Just got back from the Biden rally in Tampa.

[Coexist]

What a show! Standing in line with my family, an army of volunteers worked those waiting - capturing information on everyone, and bartering yard signs for volunteer shifts. Once inside, we made the curious choice of heading to the standing room area (I know, I know, my feet and back are killing me!) but got about 5 deep from the stage, which was mighty cool.

Here are some shots of the great crowd (over 3,000!) for your viewing pleasure:















After the wonderful local pols like Cathy Castor, we heard from a local Pasco County volunteer, yet another Republican for Obama named Jim Piccillo. I mentioned him in an earlier post, when Jim was interviewed by the NY Times last week. He was clearly nervous, but whipped the crowd up good with his compelling story. Since he’s out of work (laid off from the banking industry) he’s been spending is new found free time volunteering for Obama because the future of this country is more important than his party affiliation.



Then out came Joe.



The crowd went nuts! Senator Biden gave a great speech. He began with this line, “as most of you know, I just participated in a debate - at least I think it was a debate.” And that was just the beginning. He hit all the right notes for Floridians; zingers, thoughtfulness, joking, serious, empathy… it was amazing.





If you get the chance to hear him speak, don’t miss it, his rallies are as inspiring as Obama’s.

If you liked my thread, please pop over here and consider donating another couple hours of your time.

ONLY 27 DAYS LEFT!
What have you done today to help elect Democrats? What will you do tomorrow?

[Mrs. Overall]

1. Wow, thanks for this report! K & R!

[Coexist]

17. you're welcome - I can't believe I forgot -- he used Bob Casey's line

"How can you call yourself a maverick, when all you've been is a sidekick?!" We all loved that one!

[bbernardini]

2. Did you see the Freeper with the constantly ringing cell phone? nt

[Coexist]

7. ??

I think I heard a phone a couple times, but it certainly wasn't distracting. Please fill me in.

[gkhouston]

9. there's another thread about an idiot named Spence who bragged

over in freeperland that he was going to organize some people to disrupt Biden's event. Spence, bright guy that he is, posted his cell number.

[Coexist]

12. he was either the lamest disruptor ever,

or he chickened out.

[nc4bo]

3. Thank you for the confirmation of attendence photos. M$M waited until it was over

before the panned the audience. Most people were walking away and it made it look like a rather smallish rally which I just KNEW was big BS.

Beautiful, Gorgeous photos!!!!

Thanks again.

[Sedona]

4. Did Freepers crash like they threatened to?

[Coexist]

8. didn't see or hear any.

I saw a really small group of McCain supporters that camped out near a big speed bump with signs, so we all had to slow down.

My naughty teenager gave them the finger when I was going over. I didn't see it til he was pulling it back down. *sigh* I told him that ignoring them would piss them off the most.

[Cha]

19. True dat...they can't handle

being ignored.

[glowing]

5. I knew it, you'd get over there to see Joe.. I was stuck at work and had to

watch it on Bay Snooze 9... Looked awesome, sounded great... Tampa is sooo Obama country. I remember the first time Obama came to Tampa after he clenched the nom... I think he was shocked at all of his support and that everyone knew the chants.. I think he was thinking it was going to be hard work.. But how hard can it be when the economy has been soooo bad in Florida for a really long time.

[Coexist]

10. Tampa Bay adores Obama/Biden...

McCain is toast in Florida, because of this area.

[glowing]

27. Unfortunately, I live in the redder part of Pinellas ... AND I see way too

many McCain/ Palin stickers for my health.. AND one the other day cut me off. Figures Pigs are just very rude. I've been flipping more and more of them off.. I think many are.. I've seen more than one of those big piles of SUV on the road with a sticker being flipped off.. Of course, on my street I still have a neighbor with W'04 on it.

[rvablue]

6. Your great pics just prove

that the media is squashing half of the VP story.

They go on and on about the crowds Palin draws, but I haven't seen her get a crowd any bigger than this!

Go Tampa!

[LibraLiz1973]

11. Did you run across Spence?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7367069&mesg_id=7367069


Seriously, it looked awesome!! Hope you had a great time!!

[Coexist]

26. No - he stayed outside with his little sign

[RockaFowler]

13. Thanks for this

What wonderful pictures you got.

[ailsagirl]

14. What a crowd!! You can just feel the vibe!! Thanks for posting

:bounce:

[livetohike]

15. Great pics! Thanks for posting this

I watched this rally on line. He was on fire!

[JimGinPA]

16. Thanks For The Great Pics & Report!

K&R

[Cha]

18. "At least I think it was a debate"!!

:rofl: Thank, FloridaDem! These are gorgeous pics!

Thanks for forever keeping up the Good Work:toast::patriot::bounce::party::kick:

[Coexist]

20. you are very welcome

it was an awesome way to spend a day off!

[Cha]

22. Lucky Dawg! At least we get some

of it vicariously through your most excellent reports..with pics:D:bounce:

[Lochloosa]

21. Congrats! I wish he would stop in Jacksonville.

[Coexist]

23. he might yet...

[TheCentepedeShoes]

24. Was it at the Sun Dome?

Is Cathy Castor related to Betty?
I lived in Tampa from 1970 to 2000, mostly in the Temple Terrace area.
I would have sooooo liked to have been there.

Adding: I would sometimes see Betty at University Mall or Publix and she would wave at me like she knew me, but we had never actually met. Maybe she thought I was someone else. :shrug:

[Coexist]

25. Yes, it was at the Sundome, and Cathy is Betty's wonderful daughter!

I don't know either of them, but I'd happily wave back to either of them

[saltpoint]

28. Obama chose his veep wisely.

McCain, eh, not so much.

[occe]

29. Gosh..

Thank you! Such amazing, amazing pictures. Truly spectacular. Looks like a fun rally. Thank you for posting!! K&R!

[SeaLyons]

30. K&R