Portland, OR Obama Rally recap (I'm not too good at recaps)

[swag]

Swarms of people approaching the coliseum as I arrived on foot. Steve Novick and Jeff Merkley's (Dem Senate candidates against Bush-buddy incumbent Gordon Smith) people all out in force. Didn't take long to clear secret service. Took longer to clear the long lines to the bathrooms, to reach sections KK and JJ, where I was told there was a lot of seating. Chose the very top row on an end seat, so as to avoid any claustrophobic attacks.

The coliseum was nearly filled to capacity. Probably 12000 people there. Very heady atmosphere, as tends to be the case at such gatherings (Gay rights marches, anti-war marches, political rallies). Well modulated PA music warming the crowd up. The most mixed crowd, age/gender/race-wise I've ever seen in Portland. We did the wave several times.

Around 9, after Obama's Oregon chair said a few words, cool guy Earl Blumenauer came out and said his piece. Talked about his history with camp Obama and contrasted Obama's positions with those of John McSame. V. well received, because everybody here knows they have, like, the best Congressman around.

Shortly after 9:30, Bill Richardson and Barack Obama were introduced and took tthe stage. Richardson was the big political news of the day, of course. The Hispanic-American Governor of New Mexico, former Presidential candidate, Bill Clinton's ambassador to the UN and later Clinton's Secretary of Energy (the guy's got a massive diplomatic and public service resume, but Hillary must be grinding her teeth today, so I just mention the Clinton connections) announced his endorsement of Obama today at this rally. He's not the speaker that Obama is, but his endorsement meant a lot and everyone there knew it.

Richardson stayed onstage as Obama delivered his stem-winder, talking about health care, ending the war, restoring habeas corpus, closing GitMo, ending torture, ending extraordinary rendition, upholding civil rights and human rights, emphasizing investment in education quite a lot, trashing NCLB, going on his broad themes of hope, diplomacy, referring now and again to events in the current campaign, and timing his crescendo to a big ending. Many standing Os, though probably the biggest and most extended one came when he mentioned that he had studied the Constitution, that he understood it, and that he would restore it and uphold it.

I'm not doing it justice. Substantive (though not wonkish, even though he has shown he does have a firm grasp of policy matters in the debates), but very emotionally appealing. Just a big rush. Later, as I ate my Captain Neon Burger at the 15th Ave McMenamins, I kept hearing the word "Obama" from the various booths and tables around me.

They probably have vid of the whole thing at KGW.com. I'm really glad I went.

[cali]

1. ack. that was a great recap

thanks so much for writing it.

[Coexist]

2. you are fine at posting recaps

thank you for taking the time.

[Greyskye]

3. Thanks for the recap

I understand it was quite loud. :D

[bicentennial_baby]

4. nice one, friend

:thumbsup:

:patriot:

[blonndee]

5. Thanks for the summary!

I'm so jealous that you got to be there but I'm so glad you were!

[EFerrari]

6. Thanks, swag.

:kick:

[monmouth]

7. Wonderful recap..Many thanks..n/t

[K Gardner]

8. It was an excellent recap! Thank you for writing this for us :-) You lucky dog !

[Georgie_92]

9. I am so jelous! Great recap!

[Voice for Peace]

10. Excellent recap, thank you!

The video of Richardson's speech really moved me, in particular the interruptions of applause and how he seemed affected by the energy of the crowd there. It's so great to hear these first-person accounts.

[Whisp]

11. good stuff. loved reading it. thanks. nt

[oregonjen]

12. I went as well, along with my parents and 12 yr. old daughter

3 generations from my family were there today. Along with a few of my neighbors who we ran into by coincidence, while waiting in line to get in.

I was so happy to see babies, toddlers, children of all ages, including my own, along with college age, middle age and elderly there. I really don't have the words to describe the feeling I have except for one, which could be considered naive, HOPE. I really feel that Obama has the ability to bring us all together to heal this nation. He said he would uphold the Constitution, bring our troops home and restore the respect of our country. When he speaks, I really believe him. I'm putting my faith in him and hope that he can really bring change and rebuild the infrastructure of our country. I know politicians say what we want to hear, but I really feel he is speaking from his heart, the very core of who he is.

I have heard his stump speech before, but hearing it live, watching his gestures, his posture, in person, was what was amazing. He held himself respectfully, without ego and arrogance. He has my vote.

Jen

[housewolf]

14. What a wonderful family experience you all had today

This is something that will be with your kids all the rest of their lives.

Congrats to you for braving the rain & crowds to go!

[oregonjen]

17. It wasn't raining, just cold this morning

Actually, the bigger challenge in getting there was getting up sooo early. We woke up at 4:45am to make it to a park and ride, to meet my parents and all go in one car. :) We had no idea what the morning traffic was going to be like, so we were prepared for the worst. Turned out, traffic was fine and parking was easy. We were seated by 8:00am and had to wait for awhile, until Blumenauer came on.

[sandnsea]

21. We need to run up the popular vote

Swamp any gain she might make in PA or WV. I think we still have a few days to register voters, right? That's my plan. (We have until April 29)

[woolldog]

13. nice post

:kick:

[housewolf]

15. I'm so jealous you got to go!

Sounds like you had a great time!

Thanks for the re-cap, you did a fine job.

[Megahurtz]

16. Lucky for you to be there, swag!

:hi: Great recap!

[crispini]

18. Error: You've already recommended that thread.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[ellisonz]

19. K & R

I miss Portland.

[Adelante]

20. Excellent reporting, swag

I'm really glad you went, too.

[Cha]

22. You did wonderfully, swag!

Thank you! My daughter and her fam in Portland are off the continent for Spring Break but will be back to vote for Obama, May 20th!