Obamapaloosa in Davenport
Sen. Obama
Those that attend can give their impressions here. What did you hear? What did you see? Tell us what your experience was like.
**BONUS UPDATE**
Cecilia O'Brien was kind enough to send along her piece on her impressions and thoughts on Obama's recent appearance. Thanks Cecilia.
Barak the Beat
Saturday, March 10, 2007
By Cecilia O’Brien
Anticipation was in the Quad City air for days but Davenport drummed up a big hit Saturday as fresh faced Rock Island youth pounded their rhythm in unison using internal skills unleashed and strong. Inspirational best describes the electric feel of the heavy toned drumbeat and cadences of each step, clap, and movement of the small though powerful metro youth group. So infectious was the phenomenon that many there, myself included, had to stand and stomp along enjoying each sensation. When Barak Obama entered the room and joined in the step clap cadence, the gymnasium caught fire.
Clear direction, thoughtful ideas, and leadership emanates from a word picture that spoken, becomes a hopeful dream that thousands heard in the North High gym, many who stood for hours. Barak Obama, once a skinny kid from the south side of Chicago, coming from humble roots, making it the American way, touches something deep inside us all.
Those in Democratic circles count their blessings for his presence and quality as a candidate, while the other side of the aisle is confounded by his ability to transcend party lines and pick up Republican admiration and support. Non-participating voters become active again once infected with the ideals infused in the straightforward platform crafted by Obama. All simply accomplished by an attitude of an honest fresh discussion with the public that somehow becomes a one on one conversation even in a room of thousands. I witnessed the group dynamic and the feeling in Davenport and connected to the message Barak gave us (me); that we are a nation and unified we are stronger.
Davenport is one of many cities that longs for an America united, longs for the troops to come home, longs for peace, longs for health care for all, and education for everyone. We drank up the words of hope Saturday from a candidate that showed us his vision and dreams convincing us that together we could climb any mountain and make our country great again. Barak Obama is not easily placed into a single category and has grown into a new forward thinking man, who just happens to be a candidate for President of the United States. Try as they may, his detractors seem to become darkened by their own hate in their futile attempts to tarnish Obama. Barak has what many desire and yet few ever attain and many in his opposition fear. Truthful Integrity.
*Update* A few shots from the event. (and maybe some video clips later) Please forgive the iffy quality, but it was the only way I could get the shots, seeing as I wasn't sure I was even in the same zip code as Obama and had to zoom far too much in order to show him as anything other than a speck and had to use low-light settings as well, both of which greatly increase the graininess of the shots.
The place was overflowing, but despite volunteers urging people to move to an overflow room which had audio, and later enticing them with promises that Obama would stop by and visit, no one moved out of the room.
posted by The Inside Dope @ 3/10/2007
4 comments
4 Comments:
Thanks for that Latin...
It was indeed hot, and I saw at least one person carried out passed out cold before Obama even began to speak. It looked like he was recovering OK, though when the event was over, there was an ambulance and fire truck at the door.
Obama did put some energy into it, even though his voice did sound a bit hoarse. I hope it won't go out on him like it did Clinton.
A very enthusiastic crowd and a nice spot for the event. (though it obviously could have been much larger with the number of people who couldn't squeeze in.)
I was talking to someone about the gym overflowing and neither of us could think of any other large hall on the Iowa side of the Quads. What's over there for a large crowd? Palmer auditorium I suppose, but that's all I can think of.)
And just about everyone had a decent view of Obama, unlike many events where the press risers or sheer distance obscure the view.
I wish I could have been there. Other commitments kept me from attending. Thanks for sharing the pictures. As for location, would the River Center have a larger capacity?
My partner Frank did the sound with the expressed purpose of not blocking sight lines and to also give maximum coverage. Senator Obama was true to his word and did visit with folks in the small gym-on the way in and out. He also spent some quality time with the Metro Drill team. All in all I was not only impressed with the man himself as genuine and warm, but also with an organized and professional staff. Too many times these things are run by recent college graduates who all seem to be in charge, but with no real decision making skills. This campaign event showed me that he has some very smart young people working for him. They know that this campaign won't be won at large rallies, but with making personal connections with caucus goers. There was a HUGE number of volunteers-another good sign. Frank's doing the smaller show in Muscatine this morning.
I'm pretty sure the Central gym can hold more people; that's where I saw Clinton back whenever that was. There's also the RiverCenter, although that might be similarly sized with North's gym. The soccer "bubble" would have been pretty interesting to use too.
I was planning on going to the Obama event, but I'd already listened to 2 hours of speeches earlier that day, so I figure I'll catch Barack the next time around. He'll be back.
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