I'm having dinner with Gert and Wes Clark, and Bill Clinton Saturday night

[Rowdyboy]

Its the "Red Jacket Ball" in Little Rock and Gert is the guest of honor for her charitable works. The Big Dog (aka Bill Clinton) is guest speaker. Grey Goose provides the martinis and dancing follows dinner.

My guy and I are ACTUALLY going to meet Bill Clinton, and Wes and Gert Clark! We're REALLY excited beyond belief!

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Take pics and post them!!!

[Rowdyboy]

4. We're buying our first digital camera tomorrow.....

Hope they let us take pictures!

[Cha]

40. Take the new camera in

just in case they let you. I went to a concert once and we were told no pictures but I took mine and it turns out we were allowed to after all. Many didn't bring their's and they were Bummed!

Congratulations are your fantastic dinner invitations, Rowdyboy!

[Rowdyboy]

50. We don't even have the camera yet (its a LONG story), but we plan to buy

one in Little Rock. I'm really pumped!

[snowbear]

56. YES -- take LOTS of photos if you can !!!

[CarolNYC]

44. Hey Rowdy, good for you!

Have fun!! You'll love having a digital camera too. :)

Do make sure that you give us your report -- with pictures...

And I'm oh so jealous too....

I almost got to meet Clinton when he was to give a lecture at the Learning Annex in NYC but then he had the heart operation just a few weeks before it was scheduled and they never did reschedule....I've met Wes and Gert a number of times...You'll love them.

[Rowdyboy]

51. I heard Clinton speak one magical day inOctober 1992-Jackson, Mississippi

about a month before he was elected. He knew he had it won, and stopped by the heart of Bush country where he recieved a HUGE welcome. Yeah, he did lose the state, but by FARRRRR less than he lost Nebraska, Utah, Idaho, etc. Bill was competitive here.

When he spoke that day, I was entranced. I'd followed his career for years, but hearing him in person was something entirely different.

Meeting him in person would be something very different. Not sure yet how I'll handle it.

[LA lady]

2. very cool

I had an invite (son worked for Mike Ross) but it's Father's Day weekend so am not trying to go.
Have a great time.

[Rowdyboy]

5. Enjoy Fathers Day! Wish I'd had a chance to meet you....

[drm604]

3. That's fantastic.

Can you tell us about it afterwords? Maybe you can post some pics.

[Rowdyboy]

7. Oh, trust me, I'll post about meeting Gert, Wes and Bill!. Try to stop me!

We're buying our first digital camera tomorrow and hope to get some shots.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

8. Lucky you! I would be excited too! I am sure we'll all be looking

for any update, please provide!

I would try to think of what you would say if given the chance to speak to him, or that tongue tied thing could take over!

[Rowdyboy]

12. My partner and I have been talking about that for the last week.....

Every night the answer is different. Tonight, I'd say "Mr President, you made me proud to be an American, a Democrat and a southerner. Thank you."

[I_Make_Mistakes]

16. You made me spit laughing out loud sorry! That would

be my tongue tied line, but you need to get remembered by saying something memorable (funny works big time), and I personally, would diplomatically ask what the Hell can we do to restore this country to her Glory! Ok, I would just pretty much ask that, I figure he really does care about this country and in my experience the big shots like to get down to business because their azz is getting kissed 24/7 and candor is a breath of fresh air!

Once again, have a great time and don't forget the update!

[Rowdyboy]

17. You know, I swing back and forth...Why on earth waste an opportunity

with such a trivial statement?

I'm truly open to suggestion.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

18. Get Rowdy Rowdy boy!

I mean think about it, Mr. Pres. this/that, HE is a person, I have been in the most tense corp. settings and just let it fly.

This is a good story. OK my name spelling recall is not good, so the VP of Structured Finance (hi up) Syaad was a tough guy, not bad, but people feared him. That dept. made like 90% of the corp. income and I was their system designer.

It was a systems setup were we needed complete control of the system for < week/month (we were the highest priority), so the Accounting VP also had priority status (#1 for the rest of the month, when we didn't need it).

