**** Transcript of the President’s remarks here ****
Mercury News: President Obama took the stage at Masonic Auditorium at 8:53 p.m. to a standing, screaming ovation from the 2,500 or so people who’d waited hours to see him…
….He noted he has 19 million Facebook friends – “which only puts me half a million behind SpongeBob SquarePants”…
….He said he’s older and grayer than the last time around. “That’s all right, you’re still fine!” a woman shouted from the back, bringing cheers from the rest of the crowd.
(1:00 – talking about his Facebook page fan count, 2:15 – “That’s alright, you’re still fine”)
…On Thursday morning, he’s scheduled to attend a fundraising breakfast with about 100 guests at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco. He’s headed to Los Angeles later Thursday and will return to Washington, D.C., on Friday.
Today:
12:40 The President delivers remarks at a DNC event
1:35 Departs San Francisco
2:30 Arrives in Reno, Nevada
2:50 Participates in a Town hall
4:30 Departs Reno
5:45 Arrives in Los Angeles
8:30 Delivers remarks at a DNC event
9:55 Delivers remarks at a DNC event
10:50 Delivers remarks at a DNC event
President Barack Obama greets supporters after speaking at a DNC fundraiser at Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco, Calif, April 21
**** Transcript of the President’s remarks here ****
The Obama Diary 
Oh yes, he is still fine 🙂
Good morning everyone!
Morning CTGirl!! Own up, was it you who shouted that from the audience?
😆
Chopsticks, if I am ever lucky enough to be just a wee bit close to my president someone would need to call 911 to come get me off the floor 🙂
Sorry Chipsticks, this toy of mine … Well you know how it is 🙂
Goooood Morning O family!
—
…He said he’s older and grayer than the last time around. “That’s all right, you’re still fine!” a woman shouted from the back, bringing cheers from the rest of the crowd.
—-
What a bold woman. I’d be embarrassed to shout that but I love it! It’s so true. 😀
Morning Collegekay! Morning everyone!
Morning ladies. ROFL at that comment and look at that lady all hugged up and crying on the Prez, I’m sure it was someone from this blog. People need to own up, I’m not mad just green.
Morning Titti! I suspect it’s someone from this blog too, but there are just so many suspects I don’t know where to start.
LOL,I’ve got 2/3 suspects in mind but I’m sure they’ll own up soon. That picture alone is something to gloat about.
I swear it wasn’t me! I live on the East Coast!
Good Morning everbody. The man behind that lady hugging the President has his hand positioned as if he is going to pull her away from PBO so he can get his hug too. 😆 😆
Addition: Do you think that man wanting his hug might be Fred? No offense Fred. 😆
Morning TOD family. I feel good that they’re many of us ladies ready to unleash our inner crush towards the President. But doing it in his presence, that takes some guts to do it. Am happy though that he knows about it. Older and Greyer, AM IN.
I have to say, Me4Obama, you were my number one suspect for that shout from the crowd – do you have an alibi?
Bwahahahahahah, why me? Guilty as charged. I have to confess if am ever in his presence, I have a fear that thats the day I will die. If he ever shakes my hand the SS have to shoot me before I let him go.
That happened to me… well they didn’t shoot me but they told me to let go. lmao
Lol that is too funny but then… That would be me 🙂
You guys are hilarious. But I would either die from apoplexy (because I was in his presence) or get shot by SS too. I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again: that man is too fine for his own good.
WORD.
I would be embarrassed to yell that out to the President, because why I think we have a handsome President, I don’t support this man just because he looks fine. I listen to him speak at the Facebook town hall meeting. It impress me just as much the fact that he has a heart that wants to help people of all kind reach their American Dream. He doesn’t want to stomp on the poor, and forget the middle class, and just take care of the rich as Republicans do. He has a heart in the right place. And some time I think we focus to much on how fine he is. We have a President who looks nice, but we also have a President, a husband, a father, a friend, a brother, a uncle, a man who seem to be nice both on the outside and inside. The Bible says man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart. We have a nice looking President, who seem to be a good man. That’s all I’m trying to say. We are Blessed. I hope you all don’t think I’m preaching too much this morning. Have a wonderful bless day everyone.
