Is Obama going to the Thunder game on Wednesday? NO!

[Thunderus]

Rumor.....

[KDisNotNice]

Rumor.....

You mean the state where he got his lowest vote % in the 2008 Presidential election? I know he has attended home games for Chicago and Washington where he is loved by most. I just can't picture him sitting courtside at Chesapeake Energy Arena without getting booed vociferously.

[Thunderus]

I do not think he would be booed even if he is not the electorates choice...

[Plainsman]

If Obama could get his energy policies enacted entirely, there would be no oil and gas industry in Oklahoma and we would be dirt poor. Not sure I want to see him at a Thunder game.

McClendon voted for him in 2008, but he's already said he's not voting for him this time.

I think Obama would be wise to stay away.

[Nat.]

I know that he called up Durant while he was in D.C. and asked him to come and play basketball at the White House (I think that maybe Harden? went too). My guess is that if he did go, which wouldn't surprise me, that he would be tucked away in one of those glass suites. I sort of love that the President loves the sport.

[Tydude]

if Obama came to the game he will be siting next to Bennett on the floor

[Plainsman]

Hey .......... this does not need to go any further, I can settle it with almost 100% surety.

None of our owners are supporting Obama in this election. I can't imagine why they would want to give him a stage at a Thunder game. It could be seen as an endorsement. Obama is here to campaign.

He's wanting to use Oklahoma to try to make a case that he's for oil/gas industry, when its not true. And we have a strong oil/gas industry in spite of Obama, not because of him. He's gonna go out to Cushing and pat himself on the back and try to take credit for rising oil/gas production .

If there is no strong oil/gas industry in Oklahoma ................ there is no Thunder.

No other issue matters. Really I like Obama, he likes the NBA and he likes the blues. So do I. I love that he had BB King at the White House recently.

But my pocketbook says lets get the guy in and out of Oklahoma with as little fanfare as possible.

[ParrWh]

My goodness Plainsman he's your Commander in Chief too and you should support him

UOTE=Plainsman;105092]Hey .......... this does not need to go any further, I can settle it with almost 100% surety.

None of our owners are supporting Obama in this election. I can't imagine why they would want to give him a stage at a Thunder game. It could be seen as an endorsement. Obama is here to campaign.

He's wanting to use Oklahoma to try to make a case that he's for oil/gas industry, when its not true. And we have a strong oil/gas industry in spite of Obama, not because of him. He's gonna go out to Cushing and pat himself on the back and try to take credit for rising oil/gas production .

If there is no strong oil/gas industry in Oklahoma ................ there is no Thunder.

No other issue matters. Really I like Obama, he likes the NBA and he likes the blues. So do I. I love that he had BB King at the White House recently.

But my pocketbook says lets get the guy in and out of Oklahoma with as little fanfare as possible.[/QUOTE]

[Plainsman]

He's not coming here to talk to us Okies. He's coming here to talk TO the nation FROM Oklahoma.

He has no shot of winning this state in November. He doesn't give a rats patoot about us Okies.

And I don't have to support his re-election, I think maybe you confused on why he's here.

[Plainsman]

After further thought, if the President asks to attend a game, I don't know how Bennett could decline .

That would be very sticky for Bennett, on several fronts.

You want to pay respect to the Office, but you don't want to help his campaign, and this is a campaign trip. That's all this is.

[KDisNotNice]

Just to confirm something, NewsOK.com is reporting that Obama will be visiting our state this coming week and spending the night in OKC on Wednesday night. No mention on NewsOK.com that he is coming to a Thunder game but they may not want to publicize that in advance. If security at the Peake give you a full body cavity search at the entrances, then you can assume he is at the game.

[Fast | Break]

Hey .......... this does not need to go any further, I can settle it with almost 100% surety.

None of our owners are supporting Obama in this election. I can't imagine why they would want to give him a stage at a Thunder game. It could be seen as an endorsement. Obama is here to campaign.

He's wanting to use Oklahoma to try to make a case that he's for oil/gas industry, when its not true. And we have a strong oil/gas industry in spite of Obama, not because of him. He's gonna go out to Cushing and pat himself on the back and try to take credit for rising oil/gas production .

If there is no strong oil/gas industry in Oklahoma ................ there is no Thunder.

