As promised, I'm posting a photoblog in this space. First, just some thoughts on the event itself:
- Turnout, as expected, was massive. Every seat I could see in Soldiers and Sailors was filled with a body. I wasn't outside, but it seemed (as I was leaving) that there was a decent number of people standing outside as well, despite the cold.
- Introducing Obama was Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), who took the opportunity to formally endorse Obama.
- Since he declared, I haven't had a chance to see him speak in person, but wow. Sen. Obama really is as incredible as everyone says he is. I supported him previously, but am now far more firm in my convictions, thanks to his eloquence and message.
UPDATE: Pictures finally here! And now links to YouTube!
Flip it!
Okay, photos! Yay!
I'd like to apologize in advance for the relative quality; I'm no professional photographer, and I was way in the back; that said, I tried to make them come out as best I could. Hopefully it works.
The line I was standing in to get into S&S.
The line was REALLY REALLY LONG.
Hillary had about 20 supporters out. It was kind of sad.
China Cheats, Pittsburgh Loses.
This guy was really sad: his sign says "Yes you can, but please don't!!" Really, just terrible.
Waiting patiently for the man of the hour.
My friends whom I was sitting with -- 5 (including myself) out of over 2000. Don't know exactly how many were there, as the auditorium's capacity is 2500 -- but some of those seats were taken by press and such.
Senator Casey on stage, welcoming in -- and endorsing -- Barack Obama!
Soakin' up the love.
Casey wraps up his remarks and prepares to hand over the mic...
...to the man we all really came to see.
I have other pictures posted on flickr, but in the interest of people's bandwidth, I'll let yinz check 'em out yourselves if you want. These are the relevant ones.
Update 5:16 pm EDT: I now have some videos uploading to YouTube; they are 3 clips of Casey speaking, and 4 clips of Obama speaking. They actually came out pretty well, fortunately. The first clip of Casey speaking is linked here. For more as they clear the YouTube system, check my channel.