Michelle Obama held a rockin' early voting rally in Gainesville, Florida yesterday (Wednesday, 22 October).
It was a gorgeous fall day and the size and energy of the crowd exceeded all expectations. In fact, the Gainesville Police Department estimated that a staggering 10,500 to 11,000 people packed the downtown area to hear the next First Lady speak. For reference, this is reported to be more attendees than any Obama rally at which neither Barack nor Joe Biden was present. Go Gators!
Michelle Obama did not disappoint -- she will be an amazing First Spouse.
The crowd:
In attendance at the rally were the usual Obama/Biden supporters: young people, highly educated liberals, African Americans ... oh yeah, and just about every other demographic group!
This is my idea of early childhood education!
Middle-aged white folk for Obama.
These people look ready for change.
The crowd overflowed behind the press stage and down the side streets.
Some lucky attendees had a great view from their loft apartments. Obama/Biden signs decorate these banisters all the time, not just when celebrities are in town.
You all know what Obama rallies are like, so I won't bore you with many of my impressions.
However, I will say that after seeing her, I think that Michelle Obama is at least as intelligent, compassionate, engaging and capable as Barack.
Her message at the rally was simple: Barack Obama understands the issues that affect Americans and he will implement policies to address these problems. Oh, yeah, and vote early. And did I forget to mention
VOTE EARLY
Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 77,000 to 41,000 in Alachua Co. and turnout is historically very high (often over 70%). Even though this is not a large number of voters relative to other parts of the state, running up the tally in Gainesville could make a big difference in what promises to be a close election at the state level.
Some more pretty pictures:
Larry Reimer, minister at the United Church of Gainesville (a very progressive and socially active congregation) gave a rousing invocation.
The esteemed Pegeen Hanrahan, Mayor of Gainesville, reminded the crowd of the importance of civic responsibility.
Cynthia Moore Chestnut, former US Rep. and current Alachua Co. Commissioner, encouraged everyone to vote.
Rep. Corinne Brown (FL-03, one of the most gerrymandered districts in the entire country) said that the difference between dreams and goals is how much you work for them. She continued to say that now it's time to work for the goal of electing Barack Obama.
By this time, the crowd was getting restless. It was hot and people had been packed tightly together for hours. There were even a few boos as the early speakers came on to stage -- they wanted Michelle.
Sen. Bill Nelson preceded Michelle and gave quite a good speech.
And then the curtain covering the door of the historic Hippodrome State Theater and Michelle Obama walked to the podium to a roaring crowd.
Michelle then delivered an impassioned speech to an adoring crowd of thousands.
What a great way to spend an afternoon!
A few links for the dedicated:
Alachua Co. Supervisor of Elections statistics on registered voters.
News stories on the rally from the following:
Here's a story from the Ocala Star-Banner
The Gainesville Sun front page story: here
The Gainesville Sun also ran a blog of event and attendee's opinions.
This is the Republican's idea of a counter-rally. 25 people waving a few signs. Meh.
Got hope?