No other issue matters. Really I like Obama, he likes the NBA and he likes the blues. So do I. I love that he had BB King at the White House recently.

But my pocketbook says lets get the guy in and out of Oklahoma with as little fanfare as possible.

Nobody really wants to hear your spiel in these here parts partner. We all know you're in the oil/gas industry...we've heard it before. Leave the politics and business at home. This is a basketball forum. Thank you very much.

[KDisNotNice]

Also, Obama is a big Bulls fan, our possible future NBA finals opponent so if you don't already have enough reasons to boo him loudly, then that gives you another reason.

Yes, I know some of you all are Obama fans and/or Democrats, I'm just teasing you all. :)

[Betts]

I suspect Republicans and Democrats in Oklahoma are pro the oil and gas industry, as groups. President Obama deserves the respect due his office, regardless of politics, IMO.

[Jimmy Early]

I often wonder how much of the overt disrespect that is shown to the current President of the United States in this state and nation is due to his race, ethnicity and/or name.

President Obama coming to a Thunder game would be a tremendous honor, and it is indeed very cool that the President is a basketball player and fan.

President Obama is also a tremendous ally to the NATURAL GAS industry (not so much oil) as he is to all alternative fuels. His sponsorship of American Recovery and Reconstruction Act programs (commonly called "stimulus" programs) that targeted enhancement of usage of natural gas as a cleaner-burning fuel have been a tremendous aid to Oklahoma and the Chesapeake Energy Company. IF President Obama comes to a Thunder game, I'd expect that he'd sit in a Chesapeake Energy suite.

But don't let facts get in the way of your political rants.

[Plainsman]

Nobody really wants to hear your spiel in these here parts partner. We all know you're in the oil/gas industry...we've heard it before. Leave the politics and business at home. This is a basketball forum. Thank you very much.

Without oil/gas in this state, we poor as church mice and there is no NBA basketball.

So take you pick

I can't name you one CEO of an oil and gas firm who is wanting to see Obama get another term.

This is nothing but a campaign stop, and he's using the office of the Presidency to further his own re-election.

Sorry if I'm calling it like it is, but that's the way it is. If you don't like it, go get a beer and don't read it.

[Plainsman]

I often wonder how much of the overt disrespect that is shown to the current President of the United States in this state and nation is due to his race, ethnicity and/or name.

President Obama coming to a Thunder game would be a tremendous honor, and it is indeed very cool that the President is a basketball player and fan.

President Obama is also a tremendous ally to the NATURAL GAS industry (not so much oil) as he is to all alternative fuels. His sponsorship of American Recovery and Reconstruction Act programs (commonly called "stimulus" programs) that targeted enhancement of usage of natural gas as a cleaner-burning fuel have been a tremendous aid to Oklahoma and the Chesapeake Energy Company. IF President Obama comes to a Thunder game, I'd expect that he'd sit in a Chesapeake Energy suite.

But don't let facts get in the way of your political rants.

No Jimmy Early, he's done nothing but provide lip service to the natural gas industry. He's changed his tune in this election year, and what he's saying now is nothing but election year rhetoric.

I can provide ample documentation from many independent sources.

Again, I do not know of one CEO of any domestic or international oil/gas company , who wants Obama to get another term.

And as I said above, I like the guy. Any President who has a blues concert with Buddy Guy, BB King, Robert Cray and Jeff Beck at the White House , is somebody I could sit and have a beer with .

This is just business, nothing personal ........ and in no way nothing racist. That's a really really cheap shot.

[Plainsman]

BTW Fastbreak ............ if you wanna sign both Ibaka and Harden ............. then you better hope for good times in the oil/gas business.

Your spiel is a bit shortsighted.

Whether you like it or not, the fortunes of our team are tied up in oil/gas.

[Jimmy Early]

No Jimmy Early, he's done nothing but provide lip service to the natural gas industry. He's changed his tune in this election year, and what he's saying now is nothing but election year rhetoric.

I can provide ample documentation from many independent sources.

Again, I do not know of one CEO of any domestic or international oil/gas company , who wants Obama to get another term.


This is just business, nothing personal ........ and in no way nothing racist. That's a really really cheap shot.

