I have lived in Indiana my entire life. During my time here and across proximal state lines, I have been privy to many speeches delivered by many a beloved American president.
I watched as Ronald Reagan spoke of his vision for the country during a time of great fear. I was struck by his strength and confidence in the greatness of The United States - even as we were engaged in a Cold War with the Soviet Union.
I watched when William Jefferson Clinton delivered lines of assurance during a time of economic uncertainty in the 1990s. I was taken by his ability to connect with my working-class interests and commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity - a promise he would deliver on in overwhelming fashion.
I never thought that I would witness a U.S President able to eclipse the lasting impressions that both Reagan and Clinton had etched in my memory. However, today I watched in awe as Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Barack Obama (D-IL) left nearly 25,000 screaming supporters breathless from the moment his motorcade appeared to the moment he left the rally.
This on the heels of new polling out of Indiana showing Obama and McCain each supported by 46 percent of likely voters.
http://www.courierpress.com/...
I have watched every nationally-televised speech, interview, and debate from the moment the Democratic Party Primaries began. I continue to be amazed by Obama's calm, cool, intelligent, and presidential demeanor and unique ability to connect with voters of all nationalities and income-class levels. In the stands I saw Indiana Hoosiers from all walks of life. I saw businessmen in full suits and fast-food workers in uniform. I saw college students and young children alike. I saw Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American Obama supporters - in my section alone.
I saw the citizens of this great state collectively assembling to promulgate a message not often embraced in this state: Change.
It is no fluke that Indiana is a toss-up state with less than one month left in the 2008 Presidential Election. Meridian Street, which runs through downtown Indianapolis, is completed saturated with Barack Obama signs. There are confirmed record new voter registration numbers from top-to-bottom statewide. Barack Obama has a ground game that is superior to that of any candidate, regardless of party, in any election year I can remember (Obama = 18 Indiana offices; McCain = ZERO). Progressive national candidates have never collected this level of support in the modern political era within this traditionally Red state - until now. Make no mistake about it: There is a very real Indiana movement toward Barack Obama leading into Election Day - and it continues to swell each and every day.
Republicans keep asking the question "Who is the real Barack Obama?"
I have a feeling that when the polls close on November 4 in Indiana, they will get their answer loud and clear.
For pictures of the rally, please visit my website at:
http://democratictribune.com/...
and my trusted photographer's website at:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/...