With the protestors
Johnny Johnson reports from outside the grounds of John Cresap’s home:
At about 11:05 a.m., about three dozen protesters and peace activists confined to a designated area south of a private Republican fundraiser began waving their cardboard signs and chanting, “Impeach George Bush” as the President’s motorcade rolled into an elaborate private driveway on North Sooner Road. Instead of waiting for the fundraiser to end, however, many of the protestors packed up and went home shortly after Pres. Bush arrived.
Those who stayed included Gold Star dads Warren Henthorn of Choctaw and John Scripsick who said they owed it to their sons who died in Iraq for what they believe to be an unnecessary war.
Photos of the fundraiser site
These (and all the other uncredited photos posted on here today) are courtesy of business writer Jim Stafford, who’s taking them with his camera phone. Stafford is riding with the motorcade. The photos show the exterior of local businessman John Cresap’s amazing home.
Wonder what a $1,000 lunch tastes like
11:10 a.m.
The motorcade has arrived at John Cresap’s home at 9200 N Sooner Road. Cresap is hosting the fundraiser for Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
Cresap runs a major beer distribution company. Mostly Anheuser-Busch products. He lives in a modest little home: 14,248 sq. ft. on 50 acres, according to the tax assessor.
Jim Beckel says there’s a big circular driveway out front. And fountains. Security tents are set up, and all of the guests are being screened in those tents. Uniformed Oklahoma City police and Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers are there, and the Secret Service is surrounding the entrance and front of the house.
Folks attending the luncheon paid between $1,000 and $25,000 a pop. A grand gets you lunch. $5,000 gets you lunch and a photo with the President, and $25,000 gives you all of the above plus a brief conversation with the President.
Pres. Bush is expected to spend more than an hour at the fundraiser.
Not known who all paid for tickets to the show. Beckel says he saw U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin and Mayor Mick Cornett enter together
Road reopens
11 a.m.
Lincoln Boulevard has reopened now that the President has left the area.
The President has left the building
10:54 a.m.
Michael McNutt reports that the President’s motorcade has just left the Presbyterian Health Foundation.
Jim Beckel says there are about 19 vehicles in the motorcade.
Details of Presbyterian meeting
10:39 a.m.
Jim Stafford reports:
The President said he is concerned that the U.S. health care system is drifting toward nationalization. He made a “big pitch” for health savings accounts and heard from seven women who own small businesses about their experiences with health savings accounts.
Off to lunch
10:38 a.m.
Jim Beckel reports:
All the media are back in their vans and are waiting for the motorcade to leave the Presbyterian complex. About a dozen TV and print photographers/videographers were allowed in for about four minutes at the end of the meeting.
Next up is lunch at the home of John Cresap.
Motorcade at Presbyterian
The motorcade parked near the Presbyterian Health Foundation Conference Center.
To be fair …
… here’s a more dignified photograph of Mayor Mick Cornett.
Photo by Paul Hellstern
Waiting for word
10:24 a.m.
No news yet from the Presbyterian Health Foundation Conference Center, where Pres. Bush is speaking to a group of small-business leaders.
Michael McNutt is stationed out there. He’ll let us know as soon as he hears anything.