Ample documentation? Plainsman, ask T. Boone Pickens who has been the biggest ally of the Pickens Plan (to switch company fleets and the nation's fleet of 18-wheelers to compressed natural gas fuel). Take I-35 south to Norman, exit on US 77 (Flood Avenue), go to Rock Creek Road and look to your right (west). That natural gas fueling station, paid for with ARRA funds, is a node on the Obama-sponsored network of CNG fueling stations that are being constructed all over the nation. The idea is to create CNG demand and to supply fueling stations so that they are convenient. Ask the Chesapeake marketing folks what is going on. It IS a pure supply and demand game and right now the supply of natural gas, the cleaner burning fuel, outweighs the demand. The idea is to shift demand from fuels that are dirtier to cleaner burning natural gas, which will at the same time raise the price for natural gas (i.e., increase Chesapeake's long-term profits).

As it relates to oil and gas company executives (and other multi-millionaires for that matter), I would agree with you that the taxing policies of the Obama administration are unpopular with them as individuals. McClendon's and Bennett's pocket WILL be hurt by the progressive taxing policies of the current administration, if they are put in place. But the natural gas INDUSTRY will benefit. McClendon and Bennett can afford to pay a little more tax and still re-sign Harden and Ibaka :), because their companies will be more profitable in the long term.

This IS just business, Plainsman. While I think there is a distinct tone of racism in this state's and nation's attitude toward our President, I did not mean to imply that you as an individual meant your "business" statements in a racist way. I apologize if you took it that way. Generally speaking, I think people in this country have always stated individual disagreements with the policies of our President; I am thankful that we have that right. But we have always stated those disagreements in a way that showed respect to the Office and the leadership position. I don't sense that now, and I wonder why.

[Plainsman]

Recently, Rolling Stone mag did a hit piece on Aubrey McClendon and Chesapeake. In that sorry fear mongering piece that passes for journalism, the writer wrote this paragraph, and tells me every thing I need to know about Obama's support for the natural gas industry .........


As fracking has come under increasing attack, McClendon has used his financial clout to keep the drills pumping. Chesapeake spent only $2 million on federal lobbying last year – about average for a company its size – but it has contributed almost as much to political candidates and PACs in the current election cycle as the Koch brothers. (McClendon makes it clear that he won't be voting for Obama this time around.) In Pennsylvania, Chesapeake has contributed more than half a million dollars to state and local politicians since 2008 – the highest total in the industry.

Sounds like Aubrey not to happy with Obama. That's plenty for me.

And I don't know anyone anywhere in the oil/gas industry , from North Dakota to the Gulf Coast ...... who wants Obama to get a second term.

[KDisNotNice]

Showing disrespect by booing or simple vocal opposition towards a President is nothing new. It happened to Bush, Clinton, Bush, Reagan, Carter, etc.

If Bill Clinton had shown up at an Oklahoma sporting event of at least 18,000 people while President, I suspect he would have been booed here. If he showed up now at a Thunder game, I think he would get a lot more respectful greeting because he has no real power to do anything good or bad affecting this country (other than his tremendous charity work).

[Plainsman]

Actually, even Bill Clinton disagrees with Obama's energy policies.

Its not like Obama has not done this to himself.

All this election year talk he's been spouting lately, I would come closer to believing, if I saw some concrete action from him i.e. mandating that the Post Office convert their vehicles to CNG.

But he won't do that, that would PO his environmental left support, who I'm sure have plans for the Post Office being all electric vehicles.

Its all election year rhetoric, and no one is buying it.

[Laramie]

Let's show respect for President Barack Obama and exhibit what Oklahoma City's hospitality is all about--second-to-none. Set these party differences aside and come together as Americans. “None so blind as those that will not see.” --Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

Many of us have lost love ones to the perils of war for the safety and protection so that those of us here will have a better life. My brother was a Vietnam casualty in 1970 and I hope no family has to endure and continue to relive what our family went through when an official of the United States Armed Services knocks on your door with such devistating news. My heart weeps everytime I hear of the losses of American soldiers and the burden of grief those families will shoulder thoughout their lives.

Oklahoma City is a great place to live and I want to continue to be proud of our community. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[Nat.]