Ok, we are in crunch time, I burned favors to get the highest priority avail, then Accting did the same, which basically nullified our situation. We have to meet with Syaad (I know the spelling is wrong but can't figure out), and it's panic for them (I was a consultant from the parent co. so, my job wasn't in jeopardy) and after explaining the situation he said "We can't have this", I said look Syaad, "I agree, but systems can't fix this problem, you and x are both VP's screaming for top priority, you need to meet with x and come to an agreement as to what would be the most beneficial to the corp". People were freaked cause little low on the totem pole me actually told him, he had to fix the problem and he said "You are right!", that was it, problem got solved, but for the next week all I heard was "You said that to Syaad!".

People are just people, BC is beloved as a person, I think he would just love to be treated as that
neighbor people love to talk to. That's what I would do, just be you and if there's something you need to express or ask just do it!

[libodem]

6. very cool

[Ilsa]

9. Oh man, I am so envious! I love the Clarks!

I think Wes Clark is the man who could actually get the US out of trouble in the ME, the budget, etc.

I'm looking forward to seeing your pix, and make sure we some of you and your best guy.

[Rowdyboy]

15. I'm really excited....We've never done anything like this before but

this was just too much and too close (geographically) to pass up.

I'm actually gonna meet these people that I admire so much.

[windbreeze]

23. The first time I met Gen.Clark.....

I had traveled across country in January (with a snow storm chasing me the whole way)from Wa. to NH. but when I came face to face with him and was actually shaking his hand, (warm hands, with a very firm grip)my mind went blank...all the words I had rehearsed a million times, evaporated into thin air...He has a way of looking at you, as though you are the only person in the room, and there is no doubt that you have his full attention...Meeting Gen Clark and Gert, IS quite the experience...I have yet to meet Clinton, but I know those who have...and it seems there are always comments made about his hands....

You haven't even begun to realize just how fortunate you are....yet...just wait..learn how to work that new camera real good...because you are going to enjoy every picture you take, over and over, even after you come back down to earth out of the clouds...
windbreeze

[Totally Committed]

27. self-delete

[LaPera]

10. What's the old Big Dog charging to speak these days 'bout 100K per dinner?

[Rowdyboy]

13. Its a charitable thing honoring Gert Clark for her work in Little Rock

Tickets were $150 each (we bought 2 and received credit for a $220 charitable donation. I'd say Bill did this one from the goodness of his heart).

To actually see the man on his home turf is going to be incredible.

[Adelante]

25. Lifetime service award, as I understand it

Having to do with her long experience in improving health and human services for the armed forces over the years. Something like that.

Damn, Rowdyboy, this sounds like supreme fun :)

[deaniac21]

26. It's for City Year part of Clinton's Americorp. I'm sure he isn't

being paid.

[johncoby2]

11. PLEASE tell either one of them that.............

John Cobarruvias, in the NASA area, Houston, said hello!

[Rowdyboy]

14. Hey, I'll be there for you....I'm really psyched...I heard Bill speak once

about a month before the 1992 election. In early October he spoke in Jackson Mississippi to a HUGE crowd. He didn't win the state, but he ran closer than anyne expected!

[FrenchieCat]

19. You lucky RowdyBoy!

How Awesome! :thumbsup:

<---GERT CLARK

[juajen]

20. Beautiful pictures!

Aren't we lucky to have them in the Democratic Party? Wish Hillary was with them on that night; then, we could have the future Pres. and V.Pres. Aha, I snuck that one in. Or, maybe she is?

[Adelante]

32. I am sure Hillary would be a fine VP choice for Wes

:D

[Totally Committed]

36. Don't go there....

please.

TC

[Adelante]

37. A joke

Nothing more.

[Totally Committed]

39. ...

:puke:

TC

[Pierogi_Pincher]

21. Classy! My hope has sprung eternal! n/t

[Totally Committed]

41. Every time I look at this post, one thought comes to mind --

What a gorgeous couple! Man, inside and out... those are two beautiful people!

TC

[Eurobabe]

22. Oh, you SO suck!!! just kidding!!

Just envious...tell Wes that Dakota and the 'Clarkmobile' are now stumping back in Deutschland for '08. I left this week, can't deal with shit going on in USA. Rallying the overseas Dems.

Have fun!!! I'd love to meet the Big Dawg someday, my daughter met him at Georgetown and said he's quite tall and had very soft hands (maybe that's why the ladies like him, LOL)

[MuseRider]

24. Have fun and report

as soon as you can.

I met Clark and spoke with him briefly, he is very intense.

