Obama Goes To Krispy Kreme

Three dozen donuts.

President Barack Obama delivers boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to firefighters in Tampa, Florida, during an unannounced visit on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012.

Image by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

From the White House pool report, covered today by Agence France-Presse’s Stephen Collinson:

The President landed in Tampa at 6.43 am and headed in the motorcade to a Krispy Kreme donut store about 10 minutes from the airport.

He walked into the store with the words “Good morning everybody, good to see you guys.”

There were about eight patrons scattered around the store, and the president went to see them shaking hands, asking their names and offering lots of “good to see yous.”

He then walked towards the counter and encountered another customer, who told the president he was a teacher. “I have been talking all about teachers, I hope you know that,” Obama said.

Then he turned the teacher towards the pool and started talking

“Trent is a math teacher, he is buying donuts for his kids. That whole math and donut connection is the key to school reform because I know his kids are doing great.”

Then the president started to talk to the crew of the Krispy Kreme shop, he met one woman called Michelle and said: “love Michelles.”

He told he guy behind the counter that he had pre-ordered and fishing some cash out of his pocket, said “how much do I owe you guys,”

Aides said that the president had ordered three dozen assorted donuts and he ordered another box, saying that though reporters typically declined his offer of food, it was fine for the photographers to take some.

He then looked around the room and spoke to a man and two small kids who he saw when he entered the shop, and said “let the President buy you a jam donut.”

The young boy told the president they would like two powdered cakes.

The pool was rushed out of the donut shop soon afterwards. The president then took a two minute drive to Fire Station 14 and dropped off the donuts at the station.

He said the firemen do “unbelievable work” “Thank you for everything you guys do every day”

The president then spoke to the firefighters, shook hands, much out of earshot of the pool. One firefighter mentioned that he was retiring. Another had a basketball in his hands and it sounded like he offered to shoot hoops with the president, who answered “after we’re done.”

Then the president said, “I don’t want to embarrass you in front of the cameras.”

3. Photos from the president’s donut run and delivery:

Image by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

Image by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

Image by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

U.S. President Barack Obama reacts after a fire fighter offered up a game of basketball during a visit to a fire house in Tampa, Florida October 25, 2012.

Image by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

Image by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters