Protestors greet President in Center City

President Barack Obama was in downtown Philadelphia yesterday to raise money for Senator Arlen Specter’s reelection campaign. Hundreds of protesters from all ends of the political spectrum greeted the President yesterday in downtown Philadelphia.

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.

Listen:
[audio: 090915spprotest.mp3]

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.