That’s what strikes me about these pictures. People are just so comfortable going up to this President and asking for a hug. I’m so used to seeing it now but it really is remarkable. Has any other President gotten this reaction? It’s like people instinctively recognize the humanity and compassion in him and when they are really hurting all they want is a hug from him to feel better.
The people know. They will remember. I firmly believe this in the depths of my soul despite the noise in the market, whether it is about falling poll numbers and some creating an illusion that everthing PBO does is bad.
People DO know.I firmly believe this. Despite the yakking and name calling, these REAL people know who’s been fighting their fight.Look at their faces. Look at the Gov’s face…even HE can’t accept what his party says about disaster relief…I’m certain of that. These are HIS people! How do you ever look at these tragedies affecting real lives and tell them we don’t have the money to help them?(a lie) Not going to happen.
I agree. Looking at all the photos of our president when out with people belies all the gloom and doom of media, pundiots, and slanted polls. Don’t recall a president ever who prompted such an outpouring of affection although Clinton may have come close. I love my president whichis not true of any other president. Salon has a disgusting article calling for primarying PBO, arguing that he is destroying the democratic party with his corporatist policies. Are those fools GIP operatives? Or just jealous of PBO’s charisma and disdain for their games?
You are so right on! When you see the President out with the out among the people the gloom and doom polls don’t add up.
The out poring of affection is obvious, but if you the comments on HP, Politico, and others you are missing this narrative.
I don’t like to rely on ‘optics’ or our cultural obssession with them. However Chris Christie would be well advised to stay out of any picture frame that includes the President. Christie is not a role model for healthy lifestyle choices, not IMO, and it is also my opinion that there is meaning to be derived from his physical condition. 😯
”This is a summation of the first two years of the Obama Administration’s accomplishments to remind us all about what it means to have the majority in Congress that can actually pass legislation and effect the kind of change that guided the State of our country’s affair in the right path. Whether we like what the Obama Administration accomplished or not is beside the point but it takes a majority to push for something as we had witnessed during the first two years of the Obama Administration.
This is also a reminder about why we need to reverse the power structure in 2011 by electing more and better Democrats to achieve more of what we had started in the first two years of this Administration. I understand some folks will try to undermine the progress we have made but we must highlight them so that the false narrative of some does not feel like the reality.
Share it to all that you think will help inform and to those who appreciate what we have accomplished in the first two years of the Obama Administration. And, tell ’em that these were all possible because we had Democratic Majority and why it is important not to be complaisant come election 2012.”…
Thanks for this Maritza. Instead of Maxine Waters, MoveOn, The CBC, certain dems, the PL, and emoprogs touting these accomplishments, they’re busy cutting of their noses to spite their faces by throwing President Obama under the bus.
Totally agree Yardarm. The PL and Firebaggers whine and complain about Gitmo, but they conveniently forget the fact that most Dems in congress voted with Rebups to with hold funding for its closure. They unfairly project dictatorial or monarchical powers to this President,whereas our constitution calls for seperation of powers. He can’t govern and legislate at the same time. Fools, all of them!!
You know, when you look at these photos, you see a warm, deeply compassionate POTUS REACHING OUT AND HUGGING, HOLDING those struck with such horrific devastation, and then you see the Governor with his HANDS IN HIS POCKETS.
Most people don’t see all the wonderful pics that we do here…they are unable or unwilling to see the compassion this President has for ALL people. We need to change that somehow.
This is a boon for Christie as well. His polling numbers were in the tank, it’s a reality but Governors popularity spikes with disaster response if they do well. Bev Perdue in NC is seeing her numbers rise a bit. Christie is in a blue state, so being seen with the President and not as a hyper-partisan is the image he’ll ultimately need both to be re-elected and if he hopes to run for the Presidency in 2016.
The President gets a Republican Governor who will go to war with his party for much needed disaster relief monies when the GOP is calling for off-sets because they fear any relief money would act as a economic stimulus otherwise and they can’t have that.
Maybe one of the people asked the gov. to take the picture (snicker, snicker). They know who they want to pose with. Christie will just have to eat that.
Living out the Good Samaritan Biblical story to help a neighbor in need rather than parrot excuses about why not to. Compassion flows naturally from PBO’s being. Granted he is a politician,but it does not seem that his demonstrations of compassion are an opportunistic act. He cares. Obamacares.
