I thought it would be appropriate that my first diary here at DKos would be to share with you a photographic journey of my wonderful and amazing day. I've been lurking for years and make comments every so often. Now it's time to try more. I like to think I'm a good writer, so why not share, right? Obviously, this first diary is more images and commentary, but whatever. Follow me below the fold for the photos! (WARNING: Dial-up users, LOTS of images!)
Today, I had an opportunity I've never before had. I went to see Barack Obama, live. I've been to a presidential event before. In 2004, the day before the election, I saw John Kerry at Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit. But I was nowhere near as close as I was today. It felt much more real today (possibly because I was about 30 feet from the man himself!). He was everything that I've heard. Eloquent. Intelligent. Honest. And ready to take on the challenge of being President of the United States to clean up the mess that W and the Republicans have made for us.
Now, I'll admit that I've gotten all this just from reading about Senator Obama and from watching him on TV. But to see him up close and personal, to hear him speak, is another thing entirely. It's a truly moving experience to hear him say that he's ready to fight for us. And the best part is, you really, truly, and actually believe him. I know he'll be "ready on day 1" because I know he's ready now. He's not naive like some would like us to believe. He knows it won't be easy to do everything he wants to do, but he wants to try. And he wants us to help him. This wasn't some "magical voice" speech where he sounds good but really says nothing, as Senator Clinton and others seem to want us to believe. It was a good speech by a man with some good ideas.
Oh, and before I forget...during the town hall session today after Obama gave his speech, he called on me to ask a question! For anyone who was there or saw it online, I was the college kid who just graduated from Oakland University and asked about Senator Obama's plans to help college students afford to go to college beyond the $4,000.00 annual national service credit he has proposed. Afterward he shook my hand, looked me in the eye, and said, "Thank you." That really meant a lot, as I was shocked I was even called on. I got my ticket by chance, too, as my manager (who the ticket was originally slated for) couldn't go.
Now, on with the promised show! Forgive the blurriness, please. I was really excited, and my camera is really old!
This was the line when I arrived, about 9:00 A.M. As you can see, it was a beautiful Michigan summer morning, about 65 degrees and sunny (which was good, as no umbrellas were allowed inside).
Frisbee for Obama!
This was the line behind me at 10:15 A.M., just 15 minutes before the doors opened.
This was my view of the stage. That spotlight was really pesky. My poor camera didn't know what to do. The good seat was courtesy of my area manager, who snagged the ticket for me. Thanks Mr. Simon!
This is a really blurry pic of my friend Michael McGuinness. Last I knew, he occassionally reads the Great Orange Satan, so I figured I'd put this up and give him a shout out! Hi Mike!
Change we can believe in. Yes indeed!
Eric Coleman, an Oakland County Commissioner, kicks us off. As a side note, Oakland County Dems only need one more seat to control the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
Southfield Mayor, DNC Member, and superdelegate Brenda Lawrence endorses Barack Obama!
The soon-to-be-Congressman from Michigan's 9th, Gary Peters, introduces Senator Obama.
Obama arrives (he was only about 10 minutes late, I was impressed...I had to wait over an hour for John Kerry in '04).
10 feet away! 10 feet away! ZOMG!
I've heard most of the speech on TV, but it's even better in person. He hit on all the major issues: the economy in general, gas prices, health care, the occupation in Iraq, caring for our veterans, etc. The lady interpreting in sign language was very nice, but she blocked my view quite often. Oh well...
Talking to the crowd. They were all fired up, let me tell you!
This was probably the best shot I got...and he blinked. Damn it!
Someone kept shouting, "We love you, Barack!" He said he loves us too. :-)
A question from a worker from American Axle in Detroit. Some of you may have been following the recent strike there. Obama said he stands with the workers (who, from what I understand, have really been in need of all the help they can get). It was just after he answered this question that I raised my hand, Obama looked at me, and said, "Yes, this young man right here." Best. Moment. Ever.
When the Senator finished, he of course walked out to shake hands. The crowd went nuts, surged forward, and nearly gave the Secret Service agents a collective heart attack.
Really blurry, but...3 FEET AWAY. And then he SHOOK MY HAND AND SAID, "THANK YOU." Faint.
And finally, here is yours truly by the banner after most of the crowd had dispersed and we could move freely without being pinned to the ground by the Secret Service.
All in all, it was a really great day. Really, really great.
I hope you've all enjoyed this. Again, first diary, hopefully not the last. If you have any pointers, I'd be happy to have them, as the whole "codes and html" stuff is still a quasi-mystery to me.
Thanks! GO OBAMA!