Wow.
What a night! I had a great time at the rally in Kissimmee Florida last night, but it wore me out.
It was worth it!
I was lucky enough to get a good spot up front, after sitting for a few hours waiting to get in. Then we waited a few more hours inside, but everyone was so happy to be there, that we all just talked and laughed until time for the rally to start.
I was sitting on a cane that folds out into a small chair, because I have some physical issues. The woman next to me was protecting me - every time anyone got too close, she would gently remind them that I was sitting there, and ask them to please be careful. She was so kind... everyone was. I wasn't at all worried about being crushed. There is something about Obama that just brings out the best in people!
The first speaker came to the microphone, but we couldn't hear him. After a bunch of us yelled "we can't hear you!" we realized that we would have to chant it in unison if we wanted to be heard. Finally, that was resolved, and we were led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
At one point I offered my tiny chair to an elderly woman next to me, but she said she was okay. Less than an hour later, however, she fainted. Evidently she was wearing a couple of jackets to keep her warm, but the crowd held in the heat and she got too warm.
Everyone started chanting again, only this time the chant was "Paramedics!!" Several of us raised our arms above the crowd and pointed down to where she was lying on the ground so that they could find us. A few of the crowd with medical experience hurried over and helped, and after a bit they carried her out. Last I heard she was conscious and okay, and they took her to where she could get some fresh air, sit down, and watch the rest of the rally.
We had some great speakers last night - Senator Nelson of Florida spoke, and so did Congresswoman Corrine Brown.
A lawyer who is working with the Obama campaign came out, and talked to the crowd about voting, and about making sure our vote counted.
One man in the crowd ahead of us told about a ballot issue in his precinct - he had gone in to vote, and the woman at the Dr. Philips Library in Orlando had directed him to place his unmarked ballot in the machine. He didn't think that was right, but she wouldn't stop until he put it in - and he wasn't able to vote. I'm not sure if the woman simply didn't understand, or if there was something more sinister going on, but I hope he goes to the Supervisor of Elections to complain and get a new ballot.
We had a surprise guest - Jimmy Smits was there last night, and he spoke about the show "The West Wing", and told us Barack Obama was an inspiration to him. He even hung around after the rally, and chatted with people. Some took pictures with him. Seems like a nice guy. :)
Okay, now to the part you have been waiting for - Barack Obama and Bill Clinton!
President Clinton spoke first, and if anyone had any doubts about him being supportive of Barack Obama, I think you can stop worrying. He gave a rousing speech, and talked in glowing terms of Obama's intelligence, judgement and readiness to be President.
That's one thing about Obama - give him a listen, and he will win you over! I can't remember the last time I was this enthused about an election!!
Now on to the pictures (and if I can get the videos uploaded, I might add them later)!
Obama sat and listened as Clinton spoke, giving him his full attention.
Then, finally... Obama!!
He spoke with passion and conviction, about the direction our country has taken, and the change we need. He said that Bush was driving our country toward the abyss, and McCain wanted to get behind the wheel and step on the gas.
He told us the "horrifying" story of how he shared his toys in kindergarten, and even (gasp!) shared his PB&J in fourth grade! I guess those were the roots of his "redistribution". It was a great pushback.
The redistribution of wealth, he said, has already happened - during the Bush years, and it was all redistributed upwards. Now is the time for the middle class and the working poor to get a break - the rich had their tax cuts, and nothing trickled down. It's time for some trickle UP! I'm not sure he said that last part precisely, but I remember thinking that as I listened to him speak.
He talked about needing to get out and vote, and making sure that we are all represented in this country. This isn't about one group of people - this is about ALL AMERICANS being treated equally!
As you can see, I had a good spot - close to the podium, and a good zoom lens!!
I took all of these photos, and was SO happy to be there! Obama inspires me so much.. I even started a drawing of him - but be gentle, people.. it's not finished, and I know it doesn't look right yet. But the point is that I am inspired again, and it makes me feel good.
Here is the unfinished piece:
The hardest part was deciding which photos to use - I got so many!
The crowd was enthused, despite the late hour and the long wait.
And last, but not least... poor Austin!
At the end, when books were being taken back to Obama and Clinton to be autographed, I kept hearing them shout "Austin!" "Austin?"
A short time later, I met Austin. He was a campaign volunteer, who was manning his post. He was trying to find out where his book was, but evidently they hadn't gotten it back to him.
We asked around, but nobody knew anything about it, and those who had been doing the transporting of the books were gone.
Austin, wherever you are, I hope you get your book!!