I think that it's incredibly disrespectful to boo a president, regardless of who that president is and what your personal beliefs are. I take great pride in how respectful Thunder fans are in general, and I would be embarrassed to see them boo anyone.

[KDisNotNice]

Is it respectful to boo referees? How about the opposing team when they run out on the court? Is it o.k. to cheer when an opposing player misses a FT or commits a turnover? You could make a case that none of those things are respectful but that is what people do at sporting events. They pick the team they like and they pick the team they don't like. It's o.k. not to like the current President. It's completely American to do that and express that sentiment. I look forward to doing that on Wednesday night IF he shows up. Don't worry, there will be plenty of cheers for him also just because he shows up (and some that like him will cheer also).

[Thunderus]

He is our President thise who see it fit to attend should cheer him !!!

[Plainsman]

Just to be clear, I have no intention of booing Obama.

What I will do, if he is attending Wednesday night, is put my tickets on StubHub. I'm sure him being there will double the price from a game that I could already get 3 times face value.

This could be a profitable evening.

And btw, if anyone has not noticed, the secondary market for Thunder tickets is off the charts. There are three seats next to me that are scalper owned and he has them on StubHub. I see what he's selling them for and he never gets less than two times face. And there have been Thunder fans there every game.

And the people in Oklahoma have the money to spend on NBA tickets, because of the oil and gas industry in our state.

[thunderfan315]

If you don't like what Obama has done then don't vote for him in the fall. Booing him would be extremely disrespectful and would reflect poorly on our state and our citizens. I hope he does come to the game. It would give our state and the Thunder great publicity. IF our fans act appropriately!!

[kleese]

If the fans booed Obama or did anything but show respect I'd be mortified. Has nothing to do with supporting policy. By standing and applauding our President I am not advocating his beliefs or endorsing his policy. I am simply being a respectful American.... I respect the office and appreciate that we live in a country where men and women have died in the name of civility... Let other countries throw insults at their leaders in public settings.

[Durantula]

If the fans booed Obama or did anything but show respect I'd be mortified. Has nothing to do with supporting policy. By standing and applauding our President I am not advocating his beliefs or endorsing his policy. I am simply being a respectful American.... I respect the office and appreciate that we live in a country where men and women have died in the name of civility... Let other countries throw insults at their leaders in public settings.

Exactly. Regardless of one's political views or party affiliation, this type of action would do nothing but fuel negative stereotypes about our state. The media, especially idiots like Charles Barkley, would rip the state to shreds. After nearly a full term in office, I still hear derelicts claiming that President Obama was born and raised in Kenya, he's a closet Muslim who took his oath of office with his hand on the Koran, he refuses to pledge allegiance to the U.S. flag, etc... It gets sickening to listen to after awhile. Let's do the entire state a favor and keep this type of ignorance local.

[Fast | Break]

Can an admin please rename this thread the "Thread formerly known as "Is Obama coming to the Thunder Game...." to the "Thread hijacked by Plainsman to spew his political agenda and oversimplifications".

Thank you :)

[StormFan93]

There's a reason we don't talk politics on a sports board, and this is it.

[Plainsman]

Can an admin please rename this thread the "Thread formerly known as "Is Obama coming to the Thunder Game...." to the "Thread hijacked by Plainsman to spew his political agenda and oversimplifications".

Thank you :)

Ohhh don't kid youself, I can go a whole lot deeper, I choose not to.

And if you are a Thunder fan.

And you hate the oil/gas industry.

And you love Obama .

Then I can see why you might have a real conundrum on your hands.

Good luck with that.

[SMOKELAHOMA]

some of you need to lighten up, he is the president whether you like it or not and even moreso than that he is a human. what you gonna lynch the pres. for goin to a Thunder game? I thought this was OKC not Jackson, Mississippi

[Plainsman]

some of you need to lighten up, he is the president whether you like it or not and even moreso than that he is a human. what you gonna lynch the pres. for goin to a Thunder game? I thought this was OKC not Jackson, Mississippi

WOW !! You are soooo enlightening, you've completely changed my opinion.

Do you realize that you are a very smart person ?

You should get into politics.

[Anonymous]

I booed our governor at the game she attended earlier this season.

