The good news. I got to watch Bill's speech front row. Got to shake his hand. I told him we need the economy to be where it was when he was in office. He actually came back to talk to me. He is charismatic for sure.
The Clinton campaign wanted the HCDCC to help set this event up. We phonebanked and held media events to bring people out. We set up the venue under their directions. We manned the doors and did crowd control.
THE HCDCC DID NOT HAVE INPUT ON THE VENUE OR THE PROCEDURES TO ALLOW PEOPLE IN! THE HCDCC WAS NOT THE UNORGANIZED OUTFIT, THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN WAS.
The Franceschi Hall should have been used as it can hold a few thousand people. Redwood Acres Fairgrounds Map (The secret Service said they could not secure that hall. BS. They are right next to each other almost.) The front gate should have been the only way in. Go through the toll gate, get a ticket with a number. VIP and Media taken care of ahead of time!
I dropped my sister and friend Elizabeth around 3pm and were supposedly around number 200. I had other friends near them. Looked like they were going to get in. I went to a union meeting and came back around 4:30pm and there were thousands out there. When they cut off the line, my sister and Elizabeth said there were still hundreds in front of them from people taking cuts in line. Just not right.
I witnessed some political nepotism from the Clinton Campaign. The HCDCC people did not get to make decisions on who got in. I was a volunteer and helped set up the hall and was almost not able to get in myself! (We set up 400 chairs. There were at least 600 in the building. It was way over capacity.)
Ex President Clinton said when he came on stage that there were more people outside waiting than in the building, and that he experienced the same thing at Napa, and bragged about 8,000 people being at Davis and having to turn away 3,500 people.
To Bill. That is not good! That is disorganization! You left thousands of people pissed not to hear your message! And it was a good message! Is the Clinton campaign just that inept? They were told by our people that they were going to have a full house, and more. Too bad this happened.
In closing this rant. I sat with Shane Brinton. He had made a list of questions because the media said there would be a question and answer session. Mr. Clinton said on stage there would be a question and answer session. You guessed it, no question answer session. Poor Shane holding his questions ready to engage some dialogue. Don't say you are going to do something if you are not. This is politics, we get that enough already.
It could have been a great event. I am sorry, but my vote still is going to John Edwards.
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49 comments:
Thank you to the radio stations that gave us GREAT coverage from the comfort of our own homes. It was warm and the sound was in dolby digital stereo I am sure the Redwood acres mosh pit did not sound as good.
I don't think it was a FIASCO. Every person who went knew that the place would be too small. I am just sorry that the spoilers who crashed the line had to ruin it for the ones who planned ahead and camped out. There is always one bad apple and it is time to vote one out! After all is that not what this is about?
Bill gave a great speech. He was supposed to woo me toward Hillary. I supported Bill and phone banked for him. I am still holding out for Edwards. Maybe others there changed there mind. The energy there was mostly positive.
Bill and the Clinton campaign got what it wanted. Image. The image of a rockstar politician, the image of inevitable strength. In many ways it's more important than the stump speech itself. I mean, you and Shane probably won't vote for Hillary. But by attending the event you lend your body as a prop to help provide that image. They don't call him slick willy for nothing.
http://www.myrtletown.net/viewthread.php?Clinton_s_Eureka_Visit_A_Complete_Bust
It is marketing. You do not want a half-filled venue, you want a sold-out crowd.
Richard, you nede to lern how too spel. Their, I sed it.
Don't blame the HCDCC? Who organized? Who failed to control the lines, and who in the end allowed cheaters and cutters to enter rather than those who legitimately waited all day after taking time off from their jobs and families? The HCDCCC. They blew it. Big time.
8:39-Oops. There. I said it rite.
The responsibility for the cheaters is entirely on their heads. They all know better and did it anyway because they thought of no one but themselves. How many of them are parents? How sad to set such a terrible example. "I want what I want and will do what it takes to get it." (Basically spitting in others faces.)Zero integrity. To the folks who waited, froze and watched as others made pigs of themselves, Bless your decency I know you sleep well.
I saw a hcdcc person telling people to cut in line, some black woman...
we watched her get a couple younger girls in the door, many people cut the line.
at one point somebody handed out numbers only to find the hcdcc people telling (us) people they had not issued the numbers and wouldn't honor the numbers.
many other people politely waited in line for hours only to be turned away, many of them still holding numbers. I had been there since about 3:50 and did not get in.
our silver lining was, we did get to shake his hand when he arrived! Bill went out into the street before he entered the building and shook a lot of hands. we listened to him speak on the sound system outside.
it was cold, the Mocha Motion truck saved us with good coffee.
