President Obama at Elmendorf Air Force Base
Security was tight to say the least. I’d actually never been on Elmendorf Air Force Base before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. ID, insurance and registration at the gate. “Please pop the hood, ma’am,” I was asked, after I pulled over as instructed. My car is fairly new. Well… new to me. So new, in fact, that I have never actually popped the hood myself. And so after looking around for a little while and not immediately seeing the little hood release thing, I started getting a little flustered. “Ma’am, please pop the hood,” I was asked again. Then I realized I’d been called “ma’am” which is always a little disconcerting for me anyway. I was “Miss” for most of my life, and then I hit that grey area where nobody knew quite what to call me. So, I’m still kind of a new “ma’am.” And I started thinking about that instead of my hood, and finally he said, “It’s that little lever right there.” And so it was. The one right in front of me, with the picture of the little car with the hood open. I smiled, a sort of “yes, I’m pathetic” smile and popped the hood. That would not be the only time today I felt like a total dork.
Then off we were shuffled, into a little heated hut with a couple other bloggers and media types, while mysterious things happened in and around “the vehicle” that we were not allowed to see. By the time the guy came back to tell us we were all good to go, we were having quite a fun time in the hut, chatting about this and that. “We want to stay in the hut!” we said, and he laughed. We were then escorted to a parking lot and driven to the hangar where the President would be arriving a couple hours later. Another security line, where bags were searched. My camera was examined and a picture was taken to make sure it was really a camera. At least that’s what I imagine. I don’t think it was for any kind of artistic purpose, because this is the shot he took.
It was after that that a perplexed security guy pulled a small vinyl moose out of my camera bag, set it on the table and looked at it, and then looked (with everyone else in line) at me. That would be the second time I felt like a dork, but this time it resulted in a prize at the end – a White House Press Pool badge! Nice. There were lots of people milling around already, most in uniform. The event was closed to the public. There was a media section and I worked my way in and got settled.
I saw Senator Mark Begich who had arrived early. He walked around shaking lots of hands. I don’t know how many pictures he was asked to pose for, but it seemed like every time I looked at him he was getting his picture taken with smiling people in uniform. He has been very supportive of Anchorage’s military community even in his days as Mayor, and has been doing lots of work on their behalf in the Senate, as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee.
I also ran in to gubernatorial candidate Ethan Berkowitz and his wife Mara. He got his VIP tickets courtesy of his former nemesis, and the man that defeated him in last year’s congressional race, Don Young. A nice gesture, I thought. There, I said it.
All of a sudden, it was like I had seen a rare exotic bird! Could it be? (flipping through my political field guide) Why, yes! A creature common to the state, yet strangely absent from this area today… a “Republican!” It’s Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom!
No Senator Lisa Murkowski (in Kotzebue), no Rep. Don Young (in D.C.), no Governor Sean Parnell (errr…. down the road 2 miles away speaking to a General Contractor’s luncheon he just couldn’t reschedule), and almost no Mayor Dan Sullivan, although he managed to worm his way in to the event after originally saying “thanks but no thanks on those tickets from the White House.”
I also ran into AFL-CIO President Vince Beltrami. I’d just seen him at the taping of Shannyn Moore’s new TV show Moore Up North the night before. He was quick to jokingly point out the sociological barrier that separated the sweaty media masses from the VIPs! I talked to Vince for a while across the blue ”Berlin Wall.”
And speaking of Shannyn Moore, there she was with cameraman extraordinaire Dave Turnbull.
The Air Force Band of the Pacific played to help us pass the time, and boy were they amazing.
And finally the moment arrived. There was a prayer, a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, and finally the Commander In Chief.
I was very focused on taking pictures, and it took a minute before it sank in that I was actually standing in the same room as the President. It was a strange feeling to be there with the actual person who I’ve heard speak so much, written so much about, and (like many) worked so hard to get elected. I had never been in the presence of a sitting President before, and I thought this was a great way to start. He said how pleased he was to be able to stop in Alaska, and how much he had appreciated speaking with those members of the military he’d just talked to behind the scenes.
He thanked Mark Begich, and I was reminded yet again how our Governor, Sean Parnell had snubbed the president and the troops and was a mere 2 miles down the road delivering a really “important” speech to the Association of General Contractors at a luncheon in the middle of a three-day conference. I was irritated to the extreme. Some day I’d like to have a governor who doesn’t embarrass me. This is my wish. But in the meantime, the President was gracious and appreciateive. He talked about all the reasons he is grateful to the military, and acknowledged their sacrifices. He named Alaskans who had been lost, including Marine Cpl. Greg Fleurry who was killed in Afghanistan just a couple weeks ago. And he talked about the tragedy of Ft. Hood.
He told the crowd that he would not hesitate to use military might when it was necessary (some cheering from the audience), but then he said that he promised also to never ask the men and women of the military to put their lives on the line unless it was absolutely necessary. That line got the biggest cheer of the speech. He also talked about specific things he had done to support members of the military, which met with more cheering and warm applause.
It was nice to see so many smiling faces who did look really pleased that the President had taken time out of his schedule to meet with them and talk with them. The speech was not long, but it was well-received, and when the President started shaking hands, he was just about mobbed.
