Just back from John Edwards 54th birthday party in Chapel Hill this afternoon

[mnhtnbb]

Featured: Brad Miller, Democratic Congressman NC--being touted
as possible Dem candidate to run against Sen Elizabeth Dole

Elizabeth Edwards

Dean Smith--venerable Basketball Coach of Tar Heels and longtime
supporter of John Edwards

John himself in shirt sleeves

There were several hundred people present on a hot Sunday afternoon
seeking shade under the blooming magnolias of the Best Western motel grounds
on Hwy 54-- soon to be converted to condos. Hot dogs, barbecued pork
and coleslaw were served up to bluegrass music.

When John took the stage he talked about Bush--called him
a bully who will have to be forced to end the Iraq War--and a guy who will
never admit a mistake. He talked about the responsibility of Congress to stand up to Bush. Edwards promised--to loud cheers--on his first day as president to close Gitmo.

He talked about spending money on primary education for children
around the world, instead of spending money on war.

He talked about the US becoming a leader again--a moral and just
leader--and leading on issues of global warming. Reducing greenhouse gases,
building the most fuel efficient vehicles in the world in union plants in the U.S.

He talked about universal health care. He talked about living
wages.

He talked about Americans being asked by their president to be patriotic about something other than war. He talked about the need for ALL of
us to participate in bringing back the moral and just leadership of the U.S.
He invoked JFK "Ask not what your country can do for you" and Gandhi.

He asked for the help of all of us.


It was a good speech, a responsive crowd. All ages, but
very white. Entry fee was $15/person.

My husband and I came away agreeing with what he had to say.

:party:

[liberalnurse]

1. Did you get any pictures?

I love these events! It sounds like John Edwards scored big! :bounce:

Thank you for sharing.

[mnhtnbb]

2. Sorry, no pix. News crews from all the local channels were there so I'll look for video links.

[mnhtnbb]

20. No video, but here's the story from WRAL. Attendance of 500

sounds about right, but it was NOT a predominantly college age crowd.
Lots of 30-50's and also many I would guess 60+.

http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/1488833/

[mnhtnbb]

3. This is the second time I've heard him speak in person. He really is very charismatic--

even dripping sweat as he was today. It was HOT!

:kick:

[liberalnurse]

4. I saw him several times during the 04 Campaign....

He is best friends with our now Ohio Democratic Chairman, Chris Redfern....so the first fundraiser Chris had in 06....He had John Edwards. It was a blast!

I'm lousy with a camera...I have more....This one has Chris and John in it.

[MannyGoldstein]

5. As Hot As Iraq?

Was it as hot as Iraq, where the men he sent into an asinine war are patrolling in body armor that makes it even hotter?

Did they invite the many folks made homeless by his vote for job-obliterating permanent 'free' trade with China?

[dsc]

7. It probably was about as hot here as Iraq

We hit the mid to upper 90's.

[Catchawave]

8. Probably not as hot as Iraq, and everyone was invited....

You were too :party:

[mnhtnbb]

15. It was 110 in Baghdad today.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxdetail/IZXX0008?from=36hr_fcst_business

[Fridays Child]

6. How dare that man have a birthday party...or a haircut.

Just kidding. Lucky you! I saw him, in 2004. He's quite charismatic. :thumbsup:

[Catchawave]

9. Thanks for the party gossip :)

There's a bunch of DUers who were there today...I'm so jealous! I know one is going to put up a special photo/video diary up tonight on Dkos, I'll keep an eye out for it, and post to your thread.

Sounded like you had a really nice time, thanks for sharing :D

[mnhtnbb]

12. Great! Thanks.

[polichick]

10. Menu sounds yummy, but...

Did you get CAKE?!?! :)

[mnhtnbb]

11. No cake! But John's mother's recipe for pecan pie was handed out!

[polichick]

13. Mmmmmmmmmmmm

Pecan pie!

What a fun event ~ makes me want to go to one. Haven't seen one of the candidates since Dean's wild and crazy rallies.

[mnhtnbb]

14. I promised hubby I'd make the pecan pie for Father's Day next week.

[polichick]

16. Pie is a great father's day idea...thanks!

My husband loves key lime pie, the tangy ones with real key limes ~ maybe I'll do that.

[Catchawave]

18. You can bake two :)

Psst, I hear many mention that a great secret ingredient to pecan pie is a splash of bourbon :party:

[ClassWarrior]

17. I figured they'd be serving it. They had a big email fundraiser...

...last week asking people to donate in exchange for the pie recipe.

NGU.

[Catchawave]

19. I love it, creative fundraising is a huge success for

all the candidates on the net'roots.

[caligirl]

21. I don't miss the searing heat and humidity of that area. thanks for the post.

[unc70]

22. Was there, too. Much cooler today. Still hot.

It was hot Sunday night, but not brutal like it was Friday and Saturday.

Agree it was really not a student crowd, the majority weren't that local either. (I am really local, about two blocks.) I was surprised to meet people from Fayetteville, Rockingham county, Wadesboro, and John's parents and a bunch of their friends. Wish I could have met some of you.

John and Elizabeth spent a lot of time working the rope line, posing for pictures. I started to worry that Elizabeth was getting tired.

[GeorgeGist]

23. Did he reveal when...

America's leadership was moral and just? Or did he just blow more smoke in your face?

[waiting for hope]

24. I wish I was there!!!

Would have only been a three hour drive but I have two young ones and didn't think that getting back so late would have been good for them. I'm so happy you went!

[mnhtnbb]

25. Here's a link for some photos from the picnic

Scroll down

http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/6/10/10646/7882

[dflprincess]

26. This is what bugs me about John Edwards -

he's 17 days older than I am and looks 10 years younger. I hate him. (only joking - I haven't picked a candidate yet, but he's on my "I could support him list).

[venable]

27. I was there, too. Great event.

and I met Dean Smith!!! another great American.