Maine beer off to Obama
By Ray Routhier rrouthier@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
PORTLAND - Maine politicians and small business owners gathered in Portland on Patriots Day to send a message to President Obama: “Hope you like the beer.”
Paul Drinan, left, media coordinator, and store owner Bill Milliken carry a basket of assorted Maine microbrews, along with assorted other Maine products from the Portland Market House, out to a car at Monument Square where it will begin it's journey to President Obama Monday, April 19, 2010. (Jill Brady/Staff Photographer)
The message was accompanied by a giant basket filled with more than a dozen bottles of beer, made by Maine brewers, to be sent to Obama for his personal enjoyment.
The presidential beer delivery was the idea of Bill Milliken, an owner of the Maine Beer and Beverage Corporation, who Obama referred to by name during his televised speech on health care at the Portland Expo on April 1. Obama cited Milliken as a Maine small business owner who will be able to provide more of his workers health insurance because of tax credits in the new health reform law.
Obama also, in a not too subtle way, asked for some beer.
“In exchange for this publicity, I hope that I’m going to get some samples of beer,” Obama said to the crowd.
On Monday, a send-off for the beer was held at the Public Market House in Monument Square, where Maine Beer and Beverage is located. The crowd included a dozen or so representatives from Maine beer companies, Gov. John Baldacci, U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, Portland Mayor Nicholas Mavadones, and a dozen or so media members, other local business owners, and a couple dozen onlookers.
Milliken told the crowd he was happy to help get recognition for Maine small business owners, as they work to help the state’s economy and better conditions for their employees. He also said he felt like organizing the beer basket for Obama was simply his civic duty.
“When the president calls, I answer. How could I say no?” asked Milliken.
Milliken said he thought it was fitting the beer send off was being held on Patriots Day, since well-known patriot Benjamin Franklin was supposedly famous for saying that beer is “proof that God loves us.”
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54 COMMENTS
TEphY29ieU1E said...
outrageous ... anywhere but Chicago and DC, accepting a "gift" in exchange for a favor is called CORRUPTION. a de minimus infraction or indicative of a culture where this is tolerated normal and overlooked. "how cute!!" they will coo. no, that's not cool. obama may have been fooling around, but he cannot accept a gift, nevermind in exchange for a "shout out." expect a federal ethics complaint if you think overt favors, gifts, whatever semantics you'd like to use - of any degree - like this are the way government should work.
April 19, 2010 at 12:52 PM Report abuse
dcl4500 said...
The beer will go in a museum somewhere, not that it should IMO, but it will, the President can't accept gifts like that for personal use, even if it does fall below the minimum value thresholds.
April 19, 2010 at 12:59 PM Report abuse
ontherun said...
I hope it is stale and flat when it gets there!
April 19, 2010 at 1:19 PM Report abuse
ontherun said...
I hope it is stale and flat when it gets there!
April 19, 2010 at 1:26 PM Report abuse
BenHarrison said...
Just goes to show even the King of the Democrates is all about FREE STUFF!! You would think The President Of The United States of America can spring for his own brews. But I guess the 5.5 million he made last year just wont last!!
April 19, 2010 at 1:27 PM Report abuse
LePageVaVOOM said...
President Obama and the Democratic majority are doing a GREAT JOB to correct Republican failures and corruption at every level. Republican: We're worthless!
April 19, 2010 at 1:34 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Corruption? No one does corruption like Republicans do!
April 19, 2010 at 1:56 PM Report abuse
Monadnock said...
Criticizing the President over a gift basket of beer? Seriously? Just when I think the Obama-haters can't possibly get any more pathetic, spiteful, and petty, they manage to stoop even lower. In 2007, President Bush "received at least 20 [gifts] worth a total of $12,364, according to the financial disclosure forms the president and vice president are required by law to file each year...There is no limit on the size of gifts a president or vice president can receive from a U.S. citizen. They must report only those valued at $305 or more — as well as multiple presents over $100 from the same giver, if their cumulative total exceeds $305." http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/16/politics/main2812310.shtml
April 19, 2010 at 1:57 PM Report abuse
sledder said...
Obama is such a loser!!!!!
April 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM Report abuse
heyjoe said...
Great! Sending alcoholic beverages to the Commander and Chief while he has his finger on the nuclear button!! "The Maine beer made me do it"...
April 19, 2010 at 3:15 PM Report abuse
ontherun said...
heyjoe: don't worry about the nukes..he said he won't use them. He would rather surrender; like the French; than protect this country..the chhickensh*t!
April 19, 2010 at 3:33 PM Report abuse
my-way said...
not a chance in hell this guy would or could pay for his employees' health insurance. the only way would be if it were free........................... and we all know nothing is free....if in fact this does happen, one thing is for sure there will be less beer sales @ maine beer and beverage as we wont have as much of our hard earned moeny to blow on such luxuries.