I stood up on the risers to get a good angle for pictures, and even when my eye lost him in the crowd, all I had to do was look out over the sea of people and I was able to tell where he was. All arms were held out, holding cameras with glowing screens, pointed at him from every direction. The effect was almost like the tentacles of a sea urchin, or a great glowing starfish that moved slowly around the room, following his every move.
There were lots of smiles, and hand shaking, and the president looked genuinely happy to be there meeting people.
After he left, there was a lot of residual smiling and an air of excitement that lingered.
It was only when President Obama was over the Pacific Ocean winging his way to Japah, and as I drove through the gates on my way off base that I realized I forgot to get the coveted shot of Brian the Mudflats moose in the same frame as the President! I was really excited to be able to get that fun shot to add to the gallery, but I was so moved by what he was saying and the surreal feeling of being there, that it completely slipped my mind.
But, even though I didn’t end up with that particular souvenir of the event, I did get to keep my cool hexagonal White House Press Pool pass.
and got yet another unique and lasting memory of the day – the apparently indelible paw prints of a bomb-sniffing dog on the upholstery of my back seat! Hey, it’s something!
I watched it last night and it was great. Pity you didn’t get a pic of Brian and the President, that really would have been a keeper.
how exiting
I envy you AKM , I am not even from America .
One day he may visit our shores.
Australia would welcome him with open arms.
I can but hope, now Bushs old mate Howard has gone.
The one who keep The President out of Blair House. LOL
What an exciting day and evening. It started with the arrival and stirring speech by the President on his first visit to the state of Alaska, followed quickly by the news that our friend and fellow Mudpuppy, Ann Strongheart decided to get off the dime and go have that baby we have all been waiting to welcome. We turned the Tree House (chat) into a virtual Labor and Delivery waiting room and a great time was had by all, waiting for the newest Strongheart to arrive. She too made her first entrance into Alaska on the same day that President Obama did.
What was amazing is that there were Mudpuppies all over the world waiting to greet Glenna Strongheart, and wish her well, just as there were many people excited about the arrival of our President in Alaska. I find that a hopeful and pleasing thought. Here we have a leader who is actually listening and doing positive things for Native Alaska, and a sweet little Alaska Native child, born into a world filled with new hope for a better life. What a blessing!
AKM…. a pic with Brian in the picture with the President would be nice… BUT…
Just think about it….
You were a MEMBER… of the ” White House Press Pool “!!!
How many people can say THAT!! That is something You will never forget.
And like you mentioned…. Your Governor ‘failed’ in his responsibility acting as the Top representative of the State. He didn’t represent at all.
Hopefully the Voters next Year will remember Him not showing up to do His Job at election time. Had he shown up ( acting as an #1 Alaskan Representative ) and shaken the Presidents hand it would have been an excellent opportunity for an introduction for both Himself and the State. In the Business Corporate world… this is how professional CEO’s operate. They make connections. The Governor’s Title ‘ IS ‘ the business CEO for the State. Parnell apparently doesn’t seem to grasp this concept.
This way if Alaska needed help from Washington down the road on another matter…. he would have had the Introduction. Parnell is a petty man just like Sarah was.
LUCKY
He made it to your red state so i guess there is hope for mine.
If it happens, we will get that picture of Brian with the pres.
Promise
What an exciting historical day. I bet none of us that have been waiting for news of the Presidential visit and little Glenna Strongheart’s arrival will ever forget today.
I’m really happy that Pres. Obama was well received by the people that actually count; and security was so stringent (frankly, I was a worrying a bit). Wow, AKM you’re now officially a Member of the Press!
WOW…THANK YOU
You done us proud AKM – despite not finding the hood latch right away and forgetting to give Brian his own photo-op! It is a hair-raising time when getting *vetted* for the first time on a military installation, but knowing it is in the best interests of all, makes us tolerate it better.
DANG! My internet kept going in and out last night, so I missed the delivery! Congratulations Ann and Glenna! Ann – I tried by osmosis to get the message across to the baby that he needed to be a boy! So feel free to pass along the blue goodies in the latest box to someone who does have a boy!
How VERY cool!
I bet next time you won’t forget the Brian shot.
He’ll be bummed when he reads he missed the Brian shot.
What you think he’s never read The Mudflats?
Not only are you, and Shannyn, and Brian members of the WH press pool, but just think,
This has all been brought to you by – you know who.
I am sure there were at least a few members of candidate Obama’s election staff who kept up with the flow of information that came from Alaska’s bloggers during the election. Granting that the military base was his main goal, last night, you have to think that the POTUS holds a warm feeling for you all.
What a THRILL just to read your post! Brian someday will have his day in the frame; you have a White House Press Pool Pass to cherish, something I never snagged as a Washington journo. Between your account and Glenna’s darling scrunched-up face, a fine start to a grey wet D.C. morning!
Awesome!!! Don’t feel bad – my hood release is down by my FEET….I have to undo my seatbelt, put the seat all the way back and the steering wheel up to reach it. It’s easier to just get out of the car and do it!
AKM, I think you could still get a cool picture by putting Brian on the press pool badge. Try it with him upright on the white area and also flat on the same area. Maybe you could also try propping the badge up against Brian.
Also, I think Flyinureye could superimpose Brian on any of the pictures for you.
you brought tears to my eyes…….
