I was cleaning today, and found this photograph I took at a rally in New York City's garment district during the campaign of 1972.
I was working for the New York Daily News then (New York's Picture Newspaper," as they billed themselves), not as a staff photographer, but as a clerical worker.
I bought myself a 35mm camera, and started to take pictures. I remember walking over to the rally during my lunch hour, and getting there way too late to be close, but I snapped this anyway.
By the way, I turned 56 today, so feel free to send me a contribution to my fund raiser at barackobama.com (shameless plug).my fund raiser at barackobama.com (shameless plug).
Join me after the fold for some 21st century, fully digital color pictures taken yesterday in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
The summer of 1972 - my first trip ever on a plane - went to Ireland and England for 200 bucks round trip - unlimited trips between London and Dublin.
I stayed in a bed and breakfast just outside of Dublin, where I would watch the telly - every night we'd watch "the troubles" in Northern Ireland. As the American, I was asked if Senator McGovern had a chance of winning the White House in November.
There was a lot of talk about the "youth vote" at the time, as the law was recently changed to lower the voting age to 18.
Being an optimist, I said that if the boomers did register in large numbers AND voted, there might be hope.
I was wrong, by a huge margin.
Today is quite a different story, however. During this past year, I have had the privilege of working closely with the "youth vote" of 2008, and you guys have done an absolute great job in helping Senator Obama get to where he is today!
A big shout out to Jaclyn Urness in Des Moines, Iowa! She was my coordinator when I helped out this year canvassing.
Jacklyn Urness at Obama Rally in Des Moines, Iowa - January 1st, 2008.
Jacklyn gets a hug of thanks from Senator Obama!
Flick Slide Show is below - Taken in Stroudsburg, PA, on 10/11/2008