Obama risks egg-throwing in trip to Texas A&M

Texas is not Obama country. In fact Barack Obama lost the Lone Star State to Republican John McCain by a not-even-close 55-43 margin.

But today the president makes his first trip to Texas since winning the White House, accepting the invitation of former President George H.W. Bush -- otherwise known as Bush 41 -- to join him at Texas A&M University to celebrate volunteerism.

And conservatives on the Aggie campus are planning to protest, a wide-ranging complaint about everything from Obama's healthcare plan to his recently announced Nobel Peace Prize. As one put it on meetup, "The opportunity to make sure Obama gets a very clear TEXAS-SIZED MESSAGE to stop the liberal assault on our country cannot be passed up."

Worried the protests might get out of hand, Bush 41 wrote an open letter to "the A&M Family," on Wednesday that began with “Howdy” and concluded, “I cannot wait for Obama to experience the open, decent and welcoming Aggie spirit for himself. This will be an important national moment, and a moment for Texas A&M to shine in the national spotlight as it always does. I hope and believe it will serve as a point of Aggie pride for many years to come.”

Does the first Bush have cause for worry? Well, you be the judge. Last fall the school's Young Conservatives held an anti-Obama event on campus, encouraging students to throw eggs at a picture of the presidential candidate and participate in a "socialist on a stick" Obama ring-toss.

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo: Candidate Barack Obama at a 2007 campaign rally in Austin, Texas. Credit: Ben Sklar / Getty Images

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Comments

[Rob]

They should have egged the poseur.

[steve johnson]

We liberals control the WH, the Senate and the Hosue of Representatives guess what? Liberal agenda. Don't like the agenda, stop yelling and get a majority.

[Walter]

While I find it awfully darn nice of Bush41 to invite Obama to his state and give him the full presidential treatment Obama always expects. I do not think it is wise for Bush41 to expect those who vehemently oppose Obama to just roll over and play dead while he is visiting. Come on, why not show this arrogant pup what it means when you degrade America to other countries and play the beta male. He should get whatever the people want to give him. No holds barred Texas Aggie welcome.

[cmnsns]

The Bush legacy is running government for profit of corporations on backs of workers, redistributing the huge social security surplus (that their wealthy income over 100K doesn’t pay) to the rich to pay for their tax cuts, huge expansion of government (homeland security), forcing states to raise taxes because federal tax $ were funnelled overseas, dumbing down the country with proganda that any government spending of tax payer money that comes back to the people is “socialism” but tax payer money going to corporations is just fine, and generally turning our country into a wealth-killing aristocracy where the wealthy, despite nearly 30 years of supply-side tax and spend policies, are NOT creating jobs.

[Paula]

Texas is a pretty inhospitable place for anyone to the left of the more rabid element of the right wing-nuts such as Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh. Just remember what Dallas did to President Kennedy when he came a calling. If anything, most of Texas is even more regressive than it was in the early 60's.

[Jonathan Lennington]

It should be noted... As this article failed to point out... On purpose or not. The student protest was to " throw your nest egg away for obama." The protest receieved critism on my campus and was later redone to included other members of the democratic party. As a student of TAMU it should be clearly represented in the media. Regardless this event was trivial to the treatment Sarah Palin was given in the liberal media.

[Matt]

Yeah, folks here in Texas are SCARED. Texas will be majority Latino by 2015 and will turn Democrat around the same time.
And when Texas goes Democratic, it's all over.

[BigTexPatriot]

I wonder how many of those "conservatives" will remember they are on the campus of a State University? How many are accepting government subsidized loans or Pell Grants? Do not forget all of the subsidies Texas A&M receives from the Federal Government. See, this is why "Aggies" are the butt of most jokes in Texas.

Hook 'em Horns!

[Ken]

Gotta Love Texas! When California becomes completely unbearable for Republicans I hope Texas will welcome me.

[Jake]

Johanna Neuman,

You are one disrespectful person. You call him "Bush 41" . Do not undermine the office of President. He is known as, Former President Bush. Typical left wing disrespectful attitude.

