The rally itself was okay. By far, the best part about it was the people watching. In my professional work, I do quite a bit of reading and teaching about democratic theory -- stuff about how we can overcome our differences and manage to work together on common projects. The rally was the most visible instantiation of this democratic ideal that I have witnessed. Seemingly every type of person was there: white and black; blue-collar workers and professionals; young and old; lesbians and church groups; urbanites and Appalachian Ohioans; pacifists and veterans (and pacifist veterans); Orthodox Jews and not a few Utah-born Mormons! It was a veritable cornucopia of people coming together in common purpose. It was a hopeful scene in the face of a very bad national situation.
Here we are, 10,000 strong Obama fans, waiting in line.
I passed the time taking pictures of cute children...
...and police snipers.
Governor Strickland and Senator Brown.
And there he is (drop the teleprompter Barack!)Some video
1 comment:
That's so cool, Bryan. You were way close!
I took the kids down there at around noon. Once I realized that Barack wouldn't even be speaking for a few hours, we went home. :( Darn those middle of the day naps.
Anyway, I too was struck by the very thing you mentioned. I have never seen a more varied group of people at any event (except maybe that day that Chipotle gave away free burritos.)
Seriously though, it was inspiring to me. I wish I could have stayed.
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