Good morning anniebella, I hear you – part of what makes him so fine is his brain!!! Looks don’t mean a thing if you don’t have the heart and mind to go along with the looks. Our President is the whole package. What he says and does only makes him even more attractive! You have a wonderful day as well!
You’re right annie – our President is a good man. End of story.
(But every now and then we can’t help but notice that he’s fine too!!) 🙂 🙂
Truth can’t help but come out!!!! I mean look at him!
What makes him fine? Let’s see…he is skinny…he has big ears…he’s not a pro baller…oh but when he speaks, he speaks for the everyday man/woman, when he speaks, he speaks so eloquently and can even talk with street creed, he’s AA man, who is faithful and loving to his wife and family and HE’S THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. If that don’t make a man fine – I don’t know what does. IMO
Good morning everyone…I saw this tweet by WIIL.I.AM
RT @iamwill: My friend marc benioff, pres. #obama, and stevie wonder..what a night in san francisco http://yfrog.com/h03zhpgj #TFB #news
Cool!!!! Thanks, Tiger!!
Yeah, while President Is a Good Man, has a Brain, a Heart, and a soul, and Is passionate and compassionate to others, and as I look at him, well, he’s just all the more, easier on the eyes too, because, he has good looks to go along with all of his other positive attributes 🙂
Amen Shirley!
OK OPeeps, I was there last night and let me tell you our President is in FINE form in ALL ways!!!!
Nancy Smash walked into the auditorium and took her seat among us and was greeted with applause and mobbed by well-wishers and photo-takers and she was very, very sweet to all. She knows her constituents appreciate her accessibility and is always happy to make herself available to us. Extra bonus: David Plouffe introduced our President and he is ONE SMART COOKIE. He looks younger in person and is a handsome guy, too! He talked about 2008 and the challenges ahead for 2012.
The President’s speech was great – full of intelligence, humor and humility, as always. I was seated just to his left and had a terrific view. The speech was great and there were many, many standing ovations. This was a very mixed crowd and typical of San Francisco – young, old, ethnically diverse, gay and straight, wealthy and not so wealthy – and we all LOVED him. No heckling and plenty, plenty of love. When he walked the rope line, he was very, very warm to all of us. I saw our dear buddy Pete Souza up close and he looked pretty tired but fiercely focused like a laser beam on his job. I also said hello to Reggie who said hello back and flashed his bright sweet smile. PBO’s personal Secret Service guy with the goatee is bigger than on TV. I looked him in the eye and people, he means business. When President Obama was standing in front of me, I gave him a very big smile and said “HI!” and shook his hand and he looked at me for a few moments with the most beautiful warm smile and a look of, “do I know you?” and then we hugged. Yes, really!! WOWZERS. OMG, he is really the sweetest man, so very magnetic and he just emanates intelligence and kindness. And YES, he is incredibly HANDSOME. I’ve seen him 4 times now and he looked different to me this time – older, wiser, more open and more engaging in a different sort of way. He is a bit grayer and I really noticed his freckles this time. But it’s his smile that is absolutely worth a million bucks. He is one of a kind. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.
That is a wonderful experience and thank you so much for sharing it with us. Also I am embarrassed to say I am a little green 🙂
Oh, I truly hope you get to meet him some day. It is just such a privilege to hear him speak and to connect with him. When I see this man’s face I think of inordinate handsomeness and I think of nearly incomprehensible complexity. You just know that you are in the company not only of genius and compassion – the very best of human combinations – but also of humility. You can’t help but feel that he is at once one of us and yet so very, very extraordinary as to be one of the best Presidents in our living history. It’s his inarguable charm and intelligence and foresight and compassion and warmth and relatedness and the everyday sensibility and accessibility and GENIUS that hits you. He does not sweat the small stuff. As I walked home in the drizzle and fog, I again realized without hesitation that I will always fight for him, I will always be grateful for him and his family, for all their sacrifice and for their wisdom. Always.