[Keith Kautz]

As an Aggie, I find it ridiculous that anyone would actually think that Aggies would throw eggs at the "real" President. (His likeness is a different story.)
This just goes to show what liberal journalists in CA think of us "right-wing hicks" in Texas.
I'm glad he's making the trip, hopefully we can open his mind to true bi-partisanship as we show him the respect his position deserves, even if we don't agree with his politics.
God bless Texas and God bless the U.S.A.!

[Mark Hayes]

I Really hope that A&M doesn't embarrass itself again. For the sake of Texas, let alone the school. It's a perfect opportunity to introduce the school to the rest of the country without the stigma it's already known for within the state of Texas.

[abouttime]

Wow, what in-depth research. This whole article is based on one event last fall? Is this all the reporting the Times can underwrite? I expected I might hear some attempt to assess the current mood of the potential audience towards Obama's visit, perhaps some statements from student leaders or others who might have some insights on the matter. I guess this is what passes for journalism when investors expect real businesses like newspapers to make the same profits as hedge funds or credit-default swaps, and thus force them to cut corners everywhere in an attempt to comply. I hope the recent financial crisis encourages investors to return to investing in real businesses and expecting realistic returns instead of investing in pretty pieces of paper which turn out to be as worthless as the product of a Ponzi scheme. The internet doubtless presents some challenges to the livelihood of newspapers, but I believe that the greed of investors, and especially of those that sell to them, has dealt newspapers the biggest blow.

[BM]

Although Texas A&M is very conservative, most Aggies are very polite and respectful. The "Young Conservatives" have long been known for doing crazy things, and do not represent the student body or the university. Please know that if any of the protesters cause problems, they will most likely be from elsewhere and not directly from Texas A&M.

Gig 'em!
Class of '03

[Mike]

We can split Alaska in two, and make Texas the third largest state. That should give them enough reason to secede!

[Dyanna Wilson]

First and foremost, Texas A&M is a university of pride and tradition. I hope that the people come out to show their disapproval of a President who is not representing the view point of middle America. In addition, perhaps this open display will go to the true point of concern: a reckless, spend happy legislastive branch, who is afraid of media back-lash rather than to be statesmen.

Texas A&M is an institution where diverse opinions are expressed and challenged daily. We are not afraid to speak our mind, or afraid to listen to an opposing point. Only the weak fear opposition. Instead, we stand up for our core values, regardless of the fall out. A president, any president, must have a thick skin and an open ear to the populace.

I hope that President Obama's visit begins to open his eyes to the genuine anxiety his policies are causing the truly average American.

Don't turn a deaf ear Mr. President. Instead, listen and learn from the opposition. Be a Statesman, not a Politician.

Dyanna Wilson
Aggie Class of 1996
BS Political Science

[barnacle]

He wears that hat very well. My hope is that he is treated respectfully and that people opposed to him understand that the message being delivered both by #41 and #44 is positive and helpful to our communities and country. I have always found hospitality to be a strength of Texans I have known and visited. I hope that stands today.

[Kimbo]

Whether they like it or not, he is our Nations President and they should show some respect because he represents ALL Americans. I would hate to think that throwing stuff at our President is going to become a standard in our country. Because the way conservatives treat this President, is the way the liberals will treat a conservative President when it is their turn and things are likely to get more violent by then. So, don't escalate this hatred of our President for the sake of the future of our country.

[Shawn]

I am literally praying for Obama that he makes it out of Texas ok.

[Michael]

Phony story.

I find it ridiculous that anyone would even think such a thing would be allowed to happen. Does anyone know that there's a distinct difference between throwing eggs at a picture of a Presidential candidate and a live American President?

Come on...

[Hilary]

It's ironic that the Right calls liberals "whiners".

[sesuda]

I am an Aggie, a democrat, and an American citizen. I did not vote for George Bush but, even when I did not agree with his views, I supported and respected him as President of the United States. I would hope that my fellow Aggies will do the same when Obama visits our campus.

Class of '85

[Andrew Park]

This is one Texas Aggie who proudly voted for Obama. Granted, it doesn't really matter much any longer who is President, as we are all servants of international finance. In any case, these young conservatives at A&M do NOT represent Texas A&M as an institution. Many of the other protesters will not be from A&M at all. This is a forum on community service, and the tone should reflect and respect that. I love Texas, but Lord we embarrass ourselves time and again.

