I'm sure we'll get more instruction on this later in the day, but fellow Democrats ---- let's make sure we don't let the GOP run with the idea that Obama's speech was moved out of the 85,000-seat stadium to the 20,000-seat arena because of lack of interest.
Let's make sure we find ways to show that there were thousands more interested in attending the event who could not, so there's no question that demand wasn't an issue.
Is it people watching from other large organized venues nearby? (not sure this is practical given the timing)
Is it people watching from the streets outside? (tail-gating the stadium, as it were? Could it be simul-cast in some fashion?)
Is it people watching from house parties but registering somehow so their numbers can be logged?
Is it people "liking" a Facebook group called "I Would Have Watched the President's Address Live from the Stadium" or something, so a count can be started? (no such group exists to my knowledge -- just an idea)
Other suggestions?
I'm not sure -- but already I abhor the idea that the GOP will try to add to it's "the thrill is gone" narrative with this new, purely weather-related change to the schedule.
The threat is very real, by the way -- and folks got soaked yesterday around Charlotte. I think we can agree that a last-minute evacuation of the stadium, huge numbers of empty seats from unprepared dressed up folks (no umbrellas allowed, remember), or a soaking POTUS would all be much less desirable than this shuffling.
But let's remove any doubt.
Optics are important. Messaging matters. If you're a low-info voter who's not really paying attention, let's make sure you don't get the idea this was a debacle.
Let's organize in the next 34 hours to make sure that there's no question that the President would have filled that venue to overflowing with people excited to hear him speak and itching to get him renominated and reelected to another four years!!