RK ARCHIVE - Large Crowd Protests Bush Visit to Richmond

Large Crowd Protests Bush Visit to Richmond

By: Lowell
Published On: 10/19/2006 7:07:00 PM

I'm sure we'll hear more from PhriendlyJaime on this later, but for now WDJB-7 in Roanoke is reporting:

About 100 protesters gathered outside a Richmond museum where President Bush is scheduled to have a fund-raiser for Senator George Allen Thursday evening.
Many in the growing crowd held signs and bumper stickers saying "Time for a change." A few hundred shoes were laid out to represent the deaths of Iraqi women and children...
Charter buses were parked end to end in front of the museum, blocking protesters from view from the museum entrance. [Rain] Burroughs [of the Virginia Anti-war Network] says a bus driver told her they were ordered to just sit there.

Sounds like fun times in Richmond for George and George, the rubberstamp twins. Party on, you wild and crazy guys, party on!

[UPDATE: The Associated Press report is available. They say "more than 100 protesters," still far less than Jaime's 300 estimate. Reporters are awful at estimating crowd sizes, based on what I've seen over the years. Show me the photos!]

Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign. The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.

Comments

Thanks, Lowell. (Kathy Gerber - 10/19/2006 7:19:10 PM)

We've been waiting to hear.

I will be doing a full diary, but (phriendlyjaime - 10/19/2006 7:24:11 PM)

it was 300+ (and that was from the organizers and cops mouths, same number from both) and there were 6 Allen/Bush supporters. Brad Blanton is my new hero bc he offered to be arrested (!!!!) and the Allen camp was so crybaby it was pathetic. They actually asked the police numerous times to "speak for the majority (yeah, 6 to 300 is a majority to some people) and turn on the tear gas to shut us up."

......

Anyone else smell the fear?

You are my hero, pj :) (Kathy Gerber - 10/19/2006 7:27:06 PM)

It's great to hear your "voice."

I bet you were the loudest one there.

Actually, I was shocked. (phriendlyjaime - 10/19/2006 7:32:47 PM)

This country is PISSED. There were so many self described ex-Republicans there, it was unbelieveable. One guy had a Bush T-Shirt, that he added words to and turned it from pro to negative. It was awesome. I saw some of the best signs I have ever seen, and the energy was intense. I really do not know why Allen brought him to Richmond, to tell you the truth. He didn't win any votes, I'll tell you that much. More later... :)

Oh, and the Webb bumper stickers in and around the area were MORE than plentiful.

Richmond. (Kathy Gerber - 10/19/2006 7:41:28 PM)

Sometimes it's a little slow, but get's there eventually. We're really looking forward to your diary. Thanks for all you do! And everybody else, too.

Hi Kathy! (Mark - 10/19/2006 7:45:15 PM)

Let's dance....

I can feel the momentum swings everyday now.....

Did you read the reply to your Veterans Day comment the other day?

Yes! (Kathy Gerber - 10/19/2006 7:52:38 PM)

But it scrolled away so I didn't answer.

And that goes for everyone - Veterans Day get together in Massies Mill Saturday, November 11.

Yes, thank you, you are a ray of sunshine (PM - 10/19/2006 8:59:11 PM)

One reason people are angry:

CNN:

In January, 22 percent of those polled said they believed their own member of Congress was corrupt, a number that has jumped to 36 percent since then.

Someone from the Allen campaign actually asked (Lowell - 10/19/2006 7:44:19 PM)

for TEAR GAS to be used on non-violent protestors?!? If that's true, it's utterly outrageous. Can you confirm and provide details?

dammit - that reminds me. (Kathy Gerber - 10/19/2006 8:50:34 PM)

Now I have to go find a link.
here it is

On the O'Reilly Factor last night, Bill O'Reilly made the following charming comment about the blogosphere:
"I think - I have to say President Bush has a much healthier attitude toward this than I do. Because if I can get away with it, boy, I’d go in with a hand grenade.

All I can say is Larry Sabato and Bill O'Reilly don't HAVE to read the blogs. Step away from the computer.

O'Reilly Can't Read (PM - 10/19/2006 9:00:03 PM)

O'Reilly's sentient? Wow, who knew? (Catzmaw - 10/19/2006 9:20:41 PM)

I think (Mark - 10/19/2006 7:38:36 PM)

WDBJ is in Lynchburg, not Richmond. And there is no channel 7 in Richmond either.