9:56am-Never really thought about it much until you said this, but there are no women of color currently on the HCDCC. A few Native Americans though.
If it would have gone off without a hitch the HCDCC would be breaking their arms patting themselves on the back,my # didnt come from a secret service person so Carol,Richard,greg allyou power couples when you fail accept resposibility and move on.
"I mean, you and Shane probably won't vote for Hillary. But by attending the event you lend your body as a prop to help provide that image."
I attend Green Party events too. It doesn't mean I endorse the Green Party. If Fred Thompson or Mike Huckabee came to town I would try to get in to their event too. Maybe in your book that counts as lending support. It doesn't really bother me.
That being said, if I had known that he wasn't going to take questions, I probably would have started shouting at him in the middle of his speech. I was being polite with the expectation that I would have a chance to ask my question. In the future maybe I won't mind my manners so much.
Who were these "VIP's" who gained entrance to this event? I understand special access the people who physically set up the event, the chair of the local dems. But with a capacity of 400... So what youre saying is maybe 200 people were from the public? Maybe? Fuck you.
After waiting in line for 4 hours, I was unable to see the President, something I am deeply disappointed in. First, I am disappointed in my fellow citizens (who cut in front of me to get in), for their selfishness and disrespect. And secondly I am disappointed in the HCDCC.
I believe the HCDCC folks were worried mostly getting themselves and their families/colleagues in, and put very little thought and effort into ensuring that those who came early would be treated fairly. They left it to the rest of us to sort it out. Sadly, the predictable result was a mob mentality.
I blame the HCDCC for selecting too small a venue for such an event. I understand that the Clinton people wanted to ensure a packed house, but to think that only a few hundred would show to see the President is absurd and frankly laughable (if it wasn't so sad). I am deeply disapointed.
3:10pm Read my post before commenting. The HCDCC did not pick the venue. The HCDCC did not pick the VIP's. The HCDCC did not set protocol or rules for the crowd.
The HCDCC was recruited to call democrats to let them know about the event. No reservations were taken. We set up chairs in the hall. Some of the HCDCC volunteered to check media passes and VIP's. Some walked the lines to make sure there were no serious problems. The HCDCC did what they were recruited by the Clinton campaign to do.
I am disappointed in you for being an anonymous Whinny Wiener.
That's telling them, Richard!
That's telling them, Richard!
Dear Anonymous Wheeny-Whiner,
The telephone number for Senator Clinton's regional campaign headquarters is 415-255-7431. The man who organized the event is a member of Senator Clinton's staff. His name is David Berman.
The local guys just showed up and did what David asked. All questions regarding President Clinton's visit to Eureka may be referred to him.
This reply is really not for you, but is for anyone who might take you seriously. Frankly the whole object of whistle-stop campaigns is to play to Sold-Out crowds. The Clintons are brilliant, really. But don't blame Richard and his local party chums.
Boy, for an event that was put on by the Clinton team there sure were a lot of people sitting front row who have publicly stated they will not be voting for Hillary.
Sure you want to stick by this fabrication that the HCDCC had NOTHING to do with this disaster?
5:14pm- You are a coward Anonymous. You must have not been there. Even Greg Conners was one of the staff walking the line.
You should seek help for an anger issue. If you would like to vent, call me and maybe we can meet regarding your comment.
6:32-HCDCC conspriacy? Interesting. We do have people all over the board with their favorite candidates. I was there to be swayed to Hillary. Bill made good points. But I am voting for Edwards this round. If Hillary wins? I will cross that bridge as it comes.
How can anybody say this event was a bust. It was fantastic and unfortunate. Fantastic in that it had a lot of enthusiasm and unfortunate that there was not enough planning for controlling a line coming in to the event
For a contrast at how Republicans have handled similar events try remembering when W. Bush ran the first time. His brother Jebs son was the featured relative of a presidential candidate and as a grandson Of Bush the first it seemed there was going to be a large crowd at Fortuna's River Lodge. Security was tight and the press was invited. The press had to stay outside.
To get inside you had to pay $200 and to get a picture with Bush's nephew would be an extra $100. Only about 45 people showed up. I would take the chaos with the large enthusiastic crowd at a Clinton rally any day as being representative of democracy.
You guys are unbelievable. I stood in line for hours after being told 400 would get in. At no time did the HCDCC come down the line and give us the straight dope. I talked to several news folks who made it in and they also say it was a circle jerk. Bill is a great speaker and a showman worthy of Barnum&Baliey. Even that did not balance out this typical HCDCC ego over substance flop. You show your true colors when you're willing to trample over the little guy just for a chance to let a big dog piss on you.
