President Obama is Coming to Alaska!
6 11 2009
It’s about time! This is the one state of the union that the president has not visited, and I’ve been wishing for this since long before Sarah Palin got the VP tap. As a matter of fact, I posted this when Mudflats was only two days old!
Back in those days, Alaska was in “purple” territory and was considered a possible win for Obama in the election. He even had 30 campaign workers up here with shoulders to the grind stone to turn the state blue for the first time since Lydon Johnson.
I was convinced that a visit from Obama would put us over. But then…. alas. You know the rest of the story.
But now, it looks like the President will touch down on Alaskan soil next week at long last.
His stopover in Alaska will come after the White House Veterans Day breakfast and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The White House described the Elmendorf stop as “an event with the men and women of our Armed Forces,” and said that more details would be released in the coming days. It’s not clear whether the event will be open to the public.
Well, it sounds a little better than the glorified refueling stop we usually get, but I have a sinking feeling about that “open to the public” part. I’d settle for a quick peek as he’s scurried into a car, but I’m not holding my breath. If it weren’t November, I’d suggest getting a bunch of people to lie on the beach and spell out WELCOME, or HANG IN THERE, or PALIN-FREE SINCE 2009.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:54 AM
I hope you get to see him.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:58 AM
now now, his plate has been pretty full lately…and like me, he was probably scared to visit…palin’s a pretty scary entity.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:15 AM
I like the “Palin-Free” idea.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Tee hee, he’ll be getting crowds, cheers and attention and Palin, who’s Palin? Oh, yeah, her. Well she won’t.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Too bad winky will be out of town promoting her “book” and won’t be able to try to butt in and get some face time.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Change we can believe in….
Quitter $arah to promote book on Oprah on 17th.
Obama to address Alaskan troops on 18th.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:34 AM
AKM, obviously he saved the best for last! You know, my favorite adage is “it never hurts to ask.” Go to Whitehouse.gov, and just ask if he can make it a little longer visit, can he make it open to the public. The worst they can say, is no. Go now. Ask. I am so excited for all of you. Group hug!
November 6th, 2009 at 9:35 AM
P.S. I liked Shannyn’s “Obama-North to Alaska!” Will Senator Begich be there?
November 6th, 2009 at 9:52 AM
people could spell out welcome at the parkstrip, couldn’t we?
or pfsince09, love that!!
November 6th, 2009 at 9:52 AM
I knew AKM would get a kick out of this news.
Maybe Obama knows just how instrumental “teh Mudflats” was in getting out all pertinent information on the winkin’ Governor of Alaska.
I dare say this blog and the other lefty Alaska bloggers did magnificent work and added mightily to our political knowledge base. And they did it with grace, humor and especially tenacity.
Y’all deserve a shout-out from the Prez!!
November 6th, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Ok, I went to Whitehouse.gov, and I asked on the behalf of my friends in Alaska, that they make it open to the public.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:00 AM
“a bunch of people to lie on the beach and spell out WELCOME”
Even if it is November, a bunch of people in snow suits for the warmth and wait with glow in the dark or fluorescent ‘duct’ tape as depending on time, it may be dark, spelling out:
WELCOME
from
AK DEM BLOGGERS
Means more people but gain attention to those who helped!
Someone else might have ideas for wording to shorten it! Maybe be creative and use some logs or something too with tape to spell it out!
At least the thought that Parnell will probably be there is a better feeling than you know who. Should be no need for her there.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Think the same people who so gladly welcomed Palin will heap the same adoration upon our president?
November 6th, 2009 at 10:01 AM
9 mwThatOne.. Says:
November 6th, 2009 at 9:52 AM
people could spell out welcome at the parkstrip, couldn’t we?
—————
Ya alls should show up in pajamas. …
November 6th, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Did the President ask permission before he decided to stomp around
in Her ‘ backyard ‘… ? No wait a minute… that was what Palin did in VA with McDonnell’s Election. My bad.
And being ” THE President ” ( which she is not and never will be ) he doesn’t need to ask.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:11 AM
oh, i want to come celebrate obama’s visit.
and i can throw myself in front of him like i did with president clinton last tuesday in istanbul.
the poor fellow had no choice but to stop, give me a hug and have his photo taken.
hubby just smiled knowlingly.
never underestimate the power of a mudpuppy…expecially when she’s toting brian along!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:12 AM
@ honesty
Alaska is not Palin’s back yard. Palin is nothing, Alaska is everything!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:13 AM
That’s great!!
I’m guessing Sarah won’t won’t be having a meet & greet at his plane?
November 6th, 2009 at 10:24 AM
yay for Alaska! i would love to see miz palin’s face today. the president is coming to Alaska and she doesn’t get to meet him. again. dang!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:33 AM
I’m sitting here with my peek-a-poo asleep at my feet and my shi-tzu snoozing in a blanket on my lap with her little pink tongue sticking out. Such contentment. All three of us want to say, “Congratulations!” After what you’ve put up with from Scarah, and all your hard work keeping track of her, you deserve a visit from our President. And a little part of me hopes she blows a gasket over his visit…
November 6th, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I will also go to Whitehouse.gov and ask for a public meeting, too. Alaska was thought to be “purple” at the last election cycle until SP joined McCain’s ticket and changed that. BUT, SP won’t be part of the 2012 ticket, so maybe President Obama has another chance for Alaska to be purple again and then changed to BLUE! This could be a good political event for him without it looking blatently political. OOH, the possibilities…
November 6th, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Fawnskin, we await your Presidential photos!
