I just shook hands with John Edwards!

[MuseRider]

My report from Lawrence, Kansas.

First I have to say that this little side trip back to Lawrence shows an amazing amount of class and it just perfectly reinforces the theme in their campaign that says they care about all Americans.

We got there this morning, we live about 30 minutes away, in the pouring rain. The venue was changed from the park to a venue that is a bar and hosts concerts. It is a very cool place but not very large. We stood in the sometimes hard rain for 45 minutes to get in with a very large crowd (for this area). I believe they let 750 or so inside and I heard that there were over 1000 left outside (thankfully it quit raining). It is just a large room and you have to stand and I can never see when I go there for concerts but we got about 20 feet from the stage and I could actually see very well. We waited about 1 1/2 hours inside. They started late because they hooked up speakers for the crowd outside. The music was great but they need more.

It was like a rock concert. Lots of young, college age and younger folks all the way up to people much older than me. When they came on stage the roar was deafening. Elizabeth spoke first, it was short and she introduced JE. She is so well spoken and seems so regular folks. She was very charming. The rally was pretty much the usual stuff we have all heard. It was thrilling to be there, it really helps so much to become part of the movement like that. JE added something to his usual talk about how the pundits question why they would spend the time to come back through a staunch red state. He brought Obama into the mix by talking about red vs blue and making it one America. Little Jack spoke into the microphone and yelled "Hope Is On The Way". Emma Claire told us to vote for Kerry/ Edwards. They were precious. JE spoke for about 1/2 hour or so, came into the crowd and shook hands then went outside and spoke for about 10 minutes out there. I wish I could say more but I am exhausted and my throat hurts from screaming so much. He shook our hands. He was in the crowd where backpacks were allowed, no one was searched and no one had to sign any kind of paperwork swearing they would vote and support K/E. This guy is great.

An aside to a friend I made there. To the man who was wearing the Ft. Lauderdale shirt with the big voice who let me pound on his back when I got excited...I hope you found this place. You seemed to be very much the kind of guy who would enjoy it here. I hope so and if you see this, WELCOME!

[Snoggera]

1. That really was a classy move

to return to Kansas. It just highlights what these people are all about. They don't just speak the words, they mean them and implement them.

I saw the group in Las Vegas, New Mexico last night. It was so inspiring. (There's a thread about it somewhere in here)

[MuseRider]

5. It will be noticed

if it gets reported. I saw it on CNN this AM and there were a lot of press there but just now I saw on CNN (WHY and I watching this?) that blowing past supporters even in Kansas is the kind of thing that will turn people against him, not mention at all that it was remedied today. This is exactly the way they need to be to help people understand that they do mean what they say. I have always felt very mixed about both of these guys and can get very upset with them but they are our guys this time and it helps a lot that they would show their compassion as well as speak to it.

[Cha]

2. What a Sweet report..thank you so much, MuseRider!

I know how excited you must be!

Hoping they come through the small towns of New York, too.

[MuseRider]

6. I am easily

moved by people who mean what they say when their motivation is one of inclusion and compassion (I know there are some issues here but the overall message is that). I was not the only one wiping a tear or two from my eyes. Not only is it unusual for anyone to pay us any mind here in Kansas but to have it done at the last minute and with such enthusiasm just made it even more wonderful.

[JohnKleeb]

3. thats nice

Edwards is a good guy, ranked #3 on my final list of candiates, thats nice about the Edwards' kids, they remind me a lot of my own little brother somewhat.

[MuseRider]

7. Hi John!!

They are adorable. It was so funny to see them. Emma Claire was walking back and forth across the stage holding up the Kerry/Edwards sign and little Jack was occasionally trying to climb up JE's legs. They are so patient and understanding with their little ones that you just know they are good people. Even good parents and good people lose patience sometimes but I have yet to see it from these two, they ARE family.

[JohnKleeb]

9. They really do remind me of my own brother

It helps me relate better, Edwards are good people, I really like em, me and John E may disagree on war issues but Edwards is for fighting the war at home, and thats what I think people who are reluctant gotta understand, our ticket will give hope to those who dont, regular people who are struggling to pay the rent etc. He is as his supporters said a lot like RFK.

[MuseRider]

10. We

have some of the same concerns, John. When he was announced I was not jumping for joy. It took me hearing the two together to understand part of why he was chosen. Now I think it was the only choice, the right choice. As I said somewhere in this thread, I may not agree with some of their platform and I may really strongly disagree with parts of it, but they are our guys and they are doing a very fine job and they are doing it for the right reasons. You can't ask for much more since you rarely get everything you want. Your brother must be a cutie.

[JohnKleeb]

12. Yeah

I trust and like the guys. Yeah my brother is cute, I created a photo of him just like my avatar. Honestly I wuold support Kerry with great pride even if he was more conservative, the man has some of the most admirable values Ive seen in a candiate.

[medeak]

4. Yay!

so happy for you Muse..and I hope your new friend finds this place as well!

[MuseRider]

8. Me too!

I just talk to everyone and he was very nice and kind. He has a very booming voice and was very enthusiastic. I asked him afterwards if he was considering voting for Kerry, he cracked me up. He also has a very nice, well informed wife. I would love for them to find us.

[Lin]

11. Made me feel so good to read this, thx! I'm falling

hook line & sinker for the children as well. Happy for you, must've been fantastic, it's SO great to see (and feel) real compassionate ppl instead of the walking dead of bushco. "fearfeardeathdeath-boo!"

Here's hoping J&J resonates with everyone as they do with us here. :)

[tblue37]

13. I didn't realize this thread was about the Lawrence rally,

so I posted a thread about it, with a link to the Lawrence Journal-World article with a great photo of Edwards addressing the enthusiastic throngs. MuseRider, howdy--I am also in Lawrence. I teach English at KU.

[MuseRider]

15. Next time

if there is a next time give me a holler, we could have swung by and picked you up. This stop needs to be shouted from the skies. CNN was just saying that they bypassed their supporters and how horrible that is but we all know that they know what was happening today. I am in Topeka so I am very happy that there is a more liberal place so close by. I was amazed by the picture of the crowd outside, we got in so we had no idea how many there were.

[tblue37]

14. Oops.

I accidentally posted the same message twice, because I got an error message the first time. Sorry. This post is just to delete the duplicate. (Is there an easier way to delete an accidental duplicate post?)

[Democat]

16. Thank you for the report

Great!

[blm]

17. You POUNDED a guy's back that whole time? Heheheheh....

Just trying to picture a sweetie such as you going wild like that. ;))))

Glad you had such a great experience, M_R_.

[no name no slogan]

18. He spoke at the MN state convention

...and did a fine job rallying the troops! As a fellow DK supporter, I probably had similar misgivings, like you did, when he was selected for the Veep spot. However, I think he'll end up being worth his weight in gold, especially in the vast netherregions between the two coast we call home.