Obama gets bear hug from Republican fan in Florida
Pizza parlour owner gives president a literal boost, lifting him in friendly embrace
The Associated Press
Posted: Sep 10, 2012 7:00 PM ET
Last Updated: Sep 10, 2012 6:47 PM ET
U.S. President Barack Obama holds on as he is hugged and picked up by Scott Van Duzer at Big Apple Pizza and Pasta Italian Restaurant in Fort Pierce, Fla. Van Duzer, a Republican, said he nevertheless supports the president. (Larry Downing/Reuters)
Scott Van Duzer, shown hugging the president at his Florida pizza parlour, says Obama's enthusiasm upon entering the restaurant was so infectious he felt compelled to lift him in the air. (Larry Downing/Reuters)If U.S. President Barack Obama was looking for a lift in Florida, he got one from an enthusiastic Republican.
Scott Van Duzer, a 46-year-old, six-foot-three man gave Obama a bear hug, raising him off the ground as the president marvelled at the man's strength.
'Man, are you a power lifter or what?'—U.S. President Barack Obama to Scott Van Duzer
"Look at that!" the president exclaimed, as he was hoisted in the air by the enthusiastic Van Duzer, who says he is a Republican but nevertheless voted for Obama in 2008.
"Man, are you a power lifter or what?" a stunned but jovial Obama said, clasping hands with the Florida supporter as photographers snapped away.
Van Duzer owns the Big Apple Pizza and Pasta Italian Restaurant where Obama stopped on Sunday during a Florida bus swing. He also runs a foundation that helps collect blood for the ill; he has received White House commendations for his work.
As he entered, Obama admired Van Duzer's physique: "The guy's just got a big heart, along with big pecs."
Of his embrace, Van Duzer said: "I was overwhelmed when I saw him."
He said Obama had his vote.
With files from CBC News
Share Tools
Top News Headlines
- Senator Pamela Wallin leaves Conservative caucus
- Senator Pamela Wallin says she is recusing herself from the Conservative caucus while her travel expense claims are under scrutiny. Wallin's departure comes one day after Senator Mike Duffy left the Tory caucus amid controversy over his expense claims. more »
- Toronto mayor cancels weekly radio show
- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford will not be hosting his weekly radio show this weekend after explosive allegations that he was recorded on video appearing to smoke crack cocaine. more »
- Afghan legislators block law protecting women
- An Afghan legislator says conservative lawmakers have blocked approval of a law that aims to protect women's freedoms, saying parts of it violate Islamic principles. more »
- Should genetic testing for cancer be available to all Canadians?
- The revelation that Hollywood celebrity Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy as a preventative measure against cancer stoked heated discussion this past week, but one prominent cancer researcher says it demonstrates the need to make genetic testing available to all Canadians. more »
Must Watch
Latest World News Headlines
- French president signs gay marriage into law
- French President François Hollande has signed a law authorizing gay marriage and adoption by same-sex couples. more »
- Commuter trains collide in Connecticut
- Two commuter trains serving New York City collided in Connecticut during Friday's evening rush hour, sending 60 people to the hospital, including five with critical injuries, Gov. Dannel Malloy said. more »
- North Korea fires 3 short-range missiles, South Korea says
- A South Korea official says North Korea has launched three short-range guided missiles into its eastern waters. more »
- WHO concerned coronavirus spreading person to person
- The World Health Organization has issued a blunt assessment of the coronavirus outbreak in Saudi Arabia, acknowledging for the first time that there are concerns the virus may be spreading from person to person, at least in a limited way. more »
The National
The Current
- Why thousands of people want a one-way trip to Mars May. 17, 2013 4:08 PM Nearly 80,000 people are eager to blast off on a one-way colonizing mission to Mars - but some experts believe no one is likely to get off the ground.
- Senator Pamela Wallin leaves Conservative caucus
- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford denies crack cocaine allegations
- Tim Bosma public memorial Wednesday in Hamilton, Ont.
- Milwaukee bar wins overturn of bra ban
- Public raising funds to buy alleged Rob Ford crack video
- Dennis Oland named as prime suspect in father's slaying
- Sailor fighting cancer says AWOL charges dropped
- Afghan legislators block law protecting women
- RCMP has 'no interest' in discussing harassment suit settlement