Who cares, cheer if you want, or boo if you want. Neither does anything. And you shouldn't care what other people express.


It's so pathetic how easy it is to create a stir in people sometimes (especially in Oklahoma).


I sit down during the 'prayer' of the invocation at every game, then stand for the national anthem. The people around me are bothered by this, I can tell. Good ol' Okie homie.

Love the state, but am appalled by some of the righteous people around here. Just because you wake up early on Sunday, doesn't make you better than everyone else. Sorry.

[Plainsman]

In a sense, I tend to agree with you. These politicians are big boys. They know that everywhere they go, not everyone is going to like them or be in total agreement with their policies or what they stand for.

I have no doubt George Bush saw anti war protestors everywhere he went and I know for a fact he was heckled and jeered. You can debate whether he deserved that or not, till the cows come home. But that's just the way our country is.

Booing and jeering is not the way I operate. But I have no problem with other people who feel strongly about certain issues, showing their displeasure in whatever way they choose. Its a free country.

And its not like Obama does not fully realize, that when he comes to Oklahoma, he's going into the belly of the beast. He knows full well what his approval rate is like in this state, and he knows he not been anywhere near friendly to the oil/gas industry.

So I don't think he's gonna get his feelings hurt. In fact, I sort've suspect he wants a vocal reaction that the media can broadcast, because it will help his message to the rest of the nation. As I said above, he's not coming here to talk with us.

I mean hey, oil/gas industry is not the most popular figures in America , never has been. So its hard to go wrong poking your finger in the oil/gas eyes.








I booed our governor at the game she attended earlier this season.

Who cares, cheer if you want, or boo if you want. Neither does anything. And you shouldn't care what other people express.


It's so pathetic how easy it is to create a stir in people sometimes (especially in Oklahoma).


I sit down during the 'prayer' of the invocation at every game, then stand for the national anthem. The people around me are bothered by this, I can tell. Good ol' Okie homie.

Love the state, but am appalled by some of the righteous people around here. Just because you wake up early on Sunday, doesn't make you better than everyone else. Sorry.

[KDisNotNice]

From Darnell Mayberry's NewsOK.Com chat today:

Comment From Johnnie
President Obama is spending the night in OKC on Wednesday. Any chance he comes to the Thunder game that night?

Darnell Mayberry: I have no idea. But it sounds like he'll get in too late to attend.

Later on in the chat:

Comment From Carson
@Johnnie: He'll be at the Cllippers game on Wednesday.

Darnell Mayberry: Take that for what it's worth. I can't say I know if there is any truth at all to that.

Comment From Thunder
KFOR is reporting that Obama will infact be at the thunder game on wed night

Darnell Mayberry: Again, I am in no way claiming that I know what's going on with that.

[Jimmy Early]

When someone runs for office, they give up the right to just go to a public event like an NBA game and have a fun time watching the game. President Obama knows that. But I'm sure he'll have a good time watching KD, RW0, CP3, Blake and the boys go at it. As a basketball fan, I think he's more than willing to fade a little heat to see that game.

As American citizens, we give up the right to not be annoyed by MORONS who don't respect their leaders, regardless of differences of political opinion. I believe in that creed of "I will defend to the death your right to yell loudly things that I find repugnant". For me, I am just incredibly excited that my Thunder tickets also are about to buy me the privilege of being in the same building as the President of the United States. So if someone next to me is booing when The President is introduced, I will just try to CHEER LOUDER than them. And then I will pull for the Thunder to win this HUGE game!

[KDisNotNice]

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-president-obama-plans-visit-to-cushing-20120317,0,3739004.story?track=rss

<snip>


President Obama plans visit to Cushing

KFOR-TV
March 17, 2012

CUSHING, Okla. -- President Barack Obama will be making a stop next week in Cushing to discuss a controversial pipeline project that could cut right through Oklahoma. Next Thursday, the President will be speaking to Oklahomans about his energy policy and the much debated Keystone XL pipeline.

"I think it's really good," Brian Smith said. "We need more jobs.

The President will also be making stops in Ohio, Nevada and New Mexico.

He'll also attend a Thunder game during his stop here in Oklahoma.

