Newbie VIP
The expected crowd of 20,000 people swelled to 35,000. We got there late because we went to the opening night for the Magic game. By late I mean only 2 hours early.
I dropped Judy off, and parked nearly a mile away. Then walked in a large crowd down the single sidewalk to the rally. We didn't know if we were gonna get our tickets, because we heard that the "will call" was closing at 9:30 PM. It turned out that that was wrong, but it made us worry.
I got a call that she had the tickets and was waiting for me. It took 30 minutes to get to her, and another 15 to get through the security screening. When we got in we were directed to a little gate and told to go to the end of the walkway. It was like a winding maze that kept getting closer to the stage.
When we got to the end, we were about 20 feet from the podium. I couldn't believe it. I saw someone there that I had worked with a few years ago, and said hello to her. Her name was Cheryl, and she was on the city council. We talked a few minutes about work, and how so many people had left the county since I worked there. She showed us some pictures on her cam from an earlier visit when she posed with Hillary Clinton.
Jimmy Smitz warmed the crowd up. I think he was on Law and Order and NYPD Blue. Then the former astronaut and Florida governor began an introduction.
Finally, at 11 PM, President Clinton and Senator Obama showed up along with a huge press contingent. Clinton spoke first and was pretty good. He didn't say much that I hadn't heard before, but there was definite strong support.
When Obama started speaking he began recognizing and thanking a few people. One of the people was Cheryl, who was still standing beside me. She was completely shocked and taken aback. I was really happy for her.
After that Obama gave a rousing stump speech with a few new jabs, but for the most part a positive approach to the future. When they finished they started walking the crowd in front of us. I could have forced my way to the front, but I didn't. I think that being a two day old supporter should be happy just to be where I was.
A side thought, for years I have been the one to take Judy to exciting, interesting places, often with some perks. I have been to a Masters, and Dinner with the Doles, and the Louvre with here because of my connections. This on was all on her. I am proud of her for working here way into the VIP area. About 34,000 people there were envying us.
We got home at 1:15 AM, and we only live two miles away. I am a tired, but happy puppy.
I dropped Judy off, and parked nearly a mile away. Then walked in a large crowd down the single sidewalk to the rally. We didn't know if we were gonna get our tickets, because we heard that the "will call" was closing at 9:30 PM. It turned out that that was wrong, but it made us worry.
I got a call that she had the tickets and was waiting for me. It took 30 minutes to get to her, and another 15 to get through the security screening. When we got in we were directed to a little gate and told to go to the end of the walkway. It was like a winding maze that kept getting closer to the stage.
When we got to the end, we were about 20 feet from the podium. I couldn't believe it. I saw someone there that I had worked with a few years ago, and said hello to her. Her name was Cheryl, and she was on the city council. We talked a few minutes about work, and how so many people had left the county since I worked there. She showed us some pictures on her cam from an earlier visit when she posed with Hillary Clinton.
Jimmy Smitz warmed the crowd up. I think he was on Law and Order and NYPD Blue. Then the former astronaut and Florida governor began an introduction.
Finally, at 11 PM, President Clinton and Senator Obama showed up along with a huge press contingent. Clinton spoke first and was pretty good. He didn't say much that I hadn't heard before, but there was definite strong support.
When Obama started speaking he began recognizing and thanking a few people. One of the people was Cheryl, who was still standing beside me. She was completely shocked and taken aback. I was really happy for her.
After that Obama gave a rousing stump speech with a few new jabs, but for the most part a positive approach to the future. When they finished they started walking the crowd in front of us. I could have forced my way to the front, but I didn't. I think that being a two day old supporter should be happy just to be where I was.
A side thought, for years I have been the one to take Judy to exciting, interesting places, often with some perks. I have been to a Masters, and Dinner with the Doles, and the Louvre with here because of my connections. This on was all on her. I am proud of her for working here way into the VIP area. About 34,000 people there were envying us.
We got home at 1:15 AM, and we only live two miles away. I am a tired, but happy puppy.