His compassion is real, I would say he is one of the few politicians who is not a phony. he really does care about people and it shows. This is why people see him as personally likable and someone who cares about them.
Linda you have great eyes. Wow I would have been upset if I missed a pic of my guy. I agree, he is a FIERCE when protecting our POTUS and has the patience of Job. He is right up their on my favorite list.
Running out of primary candidates, tomorrow the left will be calling on GOP Christie to primary PBO. and the right will be calling on him to run against PBO because he has more leadership qualities.
I noticed that both of NJ’s Senators are there too, and right in the frame with the Prez. I think Christie is smart enough to know that his state is basically a blue one, and that if he wants to be re-elected, he can’t snub the Prez. He’s done too any mean things to education, and needs to appear kinder. Also, I read that his heart’s desire was to be governor of NJ, and does want to do a good job for the people of the state. Let’s hope so.
Who is the really tall AA gentleman walking with the group in one of the middle pictures. He appears to be about 6’7″ or 6’8″.
I am a stretch myself, I always notice other tall people…guess it’s hard not to 😉
Looks like Chrisite is taking it all in. Bet he learns a thing or two. Lets see if he changes. Hard for a “hands in the pocket” type to start spontaneously becoming a “hugger”.
Totally OT but does anyone know what happened to the SS agent who was always with the President? He is bald, looks like he’s in his 40’s maybe and I think his name is Joe, or at least that’s what people here called him ;-). I haven’t seen him in pictures of POTUS for a long time.
Joe Clancy. It’s assumed that he was just rotated out, reassigned elsewhere. Both to keep fresh eyes on the situation and to give him a break from what has to be a very stressful job.
Ok that last picture is hysterical. It looks as if someone has handed Christie a camera to take a picture of them with the President. HA!! I bet that sort of chapped his hide.
I’m so glad people are getting comfort from the President’s visit. His smiles and hugs offer so much comfort and he just keeps showing everyone how effective government works. The guy with the tats cracks me up. He felt so comfortable in the President’s presence that he didn’t bother putting a shirt on. 😀
Ooooooh I spy with my little eyes….. Jay “Clark Kent” Carney. 😉
I feel that way too Me4. You see a compassionate Gov. here who cares about his people and is very glad and happy that the President is there to comfort and love on them.
Let’s give Gov. Christie a little credit. He’s letting the President be President, nothing wrong with that. These pictures are non-partisan. This is a time when all Americans need to come together. Let’s not be guilty of acting like the other side.
Not to be too picky about words but he can’t “let” the President be anything. The President IS being President. Hope I am not coming across wrongly because I see your point.
Gov Christie is on a charm offensive. He did a poor job last December when he went to Disneyland and the state suffered from a big blizzard. He is just like the rest of the repub. governors–destroying public workers, not taking fed. money for a tunnel to NYC, lost race to the top money. He is destroying pubic education and public unions. Do not be fooled by these pictures. He was on every national news show last week but refused to give NJ reporters and the public any news after the storm had passed. He is all about himself.
This is the reason that emoprogs say their biggest obstacle to destroying this man, our President, is the emotional attachment that people have to him and feel for him.He is beloved by many of us. Period.
And believe me Gail if it wasn’t for the push back that they’ve been getting they would have destroyed him and brought him down by now.
I hope these emoprogs realize that there are many, many of people who will never forget the way they treated him. After PBO leaves office in 2016 there will come a day when the emoprogs will call on the president’s “TRUE” base for support for one of their heroes and I wait with anticipation to see if there will be any blow back for their non stop bashing of this president.
best part of the whole day….suprised people havent commented yet that women at the end of the AP video handed Chris Cristie her camera to take a picture of her and the president..HAHA bet he is not used to that?
I love how he moves among everyday people hugging, holding on to, and touching people who are distressed and showing it. He does not expect troublled people to dress up or to put on a front for him. In all of my years of watching and reading about presidents, I have never seen one who would walk among the everyday people, here and abroad, without filters. No flyovers, meeting only with officials, hand sanitizers or wiping his hands on other people (as GWB did in Haiti) from this president. His years in Indonesia, his mother’s work in Third World countries and his work as a community organizer, have all taught him to really see people and to value them; to not see them as numbers or acceptable collateral damage. We are so lucky to have him.