November 6th, 2009 at 10:43 AM
The President will stop there now that Ms. Winky is loading up her bags with wisconson cheese and cash at her Top Secret Carpetbagger/Teabagger breifing.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Palin Free – since 2009! I love this blog!
November 6th, 2009 at 11:05 AM
The Obama logo with the Alaska flag is AWESOME! I am remembering, too, also, all the mudpuppies and friends who did a human O logo on the parkstrip during the campaign.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:06 AM
oswego eileen….me too.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I’m going with PALIN-FREE SINCE 2009…………….can you imagine the grin on his face?
Congratulations Alaska!
I love the comment……..saved the best for last…..indeed….Alaska is so beautiful
When I went to Montana, I understood why they call it “big sky Montana”, I really liked it there……………in the summer of 2001on a boating vacation, after 40 days of rain traveling to and in Alaska, I understood the legend of the Norwegian that became so depressed he broke his compass so he could drink the alcohol,…….. but there is nothing to properly describe the Alaskan sunset after those 40 days or the “even bigger than Montana” skies on a fair day.
I was hoping that Obama would bring back the native leaders on air force one….you know , just drop them off while the plane refuels.
This is wonderful and he DID promise the tribal leaders he would come to Alaska in the summer.
I’m thinking that will be summer 2012, so get ready………..
November 6th, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Did everyone know what a wonderful job she did for Natives and Seniors? I just saw these claims by her in her book of totaly fiction. I am appalled:
As chief executive of America’s largest state, she had built a record as a reformer who cast aside politics-as-usual and pushed through changes other politicians only talked about: Energy independence. Ethics reform. And the biggest private sector infrastructure project in U.S. history. And while revitalizing public school funding and ensuring the state met its responsibilities to seniors and Alaska Native populations, Palin also beat the political “good ol’ boys club” at their own game and brought Big Oil to heel.
November 6th, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Yes, maybe like : PA(small l-very little)IN free since July 2009!
November 6th, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Libyart, yeah, she’s got a big head, lol, loves to brag on her half truths or, just make things up, no problemo.
AKM, I remember reading your blog post, it looked like he was coming, and he would have wowed Alaskans too. I love the fact the hubby and I got to see and hear him in person.
I also love the fact he’s coming when Scarah’s out of town, lol. Perhaps he’ll meet with Parnell, ha. I’d expect Begich to be with him maybe you can email or call Mark. It would be so cool if you and Shannyn could meet him. Oh, a picture with Brian!
November 6th, 2009 at 12:59 PM
What exciting news for all the Alaskan mudpuppies!
Somehow I doubt that he’d be coming if SHE was still governor…
November 6th, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Would love to see a picture of president Obama with Brian. Maybe Mark could work on that even if it is him that gives the president Brian and has a picture taken.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:27 PM
It would be so sweet if Obama would have just a five-minute meeting with Alaskan Progressive bloggers. S’arah would absolutely have a meltdown, and the sea of pee would boil itself dry.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:47 PM
No eyerollery? That leaves me out..
November 6th, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Delete me @ 34. I must have been so upset I thought it was the OTHER post.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Alaskan bloggers need a unifying LOGO. Then it could simply be WELCOME MR. PREZ-(logo).
November 6th, 2009 at 2:10 PM
sorry…off topic, but wanted to share this passionate insight from a rabid sp fan on her facebook:
” Conservatives have proven what kind of power we hold when given a reason to be inspired and supportive: i.e. “The Passion of the Christ” i.e. Sarah Palin”.
??????
November 6th, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Darn – no doubt the “replacement governor” will be able to get a handshake and hello from our President. Awwwwww
I think we mudpups should send emails to the White House asking AKM & Shanyn & maybe a few other AK Bloggers permission to attend the meet & greet & report the event in their Blogs. And perhaps get a private Thanks from the President for vetting SP.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:21 PM
If Ms Rachel Maddow may be reading the comments as we have the knowledge she reads the blog and just happens to decided to do a short segment about Prez Obama stopping in AK — Ms. Rachel might express that it was the Progressive Bloggers in AK that educated the Lower 48 about Palin as much information was brought to light via those Bloggers!
The Wonderful Lady could possibly drop the hint that those Bloggers would be honoured to attend to a quick meet and greet!!
November 6th, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Suggestion for new mudflats store t-shirt…
U.S.A.
Palin Free Since
2009
November 6th, 2009 at 6:11 PM
I hope you get to see President Obama. He was in my hometown (less than 1 mile from my house, and I passed the entourage TWICE during the day/evening) during the campaign, and I will always regret not looking into why the “strange busses” were holding up traffic. Unfortunately, the state “Track and Field finals” and the “Miss Pennsylvania” competitions were in town the same day, so “strange busses” were all over town. Still, I would have loved to have had a hot dog or bowled a game with our next President…
But then, later in the campaign accidentally happened upon “Arctic Cat Barbie” less than 200 yards from aformentioned bowling alley, at a convenience store, whilst she was on her way to a campaign event. It totally made me crazy that I missed the person that I admired, but got stuck being in the presence of someone I distained (because I got caught buying gas when her royal high**s arrived, and had to stay ’till I got the police ok to leave).
November 6th, 2009 at 7:39 PM
I am so glad that President Obama is coming to Alaska and hope you all get a chance to at least see him. He came to my city in Macon, GA when he was presidential-candidate Obama to speak at a local church. I didn’t read our online newspaper in the days before he came, so I missed it. I’ve been kicking myself ever since. I didn’t go to the Atlanta area to see Palin when she came last November because I would not have been able to stand there and listen to her lies without saying something. Not being able to tolerate liars is one of my pet peeves. They would have kicked me out, and besides, I’m no fan of Saxby Chambliss.