decidated as ever and I encourage everyone to distribute flyers and to keep pleaing with Gore and all those who may have influence on him. This man is not declined!
Dennis
Once inside the hall the place was already packed and everybody couldn't wait for the speech to begin. First Tipper, Kristin and somebody else entered the stage and took their seats in one of the front rows. The crowd gave them a really great reception! As a matter of fact, after Tipper had sat down someone screamed "We love you Tipper" so everyone went nuts and she had to get up again in gratitude!
In the audience, our draft Gore group had decided to split up and spread throughout the sections. The plan was to chant "Run,Al, run" and have it catch on that way. Unfortunately that didn't work out because the clapping was so loud and as someone else pointed out this wasn't necessarily a 'Gore for president' crowd. (Some were for current candidates actually) But there were individual cheers that could be heard throughout the speech, the best one was right after Gore asked "So what should be done?" You can hear it on TV too! Unfortunately Gore made a rejecting gesture but I think you could also see a smirk on his face? (Somebody please study this, I don't have the speech on tape) Personally, as soon as Gore mentioned that this should not be for political gambit but should be a bi-partisan approach in order to effectively combat terrorism without undermining our liberties, I knew Gore wasn't going to announce anything. The whole speech would have lost its credibility and the media would have not paid attention to the important message he wanted to convey that evening. Anyway, Gore was looking really good, even from the side (that's the view I got), and although this may sound strange to some of you, I can swear that I was able to see his aura for a minute!
After the speech, to rousing applause, Gore shook hands with everyone and hugged a lot. I went all the way to the front of the upper left floor to get a good glimpse of our president and I witnessed how he stepped over the security line in order to embrace a woman in a wheel chair. That was so moving! He then came through the left exit/entrance towards the lobby and I knew this was my chance! So I forced my way through all the photographers and got some really good close ups of him that I intend to post later. Everyone was crushing Al and gave him compliments like "Great speech!" or "Awesome man, right on target!!", all of which Gore modestly thanked for. Finally my moment came and I shook his hand (very soft hand shake
) and in a very sincere tone I told him: "Al, please run or at least accept a draft. Please!"! First he seemed taken aback a bit...I guess he was struck by my seriousness! After a second or so he replied "Thank you for the encouragement!" He small talked with a couple of more people and I dared to pat his back! Actually it was more his left shoulder and I don't think he noticed it was me lol. Then, he finally went behind the curtain. You can imagine that I was very happy! And of course this profound face-to-face encounter with Gore made my day. I couldn't wait to tell the other Draftees!
We went on to hand out more of our flyers outside where people were leaving. It was there where I got into some very good conversations. One group consisted of 3 immigrants, I think they were Arab Americans, and they were sooo for Gore to run. As an immigrant myself we hit it off real well and we all agreed how important it was for someone like Gore to speak out about the abuses of immigrants and how concerning it was to hear about these cases. The women promised to spread the word in their community, so did a black lady from Florida!
After most people had left, the Draftees gathered at the entrance where Gore was suppose to come out. There were a few journalists around and one approached me asking why I think none of the candidates address the issues that Gore did today. For some reason I thought he had said "the media" so I gave him an earfull why I think the press isn't doing a better job of scrutinizing the Bush administration! I even said "Maybe too many reporters are afraid of getting fired or fear other repercussions." The guy just looked at me real baffled and stuttered "That doesn't explain why the other candidates (he said other!) aren't adressing these issues". I was like"Oh! I thought you meant the media!". LOL! (Should have said "Oh, did I talk about you there for a minute?? I'm so sorry!"
I went on and basically explained it the same way like I did for the media. (Afraid, maybe they think it's not mainstream enough, etc.) Needless to say the guy had stopped jobbing down notes as soon as I adressed the media problem lol. Oh well, I think he was meant to hear it! After this funny episode I joined the others in awaiting Gore to come out. First it was Tipper, then Kristin and finally it was Al! He welcomed the cheers and was grateful as ever. I got a few more good pictures of him and even captured him signing Cynthia's book case! (Yes, I'll send it to you Dolphins
) Then the Gores took off in their limousine...Afterwards Libe, Bill, Tangy, Cynthia, her friend and me decided to have something to eat together. There was a lot to be absorbed and talked about! Let me finish by saying that my thanks goes out to them for working so hard at this event and for all they've done for me personally. I also wanna thank all those who weren't able to attend but were with us in spirit fighting the good fight! I can only tell you that this was one of the greatest weekends I've ever experienced and I feel so lucky and proud that I got to tell Al what I had to tell him! Now we need to see where this will all lead to. We need to be decidated as ever and I encourage everyone to distribute flyers and to keep pleaing with Gore and all those who may have influence on him. This man is not declined!
Dennis