Maybe this has gone AP?

I've contacted the organizers (phriendlyjaime - 10/19/2006 7:43:05 PM)

for pics, video, and headcount info.

This story will look (Mark - 10/19/2006 7:47:27 PM)

reeeaal good on DailyKos. I look forward to reading it and recommending it there.

and I have a diary ready about another "empty-chair debate" with Al Weed and an empty chair.

Oh no. (Kathy Gerber - 10/19/2006 7:49:38 PM)

When I was looking I see that a Bedford Marine, Joshua Booth, was killed in Haditha.

WDBJ (martha - 10/20/2006 5:29:25 AM)

WDBJ is out of Roanoke BUT Lynchburg is in the market. WSET is the Lynchburg station and was for sure NOT there to cover the protest. The station manager attends Thomas Rd Baptist Church ( Jerry Fallwell's church).

Lets make it national (Mark - 10/19/2006 7:43:27 PM)

on the WDBJ story.

Wouldn't it be great to see this on a network or cable station? And thanks Jaime. I wish I had been there.

Wonderful (DanG - 10/19/2006 7:46:54 PM)

This is going to be the most prominent part of the Bush trip. Over 100 protestors? How many people actually showed up for Allen?

Notes (JC - 10/19/2006 7:59:49 PM)

I too have heard that there were 300+ protesters, though I was not there.

While there is no channel 7 in Richmond, channel 7 does maintain a large news bureau in the state capitol.

I was there.... (Left Wing - 10/19/2006 8:41:36 PM)

There were definitely more than 300 people. It was a thick crowd that stretched at least four blocks.

Why does the media always get crowd sizes (Lowell - 10/19/2006 8:43:29 PM)

wrong? I've seen this over and over again, and I don't understand it.

They can't count over 100? ;) n/t (phriendlyjaime - 10/19/2006 10:07:38 PM)

I wish I were there. (Ingrid - 10/19/2006 11:32:06 PM)

I count fast and accurately!

Cowards (DanG - 10/19/2006 8:01:33 PM)

"Charter buses were parked end to end in front of the museum, blocking protesters from view from the museum entrance. Burroughs says a bus driver told her they were ordered to just sit there."

Senator George Allen is a coward. The only guy in Richmond today who is an even bigger coward is George W. Bush.

Bawk, bawk, bawk ... the Administration battle cry. (Catzmaw - 10/19/2006 9:22:39 PM)

Alright, I am going to kick all your butts. :) (phriendlyjaime - 10/19/2006 8:03:34 PM)

300+ to 6, Anti Bush vs. Pro Bush/Allen. The cops were asked about the tear gas by the 6 Republicans, many heard the question, they REFUSED to even look at the person that asked it, bc obviously, they couldn't say yes. But, I have to meet someone for a much deserved beer, so I promise more later... :)

Lemme just give you the AWESOME juicy bit about Blanton...

Blanton went right up to the cops (ALL of the city's force, so I hope no one was getting killed or raped, bc Allen prevented them from getting any help) and told them he was taking Allen's signs, bc they were illegally placed in the median. He told the cops they could arrest him if they wanted.

They let him take the signs.

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!! So awesome.

Best poster? HUGE sheet sign on poles, it said BUSH MOTHER F*%$ER. This guy with Bush and Allen stickers makes an illegal U-Turn, comes over screaming at us for profanity and "the children!" and a cop comes over and tells him he needs to speak to him about the illegal U-Turn he made.

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhahahahahaha!

One more before I grab a beer...(I am waiting on pics and video too; Thadd and I suck at owning technology gadgets)

Great sign on a girl wearing a GREAT shirt...

Shirt: I'm a WHORE...(for Democracy)
Sign: Monica had more president in her than George Bush/Allen ever will!

Fuckin' priceless.

Now, seriously...I am going to have that beer. I will post more later, you rabid Webb supporters, you. :)

Jaime, did I tell you today how awesome (Lowell - 10/19/2006 8:07:50 PM)

you are? :)

Why yes, you have. (phriendlyjaime - 10/19/2006 10:10:09 PM)

But I will never turn down an extra endorsement from you, or anyone else. :)

Maintenez le cours ! (loboforestal - 10/19/2006 8:22:28 PM)

(loboforestal - 10/19/2006 8:48:37 PM)

Olbermann just mentioned (lwumom - 10/19/2006 8:26:46 PM)

the appearance in Richmond, but the person they interviewed talked about the appearance by W in Pennsylvania this afternoon. Olbermann did mention that appearances with W were not at a premium this year, so when the guy who cheated on his wife and tried to choke his mistress, and the guy who educated everyone in the meaning of macaca asked, he came running.