Smiling through happy-tears here..carried along on that ‘voyage’ of ..support and appreciation..for the President..that you and all others there..were privy to. Thank you, thank you.
I got to see candidate Obama last fall, along with former President Bill Clinton, at a campaign rally here in Orlando. Truly electrifying. Congratulations on finally getting to hear him.
What an exciting day for you and Alaska!!
As for apologizing for your Gov’; Sadly, I can relate.
Perry is at it again.
It is so embarrassing to have such an idiot representing my State.
Each time he opens his mouth I cringe.
It really saddens me when I see how low these people will go to snub our POTUS. I am appalled at thier disrespectful, childish and spiteful behavior.
How wonderful! You take better pictures than most staff photographers! Also your writing is more articulate, expressive and heartfelt.
As always, you describe your experience in such a way that I now feel I have met the President too. It was exciting and moving and I have no doubt that, when I go and look at my car, there will be bomb-sniffing dog paws on my upholstery.
Thank you.
A wonderful post. Thanks for sharing the experience.
Thanks for taking us along!
I cannot believe that the Governor of Alaska would pass on an occasion to be seen shaking hands with the troops along side the POTUS! Go figure: you guys went from governor who only cared about being in the limelights to one who is so partisan he won’t even meet the POTUS himself…
Come to think of it… Arizona is just as pathetically red as Alaska, and our fill-in Republican governor is SOOO bad even her own party has no respect for her
Someone else already said it but I will repeat it. This brought tears to my eyes.
A touching experience, then beautifully written about.
KARMA WINS IN THE END.
Whenever I see or hear about SP I get ill. Yet those nasty emotions perish when I visit these warm sites.
Thanks for cheering me up on a down day for me.
great pictures! …and lucky you! …what an exciting day!
Ya know, AKM, it suddenly struck me (after being a Mudflatter all this long time), how your posts are like a personal conversation rather than a narration. I’ve felt that time and again when I read one of your photo posts and how I am exactly “there” with you.
And, again, today, I was standing there with you hearing the voices and music and seeing all that you experienced, cheering when you cheered and moved when you were moved, actually seeing our POTUS as if I were in the room with you.
Yours is a rare and precious voice and a gift to us all.
Many many thanks.
AKM, I hope you enjoy this memory forever, what a long strange trip it’s been, eh? Wow, you are Presidentially declared official press now! You have earned your badge of honor. Congratulations! Clap, clap, clap and raised coffee cup cheers to you.
Welcome to our world Glenna! Love your name! Hugs Ann and Vic.
akm…. thanks for taking us along for the ride to see President Obama…. just a thought though. let us suppose for a moment that Parnell was NOT invited to greet the president. suppose it was the president’s choice not to meet with him until next year. believe me, if the president of the United States wants to see you; see you he will. Sean Parnell’s sorry rump would have been picked up and slung into a very uncomfortable military vehicle by some very irritated marine sargeants and subsequently dumped in a weeping, rumpled heap at the presidents’ feet. make no mistake that day may come, but it will be at a time and place of Barack Obama’s choosing. so, no worries akm
So Brian has clout with the White House! I am glad to see all the security too. Thank you so much for all the great pictures- what wonderful memories for you. I agree with bubbles- Parnell probably wasn’t even invited….
He was definitely invited, and declined the invitation.
AKM
I’m so glad for you, AKM (and more than a little jealous)!
Must say, I LOVE the bomb-sniffing-doggie footprints, while hating their necessity….
AKM I am sure you have told us before but I can not remember:
What kind of camera are you using?
The quality of the pictures you share with us are mostly professional grade.
Some of the POTUS pics here are just amazing! So clear and close up, I feel like I was right there with you!!
Of course your narration helps put us there in a way no other could do.
Canon digital Rebel XTi. I’m actually (gulp) thinking about upgrading. Some of the cameras that were there had me salivating… and the lenses! I had “lensvy”. If it isn’t a word, it is now. Glad everyone enjoyed the post! It was really a great experience. AKM
Politico reporting on Parnell’s absence. One of the first comments says Obama only came yesterday b/c he knew Sarah was out of state.
Well of course that’s true as certainly Obama is very, very frightened of Sarah Palin.
Jeez Louise this simpletons are so sad.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29467.html
Thank You for the great, warm and positive coverage of the President’s visit. Please lets have more positive coverage. We hear enough of the negative stuff everywhere else- especially up here. What a great day for Alaska and a great year for the USA!
AKM ~ gotta love those paw prints!
i enjoyed all of akm’s adventure to ellendorf but i think my favorite part was when akm drove on to the base and had to open the hood. now that was hilarious. i think akm was channeling me at that very moment. it was classic Bubbles. the first time i entered a naval base a marine saluted and i saluted back not thinking that he was not saluting me. he was saluting my brother Johnny who was walking slightly behind me. the marine said “welcome aboard,sir” and smiling said ” and “you too ma’am.” that was also the first time i had ever been called ma’am.
Wow, how cool?
Yesterday was incredible. I was at the event and I never thought I would be able to get that close to someone that important and powerful, let alone shake their hand, but I did. I still have chills. Imagine me, finally getting to meet AK Mudflats. Oh yeah, and I got to meet Senator Begich and shake the President’s hand. That was nice.
LOL! It was great meeting you too.
AKM
Parnell, you just lost any chance of getting my vote!
