Wow! DH and I just saw Wesley Clark speak in downtown Richmond, VA.

[Nay]

I was impressed with how easily he related to everybody and was able to speak with ease and confidence. I was only about 10 feet away from the guy and I could kill myself for not bringing a camera. Somebody shoot me.

He said he had no quarrel with most Republicans, just the Republican Party -- in fact, he wanted a lot of those disappointed Republicans to vote for HIM. He also said some kind things about others in the race (Edwards and Kerry) and introduced the chaplain from his old unit. There were many Edwards supporters across the street (Edwards is speaking here too in a few hours), but after Clark asked them politely to be a little quieter so he could speak, they quieted down and listened as well.

You know, we Democrats have something the Republicans don't have -- a sense of civic pride and a basic wish for civil discourse. There were plenty of cops around, but they had nothing to do.

All in all, it was exhilarating and fun. Many people were saying, "ABB, ABB!" so the "Anyone But Bush" thing is really getting around.

[NV1962]

1. Yay!

He's just so good.

[spooky3]

2. Great report, Nay! Thanks!

[kayleybeth]

3. Cool!

I got to meet him too, in New Orleans last month. He is indeed very impressive and so is Gert! Here's a picture taken by Mr. kayleybeth:

[arcane1]

4. SWEET!! And in my hometown!!

:bounce::hi:

how was the crowd? Where was he speaking?

And Edwards was there too.. cool!

I hope against all hope that my dad was there....

[Nay]

8. He was speaking on Fifth Street, a couple of blocks from the Coliseum.

We were on the same side of the street as his podium. We were literally 10 feet away from the guy. I wanted to chew off my own hands for forgetting my camera.

Edwards isn't there yet -- he'll be there in an hour -- at 8:30, I think. 4 or 5 of the candidates were speaking at a dinner earlier today in Richmond, but we couldn't go to that because all the tickets were sold already.

The crowd was cheerful, friendly, loud and fun. Plenty of college kids, moms/dads/kids/babies, and some seniors as well.. I'd say there were 150 people (Clark and Edwards supporters both) there.

EVERYBODY was ABB. One college girl had that cool sign that says "no more mad cowboy disease." I squeezed her hand and said, "Cool sign!"

[arcane1]

9. sweet... I'l be smiling the rest of the day now

Clark is the one Dem that I've really hoped my dad would hear more of (he's a fox-addict republican, so...)

great news, I love hearing these stories :D

[maddezmom]

5. hey Nay

thanks for the report. :)

[Jerseycoa]

6. You could hear from across the street?

Was it outdoors or were they extra loud? What was going on there?

Great report! Thanks. :)

[dsewell]

7. and at Clark's' Lynchburg rally earlier today...

... it was amazingly heartwarming to hear the exuberant applause for his lambasting of the Bush Administration right in the Rev. Falwell's home town. SRO crowd. Whoever the nominee, I don't believe G.W. is getting any of those people's votes.

[lovedems]

10. I am so bummed and jealous that I live in Illinois!

Our primary isn't until March 16 so we miss out on all this political fun! Usually by the time we have our primary, the nominee is chosen.

I think this years primary is so excellent because all of the candidates really are great. I am a Clark supporter first but it won't be difficult for me to rally behind another dem. They are all first rate if you ask me.

I wish they were ALL coming to my state.

[MoonRiver]

11. I really appreciate that report!

It makes me very sad that he's not doing better, yet. He is just such an incredible person, and this country really, really needs a leader of his ilk. If he doesn't get the nom I hope he's asked to be VP. I just don't know if he'll go for that, but I don't want him to disappear. He would add so much to the next Dem administration, and would be ready to run for pres in 8 years. He won't be that old then, so it's a real possibility.

[Nay]

12. I would like to see him as at least VP too.

We need people in office that aren't scared of the BFEE or the Republican Party.

[MoonRiver]

13. If he doesn't get the nom we need to start promoting that idea.

My husband thinks he'd accept.