Their faces, they are so delighted, ecstatic, even! Love the faces of the people who are in his aura, they are healing themselves with love and open-heartedness, even in their grief and loss. Amazing. Amazing grace!
Thank you President Obama for coming out and re-connecting with the true base of your support and those (primarily in Wayne) who vote against their interests. You showed what leadership looks like and what true compassion is.
As far as Christie goes, I’m giving him nothing. He has constantly given the people of my state the finger and I want to give it back to him. I bet it truly chapped him to be quiet while the President, “the Only Adult in the Room”, was close by and would dress him down. Christie is an arrogant, blustering, bombastic, egomaniacal, ignorant robber baron who lied and played to the apathy and ignorance of the population. How he got the state assembly and state Senate Dems to go along with him is a jaw-droppingly amazing study in NJ politics – you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. DO NOT BE FOOLED FOR A SECOND BY CHRISTIE! Now is the time to pounce when he won’t dare strike back. Bullies hate when you fight back.
Again, thank you Barack Obama for all that you do and embody! We and the world appreciate and love you and your family!
I love a person who pulls no punches. Agree. Once a snake, always a snake. Saying one nice thing, when your behind is in trouble, doesn’t hold once you’re back on your feet. I trust no one who has said anything derogatory against President Obama, and not taken it back. Damn rethugs who put party and meanness over the total good of the people. Christie doesn’t get any kudos from me either. God bless the rest of us.
Christie is not as popular as he use to be, so he figure he would get in some good shots with the President, showing the folks that it looks like he is working hard, and his approval ratings might go up.
Just saw the local news and the shirtless guy was on. He was very happy to meet the president and told him so. As you can tell, he was caught by this surprise visit. 🙂
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
That’s what they’re there for, Mr. President. That hug.
Yepper! It’s called LOVE.
It is LOVE. Only LOVE can conquer hate.
That’s what strikes me about these pictures. People are just so comfortable going up to this President and asking for a hug. I’m so used to seeing it now but it really is remarkable. Has any other President gotten this reaction? It’s like people instinctively recognize the humanity and compassion in him and when they are really hurting all they want is a hug from him to feel better.
Someone need to tell the guy to put his shirt on, he’s meeting the President of the United States, not some crazy T Republican.
The people know. They will remember. I firmly believe this in the depths of my soul despite the noise in the market, whether it is about falling poll numbers and some creating an illusion that everthing PBO does is bad.
People know.
Ladies I concur…because President Obama is genuine, and we feel that connection in our hearts.
“People [not corporations] know.”
Yes they do!
YES.WE.CAN…DO.(Much)More, Together!
YES.WE.CAN, Again…Obama/Biden 2012!
LET THERE BE NO DOUBT!
People DO know.I firmly believe this. Despite the yakking and name calling, these REAL people know who’s been fighting their fight.Look at their faces. Look at the Gov’s face…even HE can’t accept what his party says about disaster relief…I’m certain of that. These are HIS people! How do you ever look at these tragedies affecting real lives and tell them we don’t have the money to help them?(a lie) Not going to happen.
Ditto.
I agree. Looking at all the photos of our president when out with people belies all the gloom and doom of media, pundiots, and slanted polls. Don’t recall a president ever who prompted such an outpouring of affection although Clinton may have come close. I love my president whichis not true of any other president. Salon has a disgusting article calling for primarying PBO, arguing that he is destroying the democratic party with his corporatist policies. Are those fools GIP operatives? Or just jealous of PBO’s charisma and disdain for their games?
You are so right on! When you see the President out with the out among the people the gloom and doom polls don’t add up.
The out poring of affection is obvious, but if you the comments on HP, Politico, and others you are missing this narrative.
I don’t like to rely on ‘optics’ or our cultural obssession with them. However Chris Christie would be well advised to stay out of any picture frame that includes the President. Christie is not a role model for healthy lifestyle choices, not IMO, and it is also my opinion that there is meaning to be derived from his physical condition. 😯
thank you President for going to NJ as I have family members living there.GOD bless you
I’m a Jersey girl myself, and I appreciate the fact he went there, as well. God bless him and all the people of NJ affected by the hurricane!
