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Code Pink Delivers Afghan Petition To President

Using a meet-and-greet at a Democratic fundraiser Thursday night, Code Pink co-founder Jodie Evans hand delivered a petition to President Barack Obama allegedly signed by Afghani women who want an end to the war in their country.

Evans was among those attending a sold-out Democratic Party fundraiser at San Francisco’s Westin St. Francis Hotel, with a Code Pink supporter paying $30,400 for a pair of tickets to the dinner. The tickets included a photo opportunity with the President.

She said she had collected signatures of Afghani women during a trip there last week on a petition that asked for a role in the peace process and demanding that the U.S. abandon plans to send in additional troops.

“The women there are really upset that they are not at the negotiating table,” said Evans, who was wearing a pink shirt with “End The Afghan Quagmire” stenciled on it. “He said: ‘What do you mean, I have (Secretary of State) Hilliary (Clinton)?’… I said no the Afghan women want to be at the negotiating table. He looked at me and said: ‘Oh.’”

Evans also said she showed Obama the message her t-shirt.

“I showed the President my shirt,” she said. “I had a pink ribbon around my finger and I am here to remind you to keep your promises for peace…He said: ‘You know we are not going to end the problem in Afghanistan any time soon.’ I said actually you’re not going to solve the problem, they are.”

There was no word from the White House on Obama’s reaction to the impromptu meeting.

President Obama left San Francisco Friday morning and is going to Texas to attend a volunteer service forum with former President George H.W. Bush, according to the White House.

Air Force One left San Francisco International Airport just after 9:30 a.m., according to SFO duty manager John Ginty.

It was Obama's first visit to the Bay Area as president.

Obama was en route this morning to the airport in Houston, following which he will head to Texas A&M University in College Station to host a forum with Bush marking the 20th anniversary of the Points of Light Institute.

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