*Whoa! Of all the things to be boycotted for: bear-hugging the president?
But that’s what one Florida man is facing because he couldn’t curb his enthusiasm when President Barack Obama made his pizza store a part of his campaign stop, as we reported yesterday.
“People are saying a lot of bad things and boycotting my restaurant,” Scott Van Duzer, 46, told POLITICO, following a visit by the presidential party to his pizza shop. “There’s no middle line anymore, and that’s exactly what’s wrong with our country right now.”
But there’s a back-story here; this stop was no fluke.
Van Duzer had biked 1,148 miles in 31 days from Florida to Washington D.C.to help raise awareness for blood donation shortages. His Van Duzer Foundation, founded in 2008 to support a local firefighter whose house burned down, has raised more than $600,000. The pizza shop owner said he rode with a few kids from the Boys and Girls Club and met with U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin to discuss blood shortages.
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Obama told The New York Times that Van Duzer’s effort in promoting blood donations was part of the reason the campaign decided to visit his pizza shop.
“One of the reasons that we wanted to stop by is that Scott has been doing unbelievable work out of this pizza shop in promoting the importance of donating blood,” Obama told the Times. “And so he has set some records here in Florida. He has received commendations from the White House, the surgeon general, he has galvanized and mobilized the local community, and he’s educating kids and folks all across the country on this issue.”
Van Duzer says when he bear-hugged the president, lifting him high off of his feet, he hadn’t even warmed up.
“I don’t work out that much, man. Usually, it’s about two days per week. The bike ride was my big thing,” Van Duzer said. “I’m starting to go back to the gym right now. I need to start maintaining.”
He did make an interesting comment about the president’s agility though; and even went as far as to say that he thinks the president would win hands down in a workout battle with Mitt Romney running mate, Paul Ryan; whose sculpted abs are thanks to intense P90X training sessions.
“I think Obama could take him,” Van Duzer said, laughing. “Obama looked pretty fast and pretty quick on his feet.”
Hmmmm, challenge?
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That’s really ridiculous!!! People are too stuffy nowadays.
Too funny. It just really goes to show people that our President is an ordinary kind of guy that can relate to the hardworking people of this nation whereas Romney’s rich ass wouldn’t be caught dead in a hole in the wall Pizza joint. I guess now Romney and Ryan stop by a small country soul food restaurant and take orders…all while smiling for the cameras.
It just really goes to show people that our President is an ordinary kind of guy that can relate to the hardworking people of this nation whereas Romney’s rich ass wouldn’t be caught dead in a hole in the wall Pizza joint
Ok, that makes no sense..not at all. It’s a pizza spot and since it’s not in their respective hometowns or adopted hometown, neither of them would be caught in a dead in a hole in the wall Pizza joint. No if’s and’s nor butts about it.
But of course, most Obamafans (as demonstrated by this guy) see him as a homeboy rather than the POTUS. It explains why he felt he could grab the world’s most powerful man and bearhug him.
You know I’ve REALLY have tried to hold my piece but no matter what I say or what my opinion is, you ALWAYS seem to have something sarcastic to say and so my comment to you is: FUCK YOU
Uhm, becoming a bit unhinged are we? Take note, there’s nothing sarcastic about me stating that president’s and presidential candidates don’t randomly patronize holes in the walls. You should ask yourself why that offends you so.
But I digress, when you’re incapable of forming an intelligent counterargument, attacking is the next best thing.
musbherbs I think you have missed the point of the visit. We know that in the Washington, Metro, President Obama has visited quite a few out of the way places to eat and meet some of the people who he works for. Remember, the President of the United States, the Congressmen/women, Senator’s, the like they are SUPPOSE to be working for the PEOPLE of the USA. Therefore; there is no shame in The President going to a little pizza place in Fla. What is the big deal in your eyes. Jealous? It has been reported that Mr. Van Duzer is not a Democrat, he is the opposite. The people in Fla. are showing their true colors with this boycott. Mr. Van Duzer, if I was living in your town, I would gladly go to your shop to eat. Forget the bigots and continue to do your thing!!!
I’m sorry, but did you have a point to make somewhere above? ^^^
The purpose of the visit was a campaign stop. Not sure what’s hard to understand about that NOR the fact that politicians do things for political reasons. Hence, Obama’s visit to “out of the way” places. The man has a full-time, world-class chef and kitchen staff at his disposal.
I swear, some of you Obamapologists will never see the forest for the Obama in your eye. Good grief!
shut yo dumb azz up musb-a-bytch-boy…i see you still lurking around in here spittin that old dumb republican bullshitt u been spittin for the last 5 years. what a dyck head. i really wish i could plant my big foot in azz. my toes been itching for years to break my foot off in your sphincter…
@musbdherbs/Jamal/genuinerep/Bigruss…..according to your dumb azz, the “common folk” should never be allowed to touch the Prez? Get the fook outta here with that dumb shit. Now all of a sudden you are a republican pundit? Azzhole please!
Hey Renegay!
