Over the last 6 years, I’ve seen President Obama speak three times as POTUS and twice as a senator. Generally, these rallies have been among the most inspiring and memorable events of my life as a political junkie. But recently I attended a campaign rally and the behavior of no more than a handful of crowd members left me dismayed and wondering whether or not they’ve ever been in public before.
Since President Obama will be criss-crossing the country for the next 2 ½ months, and some folks may be attending a campaign rally for the first time, I’d like to offer some do’s and don’ts for attending a political event. They are only suggestions and reflect only my own humble opinion.
Don’ts
1. Don’t talk during the Star Spangled Banner.
The national anthem will be played before the speaking program begins. Please do not talk during this song. Of course you have every right to talk or engage in any other activity during the national anthem, but please only do so if you’re taking a principled stand of some sort. Don’t talk just because you’re being careless or ignorant. I’ll give you a practical reason why: in any Obama event, there will be Republicans who are there just to stir shit. They are looking for something to pounce on and hold onto. Screw them and the horse they rode in on is what I say, but I also would rather not hand them something on a silver platter. This leads to my second don’t…
2. Don’t feed the trolls.
If the president is nearby, then so are idiot Tea Party protesters. Walking by them and chanting “Four more years,” while entertaining and quite satisfying, also emboldens them and makes them feel that somehow their presence is noteworthy. Their presence is decidedly meaningless and the best way to convey this to them is to slowly stroll by with your head held high.
3. Don’t hold a placard over your head for the entire speech
Shortly before POTUS is introduced, blue “Obama-Biden” placards will be distributed by campaign staffers. These are obviously meant to be held up and waved. The best times to wave placards and signs include: when the President takes the stage, when he finishes his speech, and after major applause lines. Please know that every time you raise the sign, several people behind you cannot see the President, so please avoid holding the sign in the same spot for 80% of the speech just for the heck of it. And by far the most important don’t…
4. Don’t hold an extended conversation during the speech
I’ve seen couples talk from the time the President is introduced all the way to “Thank you, and God bless America.” I know that two of my don’ts have included not talking but it really kind of ruins it for the people around you. Some folks may have driven a long way and waited a long time to hear the President speak – I’m not saying you have to sit quietly like you’re in church, but just babbling constantly is rude to your neighbors AND rude to the speaker.
DO’s
1. Do plan on arriving early
If you’ve never seen President Obama, you wouldn’t believe how crowded these events are and how quickly the venues can fill up. If you want a decent spot, you really should be there when the doors open and probably at least 2-3 hours before the event is scheduled to begin. It’s kind of a rough day but if you can devote the entire day to attending this event, then you might as well do it right. You won’t be sorry.
2. Do mingle with other crowd members
There IS an appropriate time to engage in some awesome conversations… and that is for the hours that you are waiting for the event to begin. At every event, I’ve met some of the most interesting and funny people you would ever want to come across. I’ve met people from Germany, plumbers, professors and students. Last time, I met a 4 year old boy who begged his mom to take him to see President Obama. At their best, these rallies can really open your eyes to the diversity and enthusiasm of the 2008 coalition that sent this great man to the White House.
3. Do take lots of pictures and videos
At the beginning of the President’s speech, forget trying to take any decent pictures – everybody and their brother will be waving cameras and cell phones around. Just listen to the beginning of the speech and soak it all in, particularly the fact that you’re in the same room with a sitting Democratic president. After 5-10 minutes, the people at the front of the crowd will have tired themselves out and you will have a clean opportunity to take some great pictures and videos. These are to be stored and treasured forever.
4. Do participate enthusiastically
Do your part to make sure the President gets a huge, warm welcome when he takes the stage. During his speech, acknowledge his applause lines with some hearty applause and whistling. When someone starts the “Four more years” chant, join in with gusto (it’s the first time in 16 years that Democrats have been able to chant this). Why is all of this important? Not only does it galvanize Obama supporters the way a rally should, but it’s also our chance to let POTUS that he has our enthusiastic support and that this rally was a good use of his precious time.
I hope to hear from some Kossacks regarding these observations. Are they reasonable and do they line up with your experiences at Obama rallies? Please comment if you can think of any big time do’s or don’ts that I missed!