Hillary asks for Kentucky’s vote May 19, 2008
Posted by lpbw in Uncategorized.Tags: campaign, campaign speech, clinton, coverage, democrat, democratic party, election, hillary, hillary clinton, hillary rodham clinton, kentucky, kentucky primary, mayfield, mayfield kentucky, media, politics, press, primary, senator, vote, voters, voting, western kentucky
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Waiting in the hot sun on Sunday, May 18, 2008, paid off. Although the press box was not as full as it had been for former President Bill Clinton’s visit 2 days before, excitement was brewing none the less. Armed with media credentials and my canon powershot, I waited to capture that perfect shot. “She’s landed at Barkley!” was the word around 3:30 pm. Noticing the suprise on faces because she was thought to be escorted on the 2 1/2 hour interstate trip by car.
Woop Woop came the siren as the motorcade arrived on time. “Here she is!” was the word. I quickly made my way to the press platform along with the other media present. As Mrs. Clinton made her way to the stage, the crowd roared. A much larger crowd had gathered to hear her speak, than was present to hear her husband that Friday. Stunned to see how lovely the infamous Hillary was, I immediately began clicking my camera, as quickly as I could! How amazing to eye witness history in the making. This was no ordinary political candidate. This was Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, just a couple of months away from making history as the Democratic nominee for the position of President of the United States of America. WOW!
Charismatic she was, intriguing, but not convincing. I’ve never been a true Clinton fan, but was quite impressed with Mr. Clinton’s speech and presence. She on the other hand, left some things to be questioned. Speaking about not sending any more jobs overseas, quite hypocritical considering her husband signed NAFTA into law as President in the 1990’s. Also promising to open our oil reserves to lower gas costs….hmm….if I remember correctly, her party takes a strong stance against drilling in Anwar, Alaska because of the environmental hazards. Also, a promise with gumption, that money will be loaned from the federal government to grant student loans. Great idea, but how will this be funded? If I had to make an educated guess, it might be higher taxes?!?!
I could go on and on about these issues, but will stop at this. I’m sure I will be inspired to write more as the day goes on, along with my mind! Also disgusted at the fact that Mrs. Clinton refused to give me an autograph while looking me right in the eye, I cannot be too positive on this post. I guess I just have Republican written on my forehead! Oh well, easy come, easy go. Good luck Mrs. Clinton. Although I do have a sour taste in my mouth, I wish you luck in this election. Let’s beat Obama in the primary and lose to McCain in November!
Campaign Trail May 18, 2008
Posted by lpbw in Uncategorized.Tags: bill, bill clinton, campaign, election, hillary, hillary clinton, hillary rodham clinton, kentucky, kentucky primary, paducah, paducah ky, politics, primary, speech, vote, voters, william jefferson clinton
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“Wonder if he’ll be on time?” Was the talk on Friday, May 17, 2008. I along with several other bloggers, photographers and reporters, waited in anticipation to see former President, Bill Clinton. Very rarely have I been to hear a politician speak, that they arrived on time. While waiting, I heard tale of Govenor Rod Blagoevich giving reporters and onlookers a 2 hour wait at an outdoor event in the middle of June. Only to arrive and have his platform position changed because the wind was blowing in the direction of his hair! WOW, how would you write that story?
“He’s here, Secret Service is in the building!” A talk radio personality calmly, but with excitement, announced to me. Immediately I made my move for a good photo position. Introduced by Benton notable, Mike Miller, Dottie Barkley, granddaughter of former Vice President to the United States, Alben Barkley, made entrance stage left, to introduce the one and only….President Bill Clinton.
The crowd went nuts! Us photographers did as well, each trying to capture the perfect shot. I don’t know if I accomplished that goal or not, but it was very interesting none the less. Talk about the press pin was more conservative and general. I spoke with 2 reporters who had been listening to Rush Limbaugh before leaving their cars. I also noticed no applause from the press pin, realizing their need to stay neutral. There were a few chuckles at times and also some snickers, and also moments when I could tell applause was imminent but never occured.
After Mr. Clinton gave his campaign speech, for Hillary Clinton’s candidacy, he exited stage right to meet and greet a few folks in the audience. I immediately made my way to the stage, following that plume of white hair through the crowd. After much mass confusion and lots of “excuse me-s”, I was there. Front row, face to face with the infamous Mr. Clinton. Those of you who read my blog, know by now I am a Republican, so I have to admit I do own a copy of “My Life” by Bill Clinton. (only because i feel a responsibility to inform myself of all sides of politics) Anyway, I had my book jacket and sharpie ready for that autograph. What a wonderful collection addition this would be! “You’d better write your name on it, or you’ll never get it back!” I was told by an onlooker. “Are you sure about that?” I had to ask. “Oh yes, positive”, was the response. So with 5 seconds, and counting down, I pulled out my sharpie, scribbled my name on the cover and handed it over with this request, “Mr. President, could you please sign this for me?” He looked me right in the eye and said, “I’d be glad to, just let me take it and I’ll make sure you get it back.” That sealed the deal, my onlooker friend was correct in her observation.
While waiting for my autograph, I encountered a group of teenagers who informed me they had left school early to be there. I asked them if I could take their picture, they agreed with excitement. In the course of our conversation, I found out 2 of them are supporters of Barack Obama and the other 2 of Hillary Clinton. I asked why they chose the candidates they chose, and was this their first election to vote. The response was unanimous, they both gave the same reasons for both candidates. Reason being, pulling out of Iraq. I asked why they all gave that same reason for both candidates, but had picked one over the other. They had no real answer. I told them it was great that they chose to vote and exercise that freedom, but that everyone was entitled to their own opinion and that’s what makes us great! They agreed whole heartedly, and I gave them the link to my flickr.com account so they could view their picture.
Needless to say, it was a great experience, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. On to the next stop, Mayfield, KY to hear Mrs. Clinton’s point of view. Hopefully, also to get that perfect shot and story. Thanks Bill for some great material, hopefully your wife’s up to the challenge 
