Yesterday thousands of Texans gathered in Austin to cheer on our candidate of choice, Barack Obama. The feeling on campus and around downtown was electric, and unlike anything I've ever experienced before. While I was unable to watch the debate in person, I did attend the pre-debate rally and the debate-watching party at Scholz Garten, the Obama crowd's traditional watering hole. After that, I joined the crowd at the Austin Music Hall, where Barack himself stopped by to thank all of his supporters.
For all of you who can't be here experiencing this first hand, I've got some photos and videos to share that will help you feel maybe 10% of what it's like on the ground in Austin.
Between the marching band, the hand-made signs, and the crowds of Texans cheering on Obama in the debate, it was something I will never, ever forget.
This video was emailed to me by the campaign's awesome new media staff, and made single-handedly by the talented and charming Greg Hauenstein (his co-workers told me to say that):
(We're having video issues, but you can watch it in full effect here on Greg's blog post.)
Tonight, those of us in Austin are going to take part in this same excitement at Barack's huge open-air event in front of the Capitol. The Stand for Change Rally begins at 9 p.m., and gates open at 6:00 p.m.
Here are some of my favorite pictures from yesterday, some of which are cross-posted at Texans for Obama and Burnt Orange Report.
Students Rally Outside The Debate to Cheer on Barack:
The John H. Reagan High School "Soul Raiders" Marching Band led the Obama supporters to the rally and kept the crowd fired up:
Obama supporters had such a great variety of signs:
The crowd at Scholz' was riveted to the debate. Like, seriously -- people were listening very intently. There almost weren't enough TV's to go around.
After the debate, I was incredibly fortunate enough to be comped into the huge, big-ticket fundraiser for Obama, which featured a concert after the debate. Barack himself stopped by to greet the crowds.
So maybe I'm a bit of a jaded Obama supporter: I've seen the man four times now, and even shook his hand once! But you know what? As I was standing there in the balcony last night, listening to him talk about the importance of our society coming together and working together, as I listened to him remind the audience that encouraging Americans to have hope doesn't mean that he isn't also ready to fight for what he believes in, I was literally struck with awe. Barack Obama.
I think a lot of us have been let down a lot in our participation in Democratic Party politics, in terms of legislation and issue positions, as well as brutal and heartbreaking electoral losses. It can be really hard to let yourself emotionally invest. I held back before Iowa; I didn't get out my old Obama stuff from 2004, I didn't volunteer as much. I was afraid that if I let myself believe too strongly, if he didn't pull through I would be utterly devastated.
Now, it seems like we're coming closer every day to achieving what many thought was impossible. I am so, so thankful that the strange vagaries of fate landed me here in Austin (because seriously, what is a girl from Jersey doing in Texas?). I am so glad that I have the amazing opportunity to help this candidate, the person who first inspired me to ever get involved in politics in the first place. And to see that people across America have come to support him too, have come to believe again in a common dream of government that can actually help people--all people--it's just really wonderful.
So, thank you, Barack Obama. I'm so excited to vote for you a third time, and then caucus for you, too. And I'm stoked to see you for a fifth time at tonight's huge rally.
Speaking of...
Folks, I've got a press pass for tonight's rally, so I will take pictures and if I can get anything up before the rally starts I will do so! Until then...
OK! I am Here!
Folks are filing in pretty steadily. It's a bit chilly tonight! I don't know how much I will be able to type. People are camped out in the front row with blankets and food. They are smart. I am in a t-shirt with no food. I am not.
Update!
Ok, our internet connection is tenuous at best. Photos might not be forthcoming for awhile until we can finagle this. But, I got some warmer clothes, so I can type more.
Dusk has come and gone, and now the people who got here early enough to be front and center are illuminated by gigantic lights.
Seeing as this is the live music capitol of the world, we've got some entertainment while we wait for the main attraction. First, a funk and soul band warmed us up. Now, a Mariachi band is keeping the crowd's spirits high. Oh, ok, by the time I'm posting this, we're back to canned music.
Several Hours Later
Can't upload pictures. Sorry! They will come tomorrow, I guess. My hands are very cold. It is very crowded, there are huge crowds. I can't see well enough due to the lights to gauge the size. I had my picture taken with Lloyd Doggett!! Totally cool!! I told him that I keep him on speed dial to better be represented by him. Or something. He voted today! He had his I Voted sticker on. Lloyd thanked me for my support of Barack. Awesome!
Ok, people are doing the wave, and excitement is building. I will check back later, whenever that may be!
Post-Rally Pictures
My hands are frozen but I am back on some good wireless and will post pictures. By the way, I just stood 20 yards away from Barack Obama for an hour.
Has anyone ever been so proud of a four-inch-square piece of cardboard?
Sun sets on Texas' capitol city and capitol dome.
Night descends, and the lights go on.
The view from the press risers. (!!!!!)
Obamanos!
Folks, while you wait for updates, please consider heading over to the online phonebanking tool and making calls to voters here in Texas, to keep the Obamamamentum rolling! Thank you so, so much!