Obama in Portland

[Beregond2]

Went to the Obama rally in Portland OR this AM. I wish I could say it was a wonderful experience, but...after getting up at five AM, taking public transportation into town, standing in line for ninety minutes, then waiting for another hour for him to speak...he could have levitated, and it wouldn't have impressed me much.

Don't get me wrong, he spoke well. And Earl Blumenauer and Bill Richardson did too. But at the end of the day, a political speech is a political speech. It also didn't help that I was sitting behind a huge light, with another one seering my eyes from across the arena. So none of my pictures of the speech itself turned out. But here are some of the crowd.

[Beregond2]

1. oops

Ooops. I can't get the pictures to post.

[Vinca]

2. That's too bad, but maybe you witnessed an important event:

the flood gates opening.

[gateley]

3. No pics included.

I just finished watching Bill Richardson's presentation on YouTube -- I've always liked him so much!

And had to laugh when I watched the first bit of Obama's speech. He knows his crowd -- starting out with the environment. Being a PNWer myself, I'm proud of how seriously we take that problem.

Even though it wasn't much FUN, I'm glad you had the opportunity to see him. How large was the crowd?

[GarbagemanLB]

4. I was there too. I liked both of their speeches, but my one complaint was this:

the damn rows were small, so your knees were crammed up against the back of the seat in front of you. I was to Obama's left-side, half-way down the coliseum. Got there at 6, but woke up at 5 as well to get downtown in time.

Sorry to hear your experience was bad....but enjoy the fact that you witnessed a major endorsement that was carried by news networks!

[Beregond2]

5. BO

OK, I've had a nap now, and in a better position to be objective.

Yes, it was great to be there for Richardson's endorsement. He impressed me as very genuine and likable. I loved his story about Obama prompting him at the debate. And Blumenauer is terrific.

I believe the Memorial Coloseum holds around 12K, and it was 95% full. I thought it was odd that there were empty seats, considering the frenzy for tickets that went on. I wonder if a lot of them got downloaded and then not used (or sold.)

I wish I could post my ipctures of Salmon Guy. (Those of you who were there know who I mean!)