9:19pm- No straight information to pass. All these anonymous people must be Republicans spreading their hate. Democrats wouldn't stoop so low.
I needed to be entertained after a long evening working. It is good to read that Richard can spell it out an infinite amount of times, but still, the HCDCC takes the blame.
Richard, it is easier for Bud Selig to contract the Oakland A's than for you to convince these anonymous imps that in fact a higher authority had the hand on the planning(remeber the post at Eric's blog!). True, I am appalled by the way things went down, but after having time to think about it...what could be done with such short notice? It is clear that people in Hillary's campaign had no clue about this sparsely populated region of California, nor how the people would turn out in force just to see her husband.
How can anybody thinking clearly blame anybody from the HCDCC? Like I said on other threads, the search for the All-Scapegoat team continues.
-boy
Concur with Boy. Everyone who waited patiently had a chance to get it for at least a few minutes, take their camera phone pictures etc due to a sharp-thinking security guy at one of the door who rotated groups of people though. Everyone was polite, no one hogged. It was great. And quit bitching at the HDDCC . They had people calling the night before to get the word out. Guess they succ
eeded.
Finally, Some positive words. I am sure the HCDCC will revisit protocol the nexr time we see a president. But on such short notice and I remember all those that thought there was no way he would actually show, but he did! It was a day to remember.
Independent all the way fat boy. I hope to vote for Obama. If Hillary is the choice I might vote for McCain. Bill's speech was his typical powerful,touching.line of political PR. The girl scouts could give lessons on crowd control and planning to the very weak HCDCC.
Yeah, it would have been nice to see the HCDCC dressed in riot gear, and dispersing tear gas canisters into the crowd with children and people in wheelchairs.
It must be late, I am responding to Anonymous. (Excuse the sarcasm, Richard, but the image of Carol clobbering these anon imps with a baton is kind of funny)
Just get over it anons, if you did not get to see him, or whatever. It is over. The sour grapes are past the point of stinking up the joint.
-boy
Nice snow job on the other blogs Richard. The problem is, when you try and tell people that you almost didn't get into the event yourself, then boast and stick it in other peoples faces that you sat FRONT ROW.... Uh, yeah Richard. Nobody believes you!
Richard, your 9:30 post just shows your narrow mindedness and your insane loyalty to the Democratic Party. I am a little dissapointed in you but not surprised.
Richard, your attitude post-event can be summed up in one word: Smug.
Hard to believe that an event like this can bring out the worst in some people.
Rich got caught trying to pull a fast one! Nice!
1. Regarding the numbers: Someone in the line took it upon themselves to write numbers on pieces of paper and hand them out to the people in line. This was not done by the Clinton Campaign or the local dems.
2. Before the doors opened, I had to tell many friends that I could not let them in. It wasn’t my decision to make. I had to tell them to go stand in line.
3. We were asked to volunteer to help with set-up and run the event. Sure as workers, we were given a place to sit. I didn’t have a place to sit, until one of my fellow democrats gave me a chair. Greg and I were outside working with the fire chief counting people to let them in up to the last minute. The YouTube video that is floating around the internet was Greg, trying to let more people in under the instruction of the fire chief, and the building was already at its legal limit by then.
4. VIP’s include elected officials that were democrats; also at least one tribal leader of a sovereign nation was on the VIP list.
5. Several of our folks walked the line, although not all the way to the barns, and told people what they could/or could not bring in. The Clinton people were outside working the crowd as well.
6. Regarding family members of workers being allowed in, I did bring my 13 year old daughter and her friend. The kids helped where they could. Her school was very supportive of her opportunity to help with the event – a once in a lifetime opportunity.
7. The only exception that I requested to be let in, and it was granted, was for a female WWII Veteran.
8. When people told me that other people were sneaking into the line, I alerted Greg and the others. Al, many people in line would point out the “cutters”. Greg wouldn’t let them in.
9. When we ere told there was a limit, the sheriff’s deputies and fireman allowed people to come though the foyer and take pictures. I believe it was the fire chief who opened the side door, so that the folks outside could look in. There were speakers set-up outside so people could listen, and at the last minute, another building was opened, so people could listen.
10. All and all, the event was pulled-off and a success. You can download the entire speech off the Time Standard website. Be careful: it took over an hour to download it on our home computer, but it is something we can put on a DVD and save for prosperity.
11. As a former choir director, one thing I have learned, no matter how much effort one put’s out, ½ of the people will hate what you do, but then the other ½ of the people will love what you do. Such is life.