Dear AKM — Thank you so very much for sharing this with us!! I did not get to watch on TV. But because of you with your very special ways of sharing it all, I feel like I was actually there with you.
) Quoting ‘Great Granny2C’ — “You done us Proud”.
You always have such a beautiful and expressive way with words, your articles and wonderful pictures are so informative, fun, and you so adorable, and kind to share all with us.
Thanks again for everything!!! BJinUtah
What a day for you and many Alaskans! Thank you for the coverage of the event and the pic’s.
I would never have pictured myself getting involved in politics. But Last yr.
when Sarah Palin gave her first speech to the American public a light when on in my mind. Then finding mudflats and other blogs got the fire started.
Yesterday as you all were lucky to have the great President visit your state I participated in my first ever protest rally for health care in Newport Beach Califonia home of the “very conservative” and a very red district in SoCal.
Here are some pic’s of the rally in front of Cong. Campbell’s office.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/-219114–.html?pic=1
I’m getting all teary eyed just thinking about your being in the presence of the President of the United States of America, especially THIS ONE!!! Talk about vicarious shivers up my spine! Reliable sources tell me that my congressman is working to get a visit to Buffalo from THE MAN. If it ever works out, perhaps you can send Brian the Moose (hey, my congressman’s name is Brian!) on a field trip to Buffalo, NY and this Mudpuppy will get that picture for you!
Congratulations on another EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!
What a thrill for all of you, but WH press pool?……….WOW!! Doesn’t get any better than that…for now….;)
I’m sure there will more of these in store for you AKM, as your destiny unfolds.
It sure is great to see good things happen for good people.
Now THIS is funny:
One of the Republican Party’s most respected and relied-upon consultants has serious reservations about Sarah Palin’s viability for office and took major swipes at Florida Senate candidate Charlie Crist, during an appearance at Bloomberg News’ Washington Summit Thursday.
Asked if former Gov. Sarah Palin, about to embark on a book tour, was she the future of the GOP, Castellanos was skeptical.
“[She's a] fascinating character and that is what the news loves to play,” Castellanos observed.
“I think [Obama] is stopping by Alaska as he begins this week-long trip to Asia.
I don’t think he is going to announce that he is resigning from politics,” he said, in reference to Palin’s abrupt resignation from office.
“I think it is going to be very tough for Sarah Palin, who has stepped back from the governorship under the explanation that her state would be better off without her, to now explain why the other 49 states would somehow be better off with her,” he concluded.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/13/castellanos-whacks-crist_n_356601.html
Very cool, AKM. It’s great that you got to go. I remember when I was six years old, my parents took me out to the airport because President Eisenhower was stopping there. We were way back in the crowd and my dad put me on his shoulders so I could see the president – it was a big deal even though my parents were democrats and hadn’t wanted him to get elected. So, I can just imagine how exciting it would be to see a president that you really supported and liked.
Too bad about Brain, but it made me laugh that they pulled him out and couldn’t figure out why you had it.
Military folks are smart, and have certainly noticed Parnell’s absence. I hope they help vote him out of office!!
Parnell declined the invitation, and it was a huge misstep in my opinion. No matter what political party, there are protocols, especially in the military. The ADN article quoted a military spouse, who skipped a test at UAA to attend the President’s visit. Surely the Associated General Contractor’s could have re-arranged their presentation schedule for Parnell. A true leader should be able to prioritize. What happens when other things come up, and doesn’t fit into Parnell’s “schedule” ??
bojoflo…
good for you, girl.
it’s empowering to get involved.
and i guess it’s time for another socal mudstock so that we can meet.
What if Brian went to Washington for a photo op?
Just wondering?
********bojoflo said. [You always have such a beautiful and expressive way with words, your articles and wonderful pictures are so informative, fun, and you so adorable, and kind to share all with us.]
i absolutely agree. akm uses words and a camera like Mozart used music and a piano.
Parnell’s absence is a disgrace — not to the beautiful state of Alaska, but to himself. Partisanship is not patriotic, parnell. Enough alliteration for the moment — GG is Ann’s new baby, and since that’s my baby sister’s nickname (some baby — she’s 50), I was hoping for a girl named GG. Wow.
Love the pawprints.
And you got to keep the pass. You can take a picture of Brian with the pass.
And you might be able to photoshop Brian in front of the President. He was there. He was just snoozing in your bag and missed the whole thing. You’ve got the secret service to vouch that he was there.
I loved President Obama’s speech. In these hard times of two wars, the military needed something to help them stay the course.
This was Parnell’s response to the Fairbanks News-Miner:
“I saw your column this morning about me supposedly snubbing Obama. I did not do that to the president and you made an assumption about what my choices were. My choice was keep my commitment to the contractors or sit and fill a seat for the president’s events. We were not permitted any civilian interaction. We were told there would be no greeting of the president nor talking with the president, I’d be filling a seat.”
—
Doesn’t he know anything about basic networking and protocol? “Filling the seat” was huge. Another dumb governor.
yup, that’s what Parnell is, a seat filler, glad he knows that too. =)
Parnell is a doofus and he embarassed Alaska. You’ve had enough governors embarassing Alaska. Replace him with someone you can be proud of.
akm….i just received a cc email from brian.
have you checked your emal?
he has a surprise for you
I second #27 LiladyNY. Every word, each picture captured my imagination. I had a great time! I even got to laugh at myself as my trunk latch has been hard to find on more than one occasion.
