100,000 for Barack in Denver!

All I can say is WOW!

This was our first Obama rally that we ever attended. We could never attend the previous ones because of our work schedules (he was always here during the weekday in the past). Let me just say that my girlfriend and I were totally overwhelmed by the massive amount of people at this rally. It started at 11:30 so we figured we'd get there about 10am. We thought this would be early. Boy, were we wrong. Driving through Denver, we were astounded to see lines (sometimes 4 or 5 people deep) winding around the entire Civic Center Park and snaking in and out of every single surrounding block. It was a mix of young and old, black, white, rich, middle class and poor. But what they all had in common was the hope for change and to get a glimpse of the man who has jump started the whole movement and has given it a voice.

It took about 15 minutes to find a parking spot about 5 blocks away but we managed. While walking to the event, we were again dumbfounded to see the line of people stretching for a mile in all directions. We had NO idea where the line started or where it ended! After circling around an entire block, we finally found the end and settled in to make our way to the park.

What was so amazing about this crowd was that there was nothing but positive energy! Some people had been there since 7 in the morning (and some even earlier, I'm sure), but the crisp fall temperatures and breeze didn't dampen anyone's spirit! We ended up making quick friends with a couple from Denver. She was a staunch Democrat while he had recently made up his mind to vote for and even volunteer for Barack. He had never voted Democratic in his life. This is the type of story that has been echoed hundreds of thousands of times across the country. Hope and change knows no party affiliation!

As we winded our way through to the park past vendors flaunting t-shirts, buttons and signs, it became apparent we wouldn't be able to get into the bowl of the park to get close to the stage, so we were redirected by DPD to take an alternate route to the outskirts of the bowl. As we approached the park, we were once again astounded. For as far as the eye could see, there was a sea of people stretching in all directions, from the City Courthouse all the way back to the state capital building steps! Unfreakinbelievalbe! People were standing on garbage cans and the marble walls surrounding the park, on the tops of surrounding builidings, clinging to light poles and trees, and some even ventured to climb up the forklifts holding the massive speakers lining the park area...all just to get a glimpse of Barack!

My girlfriend and I literally got stuck a few times trying to get closer, but we decided to move to the outer perimeter onto the road separating the park and the state capital building. This turned out to be a pretty good place to be. it was amazing, we looked toward the park....tens of thousand of people...we looked back toward the state capital building...tens of thousands of people...to the right thousands...to the left thousands.

It was simply awe-inspiring to be part of history like this. It was heartening to know that so many have awakened from the "slumber" we've been in the past 8 years.

We did run into a couple McCain/Palin supporters, but we both held our comments. We are here to make a positive difference and include everyone. Unlike many of the McCain rallys I've seen on TV, where those with opposing viewpoints where figuratively "tarred and feathered", this crowd was nothing but positive, even towards the couple of guys holding "We Don't Want the Kind of Change Obama Offers" signs. It's America, they're entitled to their views. That's what made this country great and what the forefathers envisioned.

Although we were never able to get a glimpse of "the man" we were able to hear every word crisply. A few dignitaries spoke and right at noon, Barack emerged. Even he was suprised by the throngs of people. "Goodness Gracious!" he said, "Does Denver do anything small?" The crowd rebutted with "Never!" Much of the speech repeated the talking points of his past speeches with many comments aimed at Coloradans, interspersed with chants of "Yes We Can" and "O-B-A-M-A".

After 40 minutes, our feet became weary and our stomachs started to growl for lunch, but it was DEFINITELY worth it! If and when this man becomes president in 9 days, we'll be able to look back and tell our kids we were there to witness a little bit of history and be part of the change we've been waiting for!