“It was like meeting a friend." (A Night At The Clooney's)

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Last edited Tue May 15, 2012, 09:53 AM - Edit history (4)

“I need to sit down…”



That’s what Beth, a teacher in New Jersey, said when she found out she was one of the grassroots supporters who had won the chance to meet President Obama at a fundraiser at George Clooney’s house.

Karen, a working mom in Florida, got that call, too:

Karen: “I didn’t want to get my hopes up! But when we knew for certain, it was nerve-wracking, and exciting.”

Beth: “When we got on the plane it was the best feeling ever. But I had trouble sleeping—I was smiling too much to sleep! My husband was just as excited. He always voted Republican until Barack Obama. He admires the President so much, and he’s been really frustrated by Republican road-blocking.

“When we arrived at George Clooney’s and we were introduced as the contest winners, a bunch of guests immediately came running up to take pictures with us! Oh my goodness, what a crazy twist. Jerry said right away, ‘I see George Clooney; lets thank him for making this possible.’ Jerry’s the kind of guy who can talk to anyone about anything, and they hit it off.”



Karen, who brought her husband Patrick along, had been thinking about what they wanted to say to the President from the moment they heard about the contest.

Karen: “I wanted to thank President Obama for having courage to pursue the presidency as a person of color—and for then staying true to what he wanted to do from the very beginning, making America a place where everyone has the same opportunities.

“When the President arrived, we went into George Clooney’s living room. The anticipation of actually meeting him … I didn’t want to mess up! But the President was so calm and down to earth, it put us right at ease.”



Beth: “It was like meeting a friend. As a teacher, I thanked him for his STEM initiatives. And we talked about his daughters, what sports they’re in, and how he misses having time with them now that they’re older and busy with activities. He said when they run into the house they go blasting by and give him a peck on the cheek. The day before we left the President spoke out in support of gay marriage, and when I saw how he talked about his daughters’ reaction … it’s neat that he cared about how they see the world.”



Karen: “After we chatted we took some group pictures. My mom and my dad both have pictures of the Obama family on their mantles—I think they cut them out from somewhere—and I’m so happy I can give them a real picture of the President now. As Floridians, my husband and I are ready to do our part—we’re talking about hosting a grassroots fundraising party at our home sometime soon.”

Beth: “In his speech during the dinner, the President said we can’t be complacent—that the last election was like lightning in a bottle, and that it can’t happen the same way twice. People need to be involved now more than ever.”




http://www.barackobama.com/news/entry/i-need-to-sit-down

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1. kick

Last edited Tue May 15, 2012, 10:03 AM - Edit history (1)

[ProfessionalLeftist]

2. "we can’t be complacent—that the last election was like lightning in a bottle ...

. . . "and that it can’t happen the same way twice. People need to be involved now more than ever.”

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3. 'lightning in a bottle'

. . . he said it, ProfessionalLeftist!

[AzDar]

4. I love this.

Thanks for posting.

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7. what's not to love, huh, AzDar?

. . . an inspiring and groundbreaking event.

[FourScore]

5. Beautiful. Congratulations to the lucky winners!!! n/t

[sinkingfeeling]

6. Wish it had been me. I tried to win it.

[AtomicKitten]

8. Dayum. I wouldn't mind being in the middle of a Clooney-Obama sandwich.

[Ishoutandscream2]

9. I'm so glad the teacher thanked the president

on some of his work toward education. However, this educator would have been awfully tempted to lay into Arne Duncan. I know, that would have been rude.

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10. kick

[SidDithers]

11. K&R...nt

Sid

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12. kick