[Colorado]

Well our dear leader sure looks like a doofus in a cowboy hat. Bad mistake Obama. He wants to look like Ronald Reagan I guess. Never happen.

[mshkn]

"degrade America to other countries" you mean by finally getting some degree of respect on the national arena?

Republicans, you are dumb. You abuse and ignore your own interest in the name of a stale, self-destructive agenda, because you'd rather be dead than wrong. And that's just immature and dumb.

[Chicago Politician]

If you divide Alaska in 2, Texas would be the third biggest tird.
Y'all get bent, y'hear?

[laughing]

Can we kick Texas out of America? We'd be better off without them.

[Carl]

Since when is it a bad thing for citizens of a democracy to protest? How quickly the other side forgot their protests of President Bush 43.

[CeeCee]

Where were you'll for the last 8 years while your "American Dream" was being snatched away from you??????? I kind of know how you feel since I was gnawing on that same bone you was while the others were digging in my pocket, too. I/we must take some responsibility of taking our eyes off the ball and allowing the powers that be to take advantage of us. Feeling foolish is a difficult emotion to get over. We were ripped off and we are now pointing fingers at everyon and now its everyone's fault since we find ourselves suffering.

Give the man a chance. People, we ALL know you are at the point of desparation and dispair and your patience has practically run out. Don't hate because he isn't moving fast enough for you. He has sooooo much on his plate. This country's people are in such great need all over. I wonder whyyyyyyyyyyy, hummmmm. He sees it. Our President sees it. He's not blind. The trouble he's got is staring him in the face (Washington). Relinquishing some of the power and money is a very hard thing to do after acquiring it and using it for 8 years. He's got some fight on his hands. Senior people are hard to change. Besides their experience won't let them change.

[abouttime]

During the presidential campaign the Republicans trivialized and disparaged Obama's background as a community services organizer, yet now a Republican ex-president wants Obama to join in pitching for community services providers. Fortunately, Obama's dedication to community service remains undeterred by logical inconsistencies on the part of those he has to work with.

[Caitlin]

Hey Jake,

George H.W & George W. call each other "41" & "43", so how is it disrespectful?

[Thomas Farrell]

Something tells me if they throw eggs in his face that he will wear it well. He will probably be wearing a lot of egg on his face over the next few years if things don't turning around. Barack Obama sold himself as a moderate who would lead both parties and has gradually turned into one of the most left leaning Presidents we have ever had.

[Aggie '07]

The most frustrating part is that the Young Conservatives student organization has only about 90 members. That is about 0.25% of the undergraduates at Texas A&M that are getting almost all of the media attention for this event.

There are plenty of respectable conservative students that understand the difference between a discussion and a spectacle of embarrassment. As a liberal from Texas A&M and the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, I hope that the smart Republicans students make the headlines, not the conservative zealots that are no better than anarchists.

Gig'em Ags, demonstrate that we are a nationally ranked academic campus and not the farce that the media is paying attention to.

[David Nava]

II think its about time I remove my Aggie ring from my finger. I graduated in 71, spend 20 years serving my country in the U.S. Navy, joined the civil service and not once removed my ring (other than in situations where safety demanded it). Now after 28 years, I am embarrassed by the actions at my alma mater. Imagine throwing eggs at our Commander In Chief? Imagine demonstrations during a visit initiated by a former President and a Republican at that? During Vietnam, cadets stood and protected the Flag and the Commander In Chief from outside demonstrators. Will today's cadets do the same against the radicals infesting the campus?

[edward elliot]

I don't believe this, bush 41, the class act that he is, does lot's of appearances with bill clinton, who went from broke to worth over $60 Million, now he is
appearing with Obama, guaranteed when he's out of office after one term he
will use the capitalism system he despises, to go onto make millions. Also just
for good measture, al gore, who is now worth over $100 Million, won't even allow questions from dissenting voices at a public forum.
Liberals are completely intolerant of any other ideas, incidentally universities like Harvard don't even allow ROTC on their campus, do you expect Obama to address that anytime soon? It's all about smiling, reading from the teleprompter, redistributing our wealth to his people and constantly apologizing to the rest of the world.

[kendrick]

I'm not sure whether to call this piece drive-by journalism or drive-thru journalism. It certainly qualifies as both.

