POTUS IN PORTLAND: Up close and personal with Biden as he boosts Dems, kisses babies, & finally gets his ice cream
For the second time in six months, President Joe Biden visited Portland, Oregon over the weekend as part of a quick West Coast trip to bolster Democratic candidates in the last weeks of their campaigns before the midterm elections. And for the second time in six months, I was fortunate enough to cover the public appearances open to the local media.
Back in April, the President made a brief stop in town to talk up his infrastructure bill and Build Back Better plan with a large event in an airplane hangar at the Portland Airport. At that time, I got close enough to ask him if he was going to have time to grab ice cream on this trip, and he called back, “Where should we go?” I recommended Salt & Straw, a local favorite. He didn’t make it there on that trip, nor on this one, but he did get some donuts and managed to grab a cone at Baskin-Robbins on his way back to the airport to head home to Wilmington Saturday night.
It’s a pretty cool thing to be on the White House Press Office email list, even if it clogs my Inbox thanks to the daily assigned press pooler who takes notes on the President’s moves. But I never mind those, because it’s a window into how much the media DOESN’T report on the President and Vice President’s day-to-day activities. Maybe I should start a regular feature called WHAT YOU DIDN’T HEAR ABOUT THIS WEEK.
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Anyway, I was one of a small handful of media who were there to greet Air Force One on Friday evening. It wasn’t an event, and the President didn’t come over to talk to us, but he did wave as he descended the stairs, a bag in one hand containing a birthday cupcake for Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. The President mentioned her several times during the trip, joking that she was “turning 30.”
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There’s just something about the sight of the President’s plane with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on it that stirred a feeling inside me that I realized was PATRIOTISM. It was true pride in our country. I couldn’t help but think that if you brought your typical Trump supporter to see this for themselves–away from the cult–they might feel at least humbled by this. I guess I just can’t help but want people to be good people even if they’re not.
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It was a pleasure to listen to President Biden today. He spoke extemporaneously, without notes, for about 40 minutes before taking questions.
This part is searingly honest about the dire state of the union and what is at stake in the upcoming election. #POTUSinPDX pic.twitter.com/QNkzs380UM
— Kai (@UnderAntares) October 15, 2022
ANYWAY, the President brought the Sesame Donuts to a phone-banking event I wasn’t allowed to cover, but where he called people and ate two donuts — and I love him.
Hail to the Chief! #POTUSinPDX @POTUS @KJP46 pic.twitter.com/NdVbOkYA1S
— Tara Dublin ((Voted Early)) (@taradublinrocks) October 15, 2022
The next day, there was an event much more similar to the one I had been to in April. The President spoke at a local community center where I was mostly corraled with the press, but then once it was over and he was talking to the crowd, I managed to get close to him–all thanks to my BIDEN HARRIS 2020 shirt, I would imagine.
Day 2 of covering #POTUSinPDX! I just feel so lucky to be here @POTUS @PressSec @WHCOS pic.twitter.com/fdGNliX29g
— Tara Dublin ((Voted Early)) (@taradublinrocks) October 15, 2022
I caught the President literally kissing a baby. Remember when that was a thing? Well, it’s always been a thing with America’s Dad and Granddad.
Look at that. Joe Biden is a man who just loves children. Her father said, “This is the future of our country, Mr. President,” and NO YOU’RE CRYING.
Right after I snapped this photo, the President of the United States reached for my hand and held it while we made eye contact, and I got 11 seconds of video — and I love him.
I SHOOK THE PRESIDENT’S HAND AND TALKED TO HIM #POTUSinPDX pic.twitter.com/0Us2skG0Lj
— Tara Dublin ((Voted Early)) (@taradublinrocks) October 15, 2022
And then I managed to get a selfie with my new pal Joe Biden.
The President was supposed to leave as soon as he was done speaking, but he stayed at least an extra 20 minutes to talk to people — because he loves talking to people.
President Joe Biden visited Portland, Oregon today to campaign for democratic candidates ahead of the midterms. During a speech to constituents, he elaborated on the successes of the Inflation Reduction Act, citing victories over Big Pharma. pic.twitter.com/tTx5ghNr0G
— Mathieu Lewis-Rolland (@MathieuLRolland) October 16, 2022
As for me, I made sure to thank the people I had met from the President’s traveling team and follow all of the rules so that the next time the President and I are in the same town, I’ll be allowed to cover him again — because I love him.
Me: “Did you get your ice cream on this trip yet, Mr. President?” @POTUS: “Not yet, but we’re gonna try!”
Cut to: The President getting ice cream with @TinaKotek I AM MAGIC #POTUSInPDX pic.twitter.com/9PzvoAXVbL
— Tara Dublin ((Voted Early)) (@taradublinrocks) October 16, 2022
US President Joe Biden continues to become the hero of viral videos.
This time he gave an interview with an ice cream cone. And he answered questions, eating delicacies with undisguised pleasure. pic.twitter.com/Wg7Fw8sX70
— ТРУХА⚡️English (@TpyxaNews) October 16, 2022
Tara Dublin is a woefully underappreciated and unrepresented writer currently shopping a super cool novel that has nothing to do with politics while also fighting fascism on the daily.
Follow her on Twitter @taradublinrocks.
Editor’s note: This is an opinion column that solely reflects the opinions of the author.
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