Parnell has just shown himself to be just another right wing republican liar (re:Lies and the Lying Liars who tell them). We can see Begich interacting with people, shaking hands. We can see Berkowitz, Sullivan and all the pols who went interacting with those they chose to. The pictures tell the truth. He thinks we are stupid!!! No vote from me- if I had any questions about his standards, they are answered now.
AKM – a White House Press Pool Pass! I’m just flabbergasted and proud all at once. What a day!
I wrote to the President this morning to apologize for my lame governor, senator and representative who did not get there to put their butts on the bleachers. They embarrassed and angered me and I sure wanted whoever reads those White House contact emails to know that most Alaskans are warm and hospitable. It made me feel a lot better – someone, somewhere knows that we think our Gov made a really bad decision not to go there to represent us!
Gov Parnell – you just dropped a whole lot of notches down the pole.
Parnell said “My choice was keep my commitment to the contractors”………what about his commitment to the people of Alaska that he supposedly represents? His choice to cater to those who undoubtedly make campaign contributions to Republicans is reprehensible and he obviously has little or no respect for the office of the Presidency, whatever his personal feelings are regarding Obama. I hope when re-election comes up, he finds himself on the losing end.
How exciting! Nice photos. Yes, the excuse Mr. Parnell made about just filling a seat. Well, he should have viewed it as filling an empty seat, being in the presence of the military, Armed Services committee, Veterans Affairs, and family members, with the priviledge of being together with them and the President.
His presence there would have shown his loyalty and support.
@ Marnie #11
“I am sure there were at least a few members of candidate Obama’s election staff who kept up with the flow of information that came from Alaska’s bloggers during the election.”
Marnie – there were! I can’t remember the screen name for the one I was absolutely was sure about, but there was no doubt in my mind that it was Obama staff. They even mentioned how much they liked their new boss after the election was won!
Cracks me up when Parnell emphasizes his commitment to contractors– I don’t know if I’ve ever had a meeting with a contractor where they showed up on time. Sometimes they don’t show up at all. They are one of the most unreliable groups in the world to meet with. Parnell thought it was so important to uphold his commitment to meet with contractors. But if he hadn’t shown up, it would have been totally normal by contractor standards. It insults the intelligence of Alaskans when Parnell fabricates such pathetic excuses.
Partisan Parnell whines that the President wouldn’t agree to some kind of meeting with a specified duration. But obviously Parnell would have met the President, scheduled meeting or not. This was a missed opportunity and a reminder that Parnell represents himself before Alaska.
I totally agree with the President’s priorities. He supports our troops and he prioritized his time in Anchorage for a family whose son had made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you, Mr. President. Our troops come first. Parnell should put himself in his place where he belongs. If I was President and I had limited time in Anchorage, I’d prioritize our troops too.
This comment is for the ‘Sullivan and Starr, we get what we vote for’ article. Comments don’t seem to be open with it.
I just asked Walt Monegan via a wall post on his FaceBook page if he was interested in representing Eagle River (where I also live) on the Assembly.
Headline: Pissy Parnell Pulls A Palin
Story: Who will be the next Gov of AK?
How fabulous for you!!!
AKM, thank you for sharing your day and photos. You made me feel almost like I was *there* .
Hmmm. Fill a seat. I didn’t notice Senator Begich filling a seat yesterday. He was constantly moving, greeting people, taking pictures with whomever asked him. As he walked past me, I just said Good afternoon, Senator Begich, Glad to see you here and shook his hand. He thanked me, said a few words then moved on to someone else. And that was good enough for me. I saw Ethan moving around and saw the Mayor come in wearing a jacket that I still am not sure what it was for. Is it just me or does anyone else think he looks like he has some kind of dark eye liner or something on? Didn’t see the Lite Governor although the President acknowledge him for being there. As for Parnell, your presence would have been greatly appreciated by those of us either in uniform, or those of us who wore it for so many years. It was a moment that you could have shared with us, but you chose not to.
AKM, real quick, was parked on a hill in my truck not long after I got it. Was leaving and someone was waiting for my spot. So I got it started, reached down and pulled the brake release, only to see the hood pop. Got out, pushed it down, got it, pulled the release again only to see the hood pop again as the person waiting is laughing. So I finally pulled the brake release, went on down the road, got out and slammed the hood again. It happens to the best of us.
I posted the below yesterday on ADN but earlier I had emailed something somewhat similar to the Governor’s office in Juneau. What is Parnell anyway, just another one of these wingnut polltical hacks?
“On November 17, 1974 President Gerald R. Ford visited Anchorage during a brief stop at Elmendorf AFB. He made a short address to Alaska during that occasion. At the time the Democratic party controlled most of the politics in the state. Proudly, the Democrats provided tribute to President Ford even though his party was in a state of turmoil and disgrace at the time. I just happened to be at Elmendorf then and was in attendance. I consider that experience to be one of the great honors of my life.
Today, president Obama visited Elmendorf in much the same manner as Ford did 35 years ago. Governor Parnell chose not to attend even though he is in Anchorage today. He felt compelled to shun our president. It seems that as Governor he could have rearranged his schedule. The AGC conference will last three days.