[john]

Get real you freak! An Aggie wouldn't throw an egg at anyone! That is a waste of food and a little disrespectful. Gig'em 01'

[Dan D]

President Obama
Welcome to the pride of Texas.... Texas A&M University. We are servants of the greatest country of the world. God Bless.

[BK]

I for one would have protested O being at Texas A & M.

O is completely disrespectful of America in general and does not deserve Aggie respect.

This "volunteer seminar" is compliant with next week's blitz on all the network stations to weave volunteer opportunities in all the television shows on the regular "propaganda" channels.

According to an article on Infowars, "On September 10th of this year the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) posted a press release informing the world that “from October 19-25, more than 60 network TV shows [will] spotlight the power and personal benefits of service,” and that this “unprecedented block of TV programming is the first wave of a multi-year ‘I Participate’ campaign.” ABC, CBS, NBC and yes, FOX, and many other cable shows are to weave service and volunterism into their shows to give Americans an idea of what volunterism "looks" like.

Young people beware, you are being manipulated into voluntary service. I hope that you educate yourselves about how Germany began the process of changing the "world" back in the 1930s before you begin volunteering your time to a charismatic character such as our President.

I also hope you read about your country's Constitution and Bill of Rights and realize what precious documents our country exists upon.

I fear for my two young children's future, I hope you youthful 20 somethings are smarter than to fall for such charisma.

[TeriBeau]

I wish Pres. Obama would stay in the White House. There are too many nut jobs out there with their fake rage and guns. I can't BELIEVE he's in Texas of all places at W's request! He might as well put a target on his forehead!

You know, I keep thinking the haters will wind down and get bored with being filled with so much misplaced, fake rage, but they just keep getting crazier and more stupid.Every time Pres. Obama leaves the White House I shudder.

I'm not old enough to know what it was like when the gunned down Jack and Bobby, but I have heard stories of how terrible it was. If these sick, twisted, bile filled monsters kill our President, it will be the worst day of all of our lives. This crap is starting to make me physically sick.

[TeriBeau]

I was worried about him in New Orleans! Today, I feel ill. These people are bat-snit crazy! Their governor keeps talking about succeeding? WTH? He might as well have gone to visit the Taliban.

[Surprised He Hasn't Cancelled Yet]

Since it sounds like Texas A & M is mostly republican leaning, I'm surprised he hasn't labeled them a mouthpiece of the RNC and boycotted the event. You know how thin-skinned the Prez is. Anyone that doesn't march in lockstep with Great Leader must be marginalized.

[Will]

How does Texas embarrass itself? Last I checked, it was California who was bankrupt and Texas who was thriving.

I've no doubt that the Aggies will be respectful. I've also no doubt that people are, and should be, concerned with some of this President's policies.

If you want to look at what a liberal agenda does, look no further than California. If you want to see what conservative ideals produce, look no further than Texas.

I think we can all agree that one state is fine while the other...not so much.

[David]

Texas A&M is a school unlike any in America. It is a school filled with pride, tradition, and a certain friendly nature unlike any in America.

The University of Texas has no spirit and no heart. It is just a machine without any personality.

I am a student at A&M and I never hear a word about politics. It is never discussed and most hope the best for Obama and the rest of the United States.

Thanks and Gig Em'

[Joyner]

Hey Andrew I think those young folks represent Aggie Land for just what it is...

[Kevin]

Paula,

You have obviously never visited Texas. I am a young man, who attends Texas A&M. I also voted for Obama and I am gay - and you know what? I have quite a few friends who know and don't care. It's insulting to me that you engage in stereotyping. That is precisely why people in my generation voted for Obama...we are tired of the same old games, stereotyping, and partisan politics that we get from yours!

[Kara]

Does she mean the the shoe throwing or Pie in the face others have ahd to endure? Poor old Obama.

[J. Martin]

I am a current student of Texas A&M University and I just returned from the rally. I believe Obama was speaking about volunteerism. There were hundreds of protestors, for the most party people from tea parties south of Houston calling him a "socialist" among other things.

[Naked Patriot]

An egg is too nice to throw at him. How about the whole chicken.

[Naked Patriot]

An egg is too nice to throw at him. How about the whole chicken.