Democrats at Gun Show and No One Was Hurt
By: Todd Smyth
Published On: 8/20/2006 10:23:11 PM
The gun show in Roanoke, VA this weekend was a telling tale. A table of Democrats supporting a native Virginian and not one shot was fired. We confounded expectations by not having pentagrams etched on our foreheads dispelling many rumors to the contrary. We actually got a number of compliments for having the balls to show up at all and there was no Allen table around. However, after a while some Allen people showed up and got a few people to put Allen bumper stickers on their table. Only one of the ones I asked knew Allen was born and raised in California and had no relatives or heritage in Virginia.
Before Jim Webb showed up, the Allenbots deployed with big signs a blazin and put a ton of them up around the gun show illegally. A city official convinced them to take them down before they were caught and fined. As Jim strolled the main floor of the gun show his Allen video stalker was shut down harshly by a vendor who threatened to have him thrown out for video taping inside a gun show. I was therefore unable to get a picture of the table with the WWII German ceremonial knives laying on top of a big NAZI Swastika flag with a stack of George Allen brochures on top.
Much of the sentiment at the show boiled down around high immigration and gas prices and a do-nothing congress on the take from big oil. I heard a lot of people talk about all polititians being bad and corrupt and how Webb would turn out just like the rest of them. So I pointed out that the Republicans legalized border crossing to break the backs of the Uniouns in the early 80's. They changed it to an "Adminsitrative Fault" to cross the border and that is why undocumented workers are never arrested or sent to court. They are returned accross the border. I also took a page out of Paul Wellstone's book and asked people how much money did they think Jim Webb has raised from Oil companies? And then held up a big "goose egg." "Not that Jim has turned down any money from them but they haven't offered any either."
I then asked how much did they think George Allen had raised from big oil? Most of them shrugged. I said over $800,000 so far. Allen is clearly in the pocket of big oil. That seemed to make a difference to people although they were skeptical.
Thank you to Marc Greidinger and his son Stanley (picture) for getting the booth, setting up shop and manning the booth all weekend. Also the local TV press was there and did an interview with Webb. Thank you to them and all the other volunteers who came out on Sunday. Mudcat was there also.
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Comments
Good Diary (DukieDem - 8/20/2006 10:28:42 PM)
The two most important numbers in this campaign are 97 and 800,000.
Great job Todd... (Loudoun County Dem - 8/20/2006 10:47:01 PM)
...and funny to boot.
Very funny, Todd (Susan Mariner - 8/20/2006 10:51:43 PM)
And I'm so happy that this weekend Webb had people reaching out to Hispanic American voters, to African American voters, to gun enthusiasts, to VFW members, etc. This is really terrific. We are taking Webb's message throughout the state to all sorts of people at in all sorts of venues. It's very exciting.
Outstanding effort Todd (Bubby - 8/20/2006 11:02:39 PM)
Impressive work. Taking it back, one town at a time!
I agree (Susan Mariner - 8/20/2006 11:05:13 PM)
Talk about not ceding any voters. This is truly fantastic. I am so proud of the Webb volunteers.
Everybody keep up the fantastic effort! We're taking Webb's message to people everywhere!
You too Susan (Bubby - 8/21/2006 8:05:44 AM)
Your efforts in Hampton Roads have been inspiring.
I want to go next time! (thegools - 8/20/2006 11:14:14 PM)
I am game for helping out at any such events. I am in Faquier. Sportsmen for Webb.
Hey by the way. Allen's video stalker sounds like he is everywhere Webb is. I see him in pics all over.
Does Webb ever talk to him?? What's his name?? I would imagine if that guy hangs around Webb long enough, the guy might start supporting Webb. I could see jim having that affect.....not like the affect Allenhas had....
I forgot his name (Todd Smyth - 8/21/2006 7:30:11 AM)
I talked to him a little and pointed out the NAZI flag and Allen brochures which really seemed to confuse him.
Great job! (mkfox - 8/21/2006 2:08:16 AM)
That Allen sign seems to fit right in with the Dixie Cross stuff surrounding it.
As for the oil debate, W was right when he said America is addicted to oil but staying in the pocket of oil-rich Mideast countries, digging for oil in Alaska and in the Gulf Coast feeds the addiction, it doesn't cure it.
Is it illegal to videotape a gun convention?
Not illegal (Todd Smyth - 8/21/2006 7:05:30 AM)
It's not illegal. They just don't like it.
Fantastic work, Todd! (Lowell - 8/21/2006 6:26:45 AM)
Keep it up, and keep the great pictures coming!
P.S. "A big NAZI Swastika flag with a stack of George Allen brochures?" Holy crap, imagine the impact of THAT picture?
Thank Marc Greidinger (Todd Smyth - 8/21/2006 7:04:29 AM)
I should have added that Marc Greidinger set up shop and got the booth and he and his son Staqnley set up and manned the booth all weekend. Thank you to them and all the other volunteers who came out on Sunday. I also left out that the local TV press was there and did an interview.
Way to go, Todd!! (summercat - 8/21/2006 7:31:07 AM)
Terrific--and so witty!!
COMMENT HIDDEN (I.Publius - 8/21/2006 8:05:14 AM)
You mean, as opposed to George Allen (Lowell - 8/21/2006 8:12:08 AM)
Born and raised in California, WISHES he had been born in Iowa, and lives in a part of Virginia (NOVA) which he claims is not "real?"
Some Latin for Pube (PM - 8/21/2006 8:18:58 AM)
CUR ETIAM HIC ES
HIC PUER EST STULTISSIMUS OMNIUM
I like this bit of Latin (Lowell - 8/21/2006 8:24:03 AM)
UTINAM LOGICA FALSA TUAM PHILOSOPHIAM TOTAL SUFFODIANT!
COMMENT HIDDEN (I.Publius - 8/21/2006 9:49:50 AM)
Bzzzzzz thank you for playing (PM - 8/21/2006 10:08:23 AM)
COMMENT HIDDEN (I.Publius - 8/21/2006 10:15:53 AM)
RE: George Allen Campaign Motto (JPTERP - 8/22/2006 12:19:34 AM)
Stercus Accidit.
Latin 101 (Matt W - 8/21/2006 11:55:01 AM)
Latin is for elitist fancy-boy snobs who look with disdain upon ordinary Virginians. Real people find that they can express themselves quite well with American English.
Irony (RayH - 8/21/2006 12:46:59 PM)
I.Publius must like Latin because of it's elitist overtones, but he's part of the GOP- the party that wants a Constitutional amendment to make English the official language of the nation.
¡LatÃn está bien, ingles está bien, pero español no es! ¡Que mala suerte!
COMMENT HIDDEN (I.Publius - 8/21/2006 2:08:12 PM)
Good eye. (RayH - 8/21/2006 2:22:30 PM)
When I need a copyeditor, I'll call you I.Publius. You may point out typographical errors, but if you try to edit for content, I'll have to fire you.
He's there already, no need to wish it upon him. (RayH - 8/21/2006 10:10:20 AM)
How many people come to this thing? n/t. (ericy - 8/21/2006 8:46:46 AM)
Going to the "Show" (hereinva - 8/21/2006 9:12:01 AM)
Its about time ! I've been to several guns shows over the years...yes I am a Democrat. Majority of attendees to these shows are sportsmen, history buffs, military vets, and regular local "joes". There is a large gun show in the Fredericksburg area..now held at a new convention center. I haven't been in awhile but usually there are R candidates with fliers..I have never seen a Democratic candidate table set up at one. Aside from 2nd amendment issues, hunters and sportsmen are concerned about conservation issues...but DO NOT label them enviromentalists. Good job in Roanoke ! Jim Webb walks the walk IN HIS BOOTS !!
Environmentalist=Conservationist (thegools - 8/21/2006 4:25:21 PM)
The only real difference that I see is the artificial barrier that some people from each group constructs. I am both and have never seen any need of pigeon-holing myself with one name or the other. I do not hug trees to stop the bulldozers, nor do I belong to the NRA.
I am a sportman, not a streotype.
Todd For Campaign Manager (Matt H - 8/21/2006 10:05:07 AM)
Todd:
Your points are dead-on and you get the message across better than anyone else!
Macaca Story Still Has Legs (PM - 8/21/2006 10:20:29 AM)
Here's an 8/21 entry from the Loudon paper, LEESBURG TODAY:
http://www.leesburg2...
By writing it straight it comes across as really damning -- e.g., the juxaposition of the Wadhams phony explanation followed by the Allen explanation.
COMMENT HIDDEN (I.Publius - 8/21/2006 10:36:52 AM)
Allen is TOOMUCHLIKEBUSH (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 10:46:22 AM)
I love it, even the media is saying Allen is TMLB to be elected President. It is beginning to STICK and people's eyes are beginning to OPEN. And the best part, it is not even LABOR DAY yet.
TMLB folks
TOO MUCH LIKE BUSH.
http://www.slate.com...
And another...... (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 11:24:51 AM)
http://www.dailypres...
COULD A TAUNT TAINT HIS NAME?
I would have to say this is a delicious piece.
That's on the front page (Susan Mariner - 8/21/2006 11:50:13 AM)
The story hasn't gone away. This one mentions the noose in his office. For some reason that hasn't gotten as much play as the flag obsession.
The famous CowBOY theme (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 11:56:46 AM)
He is truly a boy, in men's clothing. The noose is suppose to be a part of a theme, maybe for JUSTICE, let his handlers make up the rest of the story on that one. He is George Bush's puppet, so maybe Bush will tell him what to say about the noose.
I know there are several in the campaign office who think the noose thing is pretty terrible too.
I. Publius??? (thegools - 8/21/2006 4:46:46 PM)
Care to comment on this weeks publications of "Last week's news??"
Corporate sponsors of PACS supporting Allen (RayH - 8/21/2006 11:44:42 AM)
I'm wondering whether the corporate sponsors of Allen-friendly PACs want to associate themselves with a Senator who has won national and international regard as a bully, a xenophobe, a racist, and/or a fool?
Allen issued a pro forma apology, but didn't show real contrition. I would only expect to see contrition from him if some of his big $$ supporters start pulling the plug.
My guess... (Eric - 8/21/2006 11:59:00 AM)
As long as they can stand far enough away that they get no collateral damage from Allen's stupidity, they'd be happy to give money. After all, Allen is a senator with a track record of being very friendly to business who contribute to his cause. Yeah, I know, a lot of them do it. And a lot of businesses take a non-partisan approach in that they cuddle up to the incumbents. So my guess is that it doesn't change much unless those companies are associated with him in a very public way.
Hmmm... sounds like a good side project.
Stockholders: Object to companies giving $$ to racists (RayH - 8/21/2006 12:36:38 PM)
It's probably late to make an impact on the Senatorial campaign, but if GA goes forward with a Presidential run, you can bet that many of his corporate allies will get an earful.
Another leg.
This is embarassing to any remotely fair-minded Virginian (Kathy Gerber - 8/21/2006 11:58:08 AM)
So in a way I wish I. Publius were correct. This story doesn't just have legs; it's a centipede.
Now the Virginia-Pilot article by Mike Gruss is being picked up today across the country.
Among the most popular YouTube footage Wednesday was a snippet of the animated TV show ``South Park'' and a music video of teen star Hilary Duff. By Wednesday afternoon, Allen's footage was the most-watched of the day -- with more than 77,000 views.
The online magazine Slate asked in its lead headline Wednesday, ``Is George Allen too stupid to be president?''
And we should be embarrassed. (Eric - 8/21/2006 12:03:40 PM)
We can make it up, and make Virginia look good in process, this November by voting Allen out of office. Perhaps he'll move back to California. Or maybe Iowa - he seems to like it there.
Ouch... (thegools - 8/21/2006 4:53:43 PM)
The millipede story marches on.
Allen can't talk (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 1:04:52 PM)
without the playbook of Dick and Mary. It is painfully obvious. It is now what, 7 days since the story was about to break, if I recall we were still waiting last week about this time ............all the way up to 3pm for the WaPo and RK to publish the story NLS had from THE Sidarth Video. Twenty four hours or one week tomorrow, we get the apology and a weird explanation.
Dick and Mary chapter II, explanation turned from Mohawk to well, a name we made up and the story does not go away.
How sweet it is!
Slate on Allen:"Once a boob always a boob" (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 10:50:44 AM)
http://www.slate.com...
In case you did not see it above, in my last post, great story over at Slate.
The Money Quotes (Bubby - 8/21/2006 12:16:07 PM)
Based on the conversations I've had with GOP elites and fund-raisers, the candidate most likely to suffer from this heightened standard is George Allen. The worry is that despite Allen's strong standing among conservatives, he mirrors too many of Bush's goofy, amiable, towel-snapping qualities. Those are all on display in the "macaca" video. In a general election, these Republicans worry that Allen's Bush-like cast could be deadly.
And this one puts it on a bumper sticker...
At least one person who has been wooed by the Allen camp came away from a meeting with the senator with this kiss-off of his chances: "Too much like Bush."
Perhaps ol' George is mimicking another famous George - George Pickett, commander of the ill conceived Confederate charge on Cemetery Hill, and the man that was relieved of command for failure to protect General Lee's flank at Saylor's Creek.
Video - Allen at the Gun Show (Bubby - 8/21/2006 12:01:01 PM)
Allen and Bush are Illogical!
Hey Jim, these guys can't string together a coherent sentence, let alone a logical argument.
Correction - Webb at the Gun Show (n/t) (Bubby - 8/21/2006 12:24:46 PM)
Kos readers (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 12:11:15 PM)
need to see this piece.
It too has legs. Look at all the news stories coming out now about Allen, this story won't go away. kc.
It's cross posted there and is "recommended" (Lowell - 8/21/2006 12:15:36 PM)
It's gotten VERY favorable response from the supposed "far lefties" on Daily Kos, many of whom happen to be proud gun owners, hunters, etc. It's always nice for the I. Pubes of the world to try and stereotype "godless liberals," but it falls apart as soon as you look at it for a minute or two.
great (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 12:41:17 PM)
and the articles keep coming out, it is almost like the perfect storm.
Now the comparisons are coming out in all circles/media that not only is Allen like Bush in his voting record but also like Bush in his towel snapping-- off the cuff jerkiness --AND America has had enough of that (that's them talking not us).
What a difference a week + makes.
But you're giving towel-snappers a bad name! (RayH - 8/21/2006 12:48:14 PM)
it is fun (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 1:06:53 PM)
to snap one every now and again, but don't be on video and don't be running for the Senate.
It's Goin' to Kansas City, Kansas City Here It Goes (PM - 8/21/2006 2:33:05 PM)
http://www.kansascit...
A pick up of the Mike Gruss story.
KC quote: Dick Wadhams...called the reaction ``a feeding frenzy.'' (RayH - 8/21/2006 2:39:54 PM)
Aw, Dick, quit whining and put some more trays on the buffet table you set out for everyone.
Wonkette is really ragging Allen today (PM - 8/21/2006 2:24:06 PM)
The site just put up the movie video with the title:
"The Man Who Doesn't Want to Be President of Your Lousy Union Anyway"
And earlier today . . .
"Meanwhile, the AP reports that the President will appear at a private Man Who Won’t Be President event this week. Bush will be the guest of honor at a fundraiser at Ed Gillespie’s house. He’s scheduled no public appearances on behalf of Allen, because Allen clearly doesn’t need help destroying his political career, thank you very much."
I keep sending Wonkette as much as I can (Doug Garnett-Deakin - 8/21/2006 2:30:39 PM)
Even if Lowell thinks Wonkette has jumped the shark (it so has, but still has hundreds of links to it via technocrati).
It Was on Almost All the Sunday Talk Shows (d'moore - 8/21/2006 4:25:33 PM)
My husband and I made a point of watching or listening to almost all the Sunday talk shows yesterday and it made it on to almost all of them. My favorite was the show hosted by Gordon Peterson, Inside Washington (?). Even Krauthamer had no defense. Mark Shields, Nina Totenberg, and the guy from Newsweek were totally down on Allen. Shields thinks it will be a major blow to the Senate race. Others mentioned how it has totally doomed his candidacy for President.
It was the best day for Virginia politics I can remember.
Tues.Aug22 And this one (kevinceckowski - 8/22/2006 8:15:31 AM)
http://www.timesunio...
"He's Just A Bully".
I love it, it keeps going and going and going and going!!
But wait... (Loudoun County Dem - 8/22/2006 9:09:05 AM)
Didn't ipub tell us that this was only a one day story? A week ago? And only to us lefty bloggers?
Pubes is .3% accurate (PM - 8/22/2006 9:14:50 AM)
Pubes is .3% accurate. He's right when NLS is wrong.
Contacting "Sportsmen for Webb" (presidentialman - 8/23/2006 12:49:05 PM)
I'm new here. I usually phonebank at the Arlington Courthouse headquarters. I've been following the raising kaine diaries and I forgot where I read it but there's a sportsmen for Webb. I tried looking this up but all roads just pointed to an article on here. Where can I find a website that is sportsmen for Webb, or have they not gotten their act together? Oh yes and the brothel businessman who filed for bankruptsy story is a funny one.