But not just according to me. According to the tradition of respect given to the person who holds the most powerful office in the world, “common folk” just don’t up and decide to grab and list a POTUS in the air.
Signed,
jamal
He did not “list” the POTUS. He lifted him. Come on Jamal. Grammer check!
I am not going to get into a long drawn out debate over this issue. It is obvious to me that you are the one who missed the whole point. And it just let’s me know that you are who you are and no amount of discussion will change you. You may want to consider reading some of the news regarding this issue, rather than pass judgement. To put it bluntly coming from me, your comment is stupid and full of hate. That is what is wrong with the world today, too many haters!!!! And I am being kind when I say that, haters, because we really know what it is.
Ok idibot, two things you haven’t done.
1)Clarified what the “point” was.
2)Clarify what you consider “hateful and stupid” about my post.
History has shown that when you lack an effective counterargument, you attack the messenger.
This definitely applies to the foolywang you’ve posted here. What’s really wrong w/the world is the ignorance masquerading as a rabid defense of the POTUS.
Not stuffy but….RACIST!! This is just a reflection of his they feel down thurr. And if YOU ain’t “feelin the hate”?, then “you” are breaking the “solidarity” & therefore are….the problem. Fkn stupid azz hicks!!
The President didn’t stop for pizza, he stopped to show support for this man who have been an advocate for Blood donations. Geesh, folks will take a foot and make it a dang leg if you let them.
I think it’s cool that Obama will let almost anyone grab him like that.
But Duzer shouldn’t be that surprised that he’s catching some flak.
I mean, let’s say that was Bush, or any of the other yt POTUS. And let’s say he decides to visit a black pizza joint as part of his campaign.
Now y’all know what would happen if that black owner decides to grab bush like that.
I don’t think there would be any need for a boycott after secret service was finished with him.
These posts are funny! Herbs is dodging the bullets shot at him Neo style!
LMFAO at huey! You guys are nuts!
How stupid can you people be? You think someone can just go up to the President and hug him? Seriously? It has been proven it was cleared..it is all for show…open at least a 1/4 of your eyes…and use one brain cell please!
“Azzhole please!”
@Renegade, I think I’m going to steal this one from you!!!!!!
I saw this real funny photo of Biden grinning and sitting close to a woman with her two redneck biker pals shooting daggers at him in an Ohio restaurant. Priceless!!!!
http://www.frugal-cafe.com/public_html/frugal-blog/frugal-cafe-blogzone/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/joe-biden-biker-chick-ohio-2012.jpg
When I saw this photo of Joe Biden, I wondered what Jill would say. My teenager said, “Mommy, Dr. Biden won’t care because this woman looks like a MAN.” LMAO
Renegade says: He did not “list” the POTUS. He lifted him. Come on Jamal. Grammer check
Damn Gaytie Mae, do you even think about what you wanna bark about BEFORE your paws hit the “post comment” button?
You continue to get your monkey ass handed back to you time and time again and you never learn. This will be no different.
So here we go:
Most people would be willing to understand how someone could misappropriate letters. In this case, I clearly was talking about “lift” but wrote “list.”
But yo dumb ass..Good lawd..yo dumb ass attempted to correct ME all while not having the faintest idea that Gramm E r is not a word used in any world lexicon. The word is spelled w/an A…as in Gramm A r.
Got it Fido? GRAMMAR!! And EUR even lets you know when the word is unrecognized.
Consider your
#teamstalkherbs4yearsdumb ass schooled!Jamal/Herpes…you aint hand shit to me. I’ll stay on your monkey azz. No matter if you use your other alias’ of bigruss/genuinerep or whatever. Don’t get your dumb troll ignorant Herman Cain wannabe behind banned again like you did a few years back. You can’t school me through the internet. Get your behind out of your slut mother’s basement and quit being a fake republican pundit!
Hey Gaydie,
When it’s proven (yet once again) how much of a fool you are, you can’t handle it hunh? I get it dude, I mean, you (as a dude) has been stalking me (another dude) for years and according to your own words, you’re gonna continue.
That’s a matter for you and your misplaced cyberhormones.
@musbdazz….you keep making references to gay, yet you are the one that leads off each of your posts to me with the prefix “HEEEYYYY” LMMFAO! Yo azz really is STUPID!
Hey Gaydie, Jamal again.
Here’s another GRAMMER lesson. When referring to a person, it’s “grammEtically” correct to use “who” instead of “that.” So, “yet, you are the one WHO leads…”
I’m starting to wonder tho. You start and finish your rant by referring to my ass.
*whistling*
Jamal/bigruss/guinerep/republican/
@Jamal/musbdabytch…..I am still “grammEtically” LMAO at your “who” “that” sorry “HEEEYYY” “whistling” ignorant, fake repuplican pundit, Clarence Thomas wannabe, cyber cry baby, coward, mama cunt lickin ,tired sellout punk azz! Yes Azz because that’s what you are.