[Totally Committed]

28. I SO look forward to hearing your report!

Wes and Gert are an amazing couple. Her own humanitarian work is what's getting her this award, so she is obviously a woman who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. They would do us proud in the White House.

Can't wait for your post about your meeting!

TC

[Crunchy Frog]

29. You have my eternal jealousy.

Have a great time and please post about it in the Clark forum as well as in GDP, so that we can all read about it without it getting drowned out by everything else.

Can't wait to hear about it. :hi:

[Adelante]

30. Hey, Crunch

I hear Wes will be in Colorado 7/19 - campaigning for Jay Fawcett. I don't know where in CO, though.

[Crunchy Frog]

33. And I'm in NY state.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[Adelante]

34. Damn, I thought you were back in CO

Tom and demokitty are going to see Wes in Manhattan for a Massa fundraiser. Maybe you can hook up.

Well, we're OT here :hi:

[BOSSHOG]

31. I'm so damn jealous

I met Bill Clinton in 78 when he was Governor. What a very nice person. I hope you get your picture taken with him. Great to see your name posted Rowdy. I'm mostly an early day poster.

[ChipsAhoy]

35. Ditto! I'd love to meet them ------

ESPECIALLY the Clarks! How very cool. Please provide us with details later this weekend. :)

Wes! Wes!! Wes!!!

W'08

[redwitch]

38. Have a fabulous time!

Redwitch is green with envy! :hi:

[guinivere]

42. Shut up! That's awesome.

We will want a full report on our desks asap. With plenty of details.


Have fun.

[Joey Liberal]

43. Good for you! n/t

[nolies32fouettes]

45. then tell Hillary that she sucks for meeting with Rupert of FOX network

After they smeared Kerry and Murtha does she really think they'll give her a pass?

[bdamomma]

46. Wow that's great

fill us in after. that's just great, Wes Clark, he seems to be such a good guy.

[ArkySue]

47. Rocking!

I'm going too! Definately bring your camera!
I had the honor to attend an event last fall with all three of them. Ultra cool! I even got my picture taken with both Bill and Wes but the guy taking the picture screwed it up. That was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Sigh...

[Rowdyboy]

49. Any possibility we could meet you guys before or maybe sit together?

Michael and I are boring as shit southern men, 52 and 57, but we don't act our age. I promise we won't embarrass you (much).

I've never actually met another DUer before. That would be wonderful.

[ArkySue]

54. Cool

That's my blurry pic in the other post. My friend from NV is coming too. Maybe we can meet up at the reception.

[Rowdyboy]

57. Hope to see you there.....

We're leaving in just a few minutes!

[PWRinNY]

48. Well I haven't met Clark but

prepare to be positively overwhelmed by Clinton. I was nervous as a ninny, but he was so friendly and down-to-earth, what a great guy. It was truly the experience of a lifetime. I'm so excited for you!!!

[ArkySue]

55. Wes Clark

is very friendly and a down to earth guy. Smart as a whip and a good sense of humor too. Color me impressed.

[snowbear]

52. You are so LUCKY !!

I got to meet General Clark and Gert and they're incredible! But you get to meet the Big Dawg too !?!? -- What an AWESOME line-up!!

I tried to vote this up, but I haven't been here in a couple days and I got that nasty little line that says..

"Error: you can only recommend threads which were started in the past 24 hours"

Shame on DU'ers for not giving this a "High Five" vote when they had the chance!

[Rowdyboy]

53. What a sweet thing to do....Thank you....We're really excited......

We're about 5 hours away from Little Rock and leaving as soon as we get up in the morning.

I think I need to go to bed now.....What sweet anticipation....

[donsu]

58. ask Bill why he hangs out with poppy?

nt

[MODemocrat]

59. Envy is eating me up; but have a good time and think of me

I'd be excited too. It would be a dream come true for me. Meeting President Clinton is something I've wanted to do for years.

[FrenchieCat]

60. Makes sure you come back and post a report, hear? n/t

[ArkySue]

61. I went, it was great!

I'll post something tomorrow. (they had free martinis) didn't run across Rowdyboy....but I didn't think I should run around saying I was looking for "Rowdyboy" if you see what I mean.

