Folks, Second Gentleman (and future first ever First Gentleman) Doug Emhoff will be coming into the lion's den and speaking in The Villages this evening. I will be attending the event. Democrats obviously believe Florida is in play. For those who don’t know, the retirement community of The Villages is very definitely MAGA central.
I have been asked to not disclose the details of the visit on social media for security reasons and to reduce the risk of MAGA protesters showing up. Only confirmed RSVPs will be admitted.
So you may be wondering how I came to be invited. I'm not sure. On Tuesday I received an email from The Villages Democratic Club (I am a member and volunteer) advising me of the event, and that it would be today. It did not provide the time or place but had a link to sign up to request admission. I did so. I received an automatic return advising me that I would be advised if my request was accepted, but not advised if it was not.
By yesterday evening I had heard nothing and assumed I was not accepted. However, at 9:31 pm last night I received an email telling me I had. The notice provided the time and location. Let's just say I received less than 24 hours notice.
I've been advised that the Secret Service will have checkpoint, to expect airport level security, and to bring my ID. I'm told the expected attire is "campaign casual." I'm trying to figure out what that is.
A golf cart parade will follow, so you may see that in the central area of The Villages around 8:00 tonight.
There is another event tomorrow (Saturday) morning, 9:00 am at the Wildwood Community Center that everyone is invited to. There will be several speakers, including Barbara Hall, who is running against Daniel Webster for Congress in our district. She has a very interesting and moving origin story that is worth hearing. They also claim to have a commitment from a "noteworthy" surrogate for the Harris campaign. I will be at this event too.
I'll be reporting on tonight's Emhoff event later tonight or tomorrow.
