Did anyone here go to the Gore Family Dinner?

[johnaries]

I couldn't afford it, but I'm wondering how it went?

[Fly by night]

1. I didn't go but someone who did said it was packed!!

It was the largest Gore dinner held and Al was in excellent form. He asked repeatedly why the media, politicians -- and too many Americans -- were remaining silent in the face of this illegitimate and unAmerican regime.

Notable by his absence was Republican Governor Phil Bredesen. (Latest approval ratings: 56% of TN Republicans and 45% of TN Dems approve of Phil's performance).

[johnaries]

3. Thanks!

I understand the algore-08 folks were going to be handing out buttons. Did your friend mention anything about those?

[FreedomAngel82]

5. Bredesen isn't a republican

He's a democrat.

[Fly by night]

6. Sorry for confusion. Don't know how to add "sarcasm" atavar to my post

[bahrbearian]

2. Go Al Gore , Go get em' !!!

Now is the time.

[johnaries]

4. Yes! I know he's busy with the INdTV project, but he's still got

plenty of time before '08. I think he's pretty much shed his "wooden", "robotic" accusations and could easily win with enough of a majority to avoid another theft!

[bigendian]

7. I had planned on it.

Unexpected expenses did away with that plan. Haven't heard a word.

[Mabus]

8. I went and had a great time

We (my husband and I) drove in from Kansas to attend the dinner. It was packed and we had a great time. Kudos to the Davidson County Dems. They welcomed us with open arms and really made us feel at home. I must say that whenever I've met a Dem from Tennessee I've always made a friend. Tennessee, you have the most wonderful people there (too many Waffle Houses but great people)!

There was a lovely woman who, when she found out we drove in from Kansas, took us up front to meet Tipper and Al. We got to talk with them for a few moments right before the program started. I wanted to talk to Tipper because of her interest in mental health. I told her (jokingly) that I drove all the way to Tennesee and to the dinner hoping that her talk would help explain what is going on with on with our country. She laughed and said she only had five minutes scheduled for her speech. Then she summed it up beautifully, "they're crazy, we're not." What a wonderful woman.

Oh yeah - those "Al Gore 2008" buttons went like hotcakes. My husband and his friend (who flew in from California) took the buttons to the dinner but decided they weren't going to hand them out unless people asked for them. They didn't want to take the focus of the dinner away from the Gore family and the tribute to them. Anyway, we were sitting at our table when one of our dinner companions asked if I wanted a bumpersticker he had made. I said, "sure" and asked if he wanted a button in exchange. I gave him one of the Al Gore 2008 buttons and he loved it. He asked for another and the next thing we knew people were coming to the table asking for buttons. Finally, my husband gave our dinner companion the bag and told him to go for it. He walked around the room and handed them out to anyone who asked. By the end of dinner all the buttons were gone and people were wanting more.

The speakers were Kaki F. Warren from the New Covenant Christian Church, Krissa Barclay the Davidson County Party Chair, Rev. Jerry Maynard, II the TNDP Deputy Chairman, Brenda Gilmore (Nashville Metrol Council), Congressman Jim Cooper, Tipper and then Al. During Al's fiery talk there were some shouts of "amen." He talked about the economy, energy and global warming. It is always a pleasure to hear him talk.

We're definitely going to the second annual dinner next year.

Thank you for your hospitality Tennessee. It's hard to tell which is more beautiful - the landscape or the people. Either way, Nashville is quickly becoming one of my favorite cities.

I'll head back to my Kansas forum now. :hi:

[nashville_brook]

9. couldn't afford it -- on lots of levels -- THANKYOU for the report

i'm a transplanted florida dem. "my people" all sound like randi rhodes and lynn samuels. it's a totally different kind of dem in tennessee. softer on the edges and sweeter in the middle. the gores represent the best of the best to me. such genuine, good people. so cool when other people pick up on that vibe.

:)

[Jackson4Gore]

10. Yes I went

Great to see my friend and President again! He and Tipper both looked and sounded wonderful.

For a transcript of his speech and a recap of the night, go here: http://sharoncobb.blogspot.com/2005/07/hosted-by-davidson-democrats-al-gore.html

Thanks!