The event was so top notch. The speakers (3 before Karl) were fantastic, yet they pretty much re-stated what all of us already know...kinda depressing EVERY time I hear it, actually. I think our audience (maybe it WAS just me) wanted to hear more of what we can really DO to stop the madness. The audience was made up of great patriots from far and near. There was wine by the glass and appetizers being brought to us all after the speakers spoke and before dinner. We all gathered either in the courtyard or out on the grounds, overlooking the Pacific Coast/Ocean. It was beautiful!!! Then, as we were all deciding on where we would settle for dinner (no assigned seating), Karl came over and spoke to nearly every one of the almost 70 tables!!! What a class act! I said, "We have the same birthday!!!" and he answered, "Oh, yah don't WE get jipped!" I got a chance to have my picture taken with him via my cell phone that another person at our table took for me. Everyone's phone/camera took a while, so we just stood there arm in arm for a looooong time - it was great! Just think...there I was arm in arm with one of my heroes...KARL ROVE!!!! It was grand. He was an excellent ...I mean TRULY EXCELLENT speaker - no teleprompter there!!! He spoke for at LEAST 45 minutes and on so many current events subjects and told many great stories about his time at the White House. He took questions from the audience, too. When the question came up that essentially said, should we split into two (Conservatives/Republicans) he gave a very thoughtful answer... He really sees things in terms of getting elected, FIRST and FOREMOST. Let me do my best to repeat what he said. He thought we should be using the Ronald Reagan model of what do we have in common and bring everyone INTO the fold under those circumstances. Don't inject matters that divide us, but rather center in on those matters that unite us. He also reminded us of the recent poll numbers stated that indeed America IS a center right nation as a majority saw themselves as Conservative. He said, "I'm a Conservative." This worked pretty well, as I must admit...I'm very gun shy of saying I'm a Republican. I'm very happy to admit I'm a Conservative. I likened it to Glenn Beck saying let's bring as many as we can into the fold of "Common Sense" - and I have to agree. I also think that after a couple more months, people will be so disgusted with bHo that there will be more common ground than you can imagine. We are so ripe for Conservatives to win big. He talked about how W always met with families of fallen soldiers AFTER he made speeches, because he never wanted to EVER say, "I've gotta go." There were special audience members that he called our attn to. One was the military guy that was in the picture smoking a cigar in one of Saddam's palaces - a famous picture right after we took the capital. Another guest, was the wife of the now military medic who's son died and the one thing the father wanted from the President, when he was asked, was to serve in the military as a surgeon, in honor of his boy. His other son was also serving. This man was in his 60's and it was up to Karl and JCofS Peter Pace to make it happen. And they did.
It was such an incredible night!!!! Food was superb and the staff couldn't have been nicer or more service oriented. The main thing still .....I HUGGED KARL ROVE!!!! ;-)
~~Fantastic, Lynne! Lucky girl .. what a great evening. Thank you SO much for sharing that and your tea party ... looks well attended.
Did KR have any current news about Pres. Bush ?
Is this the picture you were talking about?
Sgt. Nick Popaditch. He took some shrapnel to the face and lost his eye. Someone here on FR got in touch with his family so we could send get well wishes. I sent him a card and his wife sent me a really lovely hand-written thank you card with a photograph in it. Truly great people.
Lynne, what a FANTASTIC time and a HUG with Karl Rove....
OMG! How did you keep your composure??? Whoo Hoo!!
Thanks SO MUCH for sharing this with us! I, too, have always believed Karl is an outstanding person......intelligent, thoughtful, loyal...and, of course, he associates with good people....”W” !! I value and respect Karl’s opinions.
I’m so happy for you. What a wonderful experience!
Ann
THANK YOU for your FULL REPORT vis a vis Karl Rove and the Heritage Foundation Meeting . . . I’m officially turning green with envy!
I’m hoping that some group will invite Karl to speak at a Cincinnati function SOON! [I’m also hoping that President Bush decides to make a local appearance as well!]
LOVED the photos!!