Just Got Home From Springfield, IL Where Obama and Biden First Appeared Together As A Team

[mikekohr]

I just got back from Springfield,IL, where Senator Barack Obama introduced Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. In sweltering 85-90 degree heat and high humidity tens of thousands of people stood for hours to hear the next President and Vice President of the United States speak before the sandstone old Capitol Building where Abraham Lincoln first sat and served.

This gathering consisted of White, Black and Brown, firefighters, police, laborers, professionals, young and old. It was the face of America.

It was a good day for democracy.

mike kohr

[LibraLiz1973]

1. You could tell that it was hot hot hot watching on TV.

Drink lots of water, get off your feet & bask in the joy of being witness to history!

[PatSeg]

2. I am so envious

Did you get any photos?

[mikekohr]

6. I'm 5'8" , we were packed in like sardines

I got pictures of the Secret Service and Police snipers and spotters on surrounding buildings. All I could see was the back of the 6' 3" dude in front of me. If I stood on my toes and looked over his shoulder I could occasionally see Obama or Biden as they spoke.

I did however get to talk with Senator Obama and Michele in July of 2004 at the Depue, Illinois VFW. As a local Democrat activist I have met a lot of politicians. Barack is very different than the "typical" politician, you feel it the moment he walks into a room.

mike kohr

[cyndensco]

9. How is he very different than the typical politician?

Just wondering...

[mikekohr]

12. With all deference and respect to politicians

My impression of Barack is that he exudes genuineness. In Depue in 2004 he took questions from the small crowd and answered them, clearly and directly. To often I feel officials talk around questions, never really answering or addressing the concern or question. Barack is in command. He is calm. He is confident. You can sense competence about him. And I sense in him, humility and purpose.

At that meeting I handed Barack a copy of the keynote speech he had delivered just two weeks prior. As he autographed it I told him that I was not sure that he was yet aware of the hope and promise that people saw in him. He looked up from the paper at me as I said, "When you get to Washington, don't get the big head Barack." He looked over to his wife Michele and said, "She won't let me."

I believe him. And I trust his assessment of his wife. She is as smart and as confident as he. It's a formidable partnership. And I think America has yet to truly appreciate this fact.

mike kohr

[Eyes_wide_ open]

14. Thank you for confirming the vibe I get from him

I generally have a very sensitive BS meter, but I've not yet had the opportunity to meet him in person. You just confirmed the very feeling I've gotten from him and that makes me feel even better about this election.

[cyndensco]

15. That's good to hear from an "insider."

Thanks for sharing your experience.:hi:

[mikekohr]

17. I am not an insider, I am involved and active

I work on the floor of a warehouse, make less than $32,000 a year and am in the 21st year of completing our house,, our ONE house.

mike kohr

[PatSeg]

11. It looked like there were as many agents there as

spectators. I love watching them watch the crowd, very dramatic.

[mikekohr]

13. I'm pretty sure the spectators outnumbered the agents

I did not take a head count though.

There were a number of people that were overcome with heat and dehydration. The police and medics did a very good job at getting help delivered in what were very difficult conditions.

The crowd deserves kudos also. One elderly man that was just beside me went down pretty hard. People immediately shielded him from the sun with newspapers, got him water and called for help on their cell phones. A nurse and a former Navy medic took his pulse and stayed with him until the Police officers and medics could get him to the medical tent.

mike kohr

[PatSeg]

16. That is great

that people were so considerate in such a packed crowd. Restores one's faith in people.

Yeah, I exaggerated about the agents. I'm just amazed at how many there were, though I completely understand.

[Top Cat]

3. Great day for all

[Egnever]

4. Pics or it didnt happen!

Just kiddin You must have had a blast!

[progressiveforever]

5. Awesome, Mike Kohr

It's a day to cherish. Looked hot there, but worth it.

[mzmolly]

7. Proud to kick this on to

the greatest. "The face of America." Lovely....

[WillyT]

8. Big K & R !!!

:bounce::kick::bounce:

Thank you!

:hi:

[HughMoran]

10. It was a good day, wasn't it

I wish I could've been there to witness history in the making.

[JNelson6563]

18. Lucky you!

Wonderful you could be there to witness history! Thank you for posting this account. It sounds fabulous.

Julie