Friday, February 15, 2008

Austin is Pissed Off!

The news of the debate coming to Austin was super exciting. And because the democrats of this state finally get to cast a vote that counts, we are getting super fired up for the primary. The debate just added fuel to the fire. Then they announced that it was a public debate that would be invitation only. Huh? What is public about that? Now they have announced that they are releasing 100 tickets by drawing equally divided between Obama and Clinton supporters (with a few reserved for undecided voters). The venue choice has gotten a lot of criticism as well. CNN claims they want a small venue so it will be a cozy debate. Well, last time I checked there isn't a damned thing cozy about a gymnasium.

When Obama came to Austin, he drew a crowd of over 22,000. The last candidate that had a crowd rivaling that was Ronald Reagan. So, I don't think very many of us will get in to the debate (but I have signed up for the drawing so wish me luck). Needless to say, the people of Austin are pissed off. Obama's campaign is pissed off with the rest of Austin that the public can't get in to the public debate.

As a consolation prize, the democrats have rented a convention room at the Hyatt for a debate watching party. They have invited the candidates to stop by after the debate. Neither has committed to showing up. But if this is where you want to watch the debate it will cost you $50 (or $35 if you are a donor to the party). Whatever.

Obama's campaign is having a free debate watching party at Sholtz Beer Garden, a local watering hole that has a very famous political history. In fact, it is the place that I met Bill Clinton when he was running in his first primary. Actually, I got to meet all of the candidates but the rest of those guys didn't become president so why mention them? At last count over 400 people have emailed Obama's campaign claiming they will attend. Trust me, those 400 people can't fit in there.

So what does a Pineapple have to do to meet a candidate around here? I've met the last two presidents before they were elected. You'd think that if I had randomly met the last two presidents, that these people would want to meet their good luck charm. So, Barack Obama, I am always available for a lucky handshake. Just drop me a line.


6 comments:

mad said...

You shook George Bush's hand? You're the one responsible for his (re-) election. Pineapple, I'm speechless!

pineapple said...

Actually, I met him when he was governor of Texas, so I can only take the blame for the first time he was "elected". By far one of the dumbest people I've met and he has the memory of a fish. He didn't even remember me when I ran into him at a political function the next day. You'd think he'd be a little more thankful for his brush with greatness and the lucky handshake.

mad said...

Yeah, he's no Anne Richards.

pineapple said...

Now that you mention it, Ann became County Commissioner after she met me. I guess my handshaking powers hadn't reached their full potential (I was only 3) because she didn't get elected president, just Governor of Texas.

Unknown said...

Ah, good ole Sholtz Beer Garden, I remember it well...

pineapple said...

yummy, greasy food and fierce political discussion over a cold beer. Gotta love it.