We just got back from the largest political rally in American history and I am still in awe...

[GumboYaYa]

It was amazing. First, God loves Obama. It was simply a perfect day.

We got there early. At least I thought we did. There were thousands of people in line when we arrived. Fortunately, we were able to get a spot very close to the stage. A band was playing and everyone was dancing, singing and having a great time.

The grounds around the Arch were sectioned off into several separate standing areas. The crowd was allowed to fill the area closest to the stage first. When that was full, they opened up the gates for the section behind the area closest to the stage. A crowd of thousands of people came pouring over the hill, walking down to the Arch. It sent chills down my spine to see it.

I can't wipe the smile off my face. This experience was unbelievable. The crowd was America. Every age, every race, every religion was there. Despite the massive crowd, there was a spirit of happiness that transcended the entire time. Ordinarily, that many people trying to get into and out of downtown St. Louis would result in frazzled nerves and irate people all around. There was none of that today. The only thing you saw was smiling happy faces.

I am so proud to be a Democrat and an American today.

<ON EDIT - One funny thing, Barack asked everyone who makes less than $250,000 a year to raise their hand. It was hilarious to see 100,000+ people raise their hands.>

[The River]

1. Nice Post

and the best is yet to come.

[graywarrior]

2. Awesome!

So happy for you and all the rest of us!

[Kukesa]

3. Thank you for your lovely report. You bring tears to my eyes. n/t

[Bluzmann57]

4. Sounds like a great time.

And the people who attended probably saw the soon to be President of the USA, the one who will at least start our comeback from the last eight long years of hell. Great report. Thanks!

[polichick]

5. I can imagine all those people "pouring over the hill" - THANKS :)

[babylonsister]

6. You just gave me 'happy' chills-thanks for sharing! nt

[gateley]

7. Thanks for the report, and for the big smile on my face. nt

[livetohike]

8. Thanks for the report. What an awesome crowd!

:kick:

[tblue]

9. I am so jealous! Wish I coulda been there.

Being in California, Obama hasn't held any big rallies here at all. But I am thrilled to hear you had such an unforgettable experience. The entire 'feel' of the Obama campaign is one of hope, enthusiasm, love of country, brother/sisterhood, isn't it? What a contrast to that other kkkrew, which seems to talk only about anger, fear, and holding tight to your money so 'they' don't take it away.

[liberalMOmama]

10. I wanted to be there so bad I started crying

I had a previous committment that I couldn't get out of. My friend called me and told me it was one of the most awesome things she's ever experienced. I had a horrific, negative day yesterday and this renewed my faith in our country.

I am so proud of St. Louis right now.

[deadparrot]

11. My dad, brother, and aunt were all there!

It's a rare feeling to be disappointed that I live in a (blue) non-swing state, but alas, this is a moment when I wish I could have made the drive back to my hometown. :hi:

[Faygo Kid]

14. What did they have to say? Have you spoken to them?

I would have loved to have been there, even if I was the last guy at the very end of the crowd.

[GumboYaYa]

17. We walked down to Broadway Oyster Bar and had a few beers after the rally.

It was packed with Obama people. A guy in a McCain shirt came in with an American flag and all the Obama supporters started booing and ran him out. The energy downtown was just unbeleivable.

[deadparrot]

30. They were fairly far back, from what I've heard.

Got there around 11AM, and were backed up to the Casino Queen riverboat to get in. My dad and brother went together, and just happened to see my aunt (mom's sister, and an inner city schoolteacher) and her friend while they were in line. According to my brother, they were all the way back by the American flag, in the top left of most pictures. My brother commented on the huge number of people and the fun atmosphere--unfortunately he's a teenager of few words, so I wasn't able to pry much out of him, and I haven't gotten to talk to my dad yet. :)

Another DUer posted this thread, however, with links to a bunch of crowd interviews by a Post-Dispatch reporter (including one with, literally, a guy in the back of the crowd):
http://qik.com/stlpolitics

[Faygo Kid]

31. Thanks. A memorable day.

Good for them. I'm jealous; I live in Maryland, so no rallies here, of course.

Tell you family all the best and thanks from DU.

:hi:

[deadparrot]

32. Just heard from my dad...

he said there were so many people that it felt like they were in Life of Brian's Sermon on the Mount scene..."Did he say, "Blessed are the cheesemakers?"