[Rowdyboy]

64. Hi Sue, and everyone! Just been back a couple of hours.....We had

a fabulous time. I did actually ask one woman if her name was "Sue" because she really resembled the photo you posted. She was really nice, but said no, she wasn't....We sat with a man who had campaigned with Clinton in a 1966 Democratic governor's primary. Wes and Gert were EVERYTHING I expected and the Library is phenomenal. I wrote 4 pages longhand of memories, quotes etc on our drive back and I'll try to get a more informative post up ASAP. Right now though, we're worn out. Its about a 6 hour drive each way.

[CarolNYC]

70. Hey Rowdyboy!

Glad you had a good time...I'm also glad you checked in. I knew you guys had a long drive and I feel better knowing you made it back OK. :)

[Totally Committed]

62. Anybody seen or heard from RowdyBoy today

about his meeting with the Clarks last night?

TC

[FrenchieCat]

63. still Waiting!

Maybe he liked the Free Martinis a lot? :shrug:

[Rowdyboy]

67. Hi Frenchie!

We're back, totally exhilerated and exhausted. I'm gonna cross-post soon on GD Politis and the Clark forum so you'll see it! It was a dream, but rough on us physically.

[FrenchieCat]

68. Ok....my Friend, I'm checking for updates......

and found this "teaser"!

Glad to hear that it was marvaaaalous....and will be waiting for more adjectives! :thumbsup:

[Rowdyboy]

65. Hi, my friend.....

We're back with lots of stories! Will post as soon as we recover. I have 4 pages of notes just of my observations (and I wrote small!)

[Totally Committed]

66. Okay! Rest up...

I can't wait to hear all about it!

TC

[Rowdyboy]

77. I FINALLY posted, both in GD-politcs and the Clark group....We had SOOOO

much fun I can only begin to tell you.

on edit: I meant this to be a pm, not a post. Hopefully this old thread can die now.

[Tom Rinaldo]

69. A taste from the Eric Massa fundraiser held in NYC last night.

We are involved in an endless War for nefarious purposes. There hasn't been anything like this since the founding of our Republic, in my opinion".

General Wesley Clark
NYC 6/19/06

That is how our good General started out his comments at the Eric Massa fundraiser held in Manhattan last night. Unfortunately I don't have time to blog about it, we got home after midnight and I am packing to very shortly leave on a trip, but I wanted to make sure this quote got recorded. Clark said that when he heard in 2002 that Karl Rove planned to run Bush as a War Time President for re-election (Eric Massa used the word "re-selection" in his comments by the way), he immediately put that together with the PNAC plans for multiple military conquests that his military contacts had told him about. When told the Administration wanted War with Iraq, Clark said he asked Why, and Generals he knew said "Sir, when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail." They knew it was a mistake according to Clark.

Clark said the War on Terror was the perfect war for Republicans to attempt to twist to their political purposes: "They can't say when it is going to end, and if you oppose them you are called "unpatriotic", and advocating for "cut and run". He said: "Sending our young people to War, except as a very last resort, is Unwise, Un-patriotic, and Un-American."

General Clark and Commander Massa are both clearly furious over how this Administration misuses our military. Our good Commander Massa last night said, among many wonderful things, "Questioning of Government Officials is not dissent, it's the way things are meant to work."

The friendship these men have for each other is something wonderful to be in the presence of. When Eric made his comments, he delivered Democratic Fire and Brimstone onto the Republicans running our nation aground, and Wes was standing off to the side through all of it, grinning from ear to ear, watching his friend get worked up into a righteous fury.

I have to sign off now, sorry I can't write more about the night, but it was great! Carry on the fight, I'll check in from the road.

[Eurobabe]

72. Awesome Tom, thanks for the report!

Wish I could have been there..

[windbreeze]

73. Thank you Tom...

I wasn't there....but I can get a visual very easy, from your words...
wb

[FrenchieCat]

75. I'm doin' lotsa waitin' round here!

Y'all hurry up and get some rest and come back....hear?

[CarolNYC]

76. heheh Frenchie...

The poor guy's got four pages of handwritten notes to go through, make some sense of and type up...Could take a while...but will be worth the wait, I'm sure....

[itcfish]

71. Lucky You

Give Bill and West a big wet kiss from me. LOL

[midnight]

74. Rowdyboy can you ask our President Clinton why

he does commercials with Jr.'s dad. or why he has to play golf with him. It just makes some of us, well, wonder. Find out what you can. I know you have business to take care of.