FIRED UP at the University of Washington: The Murray/Obama rally, in pictures
That was electrifying!
I've said here on The Advocate before that there's nothing like being at a good old Democratic rally, and I came prepared for a memorable event here at the University of Washington. But this was something else.
This surpassed all of my expectations.
This rally was the most explosive, passion-filled event I've ever covered. It wasn't as big as the KeyArena rally two and a half years ago, but it made up for it with what felt like greater intensity.
The people who came to Hec Edmundson Pavilion today seemed to be there because they wanted to demonstrate their loyalty and their appreciation to the young and charismatic orator they elected two years ago, as well as to Senator Patty Murray, who has never forgotten that being entrusted with great power also means being entrusted with great responsibility.
The crowd was so responsive that at times it was impossible to hear what the person at the podium was saying. The President is somewhat used to this, and he would occasionally lean over the podium to yell out the remainder of an applause line as the arena literally vibrated with sound. But the speakers who came before him had the thrill of being suddenly drowned out at least a couple of times too.
To say the activists here were supercharged would be an understatement. The notion of an "enthusiasm gap" seems like a joke considering what just took place here. This was more like a rock concert than a rally. It was epic.
If you're reading this and think I'm exaggerating, ask somebody who attended. There's no hyperbole in this post. You had to be here.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll end my written account of this rally now, and continue the story in pictures. Ready? Let's go!
Above: King County Executive Dow Constantine opens the main program at Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Above: The Democratic nominee in Washington's Eighth Congressional District, Suzan DelBene, addresses her biggest crowd to date
Above: Governor Chris Gregoire reminds Democratic activists that Dino Rossi doesn't share the values of Washington State
Above: President Obama looks out on the crowd with appreciation as Patty Murray waves from the podium. Cheering and thunderous applause went on for several minutes before Murray could even begin speaking.
Above: President Obama steps forward to speak, acknowledging Senator Patty Murray, who first ran for the Senate in 1992 as the "mom in tennis shoes" and has been consistently underestimated by pundits despite winning three times.
Above: President Obama shakes hands of starry-eyed supporters after delivering his remarks at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
I've said here on The Advocate before that there's nothing like being at a good old Democratic rally, and I came prepared for a memorable event here at the University of Washington. But this was something else.
This surpassed all of my expectations.
This rally was the most explosive, passion-filled event I've ever covered. It wasn't as big as the KeyArena rally two and a half years ago, but it made up for it with what felt like greater intensity.
The people who came to Hec Edmundson Pavilion today seemed to be there because they wanted to demonstrate their loyalty and their appreciation to the young and charismatic orator they elected two years ago, as well as to Senator Patty Murray, who has never forgotten that being entrusted with great power also means being entrusted with great responsibility.
The crowd was so responsive that at times it was impossible to hear what the person at the podium was saying. The President is somewhat used to this, and he would occasionally lean over the podium to yell out the remainder of an applause line as the arena literally vibrated with sound. But the speakers who came before him had the thrill of being suddenly drowned out at least a couple of times too.
To say the activists here were supercharged would be an understatement. The notion of an "enthusiasm gap" seems like a joke considering what just took place here. This was more like a rock concert than a rally. It was epic.
If you're reading this and think I'm exaggerating, ask somebody who attended. There's no hyperbole in this post. You had to be here.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll end my written account of this rally now, and continue the story in pictures. Ready? Let's go!
Above: King County Executive Dow Constantine opens the main program at Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Above: The Democratic nominee in Washington's Eighth Congressional District, Suzan DelBene, addresses her biggest crowd to date
Above: Governor Chris Gregoire reminds Democratic activists that Dino Rossi doesn't share the values of Washington State
Above: President Obama looks out on the crowd with appreciation as Patty Murray waves from the podium. Cheering and thunderous applause went on for several minutes before Murray could even begin speaking.
Above: President Obama steps forward to speak, acknowledging Senator Patty Murray, who first ran for the Senate in 1992 as the "mom in tennis shoes" and has been consistently underestimated by pundits despite winning three times.
Above: President Obama shakes hands of starry-eyed supporters after delivering his remarks at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
# Posted by Andrew : 2:01 PM
Comments:
I arrived at 5:30 to make sure I could get as close as possible. I completely agree with your sentiment that it was so much more powerful than the Key Arena event.
It was almost overwhelming. The level of engagement and total support coming from the crowd is the first time I have ever experienced such a feeling. Thank you dr
It was a great rally reminding Democrats of the need to be engaged in this election and get out and vote. Obama made a special appeal to all the young voters who helped him win in 2008 that he needs their help now to carry on the battle to change America for the better and keep the dream alive for all.
He urged them to get their ballots in and to vote for Patty Murray and other Democrats. It was a very inspired and passsoniate speech.
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