It would be great if someone could get footage of the crowd of protesters in Richmond and send it to Keith :)

And this from CNN.com (lwumom - 10/19/2006 8:35:03 PM)

This was posted on the political ticker yesterday:

The president will appear at events for Rep. Don Sherwood, R-Pennsylvania, and Sen. George Allen, R-Virginia, two candidates who find themselves in close races after being plagued by personal controversies. Sherwood has acknowledged an extramarital affair, while Allen has battled allegations of racial insensitivity. Snow said Bush does not believe his image will be harmed by appearing at events with Allen and Sherwood.

His image? Are they freaking delusional or what?

Maybe one could call it a "Snow Job" (PM - 10/19/2006 8:54:56 PM)

What's pathetic (Kathy Gerber - 10/19/2006 8:56:29 PM)

is that the idea even comes up that one of history's worst leaders may have his image tarnished by appearing with George Allen.

Here's W With the Strangler (PM - 10/19/2006 9:05:43 PM)

At the Wilkes Barre-Scranton airport:

The Strangler is on the left.

I don't know what to call the guy on the right at this point.

The strangler and the mangler (lwumom - 10/19/2006 9:12:12 PM)

from the free dictionary....to mangle is to ruin or spoil through ineptitude or ignorance. Yeah, that sounds right.

The Strangler and the Groper (snolan - 10/20/2006 9:10:57 AM)

Doesn't anyone remember the video of Bush groping Chancellor Merkel?

BoingBoing coverage of the groping.

Allen Backing Away? AP Story ------ (PM - 10/19/2006 9:09:22 PM)

http://news.yahoo.co...

In a speech to Allen supporters, Bush criticized Democrats' opposition to a continued military occupation in Iraq and said the best way to protect Americans is to stay on the offensive.
"That's why they're the party of cut and run," Bush said. "That's why the United States will stand with our allies in Iraq."
Allen has steadfastly backed Bush on the war, but when asked by reporters after Bush departed the fundraiser whether he still shares the president's hard line, Allen was evasive.
"I have my position based on my own assessment of Iraq," Allen said.

Silly boy. (Kathy Gerber - 10/19/2006 9:11:18 PM)

He really means based on his own assessment of the polls.

And that position would be (lwumom - 10/19/2006 9:13:28 PM)

standing by W?

Allen was against "cut and run" until... (Lowell - 10/19/2006 9:14:53 PM)

he was for it. Ha.

I can't believe (Catzmaw - 10/19/2006 9:27:10 PM)

Bush is still talking about "cut and run" when his own Iraq policy people and senior senators are calling for a change of course. This guy's a one trick pony. Wish this weren't just a mid-term election.

RE: Money (JPTERP - 10/19/2006 11:19:23 PM)

I understand that a former president (Clinton) outraised a sitting president (Bush)? I'm reading via press acounts that Bush raised just under $500,000 for Allen, and that Clinton raised $500,000+ for Webb. If the reports are true: Wow.

I don't know the exact numbers... (Delta Mike - 10/19/2006 11:39:20 PM)

... but I know that they were beating people off with a stick for the Clinton fundraiser. So much so that they had to turn people away who were willing to pay a grand!

Unfortunately, (Glant - 10/20/2006 3:00:48 AM)

The Webb fundraiser was limited to 400 or so people.

But for those of us who went, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After his speech, I was waiting on a line with some others for a chance to meet Mr. Clinton. Unfortunatley, he was called away just before I reached him to speak with former Senator Robb.

My wife was waiting nearby and Mr. Clinton walked her way. I came over to get a picture of him talking to her, and he immediately reached out to me to bring me into the conversation. The couple next to us asked if they could take a picture with him. Mr. Clinton told them he would be happy to, if they would first take a picture of him with my wife and me. He then took my camera and handed it to the other guy while I stood there amazed that Mr. Clinton was so thoughtful.

That picture will be a family treasure for the rest of our lives.