mercredi 5 novembre 2008

Tuesday in the park with Barack

I just got back from the Obama victory rally in Grant Park. Really, I did.

It's another moment where I wonder how I end up in these places, but hey, this isn't about me (for once...).

As the results came in and it became increasingly obvious that vistory was Obama's, the crowd swelled and the atmosphere became amazing. With McCain conceding defeat, it became magical.

The man himself came on stage and that was it - the crowd went wild.

Truly, I've never seen so many people in one place in my life (and I've been to a Take That concert) and I've never seen so many people so inspired by a figure on a stage (apart from maybe at that Cher gig I went to, tee hee).

But really, the crowd was young, old, black, white, gay straight and everything in between. Everyone was smiling, everyone was happy. It was a big old love-fest and we were loving it. I can't imagine British (or French) politics ever having the same impact on the population.

It was a moment in history, and I was thrilled to be there.

America, you did good tonight.

Now can I please go to bed?

15 commentaires:

Anonyme a dit…

I can't get myself past Cher and Take That - and to think I had to defend The Beatles on the same blog hehe What a fabulous place to be at the perfect time - I'm extremely glad for you!

amy a dit…

oh hooray! Thank you for that - too early in the morning to talk to my daughter/friends over there. Hope you continue to have a fantastic time.

Anonyme a dit…

Wow, wow, wow. Lucky you.

Brett a dit…

You luck luck man. it said on the news that there were 250,000 people there, and to think i knew one of them (in a blogging way)

CawfeeGuy a dit…

this is going to be a VERY VERY interesting and enlightening 4 years :)

(btw: my word verification word is HYDRO)

Louise a dit…

I laugh at conortje! (And you.)

You really do wind up in the most amazing places at the most amazing times.

I hope you didn't go to bed too early.

softinthehead a dit…

WOW what a night for you! So glad your lack of fresh underpants didn't spoil the moment:)

A Lewis a dit…

Oh my god, did you PLAN to be in Chicago today? Or just happened? I have major chills, goosebumps, and tears (AGAIN!) reading your words. You'll never forget that moment. It looked absolutely amazing. Once in a lifetime. Now, get out of bed and get on with it,would youplease!

aims a dit…

You were there!

Did I see you when they panned the crowd and I didn't know it! (actually the thought did cross my mind that you - might - be there. Strange that.)

The world is definitely going to be a better place with President Obama running the show.

I was so relieved that he won!

And yes - I would have loved to have been in that incredible crowd. Ya - I said that.

He looked wonderful - tired - but wonderful!

And I'm going to say it!

God Bless America!

laurie a dit…

i loved that he mentioned "gay and straight" in his list of people...

Anonyme a dit…

Wow, what a place to be on the night History was made while whole World watched and cheered.

Daryl a dit…

I am so tickled you were there .. I was watching it on the telly .. trying SO hard to stay awake .. once I was able to relax and know the tide has turned completely the adrenelene (sp?) waned and I was exhausted .. and still am ...

Can you stop off in NYC on the way home?

:-Daryl

Daisy a dit…

Wow, what timing! It was such an incredible speech, the atmosphere must have been electric, lucky you, and I hope you get back safely after all the excitement.

Anonyme a dit…

Good timing! :) I'm so happy Obama won, and that man can talk.. I really liked that acceptance speech.

travelling, but not in love a dit…

OK, so I caught up too late to reply to everyone individually.....

Anyway, yes I did feel blessed to be at Grant Park and so much more blessed that it was a Victory rally. It was an amazing experience and one that I'll carry with me for a long time to come.

The mood here in chi-town is immense - everyone is buzzing with the news. I'm guessing it's a pretty similar story wherever enlightened folk live, no?