Do you read Blue Jersey website ? That is where I found out a lot about Christie.
http://www.bluejersey.com/diary/17194/christie-has-lost-the-benefit-of-the-doubt
Plus…wasn’t he the US Attorney who did not investigate the hacking of Floorgraphics by Murdoch’s NewsAmerica ???
Oh – so glad to be reminded of that website – thanks! Grew up in NJ and once in a while like to take a trip down memory lane in a blue state!
I think the Murdoch thingie was related to Christie; haven’t read much about him, but that sounds like one of the controversies that hit him.
Are there any videos of this visit?
My apologies if this, O/T, has been addressed here but the: http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/09/so-that-ignorance-wont-be-reason-why.html
”This is a summation of the first two years of the Obama Administration’s accomplishments to remind us all about what it means to have the majority in Congress that can actually pass legislation and effect the kind of change that guided the State of our country’s affair in the right path. Whether we like what the Obama Administration accomplished or not is beside the point but it takes a majority to push for something as we had witnessed during the first two years of the Obama Administration.
This is also a reminder about why we need to reverse the power structure in 2011 by electing more and better Democrats to achieve more of what we had started in the first two years of this Administration. I understand some folks will try to undermine the progress we have made but we must highlight them so that the false narrative of some does not feel like the reality.
Share it to all that you think will help inform and to those who appreciate what we have accomplished in the first two years of the Obama Administration. And, tell ’em that these were all possible because we had Democratic Majority and why it is important not to be complaisant come election 2012.”…
IMHO the President could have probably done more and better were it not for the “Blue Dog”Dems.
Thanks for this Maritza. Instead of Maxine Waters, MoveOn, The CBC, certain dems, the PL, and emoprogs touting these accomplishments, they’re busy cutting of their noses to spite their faces by throwing President Obama under the bus.
Totally agree Yardarm. The PL and Firebaggers whine and complain about Gitmo, but they conveniently forget the fact that most Dems in congress voted with Rebups to with hold funding for its closure. They unfairly project dictatorial or monarchical powers to this President,whereas our constitution calls for seperation of powers. He can’t govern and legislate at the same time. Fools, all of them!!
Point.
Wow, this is real life PBO is witnessing. He has Huge heart Indeed.
You know, when you look at these photos, you see a warm, deeply compassionate POTUS REACHING OUT AND HUGGING, HOLDING those struck with such horrific devastation, and then you see the Governor with his HANDS IN HIS POCKETS.
Yet people in the media tell us not to believe our lying eyes. The evidence refutes their claim over and again.
Most people don’t see all the wonderful pics that we do here…they are unable or unwilling to see the compassion this President has for ALL people. We need to change that somehow.
I like the photo of the Gov taking pictures of POTUS with the people. At least he is being a good sport.
This is a boon for Christie as well. His polling numbers were in the tank, it’s a reality but Governors popularity spikes with disaster response if they do well. Bev Perdue in NC is seeing her numbers rise a bit. Christie is in a blue state, so being seen with the President and not as a hyper-partisan is the image he’ll ultimately need both to be re-elected and if he hopes to run for the Presidency in 2016.
The President gets a Republican Governor who will go to war with his party for much needed disaster relief monies when the GOP is calling for off-sets because they fear any relief money would act as a economic stimulus otherwise and they can’t have that.
Maybe one of the people asked the gov. to take the picture (snicker, snicker). They know who they want to pose with. Christie will just have to eat that.
Living out the Good Samaritan Biblical story to help a neighbor in need rather than parrot excuses about why not to. Compassion flows naturally from PBO’s being. Granted he is a politician,but it does not seem that his demonstrations of compassion are an opportunistic act. He cares. Obamacares.
Absolutely, Obamacares.
His compassion is real, I would say he is one of the few politicians who is not a phony. he really does care about people and it shows. This is why people see him as personally likable and someone who cares about them.
Is that Jay in picture # 2 in the back with the sunglasses ?
Yes, that’s our man. He is FIERCE when defending our POTUS.
Your JAYDAR is working girl. That is Jay …aka Clark freakin Kent, and he is looking good, just like we knew he would.
I wonder what Jay would think of his new status as sexy, brainy, hero. 😀
JAYDAR LOL
Linda you have great eyes. Wow I would have been upset if I missed a pic of my guy. I agree, he is a FIERCE when protecting our POTUS and has the patience of Job. He is right up their on my favorite list.
