Last time Obama was here, in February, he had a moment with students from Medina Elementary School. (Today its Dave Matthews.)
  • The White House / Pete Souza
  • Last time Obama was here, in February, he had a moment with students from Medina Elementary School. (Today it's the Blumes and Dave Matthews.)

The Stranger's Paul Constant is on his way down to the Paramount to hear what the president has to say, and meanwhile Seattle Times reporter—and art critic!—Jim Brunner is filing pool reports from the motorcade and more:

12:19 p.m.

Pres left AF 1 at noon, accompanied by Sen Patty Murray. Greeted by Gov Chris Gregoire , King Co Exec Dow Constantine, gubernatorial candidate & former Rep Jay Inslee and Mayor Mike McGinn & several volunteers. Spoke for a bit w Gregoire—unable to hear conversation or read lips. Worked rope line w a few dozen well wishers, incl a little girl who named her goldfish after him. Motorcade got rolling after few minutes—headed north on I-5 for 1st fundraiser at home of Ann & Blume... Volunteers who greeted POTUS at AF 1 included Kathryn Hamilton, Michael Snodgrass , Ed Cote, Priscilla Min, Herbert Carey and Diane Carey.

12:44 p.m.

Motorcade exited I-5 at Montlake & wended way through the Washington Park Arboretum and on to Lk Washington Blvd lined w well wishers and police. Windy road nearly making Obama campaign spox in press van ill. We pulled up to lakefront estate of Blumes at 12:35... Sign near Blume house held by infant & mom: "Thank you Mr President for standing up for my Mommys!" We're inside Blume home—right on Lake Washington, but this being Seattle, they have a chicken coop near the garage—about 70 ppl here for reception

1:31 p.m.

President spoke to small room of donors, mostly white, introduced by youngest daughter of the Blumes, Libby.

Pres spoke for 11 minutes—he did not mention gay marriage. Instead the Pres gave a standard campaign pitch about getting economy back on track and ensuring all Americans have opportunities he had—college access etc (check WH for transcript). Pres contrasted his plan w GOP "narrow" vision" that says "if I'm doing well it's up to everyone else to figure out their own way." Pres spoke w casual tone standing w mic in small room. In nearby catering kitchen several workers stood by wearing identical blouses. Room had view of Lake Washington & the Bellevue skyline. Press hustled out after speech so unable to hear Q and A session.

The Blume residence is fabulous—records show property was previously owned by Canada for consulate or embassy. As of 1:25 media in holding room w fireplace awaiting departure to second fundraiser.

5:26 p.m.

Presidential motorcade rolled away from Blume home at about 1:45—your pooler is riding press van 1 which includes NYT and also Reuters reporter filing to the wire in French.

Addendum from previous report—Pres made sure to reference couple local economic success stories during remarks—joked that last time he was here at Boeing Everett plant he told CEO he deserved gold watching b/c selling so many planes. Also touted McKinstry—which does efficient HVAC for office bldgs

At 1:50 we're rolling through arboretum on way to Paramount.

5:42 p.m.

At Seattle's Paramount Theatre, Pres. was introduced by Suzanne Black, a biology teacher at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore.

Ms. Black related how she was diagnosed in Mar. 2005 with stage 4 ovarian cancer. "Instead of writing tests or grading them I found myself facing one of the toughest of my life," she said. After a long stint of chemotherapy she got a letter from insurer saying she'd already used about three fourths of her $1m lifetime cap of insurance benefits.

Three weeks later Obama signed the health care law, ending those caps. "So today I realized my dream of being able to say to someone who truly represents us — or as my students would say — someone who has my back President Obama - thank you."

The President entered to a standing ovation and lengthy applause from the crowd of 2000. He called Black's story the kind of thing you "don't read in newspapers." He recognized most of the Democratic electeds on hand, including "soon to be Governor Jay Inslee."

Like in his earlier speech, the president did not lead with gay marriage - he spoke mostly of the economy and the contrast between him and Republican Mitt Romney.

Pres. introduced Romney as "a patriotic American" who has raised a "wonderful family." POTUS said Romney should "be proud of the success he's had as CEO of a large financial firm" — drawing snickers from the crowd. But, POTUS said, Romney assumes that when CEOs get rich "the rest of us automatically do too."

POTUS mocked Republicans as offering nothing new “There is nothing you’ve heard from them where you said ‘man, I didn’t think of that – that’s fresh, that’s new.”

Sticking to a theme of “moving forward,” POTUS contrasted his plans to spend money on infrastructure and education with the Republicans, who he said would rather just give tax cuts to the rich.

Finally, more than 22 minutes into the speech, POTUS got to the reddest (locally raised, grass fed) meat for the liberal crowd, declaring he would not “go backwards” on health care reform and abortion rights.

And he directly endorsed Washington’s gay marriage law, taking sides in the likely Nov vote on Ref 74. Pres. told the crowd: “We are moving forward to a country where every American is treated with dignity and respect, and here in Washington you’ll have the chance to make your voice heard on the issue of making sure that everybody, regardless of sexual orientation, is treated fairly.”

Much applause ensued.

After the half-hour speech, POTUS and motorcade zipped back south on I-5 to Boeing Field, and Air Force One lifted off just after 4 p.m. for California and the fundraiser at George Clooney’s house. I am told he is an actor who is sexy.