After-Action Report of DC Chapter FReep of White House Correspondents Assoc Dinner

May 2, 2004 | BillF

[BillF]

The D.C. Chapter's Sixth Annual FReep of the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) Dinner took place on Saturday afternoon and evening. Our gathering of eagles included: Angelwood, Kristinn, Staytrue, tgslTakoma, GunsAreOK, Cobol2Java & his wife, Pippin, BufordP, Mudboy Slim, Sauropod, L_Von_Mises, and BillF.

Speaking truth to the power that is the press, FReepers adopted the theme that the media's overly pessimistic coverage of Iraq is getting our troops killed. The media distortions are causing others, both friends and foes of the U.S., to question our resolve.

Although the theme of the evening was quite serious, we had a blast gently chiding the liberals and giving kudos to some of the good guys in the press. We received a more positive response from people passing by than more would expect, considering that the location was one of the most liberal areas in one of the most liberal cities in the country.

tgslTakoma created some great Peter Arnett awards. Soldier action figures lying face down in the sand with tiny balsa wood knives that tgsl hand carved and glued into their backs with pools of blood around the stab wound that the media was inflicting on our troops.

The awards for those who stabbed our troops in the back were won by:
1. Ted Kennedy
2. Hillary Clinton
3. Peter Jennings
4. Andy Rooney
5. Michael Moore
6. Dan Rather
7. Kopple and Nightline
8. David Gregory
9. NBC
10. Rick Reilly

None of the individuals were seen. Therefore, they could not be given the actual awards tonight, but further efforts may be made to deliver them to the winners.

Staytrue had prepared numerous brilliant signs including one like this:

Several times rain showers, which may have caused some not to attend, forced us into a covered area next to our sidewalk location.

In Washington, DC, the White House Correspondent's Association Dinner is one of DC's closest occasions to LA's Academy Awards. Indeed, recently more movie and television stars have been attending. Press luminaries and their guests assemble with government officials and members of Congress. The President usually gives a self-deprecating speech followed by a guest comic who makes fun of press and pol alike.

Actress Drew Barrymore talked for about 15 minutes with various FReepers. She is making a documentary and had a full camera crew with her. Remembering that she and the other Charlie's Angels movie stars (Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu) wore t-shirts on a premiere night referring to our President as a "son of a Bush," I'm not a fan of hers. I didn't hear her "interviews" of Kristinn, tgslTakoma, and others.

I did move in to take photos of Barrymore when she was interviewing BufordP. I heard Buford articulately describe an unusual path that led him to become a conservative. He explained that he was a Democrat a few decades back and laughed when Robin Williams did an imitation of William F. Buckley, but was not familiar with Buckley. Changing channels one time, Buford saw Buckley on Firing Line and thought "that's the guy that Williams makes fun of, wonder what he says." Buford watched a while, started reading National Review and books from Buckley and converted to conservatism.

As Barrymore and her crew interviewed FReepers, a couple people walking by shouted something like, "don't put them on camera, it only encourages them." The press, with some exceptions, did not like us crashing their party. Of course, if we demonstrated against Republicans, they would cover us, instead of shunning us.

Al Franken talked with Kristinn, Angelwood, Sauropod and others for about 10 minutes. At one point, Franken held Sauropod's video camera and taped Sauropod being interviewed by Franken. I'll let 'Pod fill in details if he wants to, but Franken was using the old, ridiculous, totally illogical argument: "you weren't in the military, so you can't criticize those [Kerry, former Senator Max Cleland] who were, even for actions they took after their military service."

Matt Drudge stopped by and talked for a couple minutes. I told him that I still remembered his National Press Club speech years ago about the media gatekeepers. He said that maybe it was time for him to go back there. Drudge took a photo of tgslTakoma's creative Peter Arnett awards

Joel Scarborough, former Congressman and current host of MSNBC's Scarborough Country, stopped by and posed for photos with FReepers.

Jeff Gannon of CNS News stopped by to talk with the FReepers.

BufordP recognized Michael Fumento, author of The Myth of Heterosexual Aids and conservative columnist, who concentrates on scientific issues. Buford, who had read Fumento's book, talked with him for quite a while.

At separate times, Jonah Goldberg and Byron York, both of National Review online, stopped by briefly to talk with FReepers.

Others, who briefly talked with FReepers, included Fred Barnes of Fox News and George Stephanopolous of ABC.

FReepers gave brief words of encouragement to Greg Kelly of Fox News and Bill Sammon and Bill Gertz, both of the Washington Times.

Norah O'Donell of NBC and MSNBC walked by quickly and would not stop for photos (in fairness, she was probably running late), but acknowledged Kristinn's compliment "You look good" with a "thank you."

As Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA) walked by, Buford said to me "there goes 'roller coaster' Markey." Markey heard his name mentioned and turned around briefly saying "what," but just smiled when Buford said "nothing" or "never mind." I don't think Markey heard the "roller coaster," a reference to Markey talking about roller coaster safety standards.

Others who were seen included Congressman David Drier and C. Boyden Gray, White House Counsel for the first President Bush.

Other FReepers are invited to add their accounts. I've listed all the people that I saw and recognized, but other officials and press were seen by other FReepers. I didn't see Stephanopolous, but discussed his presence with several FReepers who did see him.

We got several thumbs-up and verbal kudos from people just passing by. "Keep up the good work" was the comment of one person. Another guy, who seemed quite gay, was quite supportive of our efforts. (Coincidentally, the event was a few blocks north of the heavily gay Dupont Circle area.)

Buford argued with quite a few liberals who passed by. I think that it was all good-natured, but he can fill in any details if he wants. I did overhear one liberal arguing about Saudi oil with Buford and then telling him, "let's say that your wife can't bake apple pie, but she has apples and trades them to someone who can bake apple pie." I had to bite my tongue to keep from interupting with "Do you have any of the apple pies?" (I was hungry at that stage, late in the FReep.)

We saw the President's motorcade only after he was in the hotel, via a side entrance down a ways from us. A short time later, we relocated to the restaurant in the hotel for post-FReep food and drink.

Notwithstanding the serious message of press bias about Iraq getting our troops killed, we had a great time. FReepers are invited to join us next year for this event.

[BillF]

Next year, please join us for this FReep!

[threat matrix]

Pics, bring on the pics..please

[BillF]

DC Chapter ping!

Photos will follow on this or another thread.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.


D.C. Freepers Rule 4-FREEDOM.

GOD Bless'em, every one.


.

[elbucko]

Sic 'em, Guys!
No justice, no peace.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

" Franken was using the old, ridiculous, totally illogical argument: "you weren't in the military, so you can't criticize those [Kerry, former Senator Max Cleland] who were, even for actions they took after their military service."

If we take Franken's logic further:
Kerry has never been Commander in Chief, therefore, he has no right to criticize President Bush.

[NittanyLion]

Good update - sounds like you guys met a ton of media types...I love the Arnett awards.

BTW, what was Norah wearing that made her "look good"? (I always like to evaluate the facts for myself...)

[sauropod]

I am looking into how to get vid caps from my stuff.

Also, if there is a way to reduce the video so that it can be hosted and streamed someplace, I am open to that. I need vidnerd advice.

[tgslTakoma]

Kristinn, can you describe for NittanyLion what Ms. O'Donnell was wearing?

:-)

[tgslTakoma]

Pippin and staytrue

Pippin

GunsareOK and Kristinn show off the Peter Arnett Awards

Staytrue made this excellent "blood for ratings" sign

Media stabs our troops in the back by their biased reporting

[tgslTakoma]

Senator Edward Kennedy won 1st Place in the Arnett Award contest

In background, Registered designed the certificate that will accompany each award

Close-up of Award

It was sunny for awhile

Heavy foot traffic at our post

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Kristinn was right, here's a pic of Norah O'Donell from last night's live thread;

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1128024/replies?comment=580

Thank you again for a great job. Once again it was nice meeting many of the DC chapter in Fayetteville.

[SevenofNine]

Rackkk ittttt

ANy photos YET I want see photos Rack itttt

[tgslTakoma]

One of the more colorful passers-by. She didn't stop

Gentleman from England who stopped and chatted for a long time with us

Al Franken and Angelwood

Al Franken grills Sauropod, and films it on 'Pod's camera

Franken drew a disbelieving crowd

[tgslTakoma]

Franken and Sauropod had a heated exchange

Franken says Rush is a big, fat idiot?

Yeah, it is

Al Franken thinking

Jeff Gannon and Angelwood

[litehaus]

bump

[tgslTakoma]

As she and Jeff Gannon chatted, Angelwood helped direct the liberal media to the Quagmire Dinner

DC Chapter does the Cops Cheer for Drew Barrymore's film crew

Another view of Barrymore and crew

Sauropod and Barrymore, with Staytrue at right, filming

Barrymore questions BufordP, as 'Pod ponders

[tgslTakoma]

BufordP answers

Barrymore and crew still at work

Matt Drudge chatted with Angelwood and Kristinn for a few minutes about the Arnett Awards

Matt signs Cobol2java's wife's autograph book

Mudboy made it!

[tgslTakoma]

I think the major media members got the message

BufordP and L von Mises

Cobol2java's wife

Staytrue and BillF

GunsareOk

[tgslTakoma]

Group shot

Author Michael Fumento

[LisaFab]

Great report Bill and I'm sorry I missed all the fun. Ping me to the photos please.

[staytrue]

We also performed "the Clinton cop cheer" for Barrymore and her camera crew. Hopefully that footage will survive into the movie.

