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These Supporters ‘Ba-rack’ Stars
I awoke this morning feeling the pain of 35,000 Barack Obama supporters who packed Philadelphia’s Independence Mall Friday night to hear the senator speak.
I’d gone to Philly with a friend to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit. But when I heard — on the airport train into Center City — about the Obama rally, my nose-for-news told me that was the place to be. Frida would wait until Saturday.
It was a trip, and worth the trip, to see this Democratic presidential contender up close, and to hear him speak in person. But the most memorable part of the experience was interacting with his supporters, some of whom came from several states away.
I wonder whether candidates are fully aware of the depth of their followers’ devotion. Many of these folks waited in line for 2 hours — in full sun and 85-degree temperatures. Then, after passing through security (having bags checked, water bottles dumped and metal detected), they stood for another 2 1/2 hours.
While they waited, the group around me shared water bottles, thirst-quenching ginger candies, crowd management/survival tips, jokes, and offers to share photos. Denise, an educator, made me promise to catch her if she fainted upon spying Obama.
Once the senator took the podium, the crowd began cheering loudly, letting go of their hunger and foot pains. Obama looked tired, and seemed to rush through his speech. But his followers were undeterred. They punctuated his words with cries of support. One young man, there with his adorable and very pregnant wife, peppered the speech with pleas to “talk about it.”
A mother with two sons, the youngest of whom was 6, asked two able-bodied college students to lift her youngest up so he could see the candidate. They obliged again and again.
I learned the next day I had been witness to history: the rally was Obama’s biggest yet. And while my friend and I had hobbled off at rally’s end to find a taxi, a hardy group continued the party up Market Street chanting, “O-bam-a, O-bam-a…”
It is not my place or purpose here to endorse a candidate. But what I can tell you is that the Barack Obama supporters I met that night in Philly — surrounded by the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Constitution Center and a low-hanging moon, certainly were rock stars. Or, as they’d prefer: Ba-rack stars.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Events, People
Comments
By morgan
April 24, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
Let me say it for ya…real loud…I’m for Barack and I’m proud! Your story took me back to a Kerry rally in WPB by the downtown library. I met similar folks and enjoyed a few hours of honest to goodness “HOPE” for America. I didn’t have to choose him over Frida-not sure what I would have done under those circumstances! Enjoy!!
By Joyce
April 26, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Hey Morgan! Thanks for sharing your Kerry experience. You put your finger on it — it was really wonderful to see people united in such a positive way.
By Mary
April 26, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Loved to hear about your experience, I am definitely for Barack!! I wish I had been with you. I think Barack will be making history for many years to come.
By Madison
April 30, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Hmmm
Looks like one of those ‘Wish you were here’ cards!!!
=]
wish I was there