One of the things he said that stuck with me was that no matter if your family arrived by Ellis Island, slave ships or the Rio Grande, we can all move forward by working together on a common purpose. That really struck a chord with me. That we have all come here by different routes and yet we all love our country and can all find a way to bring out the best in each other. President Obama is the quintessential optimist. He believes in all of us.
Your words are so moving that I can’t even say that I’m jealous of your experience because it would sound so petty. I can’t wait to meet him.
Wow Meta- you’ve described him and illustrated your experience meeting him so beautifully that you’ve brought tears to my eyes. I’ve never seen him in person (I still hope to someday) yet I see him exactly as you’ve presented him. Thank you for that wonderful first hand account, I’m so happy for you 🙂
x2
I totally agree, Just being in a room with him is magnetic. I’ve seen him 3 times and shook his hand twice and I know I’m being greedy but I wanna see him again. 😀 He’s addictive. I can’t go a day without knowing what he’s doing. LOL So I thank God for Chipsticks and this blog!
I can only imagine how incredible it would be to meet our President. I am so pleased for your experience and really enjoyed your replay for us. I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to meet him in person, but he has resonated so deeply in me that I feel almost as if I already have. I am of the thought that in person, face to face, his magnetism would knock me off my feet, and if not I’m sure my legs would be like rubber bands. I know I would find a way to make an ass of myself 😀
What I would really love is for Chipsticks and BWD to meet the source of their tireless, inspired, creative and essential efforts. Spreading President Obama’s light and energy to the rest of the world is important work. I think our President would be very grateful, and impressed.
AWESOME!!! I’m so glad you had a great time!
Meta you are my hero. That takes courage to be still standing and not in The emergency room. Reading your experience makes me feel like you were in the presence of something bigger than life.
Hahaha! I hear you!
I have to run off now but wish you all a magnificent day. See you later and BIG HUGS to Chipsticks for this beautiful safe place.
He comes off like that through the tv and I am pretty sure he is even more so when you meet him in person. Hopefully one day GOD willing I will do so.
Thanks so much for sharing your personal “mah-velous” experience. How fun!
So wonderful! Thank you for sharing :-).
omg Morning Meta. What a fab post Meta, thanks for all the details. Funny when I noticed his freckles back in 2008 the first time I saw him in person those freckles drew me in. I love freckles so cute. *sigh to be honest I envy u right now …..jk, your experience is making me even more excited for 2012. 😀
Thank you so much for that report. I’m smiling for you – you lucky Obama supporter. You will remember that for the rest of your life. Thanks for sharing!
OMG! I think I would have fainted. You are soooo lucky. Congratuations!
Meta, you are brilliant. I so enjoyed your report on seeing our President last night. I have never seen him in person but that is at the top of my bucket list above anything else. We are truly blessed to have this great man.
What a fantastic experience you painted here for us all, meta. Thanks so much. It is exciting being in his presence. I got to experience this 3 times already, though not the close up, personal contact you had. You lucky person, you 😀
What a fabulous story – and wonderfully descriptive. You’re very lucky. I’m hoping to get a glimpse of AF One coming into LAX this afternoon, and I’ll be remembering your story and smiling!
What a completely lovely report, Meta – thank you SOOOOOoooooOOOOOooo much!!!! Thrilled for you, it sounded like a wonderful night.
OMG…how cool is that! You must still be on “cloud nine”. I am so glad hear that everyone enjoyed President Obama and was truly there to listen the “words coming out of HIS mouth”!
People screaming for him like that must be hurting repubs soul haha
…this is why they are trying so hard to pit us against each other and (most definitely) against the President…t
OK. i’m officially jealous. 😉
Good Morning TOD Fam!
The president is so warm, incredibly engaging and so human.
What a lovely start to the day, thank you chips. I so enjoy people’s reactions/responses to POTUS.. and Yea to SF- my favorite city for welcoming him so enthusiastically.
Great morning post. I want to watch the clip so badly, of course I have to wait till later. : (
Newyork post page six
Jerry Seinfeld has cancelled an appearance at the charity event of Chump the Clown’s son Eric trump because of chump’s attack of the president’s citizenship. The view is also discussing the FEUD. Chump is now attacking seinfeld.
Good. I’ve thought a few times — especially after viewing O’Donnell’s and Stephanopoulus’ pieces — that Trump was going to run his own name into the ground, and face all sorts of economic backlash. Who in business/power will want to be publicly associated with him?
As many of PBO’s foes do, he is self-destructing. Oh well!
Well, by hook or by crook, I intend to see either the President or the first lady when they come here next month. I missed their first visit in April 2009. I’m sure I will be paralyzed with awe, shock and admiration when I see them but I cannot miss the opportunity to meet the first AA President of USA. I wish my parents were alive to see this.
By the way, let me just say a few words about the Royal Wedding…….
Royal wedding ??? I’m British and I can tell you that few people are even bothered about it. All the hotels got hysterical that they were going to make huge amounts of money and yet 2 weeks before, hotel rooms remain empty. The streets will be lined with tourists because many Londoners, myself included are taking advantage of the long Easter & MayDay break. Princess Diana made a difference that is why so many people were distraught at her death, the rest of the family……no one hardly sees them until they want the British public to rally around them
The invites are based on general ‘rent a crowds’ and the settling of scores and grudges, hence the reason why Fergie (the mother of the Queen’s grandchildren is not invited). The king of Saudi Arabia and his entourage will be in attendance, as well as ambassadors from war torn Iraq, Iran & Zimbabwe, the Libyan ambassador’s invite has ‘just’ been withdrawn. Then you’ve got the odd celebrities like Beckham and his matchstick, a few footballer wives and the ex fluff’s of both Kate & William. I believe Kate’s drunken druggie uncle is also attending as is people from the village that Kate grew up in – the butcher, the postman, the shopkeeper. I kid you not !! Google if you don’t believe me.
Dating on and off for TEN years with two break up’s in between. Hardly your classic princess story who saved herself for her Prince. I wish them all the best but I would prefer to save my energies for the President and his wife. They make more of a difference.
LOL blc. Just don’t get the whole hoopla about the wedding. Think the Americans are more excited than the British. I can’t say I am excited about the extra bank holiday as I would’ve been on holiday regardless (Uni closure day). Hoping to go shopping on the day; at least the shops and roads should be clear (
Titti, its not us Americans that are excited about this wedding its our media. They keep acting like we the people care. The other day one of the stations had to draw back on the coverage because they are seeing that no one cares about this except a few die hard royal watchers.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden royal wedding was stunning and the love story, her marrying a commoner(a fitness instructor O: ) her dad not wanting her to etc, was way more intriguing and lovely. Yet not a peep was heard from our media.
Wow – thanks for the local perspective! In America, some television stations are going on and on about the royal wedding, I could completely care less. Mainstream media has devolved into sensationalistic drivel. After the tragic and untimely death of Princess Diana, I genuinely felt a loss because she was such a fragile, beautiful, and compassionate spirit. Also – they neglected to invite the president so that rubbed me the wrong way. Petty I know, but what can I say!?!?!
Celebrity culture…..an alternate universe.
I agree with your assessment of Princess Diana, it greatly pained me that the world made her life a fishbowl, without her permission. Privacy denied.
No disrespect to the up coming royal wedding, but I am not that much interested in it either. I do agree with you DremChaser57 about the President and Mrs. Lady not being invited.