Perhaps there is some reasonable explanation. I certainly hope so, otherwise, this 70 year life long Alaskan will be deeply disappointed.”
@ St. Alias
No, there is not a reasonable explanation, just a really stupid & lame one:
http://newsminer.com/pages/full_story/push?blog-entry-Parnell+defends+decision+on+Obama+visit%20&id=4468859-Parnell+defends+decision+on+Obama+visit&instance=blogs_editors_desk
Lucky you AKM seeing President Obama and getting Top Secret paw prints.
Way to go Parnell. I bet you could have “worked” the room and the soldiers would have been more than happy to give you plenty of their time. You remember, those men and women who put themselves in harms way so you can have lunch with contractors that give money to your campaign. Hoo-rah!
Sorry! St. Elias, not Alias. The phonetic part of my brain was taking over. Or something like that.
Gov Parnell – you are acting like an idiot! You are representing the whole state, and everyone there would have noticed your attendance whether you got to speak to the President or not. Talk about losing a great networking event and photo op! I saved the word “moron” for Palin so I’m not ready to start calling a new Governor unpleasant names based on performance and behaviour, so get your shite together. I may even put my big sweet dog in the next Gov’s race – he has brains, heart and yes, even style so he’d outshine the last three knucklehead Gov’s.
I really want to have a governor who I don’t abhor, PLEASE?????
St. Elias:
I also attended a Ford Alaska visit and have fond memories. It was an honor. Ford healed and unified the United States.
Parnell prefers divisiveness. His actions speak for themselves. Too bad Parnell didn’t learn any lessons from Gerald Ford.
mlaiuppa Says:
November 13th, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Love the pawprints.
And you got to keep the pass. You can take a picture of Brian with the pass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great idea! Howz about Brian wearing the WH press pass…?
So glad the President paid you all a visit!
Have a great weekend everyone!
I’m in the spam filter! Someone send chocolate, please! Thank you.
Oh GAWD! I forgot how many creeps are here in the spam filter all trying to get out – even Al “this fugus is smarter then you” is in here still! Forget the chocolate, send a rope and a bottle of excellent Port! I’ll share the Port when I get out, promise.
Kudos to you, AKM. You have more than earned that coveted White House Press. Appreciate the report and photos. You represented all of us with distinction!!!
Yard Sign, popping the cork, taking a “little” sip, and oh yes, I’m sure I’ll find a rope pretty soon. Ah, here we go, enjoy! See you topside soon.
Didn’t know where else to put this, sorry if it doesn’t belong here, thought it would be of interest:
Levi Johnston’s Playgirl photoshoot was ‘fantastic’ and involves hockey stick, says manager
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/11/13/2009-11-13_levi_johnstons_playgirl_photoshoot_was_fantastic_involves_hockey_stick__manager.html#ixzz0WmSGMCHr
Still reveling. Obama in Alaska! Finally! And beamed directly and most perfectly to me in the slough via Mudflats!! Think I’ll just pop another cork! Cheers all.
akm, most excellent, felt like i was there.
had a good laugh at the last picture, it made my day.
your talent for writing has been a gift for the rest of us.
Good plan Moose Pucky – drink some before you send it down! Just don’t drink it all in honor of the President and AKM, I really need some to help fend off the trolls in here.
NY Dem,
The post with the wonderful pic of the girl on the shoulders of someone called “Waiting” is the open thread today. I would love to follow your link over there after I get rescued from the spam filter.
Thank you so much for the wonderful post and the wonderful pictures! Again, I am so happy for Alaska, and especially for those of you who got to be in attendance. It was hard to read all the comments this morning with tears in my eyes and flowing down my cheeks. Tears of pure happiness and gratitude for you and Shannyn and Celtic Diva and Gryphen, et al. I would like to think that my post on WhiteHouse.gov requesting they open it to the public and/or my encouragement for some of you to ask if they could had something to do with your getting to be there; probably didn’t but I’d like to think I helped since I owe all of you so much (and I don’t quilt, alas). I am so happy Brian got to go and hope he did wiggle his antlers a little for me. I think Brian would treasure that White House Press Corp pass forever. I too like the last photo! Have a wonderful weekend.
Oops, just backed up the comments to the link of Parnell’s response as to why he did not attend: and there are pictures of Sen. Begich with the President; the President working the crowd. And you know if President Obama had been told that the Governor of the state is here, he would have at least acknowledged that with a handshake, etc. So, is this the beginning of a list of lies by Parnell while in office? I am so sorry for you all.
I loved this AKM post. You made me feel as though I was there. Even though I live in the northeast corridor and always have, I have never seen a president…
Wow…White House Press Pool Pass!!! Congratulations, AKM, on making the Big Time! Woo hoo!
A well deserved honor, as this fabulous post proves. It reminds me of old television clips I saw when I was a kid. I don’t know if they were segments on the news or documentary-style shows but I seem to remember Walter Cronkite’s voice saying “And You Are There!” Your post made me feel just like ‘I was there’ !
Of course governor Parnell offered a lame excuse. He knows he made a mistake by not showing up.
