There was a great outdoor rally at the state Fairgrounds in Des Moines last night, with the big four together again: both Johns, Teresa, and Elizabeth. This was the kick-off for the final stretch. Gates were to open at 6 pm, but my wife, 3 kids and I got there at 6:30 to find a huge, serpentine line. It took us nearly 3 hours to get through security, but we slowly shuffled through the line, and everyone patiently stuck with it. I did not see anyone give up and leave. We got in just in time and saw an invigorating event. The Dems were hoping for 10,000 people, but NBC news stated this morning that the Kerry campaign said there were 60,000 there. That was an ex-ag-ger-at-ion, but the Des Moines Register (Republican paper) conservatively said there were 15,000, and it looked much bigger to me. Kerry gave an exhilarating 25 minute speech, much of it recapping the success of the debates, especially the last one in Arizona. Kerry said it was the biggest political gathering in the history of Iowa. The night was cold, but the crowd was warm and enthusiastic. I was so pumped!
Then there is this wave of defeat running through our diaries this morning because of what appears to me to be random static in the polls and the phony issue of Mary Cheney. Get a grip, people! Things are moving our way in Iowa, and elsewhere. Quit whining and GOTV!