This is Christie’s chance to learn from the master! And, he seems to be watching carefully…
Did I see a camera in Christie’s hand in one of those photos?
The president did an aerial view of things in Patterson NJ!! Unlike past administrations, he landed and talked with real people!
CNN breaking news:
Governor Christie leads presidential tour of new jersey!
Oh brother!
For crying out loud. So cheap.
Running out of primary candidates, tomorrow the left will be calling on GOP Christie to primary PBO. and the right will be calling on him to run against PBO because he has more leadership qualities.
Go figure.
Let him have his moment in PBO’s spotlight. He deserves it because he has been good in all this.
He has been good, Me4obama.
CNN is pathetic….. CNN=Chronically Negative News…is what I call it…
Ooooo! That’s good. Can i use it?
Sure can…
Me likey.
CNN is FOX Jr.
CNN sucks!
that’s ok Jovie;PRESIDENT Obama has to sign the Federal Emergency Declaration Laws or whatever the hell they call them 🙄 😆
Excuse me but that is such bull shit. Gotta tweet them on this.
I noticed that both of NJ’s Senators are there too, and right in the frame with the Prez. I think Christie is smart enough to know that his state is basically a blue one, and that if he wants to be re-elected, he can’t snub the Prez. He’s done too any mean things to education, and needs to appear kinder. Also, I read that his heart’s desire was to be governor of NJ, and does want to do a good job for the people of the state. Let’s hope so.
I recognize three House Reps also…Pallone , Rothman and Pascrell…
Those are some big SS folks in the bottom couple of pictures.
Who is the really tall AA gentleman walking with the group in one of the middle pictures. He appears to be about 6’7″ or 6’8″.
I am a stretch myself, I always notice other tall people…guess it’s hard not to 😉
Secret Service.
Looks like Chrisite is taking it all in. Bet he learns a thing or two. Lets see if he changes. Hard for a “hands in the pocket” type to start spontaneously becoming a “hugger”.
Especially when you pride yourself on being a bully.
Whatever will he say to his friends on Morning Joe tomorrow? You know they will have him on and try to give him all the credit.
I love the agile PBO in pix number 7.
Totally OT but does anyone know what happened to the SS agent who was always with the President? He is bald, looks like he’s in his 40’s maybe and I think his name is Joe, or at least that’s what people here called him ;-). I haven’t seen him in pictures of POTUS for a long time.
Joe Clancy. It’s assumed that he was just rotated out, reassigned elsewhere. Both to keep fresh eyes on the situation and to give him a break from what has to be a very stressful job.
Thanks! He was so recognizable that it always make me feel more comfortable for the president when I saw Joe there.
I see Eric Whitaker in the Last Photo. PBO keeps those two Eric and Nesbitt very close to him.
Brennan and L.Jackson are also there 😀
Topless man looks like he might have a hernia, given that bump over his navel.
I noticed that also…..
Ok that last picture is hysterical. It looks as if someone has handed Christie a camera to take a picture of them with the President. HA!! I bet that sort of chapped his hide.
😆
Well it was the last photo, now second to last…..
I’m so glad people are getting comfort from the President’s visit. His smiles and hugs offer so much comfort and he just keeps showing everyone how effective government works. The guy with the tats cracks me up. He felt so comfortable in the President’s presence that he didn’t bother putting a shirt on. 😀
Ooooooh I spy with my little eyes….. Jay “Clark Kent” Carney. 😉
Yup ….sitings earlier reported and confirmed, thanks to Linda’s finely tuned and calibrated JAYDAR.
Hard for Jay to subdue his fineness, it stands out, even in a crowd. 😉
Christie sure warmed up in some of the later photos … camera in hand … smiling. Glad to see that! We’re all just people, people!
The last photo is so cracking me up. It looks like PBO is in the middle of a Garage sell and Christie looks happy they sold an item.
OMG :D, I can so relate to that picture, and the emotion of selling yet another piece of junk/treasure 😀
I feel that way too Me4. You see a compassionate Gov. here who cares about his people and is very glad and happy that the President is there to comfort and love on them.
Let’s give Gov. Christie a little credit. He’s letting the President be President, nothing wrong with that. These pictures are non-partisan. This is a time when all Americans need to come together. Let’s not be guilty of acting like the other side.