We were lucky to see Obama speak at an outdoor rally here in Nashville. He was stumping for a democrat running for senator. Unfortunately the democrat didn’t win and we got Bob Corker (AKA Gomer Pyle) instead. Obama gave a great speech that day. This was after Obama’s DNC (2004) speech, but before he announced his candidacy for president. We didn’t know too much about him at that time. There was just the buzz about him from the DNC speech. We were glad we went.
AKM ~
Thank you so much for transporting me into the room with you. The closest thing to the chill you gave me was when i went to Asheville NC to see the Pope in the early ’80s.
Oh yeah ~ And i’m sorry your governor acts like an ass, sometimes.
@Laurie #89 ~
You’re right. Corker’s such a gomer.
Hooray! You got some great photos! It was such an amazing event, I’m glad that it was covered by some of the best media in our state (that would be you, Shannyn and Linda).
It’s unfortunate that our governor could be there. Yes, the event was rescheduled, but many of us made time to be there even though it meant breaking prior commitments. Perhaps one day we can have a governor who behaves like an adult.
Very entertaining report to read, AKM! One of my favorite images is you flipping through your field guide to identify that rare exotic bird….a Republican. LOL!
Best wishes for PO on his 8 day Asian trip. So glad he was able to meet Alaska’s “finest.”
Petty Parnell…..He won’t go far in his career if this is an indication of his character. Provincial jackass.
Parnell reminds me of that jerk relative that ruins a family gathering, even when they’re not there — because everybody is TALKING about him… (Can you tell my family put the “fun” in dysfunctional?)
Just enjoy the moment in your airplane hangar, AKM. Parnell will come slinking back when he realizes he needs to borrow your truck.
Great job AKM don’t feel to bad about the pop the hood,I used a friends car for my driving test and when they told me to turn the lights on and the wipers on I had no idea as I had never been in the car before,talk about embarrassing.When you get to washington can you use the press pass again?
Welcome to the world Glenna Gabriella Strongheart,boy I just love those names.
sorry forgot to put the Kegginacengaq after Gabriella
Look what I found:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/akmuckraker/going-rouge—an-american_b_357676.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/akmuckraker/alaska-governor-snubs-the_b_357225.html
AKM has her story on Parnell snubbing President Obama.
There are only a couple of dozen comments and some are not so nice. I hope everyone will get on over there and post some positive statements!
What a wonderful experience and a great souvenir! Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us. You are now officially a member of the WH Press Corps (at least for a time!)
My feelings on Parnell have pretty much been stated by many here. What a complete loser!
Re: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/akmuckraker/going-rouge—an-american_b_357676.html
I thought one of the first reasons Palin had given for the firing of Monegan was because he took an ‘unauthorized’ trip to DC to secure funding for sexual assault programs, (though later it was proved he HAD gotten signed off to do so).
I’ve met Obama several times back in Illinois when he was campaigning for Senate in 2004 and president last year. What struck me is how thin and almost frail he seems in person. Obviously, he’s not frail, but that’s what I came away with each time.
He gives a great speech and his smile – grin – is magnetic. Lights up the room, even large cavernous areas.
I’ve also met Bill Clinton. Now, there is SEX ON A STICK!
got yet another unique and lasting memory of the day – the apparently indelible paw prints of a bomb-sniffing dog on the upholstery of my back seat!
Better not let Buff get a sniff of that! She’ll be upset her mommy had another doggy in the car without her there!
Also…if I were you, AKM, I’d play your press pass letter/numbers as a lottery set. The “L” could convert to a number (12 for example), then play anagrams with the numbers.
I did that letter to number conversion for a group MegaMillions lotto pool using license plates of the pool players. Letters got converted to numbers using the 1-26 for the first time thru the alphabet, then 27-53 for a second letter/number pass. Your “L” would be either a 12 or a 28.
Upshot – we won $10000 for that draw the first time the converted plates numbers were used, then consistently won $10 – 150 on 7 other occasions…
AKM wrote:
Canon digital Rebel XTi. I’m actually (gulp) thinking about upgrading. Some of the cameras that were there had me salivating… and the lenses! I had “lensvy”. If it isn’t a word, it is now.
You can possibly upgrade the camera, but keep using your current lenses. There are a number of Canon cameras that use the same type of mount. Bring info on your lenses (model, type) with you if you splurge for a newer camera body and maybe a new lens, one you don’t have.
Forgot to ask in my post above, but why did Obama stop in Alaska? Was it to refuel AF1? Or, was he there to visit the troops? I remember that for many years, planes going across the Pacific from the East Coast routinely stopped in Anchorage to refuel.
I was reading the posts that came before mine and it reminded me again what a great impression Obama has made on most of the country. I wish there was some way to counteract the idjit “Tea Baggers”. I have to laugh when I read about the “hundreds of thousands, even a million or more” who supposedly showed up in DC on 9/12.
I was at the Inauguration back in January with my three young adult children – standing in the infamous “Purple Zone” – on the lawn of the Capital. Now, THERE were a couple of million people, of all colors, standing together, jumping up and down to stay warm, talking, laughing and crying, while our great country welcomed our new President.
Where are all of us today? Why aren’t we writing the newspapers in support of Obama and his administration? Maybe we should take to the streets, too..