April 19, 2010 at 3:40 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
I bet he enjoys the beer more than we enjoy the healthcare reform he sent us... by a wide measure.
April 19, 2010 at 4:23 PM Report abuse
homeboy said...
I know Bill,and know him to be a man of his word. If he says he will now be able to provide health insurance to his full time employees, he will. End of story.
April 19, 2010 at 4:23 PM Report abuse
c2hlenp6 said...
I guess this means that alcoholic beverages will never be the next thing to be taxed, (instead of cigarettes, which have been taxed to death), because politicians drink? Alcohol falls under the "sins tax" and should be the next thing to be taxed MAYBE TWENTY TIMES THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!
April 19, 2010 at 4:52 PM Report abuse
Peetree said...
People, please! It is the publicity these fine Maine made products are receiving that is important here. Not crazy about the basket...maybe a bucket would be more appropriate? "My bucket's got a hole in it. Can't buy no beer." Clarence Williams And on that note, I believe it's beer'o'clock, soooooo, later 'gaters.
April 19, 2010 at 4:59 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Sledder, The fact that you aren't intelligent and informed enough to realize what a good job that President Obama and the Democratic Congress are doing makes you the loser. You apparently preferred the Dark Ages of Bush and his "six deferment" chicken Hawk VP to an honest, hard working, pro-middle class President. Republican: We're out to lunch!
April 19, 2010 at 5:17 PM Report abuse
mdenis46 said...
I'll bet that if the beer had been sent to "W", the Republicans and conservatives who froth at the mere mention of the name "Obama" would see that this is just a good story, and good publicity for an important business in Maine.
April 19, 2010 at 5:27 PM Report abuse
LePageVaVOOM said...
Without some level of bipartisan cooperation, voters become increasingly cynical, the system becomes too paralyzed to function, and the whole country suffers as a consequence. Longer term, it is hard to see the politics of 'no' as a winning Republican strategy.
April 19, 2010 at 5:31 PM Report abuse
ProConserv said...
Isnt barry sorento muslim? He cant drink alcohol!
April 19, 2010 at 5:44 PM Report abuse
JustMy2Cents said...
Monadnock – that was a great article…maybe Bush and Obama should go fishing together…Bush could bring all the free fishing gear he received as president and Obama could bring the beer!
April 19, 2010 at 5:53 PM Report abuse
heyrube said...
you know he isnt pro- thats just your ignorance talking
April 19, 2010 at 6:43 PM Report abuse
LePageVaVOOM said...
C2, The overall tax burden is the lowest it has been in 50 years. Of course, if you have your head in a Republican echo chamber, you wouldn't know that.
April 19, 2010 at 6:48 PM Report abuse
dcl4500 said...
Seems to me I saw him drinking a beer on the campaign trail. Seems to me I saw him worshiping in a christian church too, both of those facts seem to nix the idea that he is either a teetotaler or a muslim.
April 19, 2010 at 6:51 PM Report abuse
FleurDeNeige said...
As a Mainer and an optimist, I'm a personally offended by all the negativity here. This about Maine businesses getting their names out there, boosting our economy, and being able to provide for the good people of Maine who work hard every day. If Obama had gone to a bakery he'd be getting a muffin basket, but he didn't, and he's getting beer. And I'm pretty sure the last time I checked the age requirements for legal drinking and presidential office are both well above 21 years. Let him have some beer, and get one for yourself too. Maybe you'll meet someone interesting in a bar and have an intelligent conversation for once. Maybe your glass will be half full...
April 19, 2010 at 7:13 PM Report abuse
Caveman said...
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONSERVATIVE AND A LIBERAL If a conservative doesn't like guns, they don't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, then no one should have one. If a conservative is a vegetarian, they don't eat meat. If a liberal is, they want to ban all meat products for everyone. If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy. A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.
April 19, 2010 at 8:59 PM Report abuse
XPortlander said...
I know one local business I will never step foot in and I urge you all to stay away as well....dumb business people do dumb things.
April 19, 2010 at 10:34 PM Report abuse
Vega said...
FleurDeNeige I agree with you. Having the president make such a remark only shows he's human. Sending a basket is perfect.
April 19, 2010 at 10:40 PM Report abuse
SGTW said...
I just can't believe that Pingree and Baldacci can't find something more useful to do... oh wait, we're talking about Pingree and Baldacci. I can believe it.
April 19, 2010 at 11:48 PM Report abuse
Monadnock said...
XPortlander, I know one local business I will continue to step into, as it offers a fantastic selection of premium beer from Maine and around the world, and it's owned by a a businessman who's smart enough to treat his employees decently, support local Maine products, and generate positive publicity for his business. I urge everyone else to go there as well.
April 20, 2010 at 3:14 AM Report abuse
giveittime said...
How many ways can you people sending him this Kiss His A#*!! I would rather dump the product than send it to this President. All he has done is dig us in deeper than ever and helped out the rich... Ontherun, I couldn't agree with you more!!!
April 20, 2010 at 7:16 AM Report abuse
BHSR said...
To Routone said... Sounds like you have been in too much beer and has damaged your thought process. You think the current president and democatic congress has done a good job??? Where have you been lately.Think you have been out to lunch on into the beer basket before it left. To LePageVaVOOM said... what bi-partisan cooperation did you notice in the closed door politics deals with the health bill. Say what you all want to, I am an independent and sure believe in what the Tea Party movement is saying. At least the Bush's paid taxes in Maine and probably paid a sunstantial property tax over a great period of years. Probably that contributed to the Maine economy at least some huh. No taxes paid on the Free Basket of beer, even though it was Maine Products and was a tax wrire off for some and a campaign plug for Pingree and Baldacci. Glad Baldacci is terming out like so many in the tax, fee and spend adminstration we have here. Oops, almost like Washington isn't it.
April 20, 2010 at 7:57 AM Report abuse
mktbubble said...
maybe we should have sent some pretzels too. Presidents like pretzels from what I remember...
April 20, 2010 at 8:22 AM Report abuse
Mainedog said...
I hope Nobama drinks the beer and smokes one of his cigarettes at the same time and the two induce a massive coronary!
April 20, 2010 at 8:33 AM Report abuse
LizieD said...
Better indict every president for the past decade or two for accepting a Maine Christmas tree.
April 20, 2010 at 8:42 AM Report abuse
Krog said...
All hail beer! Except of course when it goes to a sitting black democratic president, THEN GOD ALMIGHTY IT'S GRAFT, CORRUPTION, SCANDLE, HE WANTS YOUR GUNS! -- S O C I A L I S M ! RED MENACE ! CONSTITUTION! - Where was the tea party when the previous president was using the 4th and 14 amendments for toilet paper? Most likely the same place the war protesters are now, in denial. Fools all.
April 20, 2010 at 9:01 AM Report abuse
Mainedog said...
Krog, it is you who is the racist! Just because some disagrees with the president does not make one a racist! It is you on the left the continually throw the term out there and you on the left that continually remind everyone that the president is black. It seems that YOU have the issue with a black president, so why don’t you crawl back into your hole and wither away! And hope that no one takes your keyboard away so you will always have your courage! You’re a joke! And yes Nobama is on of the worst presidents this country ever had! But he is uniting the country in one way, uniting them to vote republican!
April 20, 2010 at 9:14 AM Report abuse
MainelyJack said...
I just poured out three bottles of Shipyard and will never buy another Maine made beer. Bad idea, Bill.
April 20, 2010 at 9:51 AM Report abuse
TWFvQmFtYQ%3D%3D said...
I don't hate obowser cause he's black, there's so many other reasons - he's a marxist, fraud, socialist, liar, democrat, liberal...too many to list.
April 20, 2010 at 10:10 AM Report abuse
sandman21 said...
In eight years as President , Beorge Bush played golf 28 times. Yesterday , President Oboma completed his 32 round of golf as President in less than 2 years. Change you can count on!!!!
April 20, 2010 at 10:12 AM Report abuse
sandman21 said...
Hi Routone, Please explain why Congressman Charles Rangel, Demo, cheated on his taxes and still has not paid the price that us common folks would have to? VOTE THEM ALL OUT!!!
April 20, 2010 at 10:18 AM Report abuse
Vega said...
I don't think George W was the brightest bulb - playing 28 rounds of golf in 8 years vs Obama's 32 rounds in 2 years. Perhaps he had trouble counting past 28. Seems with George W he had many, many, many vacations. Always off to Camp David, or his ranch - taking breaks when he hadn't really been up to much.
April 20, 2010 at 10:26 AM Report abuse
yiddo said...
Nothing but whine drinkers on the forums today. All I can see is sour grapes! C'mon folks these craft brewers are your neighbors! Lighten up an enjoy a brew for a change!
April 20, 2010 at 10:36 AM Report abuse
bertie said...
There's something seriously wrong in the head with people who feel the need to criticize the President over a gift of beer. It's hyperpartisanship run amok. Calm down, drink a pint of fresh local beer, and get a life!
April 20, 2010 at 10:58 AM Report abuse
SGVucnkxOTQ0 said...