Copyright © 2012, KFOR-TV

[Betts]

I figured it would be too much of a temptation for a basketball fan to attend. I would hope the crowd will be respectful. You don't see a President at a small market NBA game very often. I fear we will look like rednecks if a significant number of people boo. And we will offend our team, I can guarantee you, who will be honored to have him at their game.

[Plainsman]

That KFOR article was written on the 17th. I would think if the media knew he was attending the game, it would be bigger news than the last line in an article on Cushing pipelines.

Just my opinion, but I really have more faith in Thunder fans than to think they would show disrespect. Thunder fans have proven over and over again, to be some really nice people.

We don't even boo our own team when maybe they deserve it :)

[Soonerville]

I'll boo him. WAH !!!

The respect for the position of president must be earned by each president individually.

Just because someone holds the highest ranking "office" in a country...everyone in that country must respect him?

Mussolini
Hitler
Castro
Hussein
Gadhafi
Ahmadinejad
Kim Jong Il

And no, I'm not trying to label Obama as a violent dictator.

I WILL label him as a left-wing liberal though. That's enough for me.

[Betts]

My point is that we may hurt or embarrass our team if we boo him, who as a group I suspect have a lot of respect for him. I think that for their sake we should show him a warm welcome, regardless of our politics. They've given us so much and this is something we can do out of respect for them. If people don't like his politics, the polls are the place to show it, IMO.

[Plainsman]

I will be very interested to watch how McClendon handles this, it could be a learning experience.

[Plainsman]

My point is that we may hurt or embarrass our team if we boo him, who as a group I suspect have a lot of respect for him. I think that for their sake we should show him a warm welcome, regardless of our politics. They've given us so much and this is something we can do out of respect for them. If people don't like his politics, the polls are the place to show it, IMO.

Agree,.............

[Betts]

I will be very interested to watch how McClendon handles this, it could be a learning experience.

I was wondering the same thing. It's a great opportunity to generate some good will and bend his ear about CNG. But we may not get a chance to see. Would the Secret Service let him sit on the floor or would they insist on using a box?

[Durantula]

A couple of good points presented; it isn't a crime to be classless and disrespectful. I'm just thankful that I was raised better than that.

[KDisNotNice]

A billionaire NBA co-owner will of course welcome the President with open arms. Obama has sat on the floor at other NBA games so he would likely sit between Aubrey and Clay, if he comes.

I am nowhere near being a billionaire so I will proudly and with complete class boo the refs, opposing players (including Blake and CP3), any fans shown on the scoreboard with Clippers gear on and B.O. (which stands for body odor, Barack Obama, and other things). I'll also boo Charles Barkley if he ever shows up at a Thunder game.

[KDisNotNice]

Just do a search on YouTube of Presidents throwing out first pitches at baseball games, etc. Obama probably wouldn't be booed if he did it at Wrigley Field but lots of them have been booed over the years including George Bush, etc.

That's just part of the life of being a politician, especially a President. Obama understands that and he'll have a great time at the Peake no matter what the initial reaction he receives.

[Betts]

I don't care about Obama's feelings. He's a politician and they have to have phenomenally thick skin. I just don't want to upset our team, and I think it has the potential.

[Jimmy Early]

Not to mention all the "left-wing liberal" media that will be here from southern California. They would just LOVE to highlight all the toothless Joads in Okieville who booed the President on their evening sportscasts.....

[Soonerville]

Oh no !!!!! Not the left-wing liberal media !!! How would I EVER live my life if they thought poorly of us dumb Okies? (You know, they already do right?) Now, if that isn't reason enough NOT to boo the president...I don't know what is. (sarcasm)

I love that. You took an otherwise serious thread about opinions to boo/not boo a/the president and turned it into something light-hearted and funny. "Left-wing liberal media"...you mean EVERYONE other than Fox News, right? The VERY FIRST thing my Journalism professor tought us my freshman year at OU was that "the media has a liberal bias." And that was back in 1990.

Look, I could give a crap what each and every person chooses to do. Boo/not boo, it doesn't really matter. I personally hate it if someone doesn't stand for the National Anthem, but there's not much I can do about it.

In the end, it's not likely to affect how much I enjoy the game. Only the outcome seems to be able to do that.

[Plainsman]

Appears to be much ado about nothing, anyway ..




