President Obama was greeted by shouting from crowds packed tightly behind barricades just west of 7th Avenue as he drove through the West Village en route to Sarah Jessica Parker's Thursday night. Some — protesters armed with handmade signs and chants — had planned to be there, to voice their disapproval of the celebrity-studded dinner which cost $40,000 per person to attend. Others, meanwhile, spilled into the streets out of bars that serve $12 cocktails upon hearing that they might get a glimpse of the president.
A bouncer outside the cocktail lounge Wilfie and Nell on West 10th Street appeared slightly frazzled as well-heeled patrons of the crowded bar ran out in droves as Obama's limo drove by. At a sports bar, The Windsor, across the street, the scene was similar.
In terms of volume and signage, the protestors were the more visible group. A press release outlined the goal of the protest: "Members of F the Banks, Occupy Wall Street (OWS) and local and national housing advocate groups will demand justice be brought to the banks by confronting Obama with his broken promises and deceptive funding priorities. While the President raises campaign funds at Sex In the City star Sarah Jessica Parker’s West Village townhouse, the underfunded and understaffed federal Mortgage Fraud Task Force leaves big banks free from accountability and millions of American homeowners screwed."
Only twenty or so protestors were on the scene by the time the President's limo drove by, but they made their presence known with chanting and signs.
Passers-by, meanwhile, voiced their excitement over spotting the President, using Twitter and Instagram to share the moment.
Apparently Sarah Jessica Parker is having a party in the west village and they're just waiting for Obama to show up. NYC is crazy!!
Apparently Sarah Jessica Parker is having a party in the west village and they're just waiting for Obama to show up. NYC is crazy!!-- Dana Beecroft
President Obama driving by to cheers in West Village. http://t.co/7WVsrSh0
President Obama driving by to cheers in West Village. http://t.co/7WVsrSh0-- Steven Dilla
Obama is in the west village. Ok, Barack.. I'll meet you at the Rusty Knot!! #prez #beer #hottie
Obama is in the west village. Ok, Barack.. I'll meet you at the Rusty Knot!! #prez #beer #hottie-- Mary Disser
Apparently Obama is at SJP's house in the west village. West Village, I love u! Entire neighbor is shut down
Apparently Obama is at SJP's house in the west village. West Village, I love u! Entire neighbor is shut down-- Aina Fadina
SJP & Mrs Wintour are hosting a fundraiser for the Obama's tonight at SJP's place in the West Village! We can't run there quick enough!
SJP & Mrs Wintour are hosting a fundraiser for the Obama's tonight at SJP's place in the West Village! We can't run there quick enough!-- ReissGirlNYC
Obama decided to show up! @ The Windsor http://t.co/F38qfeYr
Obama decided to show up! @ The Windsor http://t.co/F38qfeYr-- Daniel Andrews
Parker reportedly had cleaning crews meticulously preparing the home all week.
Inside the dinner, the fifty guests included Meryl Streep, Michael Kors and Anna Wintour, who also moderated a brief Q&A with the President. Parker's husband Matthew Broderick was reportedly not in attendance. He was "busy" starring in a Broadway musical.