[COBOL2Java]

It was sunny for awhile

That's me holding the "UN Oil For Food" sign. :-)

[tgslTakoma]

I was too slow on the draw with my camera last night; so I didn't get shots of Jonah Goldberg, Joe Scarborough, Greg Kelly, George Steponallofus and the others. Sadly for the guys here I also missed Norah O'Donnell; the consensus among the men in our group - and some of the Dupont Circle grrrrls was that she was stunning in her form-fitting fuschia gown.

:-)

(I used to be thin...)

[threat matrix]

Awesome pics!

[bvw]

Was anyone from teh DC Chapter invited to the dinner? If not, why not?

Every DC Chapter memebr whose posted on FR about a freep or other event is in the most true sense of the word a CORRESPONDENT.

Can the DC Chapter apply for a WH press pass?

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

Young Senator TED KENNEDY -&- Freeper "ALOHA RONNIE" in Vietnam-1965


See Photo Set #1

http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm


1-Grew
1-Didn't

.

[I still care]

I think I would have put the NY Times in first place. My sister brought one by the other day - it surpassed my wildest expectations. Worse than I even thought it would be.

[hellinahandcart]

Al Franken and Angelwood

LOL!-- Angelwood looks like she's about to elbow him right off his feet!

"Unhand me, you dastard!!"

[tgslTakoma]

Can the DC Chapter apply for a WH press pass?

I've thought about doing that; wondered if I could apply, actually. But I have a day job.

[LisaFab]

Great photos! Didn't see one of you! Anyone else take pics?

[hellinahandcart]

Can't wait to see this on tape.

[alisasny]

Did you continue to watch CSPAN when everyone was milling around afterwards? Both hub and I did not recognize Nora but noted "Why does the girl in the pink dress keep looking at the Cspan Camera?" Did anyone else notice this?

Was weird.

[alisasny]

There is a current posting freeper who has a pass for another organization but his name escapes me at the moment. HELP FREEPERS : )

[hellinahandcart]

No, I couldn't understand why the cameras kept rolling, with nothing going on except "Murmurmurmurmurmur."

[Enterprise]

You people are simply awsome. The intelligence and biting wit and satire are second to none. I think the really talented people weren't inside at the dinner, they were outside.

[tgslTakoma]

One other thing... Jeff Gannon (CNS News) came up to the bar/restaurant looking for us. He said he knew we wouldn't be a boring bunch to have dinner with. We all had a good time at dinner; and ran the poor waitress ragged with our dinner orders - we were hungry and very thirsty after FReeping.

[alisasny]

RE my post # 34, Jeff Gannon posts here : )

WTG JEFF

[tgslTakoma]

Honor roll ping!

[tgslTakoma]

photo ping!

[bmwcyle]

bttt

[Angelwood]

Great post and great pictures about our Sixth Annual White House Correspondents Dinner FReep. I used one of the photos to update the home page of our website.

Actually, all the credit goes to the Webmaster who has updated the home page with links to this thread, last night's live thread and our last Hillary Booksigning freep.

Thanks to all -- it was a very good night's work and we didn't get too wet while we were at it.

Were there any notable sightings after I had to leave the party?

[kristinn]

Jeff Gannon writes for Talon News, not CNS.

He's a fine young man who has brought a much needed different perspective to the daily White House press briefings.

[COBOL2Java]

This was my first chance to join the DC Freepers, and I had a blast! My wife wasn't sure what to expect (she's not a registered Freeper but truly one in her heart). When I mentioned the event to her I told her we were there to support the President and the troops, and she answered "well count me in!" :-)

At first she didn't know what to make of the group - but as you can tell from the pictures she shortly joined in. She had brought her autograph book, hoping to catch some signatures. She got: Al Franken, Drew Barrymore, Matt Drudge, George Stephanopoulos, Michael Fumento, and Fred Barnes.

On the way home she asked me "So when's the next Freep?"

[bvw]

The post freep hang-outs in restaurants are the best part of it all.

[COBOL2Java]

Whoops! That link above is for the slideshow. That first one's a photo of Pippin. Here's the Mrs. joining in the Freep. Sorry Pippin!

[WVNan]

You guys are one awesome group. Heros all.

[CyberAnt]

So does Jim Pinkerton of FOX's NewsWatch

[tgslTakoma]

Sorry about that error, Jeff. I had a blonde moment; probably not brought on by my natural blondeness, but rather by having still not recovered from 11 hours in a cramped school bus with 60+ high school Juniors and Seniors on Friday. The kids were fine, the bus was pure torture!

[kristinn]

It was a pleasure meeting you and the missus. Our next activity is the Second Amendment Sisters rally on Mothers Day, May 9, in Washington, D.C. at Freedom Plaza, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.