Protestors greet President in Center City
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
By: Susan Phillips
sphillips@whyy.org
President Barack Obama was in downtown Philadelphia yesterday to raise money for Senator Arlen Specter's re-election campaign. Campaign officials say they are close to raising their goal of $2.5 million dollars. Hundreds of protesters from all ends of the political spectrum greeted the President outside.
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Inside the Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia, supporters drank beer and wine and munched on snacks during a $2400 dollar a head reception.
But outside "yes we can… chants and signs from pro-healthcare reformers.
"What do we want? public option when do we want it? now…."
to anti-abortion activists
"…and they give you the death penalty they gave to these children ….."
to disability rights advocates competed for attention.
Lorraine Houlihan held up a copy of the Constitution, saying she wants things to stay the way they.
Houlihan: I don't believe in the change. I believe in what we had. And that's how I feel. I don't believe in the insurance change at all, I think its fine just the way it is.
But across the street Mount Airy resident William Waters held up pro-healthcare reform signs.
Waters: I am dismayed by the disrespect he's been shown by these teabaggers out there that get all the press and I just wanted to show him that not all of us are nuts.
Others held up signs calling Senator Specter a traitor for switching parties. Specter will face Congressman Joe Sestak in the 2010 Democratic primary.
