Going to see the prez Thursday!

[cyberswede]

President Obama will be in Iowa City this Thursday to talk about Health Care. I just got the call tonight that I got tickets to the event! I was there in 2007 when he announced his plan (also in Iowa City) - it's cool to be able to see him again.

I'm thinking of taking my 9 year old son, even though he would need to miss school. Would it be worth it?

[Thrill]

1. Yes. Its ok to miss one day of school to see the President

How many chances do you get to do that?

[cyberswede]

6. Right on - thanks!

Actually, in Iowa we get lots of chances to see and meet candidates. Seeing the actual president is less common, though.

I saw Clinton while he was president (really fun event). My kids and I met John Edwards (before he was totally disgusting), and a bunch of my coworkers gave Obama a tour of our Univ. lab facilities when he was a candidate. Joe Biden was a speaker at our county dem recognition dinner when he was running before the primaries (I sat next to Sen. Tom Harkin), and I sat in the front row when Bill Richardson was running for the primaries.

Still , it seems special to see Obama, especially now that HCR has passed.

[gateley]

2. Yes! It will be something he will remember forever. He'll forget Thursday

at school by Friday! What an opportunity for the both of you -- have fun!!

[cyberswede]

10. Thanks!

You're right - this is a unique opportunity. :)

[kestrel91316]

3. TAKE THE KID!!!! He'll never forgive you if you don't.

[cyberswede]

11. You're right

Even if he doesn't realize it yet. :)

[mattvermont]

4. take your son

and any of his friends... Any political or socially relevant event trumps school always, in my book

[cyberswede]

12. I wish I could take more kids!

There was a lottery - 2 ticket limit. As it is, I can't take my 7- year old daughter. :(

[Rhiannon12866]

5. Congratulations! That's incredibly cool!

And, by all means, take your son! It'll be something he'll never forget, unlike one day of school... Definitely an educational experience, and a chance of a lifetime. I was more than twice voting age when I saw President Clinton speak in person and it still gives me a thrill! :woohoo:

[cyberswede]

13. Clinton

When we saw Pres Clinton, the friend who was with me said, "He's totally naked under his clothes." LOL

We had a great time - he was a great speaker!

[Rhiannon12866]

17. LOL

I didn't think about it ahead of time, but my friend made fun of me because I wore a blue dress... :rofl:

He came to my little burg in 2006 to campaign for Kirsten Gillibrand. It was SRO, despite being a red district. It was quite a thrill... He really has "it," is such a wonderful speaker, has presence, charisma and a way of reaching out to everyone. My BF got to shake his hand and swore he'd never wash it... :D

[BlooInBloo]

7. lol *thinking* of taking the kid? That would be 95% of the whole *point*.

And yes, I'm jealous. :)

[cyberswede]

14. Agreed

I think the event will be very energetic and upbeat - a nice setting to inspire the kiddo.

[HipChick]

8. Take your son...Went to see him last friday...they were quite a few kids there

[cyberswede]

15. IC is a nice liberal town, too...

There probably won't be too many creepy teabaggers there to protest.

[4lbs]

9. Take your son, and see if President Obama will write a little letter to his teachers like he did

last year for that 12 year old girl.

:D

[cyberswede]

16. Now *that* would be super cool! n/t

[jwirr]

18. Yes, take him. Children never forget these things. My children met

George McGovern while working in his campaign and even today they watch for his name in the news.

[cyberswede]

19. Update: Back from the speech

Well, it was a great time, just as I knew it would be! My son learned a lot about waiting, but I think he had fun, all things considered. He said he didn't want to miss it, since he didn't know when he might get another chance to see a president, and he was particularly interested in seeing the first African American president. :)

The crowd was very positive and fairly boisterous - lots of cheering, etc. There were more college students there than I usually see at political events, so that was cool, too. Tons of people had their smart phones out and were texting people all over the place. My son emailed his dad throughout via my iPod - that was fun.

See my other post with a couple more photos:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8018012

Here's my best photo:

[Rhiannon12866]

20. Love it! Thanks for the update!

And I'm sure that this is something your son will always remember. Very cool. :kick: