Party
for Bush
Innovative
grassroots meet-ups bring Bush supporters together
By Elizabeth Prata
North
Yarmouth--Summer is a time for cookouts, relaxing,
and parties. Thanks to the new digital democracy,
the Hamlins of North Yarmouth partied with 100,000
like-minded people last Thursday night. It was a
party for President Bush, organized through the
re-election website www.georgewbush.com.
A 'Party for the President' is a grassroots tool
that brings together people who support the President.
The first party for the President was held last
winter. A third party will coincide with the September
Republican Convention.
About 7,000 parties for Bush were held simultaneously
across the country on Thursday, June 15. The organization
was made easy with just a mouse-click. Interested
participants could check the website and search
for a party near their zip code, and RSVP through
the website. Any party with more than five RSVPs
would be eligible for participation in the conference
call with First Lady Laura Bush, along with a video
message from the President, and re-election packets
to distribute to participants.
At the Hamlins, about 40 people mingled and discussed
the political issues of the day, waiting for the
First Lady's call at 8:30 p.m. The crowd hushed
as the phone rang, and Laura Bush's voice came through
the speaker, extolling her husband's virtues. "George
is honest, straightforward, and tells people what
he thinks," Mrs. Bush said. "I have no
doubts that this election will be close, but the
voters will make the right choice and re-elect George
W," the First Lady said.
President Bush spoke at the end, saying thank you
to those who hosted the parties.
Party
pictures:
The
Monument: Prata photos
Janice
Zarro holds Bush-Cheney packet of materials on her
lap as she listens to the First lady's call. Seven-year-old
Alejandro isn't shy, and he lights up for the camera.
Bruce
Hamlin and Rep. Susan W. Austin (R-District 41,
Gray and part of New Gloucester) chat while they
wait for the First lady's call.
Party
host Ron Hamlin of North Yarmouth stands with Jared
Given.
Charlie
Summers is opposing incumbent US Representative
Tom Allen in the First District of Maine. Here,
with wife Ruth, they enjoy the First Lady's comments.
Ruth
Anne Hamlin, Cindy Decker, and Rita Feeney are a
jovial crew as the time for the First Lady's message
draws near.
Skip
Crane of Gray is all seriousness, listening to Laura
Bush.
