Thanks to a well-timed phone call from a friend early Friday morning, Ben and I were able to attend an Obama rally that afternoon during his most recent swing through Ohio. My friend's high-schooler is an Obama fan and wanted to go to the rally, but her mom couldn't take her because of a prior commitment. So we picked up Kayla during her lunch break, added another friend and her daughter to the party wagon, and headed downtown with a full car just in time to catch the rally.
Ben sitting very patiently in his stroller playing with a friend's Cars magnet set. During the rally he kept saying, "The cheering is too loud!" He was so tired that day and I was planning on putting him down for a nap, but couldn't pass up the chance to see Obama in person. Responsible parenting gets thrown out the window during election season.
We arrived just in time to see the campaign motorcade arrive. Pictured is Obama's campaign bus, complete with tinted windows, and I would guess bulletproof siding. Interesting that it doesn't have any signage on the outside, very incognito. The rally opened to the public at 11 a.m. and Obama was scheduled to speak at 1:30. We arrived downtown around 1 p.m. and had to park in an obscure location because all the regular lots were full. We were the only people walking down the sidewalk on the opposite side of the building from where the rally was being held and saw tons of policemen and police cars. All of a sudden, about 25 police motorcycles came down the street, lights flashing, and we knew it was the motorcade procession. Obama's black bus was first, followed by two less fancy buses holding the traveling press corps. When we saw them pass, we started running to get into the rally before he started speaking.
Part of the police escort.
Kayla, me, Ben, and Katy waiting for the speakers to start. The mayor of Columbus spoke for about five minutes and then Obama came on right at 1:30. That was refreshing, compared to waiting for over an hour to hear Senator McCain, who showed up late. There were tons of Obama volunteers registering people to vote and encouraging them to go across the street where early voting is avaiable (very controversial here in OH). They also gave away free water and pizza, which was nice on such a warm afternoon.
Sharpshooters on the roof above the rally, scanning the crowd for possible threats.
Obama speaking: He's right below the big light, a bit to the left in a light blue shirt. He spoke for thirty minutes and was very engaging. While it was still much of the unspecific stump speech, his speaking style was more informal and interesting that Sen. McCain. He addressed the economy and bringing jobs to OH, helping out small businesses, etc. I appreciated that he didn't indulge in many personal attacks against McCain, but rather spoke about what he would do as president.
Overall, this rally was much more lively than the McCain one. The crowd was also incredibly diverse: racially, socioeconomically, and age-wise. That gave it lots of energy, which probably also had to do with the fact that it was held outdoors vs. in a cramped auditorium. It also seemed less staged, but I wasn't there as far in advance to see any stagecraft. Another interesting note: The exact same songs were played at both rallies. "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered - I'm Yours," and "Only in America." Lots of country songs. For some reason I expected much cooler music at the Obama rally. Maybe there's a standard Presidential Campaign Rally playlist that the candidates just download from iTunes.
I was very impressed with Kayla for her civic engagement and the fact that she was totally keyed in during the whole rally. Not many 15-year-olds can say as much. The most unique experience of the day came after the event was over. We were walking back to the car and decided to wait around to see the motorcade drive away. Again, we were the only people on that same corner, besides an older couple. Obama's bus pulled out and we thought it would drive straight, but instead it turned right in front of us, about five feet away. We looked into the windows and could see Obama's outline, thanks to his distinctive ears. Kayla waved at him and he waved back at us. An exciting way to end the day.
Sadly, after attending two rallies and watching two campaign debates, I am still an undecided voter. Is anyone else in the same boat? Or what swayed you to one candidate vs. the other, if you don't mind sharing? What issues are most important to you?
Over the past year and a half Andy has undergone a stunning tranformation. He's taken up running and road biking and has lost 35 pounds in the process. He started running during our last few months in Boston and was introduced to roadbiking by some friends here in Ohio. He just needed a little push to get into it after a few years of encouragement from his best college friend who is a fellow biker.
Ben waiting at the nine mile mark for Andy to pass.
Andy, immediately after finishing. We didn't get to see him cross the finish line because of the crowds, but caught him after he turned in his shoe chip and got some sustenance in the runner's area.
Ben commandeered Andy's Gatorade post-race. Andy didn't finish in the time he'd hoped, and is determined to do better in Indianapolis. However the race turns out, I'm excited we'll get to see a new city and tour the state capitol building there. :)
