North Texans Turn Out For Obama Dallas Fundraisers
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - After landing and greeting Mayor Mike Rawlings, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D – Dallas) and onlookers at Dallas Love Field Airport, President Barack Obama and his security team loaded into the motorcade and traveled to the Sheraton in downtown Dallas for a couple of fundraising events.
The presidential event attracted some Texas 'star power'. After being introduced by Emmitt Smith, President Obama had a captive audience during the afternoon speech and reception.
More than 400 donors and supporters of Mr. Obama lined up outside the Sheraton, waiting for a chance to see and hopefully meet the Commander in Chief.
Dallas resident Linda Magid waited expectantly for the chance. "There might be a possibility [to meet President Obama] but I'm trying not to get too excited about it," she said.
The event was billed as the Obama Victory Fund. It cost a minimum of $500 to attend and those allowed inside said the president made jokes about the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers before a serious discussion about his jobs bill.
Among those urging congress to pass it is former Speaker of the House of Representatives Jim Wright, who made a rare public appearance at the event. "I am insisting that congress needs to act on that," he said of the bill.
Willow Sanchez and her daughter were among the handful of Obama supporters attending a private reception and she told CBS 11 News what she planned to the president.
"Just that I'm so thrilled that he still has it in him and he has the fight and that we are behind him 100-percent," the Dallas resident said.
By the time the president's motorcade left, his supporters were ready to help him get re-elected.
Dallas City Councilman Dwaine Caraway said, "We're very appreciative, one of his visit but his message is the most important thing. And it's a message with a direct target as to what needs to happen for America."
The three-dozen people at the second private reception paid more than $10,000 each to attend and got to pose for a picture with the president.
