Breaking, Obama Rally from College Park Maryland

11 a.m. EST:  My friend, Margaret, has just called me from the floor of the Comcast Center on the Campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland where Obama is scheduled to appear at 12:30.  Margaret attended her first political rally at Notre Dame in 1968 for Robert Kennedy.  

Today, is a spectacularly sunny yet un-Maryland-like cold day with temperatures in the 20s.  When Margaret arrived, nearly three hours before the Barack Obama Rally was to begin, 1-2,000 people created a line that snaked from the front of Comcast Center, past the parking lot, past the Student Rec Center, to the Football Stadium.  The Obama organizers, being very well organized, opened the doors early to allow the folks in to escape the cold.  Margaret, who is over 50, was permitted in the "50 and over and disabled" entrance so she did not have to wait in the long line.  ("Age has its advantages!" Margaret said.  In Obama-land, 50 is "Old," I guess:)  Once inside, she asked not to be seated, but to be in the standing area on the floor because she wanted to fully experience this event.  As she entered, Margaret said she burst into tears because all the feelings she felt at that Robert Kennedy rally 40 years ago came flooding back.  She reports that the crowd is white, African American, Hispanic, college kids, young 20-somethings not in college, and also mothers with children.  Margaret talked to one mother who brought her 7 years old because she wanted her child to "witness part of history."  Margaret said the "crowd is really building".  She is saving her phone battery but promised to call me later.

MORE FROM MARGARET IN COLLEGE PARK MARYLAND:  Margaret has called back a couple of times but the noise in Comcast Stadium is so loud I can't hear her.  The first time, just as Obama was about to take to the stage, she held the phone up and the sounds of "O-BAM-A, O-BAM-A, O-BAM-A," were deafening.  Then minutes later, she called again and held up the phone to Obama speaking.  He was then interrupted by cheering and applause so loud I couldn't hear anything but the roar of the crowd.

Before the rally started she was able to tell me that the 18,000 arena was filling up and there was a lot of press.  Margaret reported that it was like being at a rock concert, only this time, because she is over 50 and not hip to the latest, coolest music, she had no idea what music was playing.  She gave the Obama folks kudos for organization.  More later if Margaret calls back.

LAST INSTALLMENT FROM MARGARET:  Obama gave a rousing, inspirational and meaty speech.  "Whoever said he is short on specifics is wrong," Margaret reported. (It appears he has retooled his stump speech to add lots of policy proposals to the hope and inspiration.)  And he was not afraid to take on The Clintons or McCain.  "I can beat McCain," Obama said.  "He may be a hero, but we disagree on a lot of issues, such as the war and health care."  

Most importantly, Margaret said: "He looked Presidential.  I could see his face on Mt. Rushmore."  

She also reported the wonderful diversity, high spirits and enthusiam of the crowd.  "It was an event to remember.  And one that made me remember that rally in 1968 for Bobby Kennedy."  Margaret said.

That's all from the University of Maryland.  Thanks Margaret.