It’s apparent to me that the Obamas were not invited because, without a doubt, and English royalty knowing it’s own citizens, the President and First Lady would absolutely receive mega attention, thus minimizing the splendor of the new royal couple.
DreamChaser57 “Also they neglected to invite the president to that rubbed me the wrong way.” I totally am with you on that one! It didn’t impress me one little bit. I guess I will have a hot date with housework that day. Lol! Seriously I hope they have a lovely day and I wish them well but above and beyond that I could care less. This is only my personal opinion and I realize others feel different about it so I hope i haven’t offended, that is not my intention.
I am not sure that I understand what all the drama is about. I actually watched Diana and Charles marry. Fergie is not invited? I hope you get a glimpse of PBO and Michelle. If you are luck, maybe a hand shake.
blc thanks for a real person’s perspective on this media made wedding circus….I love how you say “make a difference”. Unfortunately people that try to and actually do make a difference now a day are not appreciated and gets no shine, at least not in media. You have to be the lowest of the low (charlie sheen, donald chump, quitter gov palin) for media. : (
Another point, as a feminist – I don’t like the public persona of Charles and his current wife Camilla. In my mind, no wife should have to gravel and debase herself for the affection of her husband. I readily concede I am not personally familiar with the situation. However, I believe Charles was just interested in a young fertile uterus. Their marriage was an elaborate ruse to fulfill his familial/political obligations. I hope Diana’s sons don’t depart too drastically from their mother’s generous spirit. I was sorely disappointed with Harry wearing the Third Recih uniform even if only in jest. Since when is genocide a joke.
Harry just visited a Holocaust museum. I hope he can connect the dots.
Hi blc (London England) I am also hoping to see the President and/or First Lady when they visit London I am so excited about it. I remember the last time he was over in 2009 I couldn’t see him so this time I’m gonna try to.
Regarding the Royal wedding I agree with your final comment, I too wish them well and hope they have a lovely day but beyond that I don’t have a great deal of enthusiasm. I too am more excited about President and First Lady Obama’s visit.
What a great way to start the morning thank you Chop and everyone else for running a great website. 😉
Meta thanks for the write up. That clip is interesting, I think they have to limit the numbers of women attending these things – let the man get his message across before screeching!
I hear you. I was ambivalent about the crowd’s reaction too. On the one hand, I am happy that despite the negativity in the media and fluctuation in the polls, PBO still has an energized base. On the other hand, all that screaming is somewhat over the top and makes him look like a celebrity – Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I wonder if he gets embarrassed by the extreme “enthusiasm” displayed by the ladies in the crowd.
The screaming can’t be helped. I attended the Governor elections here in LA at USC campus last October and even though I was only one in 30,000 people, you get so caught up – just hearing and seeing the plane fly over you that you can’t help but be vocal when you know that it’s President Obama. You get FIRED UP.
Good point. I’m also pretty sure that it’s a “problem” a lot of other politician would like to have, whether Republican or Democrat.
🙂
Also, women don’t mind letting it all hang out; the men have to “pretend” reserve. They are just as excited. I found this out when seeing PBO last October here in Philly.
Hope everybody voted in the HS Commencement Challenge.
I did. I liked the idea of being able to participate.
I did. It was a pleasure and a honor to be able to participate. This White House invites you (the American people) to participate in so many things. I like that. My vote REALLY counts!
Oh, meta. You one lucky person. Thanks for sharing and based on your account and what the pics show, is that it was a blast. Thanks to all those that attended for showing our President such love. I am praying for the day that I will get the chance of meeting him.
The man is still a ROCK STAR 😀
Thank you -meta. Wow you really had a wonderful time and being up close and personal with the President is awesome. “Do I know you”? I even enjoyed the report on the Secret Service man.I am so grateful for their diligence. This is so much fun reading your experience. I am so happy for you and thanks for sharing.
Golly! I have never seen a President elicit screams like that.