Very nice article about book tour Portland stop

[whometense]

Phone interview conducted before visit to town: http://www.oregonlive.com/metro/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/117513153152210.xml&coll=7

On John Kerry's map of the United States, Portland is marked with a big red heart.

Kerry loves Portland. He can't stop talking about it. He praises its "coordinated, visionary thinking" about global warming in his new book about the environment. When he's asked what he remembers about an Aug. 13, 2004, campaign rally that attracted an estimated 50,000 people to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, he answers before the question is finished...

..."I remember everything that I ever did in Portland," Kerry said. "I remember riding my bike on the bike paths by the river. I remember the bus tour that came in and the rally we had at the waterfront. I remember the (earlier) rally at (Pioneer Courthouse Square) with the people hanging out of the windows. There's a great energy there that is really wonderful. It really is one of the nicest cities in the country."

The admiration is mutual. Kerry won 72 percent of the vote in Multnomah County in the 2004 presidential election and beat George W. Bush in the county by more than 161,000 votes. Al Gore has won an Oscar and written two best-selling environmental books, but Kerry got 71,144 more votes in Multnomah County in 2004 than Gore did in 2000...

...Kerry said he did not think the 2008 presidential campaign is more intense at this point than it was in 2004. He said it was "very possible" he would endorse a Democrat before the 2008 primaries begin. "I haven't made up my mind," he said. "I'm reserving that right and paying close attention to what they say. I'm still very invested in the process, as you might imagine."

[ginnyinWI]

1. I agree with him.

Portland is one of the nicest cities. I've been there a half dozen times since my son moved there in 2003. Last September I stood on the balcony overlooking Pioneer Square where JK had addressed the crowd in 2004 and thought about "if only" once again.

I'm sure his pick for 2008 will be a huge influence on my vote--I only hope it's not a certain female candidate.

Pioneer Square in Portland:

[sandnsea]

2. My "Balcony Scene"

I had gotten there pretty early and wandered around looking for the volunteer area. I couldn't find it and then the people started pouring in, so I decided to get in line. It took forever to get in, at one point I was having a little silent meltdown because I thought I might not get in at all. Finally, at near the last minute - SUCCESS! It was so crowded, finally went way off to the side to try to get some sort of view. I was soooo sad.

And then - like a miracle - there he was - right above me! OH MY GOD!!! I was so excited. Right in that balcony where you stood, he and Howard Dean (and I was even okay with Dean being there). :)

It was a great day, and he's right, there was a wonderful energy in Portland. Not only people from the windows, but people listening from outside too. Just incredible.

I'm planning on going Monday, can't wait!!

[ginnyinWI]

3. must have been so exciting!

I wasn't sure whether to call that thing a "balcony", as it is actually at street level. It's a place for speakers to stand, anyway.

Info for others reading this: the rest of the area is sloped and has built in steps on one side where people sit. kind of like an amphitheater. You can see them on the left the picture. The "balcony" is that place in the middle of that horseshoe of concrete/stone that is not red. Underneath it there is a waterfall, and a door leading to a visitor's center where you can get maps and brochures. Behind it to the right is (naturally for Portland) a Starbucks.