Just got back from the Obama rally in Harrisonburg...

[Cabcere]

and it was pretty incredible. :) I went with my mom, and even though we didn't get to be inside the Convocation Center where Obama was, we were able to watch him on the big screens set up in one of the overflow areas. I have to say, the event organizers did an amazing job - everything was very well thought out and ran smoothly (for the most part, anyway).

We arrived in Harrisonburg around 2:45 PM, and took a shuttle from the K-Mart parking lot to the Convocation Center. The shuttle ride was pretty fun - even though we were packed in there like sardines, everyone was really cool about it, and there were even a couple of guys with guitars, a drum box, and a mandolin who entertained us by singing and playing all the way there. :) (Incidentally, we ended up riding back with these same guys, and they were just as amazing on the way back. I love musicians!) Anyway, by the time we got to our destination, the bus driver announced that he had heard the Convocation Center wouldn't be able to take any more people, but we decided to get off there and give it a shot anyway. It was pretty cold and windy, but luckily we had planned ahead and had hats, coats, scarves, gloves, and even blankets to keep us warm, so it wasn't too bad. We ended up waiting in line for about an hour before we got close to the Convocation Center, where we heard that the doors had closed and that we would have to head to one of the overflow locations. (Oh well, it was worth a shot, you know?) So we headed over to Godwin Hall to watch on one of the big screens set up in the gym.

Even though we weren't at the center of the action, so to speak, the arrangements in the gym worked out quite well. They had screens set up facing both sides of the gym, so that everyone in the bleachers could see. We got there around 4:15 or so, and my mom read a book and I worked Sudoku puzzles until they announced Governor Tim Kaine, who came onto the stage with former governor and Senate hopeful Mark Warner to much applause. Kaine talked for a little while, made some brief introductory statements about Obama and Warner, and then handed it over to Warner, who talked about Obama and the need for positive change in Virginia and America. Then he introduced "the next President of the United States, Barack Obama!" The crowd went wild. Obama came out shaking hands, smiling, and looking very presidential as he took the stage and proceeded to give one hell of a speech.

I'd heard Obama speak before on TV, but I'd never really heard one of his full speeches, and this was a real treat. He was direct, honest, powerful and inspiring, but he also managed to be funny and charming as well. At one point he brought up George W. Bush and the crowd booed, to which Obama responded, "You don't need to boo...Just vote!" That got some laughs and appreciative cheers, but I think he got the biggest laugh of all when he mentioned that his tax cuts would benefit 95% of individuals, 98% of small businesses, "and 99.9% of plumbers." :rofl: All in all, it was an excellent speech (in my opinion) - he hit on some very serious issues, while managing to keep up an inspiring image and hopeful tone. Of course I went into the rally knowing I was going to vote for Obama, but by the end of his speech I can honestly say that I am really and truly excited about the possibility of having him as our next President. :) Yes We Can!