:hi:

[ailsagirl]

12. I see it everywhere in televised speeches-- the incredibly happy

and exhilarated looks on people's faces!! It's a beautiful thing to see!! Love that man :loveya:

Thanks for posting

[kckc]

13. Just saw pics on the local news

in Kansas City for the rally here tonight. Gorgeous weather, thousands and thousands of people and the lines are a mile long just to get into the park. Our next President dropped in on the local campaign headquarters and hit the phones for 15 min. or so. Wouldn't it be cool to get a call from him!

[KayLaw]

15. Thanks for sharing.

Lucky you. It sounds like it was wonderful; your post made me smile.

[JBoy]

16. Sounds amazing. It would make awesome TV to see those 100,000 hands go up.

[StrictlyRockers]

18. Nice post, thanks for this. It warms the heart to hear of it.

[llmart]

19. I remember having that feeling......

when I attended a Clinton rally. We were in a recession of the first Bush idiot and everyone had been depressed for quite some time. Then this young, attractive, well-spoken, literate, intellectual guy came along and gave everyone hope. I think it's the same today with Obama. I wish I could have experienced it but your description is the next best thing. He's going to win, I just know it.

[TTUBatfan2008]

20. So would you say...

that McCain is full of shit when he claims that the same kind of hatred at his rallies is being yelled out at Obama's?

[GumboYaYa]

23. It was all about making positive change. There was no negativity, no hatred...

I had the same feeling that I get at the end of every jazz festival in New Orleans, just a shared humanity that is very uplifting.

[TTUBatfan2008]

25. That's cool to hear...

Someday I will be able to see him speak. Possibly after his Presidency. IDK. I was hoping he would come to Lubbock during the primary because Bill, Chelsea, and McCain all came through there.

[Serial Mom]

21. We just saw pictures!! Un-F'KING-Believable!

[kckc]

22. how could I forget!

McGrumpy is coming on Monday to the KC area. His speech is being given at a...wait for it...high school auditorium. And you have to get tickets ahead of time. Lets see, hundreds of thousands of members of the public at free rallies outdoors vs. a high school auditorium. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[StopTheNeoCons]

24. AWESOME POST....THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

[democracy1st]

26. K & R

[Kajsa]

27. Thank you, GumboYaYa!

It's sounds like it was as awesome as the photo of the crowd.

:)

I'm so glad you were there and shared it with all us!.

:pals:

[Raine]

28. COOL...THANKS so much for the first hand

account! :-)

[proud patriot]

29. The pictures are amazing

:hi:

[skooooo]

33. So if you were there...

....point yourself out in the crowd!

:rofl:

[GumboYaYa]

34. I'm the tall good looking one with a full head of hair.

[Ino]

35. How early were you?

I'd like to know just how early to arrive myself!

[GumboYaYa]

36. Gates opened at 10:15, we got there at 9:00.

[lebkuchen]

37. great to read a report from one who was at this record event

Please tell us more! How much advanced notice was there? Was the organization committee expecting so many people? What were your expectations?

BTW, isn't St. Louis the headquarters of the Council of Conservative Citizens, Bob Barr's fav org., or is the KKK, sorry, CCC, now defunk?

What does this record crowd say about economic conditions in St. Louis?

[GumboYaYa]

39. The evet was announced about three days ahead of time, but I am sure they had been planning

for some time. It was exceptionally well organized and staffed with volunteers.

The whole scene reminded me of a Dead show. There were vendors selling Obama merchandise all over. I was expecting someone to offer me a falafel. We bought an Obama action figure.

Before the event they had predicted up to 50,000 people. There were 50,000 people there two hours before the event started. I guaranty you that the out state Missouri Republicans are freaking out this morning.

[lebkuchen]

42. FYI, CNNI is playing the Palin SNL "skit" ad infinitum

and using the news trailer to promote her as well. No mention of Obama in St. Louis, although CNNI just did announce the 100,000 crowd and showed Obama, but not the crowds.

Yellow journalism to the max.

[lebkuchen]

43. FYI, CNNI is playing the Palin SNL "skit" ad infinitum

and using the news trailer to promote her as well. No mention of Obama in St. Louis, although CNNI just did announce the 100,000 crowd and showed Obama, but not the crowds.

Yellow journalism to the max.

[WillyT]

38. Excellent Post !!! - K & R !!!

:bounce::kick::bounce:

:hi:

[nichomachus]

40. At what point exactly did you start yelling to kill Republicans?

I understand this is what you Democrats do at these rallies -- just before you sing "We hate America."

:sarcasm:

[GumboYaYa]

41. They had us singing that in line as we waited to get in.