New Philadelphia Edwards rally report

[cmd]

When the gates opened at 11:00 people were lined up four deep as far as I could see. At noon, I still couldn't see the end of the line; and people were moving quickly into the stadium. When the home side bleachers and the staging area seating was filled, we opened some end zone bleachers for seating; and people still came. It was a weekday noon rally when most of our rural county was at work. However, this rally drew the biggest per capital crowd the Edwards team had seen this year! We are a swing county in Ohio and the swing is going our way! Ohio will be voting for Kerry this year.

I only saw one protester. A young Bushie who waved a pair of flip flops whenever she could. Several times I was able to step in front of her and wave my arms in front of her ridiculous beaded sandals. That was the most fun part of the day. The rest of the event was work. John Edwards, John Glenn and our local dems did a wonderful job with the crowd. It was a beautiful day in our county.

As great as the day was, the highlight was hearing Tim Ryan speak at our fall banquet last night. His speech can only be compared with Obama's. Tim is a rising star in Ohio. Watch out for him. He's going places. Today is our county's GOTV meeting. As exhausted as I am at this moment, I will be ready for these last few days. Victory is in the air.

Thank you dralston and AWD (if you can hear me) for attending and making our event so successful.

[Kolesar]

1. Tim Ryan graduated from the same high school as me

I wonder if he snuck beers into all the places I knew about.

Sounds like a great rally. The signs around Cleveland are definitely favoring Kerry/Edwards. I just hope they can ignite the same flame in the real swing areas.

[luaneryder]

2. Did anyone give the young *ie an enlistment form?

Thanks for the report!! I love reading these since I've missed any rallies that were going on in central NC.

[Demit]

3. If Tim Ryan is the guy who gave that rousing speech in Congress the other

day, that guy is GREAT! I got goosebumps.

[cmd]

4. The same one, wish you could see him in person

Tim is the youngest democratic congressman. He and Obama are the future of our party. I'm so proud of them. I had the opportunity to work earlier this year with one of his campaign staffers and am working now with one of his mentors. The democratic party is alive and well. Peace, wendyvic, have a great day!

[unfrigginreal]

5. Wow - you spoke to AWD?

How's his campaign doing?

[cmd]

6. He's up against a lot of power and money

Regula is a popular guy around the area. However, people are pretty disgusted with the republican party right now. I'm hoping he can ride along with the Kerry/Edwards vote. I'm going to try to give Jeff a day this weekend to help out however I can. I know he needs money, that is something that I can't help with at this time.

[fliesincircles]

7. Edwards in Canton was GREAT

In a tiny activities hall off the Civic Center. Maybe 1000+ people, very intimate. Like seeing the Stones at your local bar. Had that kind of energy. Great crowd, I talked to business owners, professionals, young kids, ALL jazzed and wanting to help. Way cool.
I swear if I worked the counter at the Kwiki-Mart I'd card Edwards if he was buying a six-pack. Was good to hear him stress if we don't make a real effort to use alternative energy, we will never be free. Plus, no metal detectors! Felt good to be able to met the VP of my country without being treated like a suspect. This DID NOT go unnoticed by the folks I spoke to!

During the intros of the local candidates, when Jeff got introduced we started a "We Want Jeff" chant. The whole crowd ran with it! Awesome! The Dem Party Head doing the intros had to try twice before the crowd let him talk! Wild!

I'll probably talk with Jeff today. I'll tell him you said Hi.

[Toucano]

8. Got some pics here!

Here's a shot of the crowd as state Sen. Greg DiDonato fires them up (sorry about the head!):




Another crowd shot with a cool sign:




I liked this guy's unique shirt:




Edwards takes the stage under a thunderous reception:




Another...




Finishing up...




Workin' the crowd. No one works it like Edwards!




Notice how he's being held by his belt so he doesn't fall. I've never seen anyone be so aggressive about reaching the audience. And look at their faces. They love him for it!

[cmd]

9. Thank you!

I recognize a lot of faces in those pics.

[fliesincircles]

10. Fantastic!

[Kukesa]

11. Great pics! Thanx. n/t

[Kukesa]

12. Good report, CMD. I think I can feel the energy! n/t

[lizzieforkerry]

13. Thank you!

I moved from NP to southwest Ohio 15 years ago so I really enjoyed hearing about the rally and I loved the pictures! Everyone I still talk to is voting for Kerry there. Did any of you graduate from NPH?