Other observations - Friday

After arriving Friday afternoon, I was walking down the sidewalk along the long row of network and local station satelite trucks when I saw a gentleman emerge from one of the restaurants and bundle up against the biting cold.

He looked familiar as I approached but since he was bundled up, I wasn't certain who he was until after he'd passed. It was none other than John Gianulis, Rock Island County Democratic Chairman walking alone towards the Old Courthouse. (and passing the WQAD truck. A bit later I witnessed Jim Mertens waiting around and trying not to freeze to death in order to do a live standup in front of the Old Capitol)

I can't say I'm 100%, but I'm 90% certain that it was Mr. Gianulis.

CNN's set-up for their live shots directly in front of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, with satelite trucks lined up down the street. Candy Crowley later stood here to give her reports.

Something tells me Lincoln would have thought someone was heavy into the laudenum if they described satelite trucks someday lining the street outside his office building to cover the presidential campaign announcement of a black man.

The enormous press riser where all the photographers and TV news cameramen set up. There were two of these erected in front and to either side of the podium which obliterated any view for a portion of the crowd.

The bunting goes up.

And sound gear is lugged in.

If this was Hanibal, MO, these guys might be suspected of stealing Tom Sawyer's fence. I wonder where you'd go to "fence" a fence? Nevermind.
Miles of barrier fencing were erected around the Old Capitol.

By the way, Rupert Murdoch's Fox "News" wagon was there too.

I passed up the chance to write "SUCKS" in the dirt under their logo. I must be slipping.

The Fox "News" truck was the grimiest of the lot.

Shots from Saturday later....