We all have the right to express our opinions. If you would like your opinions to be given thoughtful and courteous consideration, please be courteous and respectful of others. Jesus wants us to put others ahead of yourselves.
April 20, 2010 at 11:03 AM Report abuse
AR5 said...
I can't believe some folks are so upset over this and are taking a nice, lighthearted story and panicking over it. This is great news for Maine and the Maine Brewers....congrats!
April 20, 2010 at 11:43 AM Report abuse
bXBhcmVudA%3D%3D said...
Kiss ups... both of them. Obama & the beer company owners. Mwah! @.@
April 20, 2010 at 12:21 PM Report abuse
Pinecone said...
Good. He needs it. Oh, and ontherun, you're and idiot. You too giveittime. On what do you base your comparison to the french? Not killing our soldiers fast enough in Afganistan and Iraq?
April 20, 2010 at 12:30 PM Report abuse
XjoeX said...
people are no upset over the beer being sent to Obama, or anyhting to do with the story for that matter. People are upset that this (government) is out of control with its spending and regulation they seem to have their fingers in everything. They have spent billons and billons and have not solved any of the problems.... so the last thing any of the hard working citizens of maine (not the ones who voted for obamacare) want to see it his ugly face enjoying one of last uncorrupted things in this country - BEER
April 20, 2010 at 1:19 PM Report abuse
Gunner said...
Vega said... I don't think George W was the brightest bulb - playing 28 rounds of golf in 8 years vs Obama's 32 rounds in 2 years. Perhaps he had trouble counting past 28. Seems with George W he had many, many, many vacations. Always off to Camp David, or his ranch - taking breaks when he hadn't really been up to much. Vega - you dum bass. Obama has been in just over 1 year. BDS make you stooopid? As for vacations, do you really think any President is ever on vacation? Obama goes to Chicago and Hawaii, Bush went Crawford. The only change in what they do is there is no BS meetings or visitors and they get a couple of hours off in a day vice none.
April 20, 2010 at 2:08 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Sandman, You neglect to count the days off that Bush had, which was unprecedented. This is a typical Republican ruse that they sequenced on right wingnut talk radio yesterday. The fact of the matter is that President Obama is extremely hard working. By the way, Sean Hannity criticized President Obama for not attending the funeral of the President of Poland. He never mentioned why ... which is typical of righ wingnut "news," they deceive their own "kind," don't let facts get in the way ... President Obama didn't attend the funeral of the Polish President because of the huge ash cloud that clogged air travel across Europe. Or didn't they bother to mention that on Fox "Republican" News. Hannity couldn't be bothered. This begs the question of how willfully ignorant people have to be to swallow Republican tripe day in and day out. The answer: VERY.
April 20, 2010 at 4:07 PM Report abuse
Krog said...
Mainedog said..."Krog, it is you who is the racist!" -- Mainedog. I was a Republican long ago and up until GWB I was quite a staunch supporter, so please shove your 'leftie' comments. Given your reply it's not surprising that the point sailed over your head. So to save you from a headache...Fools all. As in inclusive. Left, Right, Neocon, Earthfirst. I don't care. The Tea party started as a grass roots movement to oust the main stream and their agendas and TADA now they've been taken over by the mainstream and their agendas. There is no 'news' any more just talking heads and their words that scream for your submission. People scream socialism like they know what their talking about. Libs don't like the president because he's not liberal enough. [true] Socialists laugh as the notion, but the slogan repeaters out there just keep repeating what their told.
April 20, 2010 at 5:21 PM Report abuse
Vega said...
Gunner, you missed my point. Someone was comparing the # of rounds of golf played in so many years by Geo W and by Obama. Obama might have played more but PERHAPS he deserved more because he has put more into his job than Geo W. George W took alot of vacations when he didn't seem to be under much pressure. I don't believe he always knew what was going on nor put alot of effort into what he was trying to achieve. He took many, many vacations. MANY ! I think he took too many compared to Obama who has much more common sense than Geo W and deserves vacation time. Someone else was comparing golf rounds, I was comparing the abuse of vacation time that has been used in the past.
April 20, 2010 at 5:38 PM Report abuse
Krog said...
I was of the Barry Goldwater Conservative era, Fiscal Responsibility, defense, trade and taking care citizens. Cons now scream about big government under Obama, The Government increased EXPONENTIALLY under GWB. Their now screaming about Obama taking away our guns. Show me ONE piece of legislation that will do that. None. Fear mongering, corporate interests, Money and power. That's all you have left. -- And for all the 1d1ots screaming about the beer companies giving Obama free product...it's called CAPITALISM, that beer was FREE ADVERTISING and it will make them money, the capitalist way. Again, Fools all.
April 20, 2010 at 5:39 PM Report abuse