3 Chics Politico’s own Ametia joined in the fun with Gen44 & David Axelrod this afternoon.

What: Obama Victory Fund 2012

Gen44 reception with David Axelrod

Where: Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP

800 Lasalle Ave # 2800

Minneapolis, MN 55402

When: Tuesday, April 24th

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The reception was private for Gen44 and supporter who are leaders in the movement. Yep, that’s right. Some Bloggers & Commenters are leaders in the movement!

Here’s a recap of my day:

I arrived in downtown Minneapolis at 2:45 p.m., parked, and walked a few blocks to the building. It felt great getting on the elevator and going up to the 28th floor to the law firm. Check in was smooth and easy. I’d RSVP for the event yesterday when I received the e-mail invite, so NAME CHECK, no problem!  Axelrod hadn’t arrived, so it gave folks time to greet, meet, and chat. I sat at a table near the front of the room with Deidre & John.  Judie and Peggy joined in later.

We all shared our experiences of supporting the president, while adding a bit of the personal touches for connecting with authenticity. I thoroughly enjoyed being with people who care about our country and its leaders. We shared tips and recommendations on how to get out the news and facts about President Obama and what he is doing to lead America.

These people are staunch Obama/Biden supporters, and they work tirelessly through phone banks, Twitter, neighborhood canvasing, and blogging etc. to reach VOTERS. Because that is what it will take to win this election, credible donors and voters

I shared with them that I blogged and passed out 3 Chics Politico cards with our logo and web address. (HOMEMADE) :-) Deidre and Peggy said they planned to visit our blog. A BIG HELLO & WELCOME, when you visit, ladies!

David Axelrod arrived around 4:10 p.m. I immediately broke out my cell phone, called SouthernGirl2, and put her on Speaker. I turned on my micro cassette recorder and with pen and pad in hand took to logging the speech.

David stood in front of a wall painted with two lions.  I think there’s a pic coming my way of the mighty lions.  We’ll see.

THANK YOU DEIDRE FOR TAKING THE PHOTO

AMETIA

David Axelrod thanked us for attending and for our support of the Obama Administration He said we are SHAREHOLDERS FOR CHANGE. He listed PBO’s accomplishments, which included ending DADT, the Iraq war, passing the Lily Ledbetter fair pay law, which he acknowledged there are some amendments forthcoming to the act. He also pointed out the two women added to the SCOTUS, restoring science, increased fuel efficiency standards. We can’t keep drilling our way out. And the biggie comprehensive healthcare reform and the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.

David shared his emotional moments during the night of the HCR bill when the final votes came in for passing. David went into his office at WH and had a “BIG CRY.” He spoke of how his daughter Lauren at since the age of 7 was having multiple seizures, and how he and his wife found her deprived of oxygen and “BLUE” Lauren is 30 now.

At the time he was working for a Chicago Newspaper making $37,000.00/year. While the family had HMO, it wouldn’t cover most of the medications that Lauren would need. They had to pay approximately $8,000-10,000.00 out-of-pocket. He said he agrees with President Obama. This is not a game, a sport, or a business. We’re talking people’s LIVES here.

David said he like listening to President Obama, because he listens so little.  IT IS ABOUT DOING what he feels is best for the greater good., not what is always popular.
He said it’s so hard to comprehend why in 2012 we are still discussing issues like contraception. One of his boyhood heroes was Robert Kennedy. We’re up against a lot, like declining wages. The deck is stacked against the middle class. He spoke of Karl Rove’s millions for attack ads, and how Rove recently received $10 million check from an unknown donor.

The Obama camp averages $55 a donor. Citizens United is something that Democrats just did not want to partake of. The speech ended at 4:35 p.m.

Axelrod opened the floor for questions.

1. Why can’t the Democrats make a video highlighting the president stating how things were when he took office, like Bill Clinton did when he left office.
Axelrod: We want to accept responsibility for making things better. We don’t want to go back to the same polices.

Axelrod shared a profound VOTER moment of the 2000 election. The presidential election was won by 537 votes. Out of 300 million Americans, the difference came down to 537 votes. We need to mobilize and GET OUT THE VOTE! PBO is leading in KEY battleground states. The election will be close.

It will hinge on the following 3 points:

1. The economy has improved
2. The weakening of the GOP candidates, including Mitt Romney during the primaries
3. President Obama has been delivering a strong message

The camp will continue working with PBO on messaging

2. Why can’t we use simple language; i.e. Social-Dawanism, folks don’t know what it means. Death panels, etc.
Axelrod: WE HAVE TO BE “BLUNT” LOVE IT!  AGREE 100%

3. Why the healthcare debates, folks don’t get it.
Axelrod: Americans are benefitting from the ACA, ask the 2o somethings who are still on their parent’s plans. It has to be fully implemented

4. SuperPacs?
Axelrod: I have to be cautious with this one. There are lawyers in the room. LOL He said PBO’s support with the pacs are “ANEMIC.”GOP has the advantage with SuperPacs. Democrats are “offended” by the actual buying of elections. He likes to focus on things we can control to win the elections. It’s the external things that keep him up at night
Things we can control:

A. We need strong national Democratic candidates of QUALITY.  He believes MN Senator Amy Klobachar will do well. Tim Kaine has a strong chance against George “Macacca” Allen. “One of the great minds of the 19th century.” LOL These are David’s words.

B. The Obama Camp will work with messaging, job loss.

C. The unemployment rate. He doesnt’ believe the GOP are deliberately trying to sabotage jobs. It’s more of a philosophical/ideological or policy based vibe.

He chuckled about Romney and his claim of more women losing jobs under Obama Admin, when the GOP has slashed public sector jobs, mainly teachers.  And the majority of teachers are women.  David mentioned the deficit that then Governor Romney left for Massachusetts, and how his good friend and current MA  Governor Deval Patrick has been digging the state out of debt.

We need to get teachers, first responders, and other Americans back to work.

David ended with a huge thank you to all supporters of the President, and said he enjoyed spending time with us.  We were asked to sign up for phone banks, canvasing and donations.  I left to beat the traffic and head back to the suburbs.  Had to get home to blog!!!  On my way back to the parking garage, I saw David standing by a car in front of the building we’d just left.  I walked up to him and introduced my self, thanked him for all he is doing to help our president, and told him to check out our blog.

You must check out, 3 Chics Politico blog, I said.  He repeated it, “3 CHICS POLITICO. ”  ***SMILING**

Then I reached into my wallet and I gave him a 3 Chics Politico card.  Well, there you have it!  If you can, please donate directly to the Obama/Biden campaign fund.  HERE

GEN44 video