No public appearances for president in*Oklahoma

By Staff Reports
Published: 3/19/2012**5:59 PM
Last Modified: 3/19/2012**6:46 PM

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama will make no public appearances during his brief stay in Oklahoma this week, the White House said late Monday.

Obama will arrive by jet in Oklahoma City late Wednesday, tour the Cushing area on Thursday, and speak briefly to the press at a pipeline company freight yard before returning to Oklahoma City and continuing on to Columbis, Ohio.

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=335&articleid=20120319_335_0_WSIGOD727689

[Plainsman]

But why has NewsOK not reported the above ?

[bronchothunder]

Appears to be much ado about nothing, anyway ..





Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=335&articleid=20120319_335_0_WSIGOD727689

I don't believe going to the game would be considered a public appearance. What I have been told by a contact at the arena is that Obama will land around 6 and attend the game. Members of the secret service were allegedly at the Portland game scouting out the venue. He will not be sitting courtside, however. He will be in a suite.

Again, this is what I was told by someone who is with the arena. If it's not true, I will get on them. BTW, Marine1, the presidential helicopter is already in OKC. Pretty cool.

[Plainsman]

I could not envision him courtside next to Aubrey. In the game of politics, appearances are everything. I suspect McClendon to keep his distance, figuratively and literally.

And it sounds like Obama will not make a photo op of being at the game, he could just simply be wanting to see the game live.

[Thunderhead]

My point is that we may hurt or embarrass our team if we boo him, who as a group I suspect have a lot of respect for him. I think that for their sake we should show him a warm welcome, regardless of our politics. They've given us so much and this is something we can do out of respect for them. If people don't like his politics, the polls are the place to show it, IMO.

Probably the best point of the discussion. And there's nothing to be gained by booing. It's not like it'll make a diiference in November. That said, I might boo just a little, but I'll be at home and I'll make sure the windows are closed.

[Nat.]

I'm the most thin-skinned person ever born, which is maybe why booing bugs me.
Hell, I even applaud for the opposing team as they're being introduced. Welcome to Oklahoma, folks! Now prepared to get stomped.

[Tydude]

if obama was coming to the game they will already announced it.He may not have time when he lands to go to a game

[ThunderObsessed]

if obama was coming to the game they will already announced it.He may not have time when he lands to go to a game

Plane isn't landing until 9pm. Plus, the white house said no public appearances. even the Cushing event is not open to the public.

[KDisNotNice]

Plane isn't landing until 9pm. Plus, the white house said no public appearances. even the Cushing event is not open to the public.

Oh well, at least we got a popular, passionate, message thread going on this subject! :)

[Ibaka9]

I don't care about Obama's feelings. He's a politician and they have to have phenomenally thick skin. I just don't want to upset our team, and I think it has the potential.

Why would it upset our team if the president came to their game?

[ThunderObsessed]

Plus if people would actually boo the president, there is no faith in America. People can pretend to like him even if they do not agree with his policies. I mean, how often do you see a president in person, let alone sit next to him at a ball game? It's a once in a life time event if you're able to.

[Laramie]

I figured it would be too much of a temptation for a basketball fan to attend. I would hope the crowd will be respectful. You don't see a President at a small market NBA game very often. I fear we will look like rednecks if a significant number of people boo. And we will offend our team, I can guarantee you, who will be honored to have him at their game.

^ ^
Thank you Betts & Thunderobsessed

It's tough to think that there are those who would boo President Obama or any sitting president; yet, they can't tell you why they are booing him other than one of the following reasons:

1. He's a Democrat
2. He's a black American
3. He's a Democrat and a black American.

Most people around here don't have any idea about Obama's policies. They are listening to down right lies that a number of politicians are making about the President. All presidents have had some policies which were good and some bad.

Don't get sick, if the Obamacare (Health Bill) is repealed; insurance companies are already hiking rates in anticipation of having to carry people with pre-existing conditions. Some health care insurance companies want you to pay premiums and not get sick and when you do get sick they are going to get you off their rolls and cancel your coverage.

Get informed about who you are going to be selecting this fall and let's pull for the betterment of the United States regardless of who becomes president.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

[Tydude]

it sounds like this forum is turning into a election/ Politics forum

[Betts]

Why would it upset our team if the president came to their game?

