Here's a recap of Obama's visit to a Texas fundraiser this weekend, from a
guy who works at the location where it was held:
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One of the bennies of the job is that I don't have to pony up 3K a plate to
see the guy.
VERY interesting time. Not for what he talked about really, it's all the
usual Dem drivel. Global warming, healthcare, the war, alternative fuels,
etc.
What I wanted to get a look at is what kind of a speaker he was.
Fellas, he's scary and we have a real problem. Charismatic, funny,
personable, He had the audience completely captivated and at ease within
minutes.
Major players too. Most of the top dems in Texas and business leaders. He
made a LOT of money tonight above and beyond the 3K a plate for crappy BBQ.
Lance Armstrong was there and was specifically singled out as a major player
in Obama's campaign. Obama thanked him personally from the stage.
He makes Bill Clinton look like a door to door vacuum salesman. Literally
light years ahead of Hillary and just about every other dem hopeful. (I can
make a direct comparison to Hillary; I've been to her fundraisers too.)
The man fielded questions off the cuff for 45 minutes and did an outstanding
job.
Some of the promises he made.
Universal heathcare. No time frame, but strong hints of happening in his
first term. (LOTS of references to his first term. He's planning on running
again already)
Limiting profits from drug companies. Would actually TAKE what he considered
excess profits and use it for healthcare funding. (How he's going to
determine this I have no idea.)
Troops out of Iraq within 16 MONTHS of assuming office. No ongoing presence,
no permanent bases. Will continue the war in Afghanistan. (that surprised
me, as it did the crowd) Will give Iran a say in the future of Iraq.
Reversing anti-American opinions around the world as a reason.
Mandated MINIMUM 40 mpg standards for vehicles. (all of them apparently,
truck and passenger cars) No time frame, again the impression of during his
first term. Punitive taxes on vehicles not meeting the standard mentioned.
ALL power plants retrofitted to stricter CO emission standards. No time
frame, but definitely mandatory. Reducing greenhouse emissions to combat
global warming is a priority it seems.
Wants to reverse the "Anti-immigration Hysteria" currently gripping the
country. Took a "they are the future" approach.
Wants to cure AIDS in Africa. Has a massive health program in mind. Other
unspecified aid to Africa. Treated us to a heart warming story about how his
grandmother lives in a mud hut somewhere in Africa so he identifies with
them.
Palestine statehood. Israel to pay reparations and give up the West Bank and
Gaza strip.
More money for teachers. More money for education in general. More money for
the VA.
What he did NOT mention.
Guns, current federal or military funding, abortion, foreign policy beyond
Iraq, Nuke power, lowering taxes.
Flatly stated that Hillary is unelectable because of her past baggage.
The crowd loved him.
Discuss
Paul Nelson
Cell 708-670-6978
Office 512-392-2577
nelsonp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
