Our first Kerry campaign pool report. . . and it's the author that dubbed it the porno edition. We won't keep you in suspense as to why:
As the ferry gets out to sea and picks up speed the wind is forceful and there are plenty of shots of the wind mussing JK’s hair and making his clothes flap furiously. He lingers, then THK comes over and puts her hand on the nominee's butt for a second -- maybe inadvertently, doesn’t look like there was any patting action -- before moving it up to his belt. (no, you pigs, that's it.)
Full report after the jump.
PORNO POOL (trust me, read down all the way)Aboard the ferry LAKE EXPRESS Jk worked the room for awhile, but there was nothing newsworthy. Just lots of people asking for pix, autographs, hugs, wishing him well. No obvious Bushies that I spotted.
Some chatter: “I’m looking forward to you leading us…”
“Great speech, really stirring.”
“we’re from Madison. You should go to Madison.” JK: “I could be.” Madison guy cracks up.
We shove off at 4:48 pm.
Bob Wesem, ofGrosse Pointe Woods (he later begged me to say Florida was his residence, hear that IRS?), says he went to Harvard: “I have to vote for a Yalie this year.” After Jk moves on the guy says he hasn’t decided which Yalie.
JK and THK say hello to 3 4-year-old triplets, a boy and two girls, and JK establishes their birth order in a gentle interrogation, then tell THK what he’s learned.
Some older guy says “West Michigan pays a lot of taxes,” and tells JK he’s going to the Mayo Clinic for some treatment, along with his brother-in-law and their wives.
JK to somebody whose question I didn’t hear: “I’m trying to run a positive campaign that talks about the issues. So’s John.”
Some woman to JK: “Billy Joe told me to say he says hi, so Billy Joe says hi.”
Guy with piercings everywhere, and two of the scariest damn earrings you ever saw -- big clear plugs the diameters of quarter-dollars through his lopes making him look like Mr. Clean -- holding a little girl named Jasmine, says “Keep up all your good work.”
Topside, JK waved to the crowds of people along the docks and breakwaters leading from an inlet to Lake Michigan. Probably 1,000 people all told, hundreds at one point spread a quarter mile or so.
Lots of “thank you” by JK and waves and some interplay. One guy yells “We want Bush” and JK replies “you already got him -- you got problems.”
Somebody has a “help is on the way” sign and JK calls, “Help is on the way -- we hope we don’t need it on the ferry.”
JK sees two young women talking and goes up to them smiling, arms wide on their shoulders, says “What are you two plotting?” One says “world conspiracy.” Couldn’t hear what he said back.
JK chats with an obvious biker -- ZZ Top beard, vest, Harley tattoo -- compares notes on their bikes. The guy rides a “Bad Boy” or maybe a “Bat Boy.” Check the Harley website I guess. Kerry says he has a Wide Glide but hasn’t had much chance to ride.
A Coast Guard helicopter circles at least a mile radius from the ferry; along side a 25-foot Coast Guard inflatable/aluminum hull -- looks like a skiff, whatever. Ask Loftus. 3 or 4 crew aboard. Other craft escort from local law enforcement at various times.
As the ferry gets out to sea and picks up speed the wind is forceful and there are plenty of shots of the wind mussing JK’s hair and making his clothes flap furiously. He lingers, then THK comes over and puts her hand on the nominee's butt for a second -- maybe inadvertently, doesn’t look like there was any patting action -- before moving it up to his belt. (no, you pigs, that's it.)
From here, after entirely too many photos, JK descends to the bridge. Cf. Nedra Pickler’s fine and much-appreciated pool report and Patsy’s handling of the local TV.
Endit - DH
