Eric Johnson, of Reuters, reports Obama plans election-night rally in Chicago convention center:
U.S. President Barack Obama plans to usher in what he hopes will be a second four-year term in the White House at an election-night rally at a huge convention center near downtown Chicago, campaign and city officials said on Wednesday. ...
Supporters are expected to watch the voting results come in and then hear a speech by the incumbent Democrat who faces Republican Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor and private equity executive, in the November 6 general election.
In 2008 240,000 came to the 319 acre Grant Park to celebrate President Obama'a victory. The McCormick Place center only holds 18,000 but is more easily secured.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to attend.
Rick Pearson of the Chicago Tribune, Rick Pearson, of the Chicago Tribune writes:
President Barack Obama plans to hold his election-night rally at Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center, a move aimed at easing concerns over weather and security, sources with knowledge of the event said Wednesday.
Given the indoor location, the event seems unlikely to match the electric atmosphere of Obama’s 2008 outdoor victory rally in Grant Park. That event drew an estimated 240,000 people downtown and created picturesque images of the city’s skyline that were seen worldwide. ...
McCormick Place was the site of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in May, an event designated as a “national special security event” by the federal Department of Homeland Security. ... Obama’s election-night rally is expected to receive the same designation.
I was sort of taken aback when reading this to realize the election is just three weeks away and soon will be over. What a long strange trip this has been.
We still need to roll up our sleeve and keep fighting this out to the last minute. I'm much encouraged after last nights debate.