____Still Winning____!!!!!!
yeah “repuplican” fits you well little dog! LMAO
Lighten up ‘herbs. Check out the photo of Biden with the biker chick sitting on his lap in Ohio.
And he too looked like a fkn idiot. Neither of them seem to care about the lack of respect their offices now get…just as long as they seem “cool.” Fk outta here!
I co-sign.
If I was a foreigner who had never heard of President Obama, it would never occur to me that the man being lifted up in this photo is the POTUS. i am sure Mr. Duzer meant no harm, but WHAT MADE HIM THINK IT WAS OK TO DO THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE????The entire thing, including the photograph, shows a lack of respect.
While we are lying in our beds asleep at night, this man, the POTUS, can be awakened at any time if our country is in danger or if war is about to break out in a part of the world where U.S. interests lie. For that ALONE, the office and he/she who occupies it, deserve the HIGHEST respect.
Sure, I outwardly laughed at borth photos, because I have a sense of humor. Inwardly, however, I CRINGED. I am APPALLED.
Pizza man ws given permission by the Secret Serviceman to do this. So they were aware and had a watchful eye on the President. No harm, no foul,
ROFLMAO@these comments.
I am confused as to whether Mr. Duzer’s pizza shop is being boycotted because he lifted the President in a bear hug, OR because he admitted to being a Republican who voted for the President in the 2008 election and will vote to re-elect him.
When I first saw this photo, I laughed, but I was HORRIIED. I thought, “WTF is this world coming to when you can lift the President in a bear hug?” I know this is the United States and not England, but I can’t help but wonder what the reaction would be if someone did this to Elizabveth II.
I think it’s because he supports Obama.
Make no mistake, this wouldn’t happen in any other country and most certainly not w/any other US President.
Just this one…
Staged or not why are you people tripping about a damn bear hug?
khanman, I thought the same thing. The comments are funny as fuck though. Carry on.
I cannot believe people are so upset that this man gave the POTUS a bearhug? The man has done a lot to promote blood donations and raised awareness! The President is a down-to-earth President that a lot of people have a problem with – with no merit at all! When can you recall someone wanting to life Bush – Reagan – or Dubya ll up? Like someone here mentioned – “Could you see Romney in a soul food , or any place that wasn’t exquisite/avarice-induced! I love that the President can relate to normal/regular people. He always has and this isn’t an act for the cameras, as Mitt is all about interactions due to the upcoming elections! Doesn’t take a “rocket scientist” to view this! People lighten-up, there are sooooo many things going on and this act of humility by the President pails in comparison! When was the last time Mitt made normal people feel happy about anything?
Go Obama, Go!!!!
The President is a down-to-earth President
Yep, thanks for making my point. The fact that the most powerful man in the world is or even “should be” down to earth is ridiculous.
We are all entitled to or opinions, therefore I bid you a good day and a prosperous one!
“…therefore I bid you a good day and a prosperous one!”
timmdogg, nice comback and sweet shutdown! You have to understand ‘herbs simply enjoys playing devil advocate. Also think he joined the debate club at the local ‘Herbs Anonymous chapter recently.
our – oops!
Peeping in…..wow, you all are going deep in the paint today……stepping out (whistling)
People….there is a name for these who come in hurr, say something outLANDish then…”skate the fk off”. They are referred to in the cyber world as…”trolls”, no seriously! They meet on a website & discuss/show how they “hijacked” a damn site, with their “planned BS posts”. Now….there IS a difference between a “mole” & a troll! Moles are here to “test the air”/see which way Our wind is blowing, (fuh massa!) while a “troll”?, is just here to brag to OTHER trolls how they… “took over”, much like a “paid by the opposing team” caller, who calls in to a radio program, & says some BS like…POTUS is NOT an American, caused the wars, didn’t save shyt!!!, etc…., just to fk with the host & audience. So…..the next time someone’s post is so “blatantly maliciously blind” to WTF the subject of the article eeaah!??, know that they are juuuuuuust tryin to FK witchoe & everyone else….up in hurr, & don’t even allow them the power of causing you ANY stress. The stupid shyt is a GD “game” to them. So?……FK’em!!! Tah Daaaaaaaah!! Ps…”Bling”!
Ps…..oh yeah, & another thang….I DO see why some have the question?, but did it NOt even occur to y’all that the man was “ALLOWED BY POTUS TO …hug him!!?? That shyt is some “stupid” 911 logic….”yeah the MOST powerful country was infiltrated by some fkrs with “boxcutters” & couldn’t even drive a fkn ….car. Comoooooan neh, THINK!!!! SMH!! He asks?, & POTUS obliiiiiiived him. I mean….do y’all really, TRULY think just ANYone can get that close to POTUS “without” permission!!??? I need a drank! SSMGDH!
What about the black woman that hugged the Queen of England? There’s a time for a suspension of etiquette and protocol in the face of unashamed, unabashed LOVE and REVERENCE that overtakes someone in the presence of greatness, real or imagined. An expression of that love or affection or reverence should not be criticized or scrutinized.