RE: meeting with/being at press conferences of top politicians…
When I lived in NYC/LI areas from birth thru late 80′s, it wasn’t unusual for the leetle people to get to meet some big wigs. Until storage unit damages destroyed old photo albums, I had pictures of me with Jackie O & Caroline Kennedy, Ed Koch, Mario Cuomo, Geraldine Ferraro (worked on the VP run campaign w/ Mondale) and Bella Abzug (also worked on many campaigns for her; politics definitely miss her – she’d take out SP at 5000 miles!!!!).
There were also pix of me/family with John Lindsey (another NYC mayor, before Koch) from picnics he visited at Central Park and Prospect Park while campaigning/drumming up votes. You didn’t have the major searches/hassles then that are out there now.
Dang! I hate those storage unit folks for my lost treasures…sigh.
Our president seems to be a really nice man. I’m glad you got to see him.
ohoebes-in-santa fe…
i was in the purple people eater tunnel during the inauguration!
we gotta talk.
ohoebes = phoebes
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Polly, thank you for posting this, I had not caught it. Jeez, he says he’d just sit and fill a seat, blame game bell ringing going off, yes, it sounds so much like Scarah’s lame duck defense for quitting, wow and eh? And he considered himself as civilian access, he played that card, that’s too, too rich. Like deeeeeep fertilizer.
Uncanny resemblance to Scarah’s leadership on his part? YEAH! Do they talk policy, yes, I think they do.
Polly said: This was Parnell’s response to the Fairbanks News-Miner:
“I saw your column this morning about me supposedly snubbing Obama. I did not do that to the president and you made an assumption about what my choices were. My choice was keep my commitment to the contractors or sit and fill a seat for the president’s events. We were not permitted any civilian interaction. We were told there would be no greeting of the president nor talking with the president, I’d be filling a seat.”
Thanks AKM for your lovely narrative. It made me feel closer to the event and I’m sure it was a thrill for many, even those of us who experienced it vicariously.
Ryan #108
As a representative of the people of Alaska the governor should have attended this very rare event. It was an opportunity to take part in rally/event for the troops. What could be more important than taking part in a special event with the people who risk their lives for our country?
As for paying money to war fighters, the more I learn about the unique difficulties in the war in Afghanistan the more I see the usefulness of these atypical strategies.
Couldn’t it be considered like giving them a job and paying them for it? If a carrot gets the results we need, isn’t it better than a stick? I think you should do some research about these different strategies that have already been in practice for years.
I was shocked when I first learned that under the Bush administration, we were giving the Pakistan government millions of dollars to build up their military resources to fight the Taliban coming into their country from Afghanistan. The only problem was they have been using that money to build up equipment & resources to fight India instead. Apparently, very different training and equipment is needed for each of these conflicts. So all of the millions we have given them has gone to help Pakistan prepare to fight India.
I think this kind of thing is much more common than you think.
I need to go out and look for my hood release.
Fawnskin-mudpuppy@8.45p – I hope you check back this morning to read this!
The ONLY reason we weren’t trapped in the tunnel with a whole lot of other “Purple people” was that my two sons have lived and worked in DC for a few years now and know the streets around the Capital pretty well. We were able to cut some corners and go down some alleyways to get to the entry of the Purple Zone.
We were staying in a hotel out in Arlington and left very early for the Metro to cross the river into DC. Just our good luck, one of my sons flagged down a DC bus that was in the area that was taking people – for free – over one of the bridges to the Mall. We got off there and began walking towards the Capital. There were many volunteers along the way, smiling, and trying to be helpful, but when were approached the Capital, NO ONE, not the DC police nor the volunteers, knew the best way to the Purple entrance. Finally, we got to the entrance and went through the security post (we had already been through several security posts along the way). We stood there for another two hours before the ceremony – I had brought along a cane with a chair attached because I was still recovering from a broken leg from the summer of 2008. I was shocked they let the cane/chair through security but I guess I looked so pathetic that no one cared!
We had no idea then that so many people from the Purple Section were trapped in that tunnel. I later found out that my niece from NYC and her then-fiance were among those down there. We did have a great time, talking to the crowd, but we really couldn’t see or hear much. Some trees blocked our view of the jumbo tron and we were too far away to see the Capital steps too well. In any case, we had tons of fun.
After the Inauguration, my one son and I walked (I limped) a couple of miles to a Metro stop that was fairly far away – “East something” – and caught the train back to Arlington. Because the stop was pretty far from the action, there were plenty of seats, but the cars filled up quickly after that. I talked to two ladies who were distraught because they had tickets but didn’t get into where they were supposed to be, so they didn’t see or hear the Inauguration. I told them that in a couple of years they wouldn’t remember the details, but only that they were in DC with the happy crowds and so they “experienced” the Inauguration. They liked that interpretation.
If we had it to do over – and hopefully we will in three years! – we would have just stayed with the unticketed crowds on the Mall. The Jumbo trons were much more visible from there and the crowds just as enthusiastic.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
What for?
For always writing President Obama.
Some people call him Obama probably thinking…whatever.
But you refer to him as President Obama.
Makes me sit up straight and feel proud he is Our President Obama.
Itty
…radiating an enormous smile
LOL Love the paw prints on your car seat! Keep on barking.
@phoebes-in-santa fe A counteract to the “idjit ‘Tea Baggers’”
http://www.dogwalkblog.com/2009/04/19/the-most-offensive-tea-party-sign-ever/ Pee Party, voters with dogs. Pit-bulls get in free