Agree.
Yes. This is exactly what the President has been asking for. Country before party. If more politicians could do this we could make some progress.
Not to be too picky about words but he can’t “let” the President be anything. The President IS being President. Hope I am not coming across wrongly because I see your point.
I have to say Gov. Christie has been doing a good job in all of this. He’s probably happy he decided not to run for President.
Gov Christie is on a charm offensive. He did a poor job last December when he went to Disneyland and the state suffered from a big blizzard. He is just like the rest of the repub. governors–destroying public workers, not taking fed. money for a tunnel to NYC, lost race to the top money. He is destroying pubic education and public unions. Do not be fooled by these pictures. He was on every national news show last week but refused to give NJ reporters and the public any news after the storm had passed. He is all about himself.
But if his outcry against the house republicans who wamn to restrict fema funds……helps the President….Right on
This is the reason that emoprogs say their biggest obstacle to destroying this man, our President, is the emotional attachment that people have to him and feel for him.He is beloved by many of us. Period.
And believe me Gail if it wasn’t for the push back that they’ve been getting they would have destroyed him and brought him down by now.
I hope these emoprogs realize that there are many, many of people who will never forget the way they treated him. After PBO leaves office in 2016 there will come a day when the emoprogs will call on the president’s “TRUE” base for support for one of their heroes and I wait with anticipation to see if there will be any blow back for their non stop bashing of this president.
They are in for a rude awakening in 2016.
And just wait for the African American turnout in 2012. They see what he’s been put through and WILL show up to vote.
this is very true.
Great pics, thank you!
Will the President’s Labor Day speech be streamed on Whitehouse.gov….does anyone know
i’m sure it will. That’s where I watch them. I refuse to give the msm any ratings
best part of the whole day….suprised people havent commented yet that women at the end of the AP video handed Chris Cristie her camera to take a picture of her and the president..HAHA bet he is not used to that?
In two pictures, you see PBO staff ing the water to get to the people. Now THAT says something. Betcha no other politician would have done it.
I love how he moves among everyday people hugging, holding on to, and touching people who are distressed and showing it. He does not expect troublled people to dress up or to put on a front for him. In all of my years of watching and reading about presidents, I have never seen one who would walk among the everyday people, here and abroad, without filters. No flyovers, meeting only with officials, hand sanitizers or wiping his hands on other people (as GWB did in Haiti) from this president. His years in Indonesia, his mother’s work in Third World countries and his work as a community organizer, have all taught him to really see people and to value them; to not see them as numbers or acceptable collateral damage. We are so lucky to have him.
Their faces, they are so delighted, ecstatic, even! Love the faces of the people who are in his aura, they are healing themselves with love and open-heartedness, even in their grief and loss. Amazing. Amazing grace!
Thank you President Obama for coming out and re-connecting with the true base of your support and those (primarily in Wayne) who vote against their interests. You showed what leadership looks like and what true compassion is.
As far as Christie goes, I’m giving him nothing. He has constantly given the people of my state the finger and I want to give it back to him. I bet it truly chapped him to be quiet while the President, “the Only Adult in the Room”, was close by and would dress him down. Christie is an arrogant, blustering, bombastic, egomaniacal, ignorant robber baron who lied and played to the apathy and ignorance of the population. How he got the state assembly and state Senate Dems to go along with him is a jaw-droppingly amazing study in NJ politics – you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. DO NOT BE FOOLED FOR A SECOND BY CHRISTIE! Now is the time to pounce when he won’t dare strike back. Bullies hate when you fight back.
Again, thank you Barack Obama for all that you do and embody! We and the world appreciate and love you and your family!
I love a person who pulls no punches. Agree. Once a snake, always a snake. Saying one nice thing, when your behind is in trouble, doesn’t hold once you’re back on your feet. I trust no one who has said anything derogatory against President Obama, and not taken it back. Damn rethugs who put party and meanness over the total good of the people. Christie doesn’t get any kudos from me either. God bless the rest of us.
Christie is not as popular as he use to be, so he figure he would get in some good shots with the President, showing the folks that it looks like he is working hard, and his approval ratings might go up.
Just saw the local news and the shirtless guy was on. He was very happy to meet the president and told him so. As you can tell, he was caught by this surprise visit. 🙂