I went to the University of Maryland to hear President Obama today. Here's what I saw:
My son goes to the University of Maryland, so we decided to go hear President Obama together. Anticipating a huge crowd, we got there around 6:30. I wanted to get there at 5:30, but it's hard getting up at 4:30 (I live in Baltimore).
Even at 6:30, with the President scheduled to speak at 11:00, there was a huge line. They finally let us into the building around 8:45. The crowd was overwhelmingly young, mostly under 25 I would guess. Everyone was in a good mood. Inside the Comcast Center, where UMD plays basketball, we were doing waves, listening to the excellent UMD marching band. Finally, at 11:00 the Secretary of Commerce spoke a few words, followed by a young lady who is a cancer survivor, who talked about health care. After the pledge of allegiance (which I refuse to say, because it's an unofficial loyalty oath, and I pledge allegiance to nothing but my conscience), we sang the National Anthem (which unlike most people I think is a great song. Maybe it's because I'm from Baltimore, where the bombardment of Ft. McHenry took place).
Finally, the band played Hail to the Chief, and the President came out. The welcome was nothing short of rapturous!! It was such a good antidote to the teabag parties and the town halls, to see ordinary people excited by this extraordinary President!! People were screaming, "I love you!" He replied, "I love you back!" The cheering raised the roof. I've now seen three Presidents -- JFK, Clinton, and Obama. This was the best experience of all!! (I only saw JFK for about 30 seconds, and I was too young to really comprehend what I was seeing -- about 9 or 10). I've been waiting my whole adult life for a President like this. We all need to savor this moment. Presidents like this don't come around very often. I guess that's why the right is so unhinged. (That, and racism.)
It was the standard health care stump speech, with one interruption by a single heckler. (A white male -- surprise!) The crowd booed vigorously, Obama was incredibly cool, and the heckler was escorted out to great cheers.
An unforgettable day!!