That's not what I meant. I suspect they would be thrilled if he came to the game. I thought the team would be upset if Obama was booed.

[Plainsman]

Thank you very much, but I have a ton of clue about Obama's energy policies, which are terrible for the nation and Oklahoma.

And his skin color has nothing to do with anything. The race card is not applicable.

We went a long way with this thread, before somebody pissed me off, but Laramie has finally succeeded.

The man is here on a campaign trip. He's not here to see us , nor talk to us, i.e. no public appearances.

Sooo, its Obama that brings the politics to our board, not anyone here.






^ ^
Thank you Betts & Thunderobsessed

It's tough to think that there are those who would boo President Obama or any sitting president; yet, they can't tell you why they are booing him other than one of the following reasons:

1. He's a Democrat
2. He's a black American
3. He's a Democrat and a black American.

Most people around here don't have any idea about Obama's policies. They are listening to down right lies that a number of politicians are making about the President. All presidents have had some policies which were good and some bad.

Don't get sick, if the Obamacare (Health Bill) is repealed; insurance companies are already hiking rates in anticipation of having to carry people with pre-existing conditions. Some health care insurance companies want you to pay premiums and not get sick and when you do get sick they are going to get you off their rolls and cancel your coverage.

Get informed about who you are going to be selecting this fall and let's pull for the betterment of the United States regardless of who becomes president.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

[Laramie]

Yes, those with a race problem will always claim that race isn't a problem and someone is always pulling the race card--crap!

Thank you Plainsmen, I'm not selling Obama or Healthcare. I'll support whoever becomes president because this country will have to live with his decisions for the next four years. Just stated an opinion just like you did. Suggestion: Go back and re-read some of the things you posted!

Can't hurt to steer away from basketball; afterall, this visit is related. There doesn't seem to be any hot-topics on the board right now; so let's run with it and keep it CIVIL.

[Plainsman]

Can't hurt to steer away from basketball; afterall, this visit is related. There doesn't seem to be any hot-topics on the board right now; so let's run with it and keep it CIVIL.

Then why don't you start by STFU .

[okcadmin]

Can't hurt to steer away from basketball; afterall, this visit is related. There doesn't seem to be any hot-topics on the board right now; so let's run with it and keep it CIVIL.

I don't blame anyone for having positive or negative opinions about President Obama or the fact he is possibly visiting the Thunder's arena but there are in fact other hot topics here.

1. Derek Fisher likely signing a free agent contract with the Thunder.
2. The Thunder starting to lose their grip on the season long #1 seed.
3. Perkins/Westbrook nearing the maximum technical fouls allowed.
4. Turnovers/Rebounding becoming more of a problem for the Thunder.

Or start your own hot topics!

[Plainsman]

Thank you Plainsmen, I'm not selling Obama or Healthcare. I'll support whoever becomes president because this country will have to live with his decisions for the next four years. Just stated an opinion just like you did. Suggestion: Go back and re-read some of the things you posted!

Can't hurt to steer away from basketball; afterall, this visit is related. There doesn't seem to be any hot-topics on the board right now; so let's run with it and keep it CIVIL.

You've edited your post.

And you so condescending toward those of us here and the other Oklahomans, that I can't have a conversation with you.

We don't need this here, its time to close this thread.

[Tydude]

i think we need to end this post

[Plainsman]

i think we need to end this post

Me too, I agree.

[okcadmin]

Closed.

Don't restart this subject elsewhere unless President Obama actually attends a Thunder game on Wednesday or later.

ThunderUp!

[okcadmin]

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-presidents-schedule-while-visiting-sooner-state-20120321,0,1345005.story

KFOR-TV
March 21, 2012

President Obama is to arrive at Tinker Air Force Base Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. He plans to spend the night downtown in Oklahoma City. He is scheduled to be in Cushing Thursday morning for a press conference closed to the public.

Wednesday 9:30 p.m. - Pres. Obama lands at Tinker AFB

Wednesday night - Stays Overnight downtown OKC

Thursday 10 a.m. - Press conference in Cushing (closed to public)

[KDisNotNice]

Since he didn't go to the game, I wonder if he stopped by Hooters in Bricktown for some wings. :)