12. And the bottom line, now matter what political party you are in or not, GOTV – Get Out The Vote! You have the Power!
When setting up chairs for the event, the HCDCC blocked off the front two rows. You didn't think we would have reserved the back rows did you?
My sister and her friend did not get in.
The TS followed up this morning in good fashion.
Man I hate cowardly anonymous wieners.
It is like the song that goes, "Pick your self off, dust your self off, start all over again."
Bill Clinton almost quoted that song correctly and I resisted correcting him and sing along. It would have been cool if the choir could have joined in to finish the song. It was like a revival meeting.
In 1992, I voted for Jesse Jackson in the Primary, partly because of his sing/song, pre-rap quality of his public speaking and for being a leader in the civil rights movement. Then I voted for Bill Clinton in the National Election.
"Man I hate cowardly anonymous wieners".
Well Richard,you can take comfort in knowing you can't possibly hate as many people that hate you.
XOXOXO
Claire Iris Says:
Jan. 17, 2008 at 3:15 pm
What a great crowd! After hearing about the people lined up for hours with chairs and blankets I reluctantly gave up on the idea of seeing Bill. But my son called me and told me to go anyway. So I just drove over there around 6:30, heard him introduced on the radio, parked right in front of the entrance and then, when I got into those large throngs of people I was gently pushed forward so the I could see and take photos. The crowds at all the entry points rotated people to the front and it was very moving! I heard and saw Bill and I think he made lots of good points for Hillary and he looked smashing, but I came away aglow with kindness of the Humboldt county folks. Thank you!
I would have said that anon needed Haldol, Eric.
-boy
Since this was a Democratic Party wing-ding, I think that the HDCC has to take some of the blame, even it was the Clinton people who were in charge. And of course, all the Secret Service protection is being paid for by our tax dollars. What a waste of money.
How about if I take the blame?!
It's ALL MY FAULT!
Everybody happy?
I hope you were snickering when you wrote that Eric. These anons have gone way past pathetic, and are now entering "undiscovered territory"
Clinton coming to town was rare and important for Humboldt County. What happened at the rally was also important to Humboldt County, not to our benefit, but to our detriment.
I would like to address both.
The disorganization of the rally was deplorable. Who is to blame?
-Clinton's campaign for undoubtedly creating the situation for political gain.
-The people, who although playing by the rules given to them, cheated out many who heeded the terms 'first come first serve'.
-All local law enforcement. The situation was obviously playing out poorly, and there was no president yet to gaurd. But no peace officers took it upon themselves to keep the peace. Starstruck like everyone else?
-The people who were waiting in line, saw a problem, and did nothing. This is the group that I am in. I deserve blame too as I saw this unravel yet did little but protect my 'section' of the line.
-Lastly but surely not least responsable is the HCDCC, who has been pointing fingers and saying 'poor us, we are just a phone bank and bystanders'. If that is true you got played like a fiddle and must at least own that. But that is not it. I called, coencidentally, right after you revieved comfirmation. I asked specifics and was told 'fist come first serve'. Now I will show you your own words:
"Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the first-come-first-serve event, but with a capacity of 400, those who want to be assured of a seat might want to get there even earlier, said Milton Boyd, chair of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee. " http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_7984746
So I am making a call to the local democratic leadership to own up to thier responsability. You did not state 'cattle call' in your press dealing. You said 'first come, first serve'. YOU MADE A CLAIM YOU DID NOT HONOR. It was your name in the paper, and you were positioned to get the glory. Time to be LEADERSHIP and own up to what happened.
Now for the good that occured.
-We showed a political figure-head that Humboldt County is ready to engage and be engaged in the national dialogue.
-Clinton addressed a few issues specific to rural California.
-We DID NOT riot.
-The wait in line was actually a valuable and posative experience. I wish I had more e-mails from my section.
-Secutiy and local law enforcment, during the speech, did EXCELLENT. This includes allowing many outsiders to get a glimps of the President.
-The production inside the building was great, including the Interfaith Gospel Choir!
-This is an opportunity for the local democratic party to learn from thier mistakes so that, if we become politically relevant, future productions will be more seamless.
Thank you for the time taken to read this. I posted this on another blog so I apologize if you saw this twice.
Agreed. It's Eric's fault.
"radical left...Times Standard"?
Yes. And the Eureka Reporter is moderately left.
And the NCJ and Arcata eye are?
NCJ is left leaning but fair. It's a far cry from it's Earth First Gazette status of several years ago. No one reads the Eye.You can stick your head in the sand up to your ass if you like but the T.S. is still a liberal rag.
I read the Eye.
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