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Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper

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Obama Greeted at Andrews by Screaming High Schoolers, High Winds

February 12, 2009 2:13 PM

ABC News' Karen Travers reports:

President Obama received a raucous send-off at Andrews Air Force Base this afternoon, before his flight to Peoria, Ill.

Obama_feb_12_3 Before boarding Air Force One, the president worked a rope line of screaming, cell phone picture snapping high school students, a few older people and younger families with kids.

The high schoolers were junior ROTC students from Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, Md.

As he made his way down the line, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, one girl could be heard shouting “We love you Obama!” and several dozen of the students started a chant of “Obama! Obama!”

High winds in Washington forced the White House to alter President Obama’s travel plans. He was not able to fly on the Marine One helicopter from the White House, instead traveling by motorcade to Andrews where Air Force One was waiting for him. Instead of the usual staircase that is wheeled up to the side of the plane, Obama used a set of steps that lowered down from the belly of the plane.

-- Karen Travers

Photo Credit: Reuters

February 12, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (30)

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omggggg it was the bomb!!!!! i was there!! OBAMA FOR THE WIN!!! PBHS ROTC <333

Posted by: Anthony Le (dot) | Feb 13, 2009 1:48:59 PM

These high charged fans of Obama will be voting for him too in 2 to 4 years. This does not bode well for GOPs still married to Bushism. The GOP is a party of old white people mostly. A new American order has arrived. And it favors Obama and Democrats.

Posted by: buzziea | Feb 13, 2009 10:35:07 AM

I never imagine that I was going to meeting the President of the United States today. I woke up thinking that this was going to be my first time taking charge of a PBHS Navy JROTC field trip and that I was going to San Diego. Even though our flight got cancel, meeting President Obama replaced all the sadness.

Posted by: Fernando Herrera | Feb 12, 2009 10:27:53 PM

haha i was there. :) when i woke up today i definetely didn't think i was going to be shaking hands with the president of the united states. one of the best days ever. PBHS NJROTC <3

Posted by: Anjali C | Feb 12, 2009 10:08:08 PM

Lol this was pretty cool. But my camera ran outta memory right when he walked by so that kinda blew my day. But hey WE SAW THE PRESIDENT!!!

Posted by: "The tall guy with the camera" | Feb 12, 2009 9:32:20 PM

wow... of all people we meet its the president... im so glad i came to be wit rotc. i hoep hes successful and man who would've thought we were on the news? =P

Posted by: Danny Young | Feb 12, 2009 8:53:05 PM

This was the excited day we (Paint Branch High School NJROTC)saw the president about 1 feet away & shook hands with him.

Posted by: Joe Do | Feb 12, 2009 8:36:26 PM

I see my cousin pretty cool!

Posted by: Jade | Feb 12, 2009 8:21:31 PM

OMG, i kno them!!! I see my friend!!

Posted by: Neicee | Feb 12, 2009 8:11:35 PM

People don't think much of us Burtonsville high school students, but look at us now, shaking hands with the President

Posted by: Brian | Feb 12, 2009 8:09:29 PM

yeah rohit, you're really lucky. that tall guy with the camera is in my math class!

Posted by: kendra | Feb 12, 2009 8:03:39 PM

THATS MY SCHOOL =D

Posted by: SCHMOO | Feb 12, 2009 7:58:27 PM

ahhhhh! i know those kids!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: kendra | Feb 12, 2009 7:57:44 PM

Man, who would've thought that a president would see kids from Burtonsville, MD? i'm surprised, because i am one of those kids who was cheering for our new first African American President. It was a honor to meet him, within a foot of our reach, I shook his hand, and it was amazing.

Posted by: Rohit Joshi | Feb 12, 2009 7:55:43 PM

OMG!!!! that was so fun! i weas so glad that we were able to be there when he came!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!

Posted by: Toria | Feb 12, 2009 7:35:33 PM

Personally, it's fantastic to see young people enthusiastic about our President - regardless of who he or she is!!!! They are the ones that are going to have to get motivated to get involved, go into public service, get an excellent education. They have to have something positive to rally around besides athletes and movie stars. Let's be glad they're excited. We have a popular President. This country needs a popular leader that people can believe in. Give the man a break - he's been in office 3 weeks - what ever happened to analyzing after the first 100 days. He can't catch a breath...media rehashing every word and action 1,000 times a day to fill up the airwaves. Let's settle down and handle the problems in this country, and be pleased that people here and abroad are excited about America's new day!

Posted by: Linda | Feb 12, 2009 6:50:40 PM

HA HA HA this is the most refreshing web site i have visited lately...All the Republicans which ever you call yourself you get my drift...WE feel for you...NOT...I just keep picking myself up off the floor...laughing my head off...hahahahahahehehheheha...i get up everyday with a smile on my face as i drive to work and just keep smiling all day long....

Posted by: janet ramsos | Feb 12, 2009 5:31:42 PM

It seems he never want to leave campaigning . He is hungry of popularity.
Is he going to Oscar on the red carpet?

Posted by: cilla | Feb 12, 2009 5:02:18 PM

Way to go Mr. President.. Make these bloggers on here madder than they already are.. I absolutely love it.. The man is brilliant, and you guys can't take that from him, no matter what you say on these blogs.. Actually, you sound really silly ....
"Do ya thang Mr. President" Do ya thang!!!!!

Posted by: Obamaall theway | Feb 12, 2009 4:33:11 PM

i was there no lie from paint branch highschool

Posted by: tyler | Feb 12, 2009 4:06:15 PM

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